15 Brutally Valid Reasons To Flee the U.S. Now and Forever
The world is in chaos, but the situation in the U.S. has additional layers that may drive Americans toward moving, mainly to Western Europe. While some issues are more pronounced in some states than others, the nation’s overall state is pushing many people out, and for valid reasons. Here are some of the most talked-about things making Americans think about relocating.
Affordable healthcare
Generations of Americans tried to address the issue and failed. Those who travel abroad are puzzled by the concept of paying for healthcare as a society. The healthcare system in Europe is exceptionally well organized, and hospitals are well equipped, so there is no reason for Americans not to have a similar system. However, since the system is not changing, many are considering relocating.
Gun violence
According to a recent survey from Preply, young people are thinking about leaving the U.S. over gun violence. Gen Z was more exposed to gun violence than previous generations. Gun violence is the biggest concern for the younger generation, way ahead of health scares, car accidents, costs of living, or finances. They grew up with school shooting drills, and, likely, they do not want their children to go through the same.
Women’s rights
Overturning Roe vs. Wade and further impositions on women and their rights are some of the most common reasons younger people are thinking about moving out of the country. Some states have rules so strict that they are among the harshest in the world, and it does not help that maternal mortality is higher than in most U.S. allies.
American politics
For younger generations, U.S. politics also influenced their desire to move abroad. While over a quarter of Gen Zers believe that gun violence is the biggest problem, the political division was placed in first place by nearly 18 percent of those surveyed. It has ripped families apart, and escaping the election cycle and mid-terms is impossible. Things worsened after January 6, and many are left in fear over what’s next.
More free time
Americans work more than Europeans, especially compared to Germans, the French, and Italians. In these countries, work-life balance is more important than finishing tasks on time, and that reflects better mental health and less stress, which impacts overall well-being. Most Europeans get more time to spend with their families and have more days off work, which brings us to the next point.
Vacation days and paid maternity leaves
In France, for example, August is a month when most people are vacationing, yet the economy did not collapse—far from it. Spain offers two days off each month for that time, while maternity leaves are 21 weeks on average and three weeks for paternity leave. In the U.S., women, on average, get 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
The cost of higher education
Healthcare and higher education in the States have caused many people to sell their homes and get into lifelong debts. However, Europeans have free or highly affordable education from preschool to doctoral studies. Even when universities are not free, their cost is a fraction of what U.S. students pay. Public schools are widely accepted and provide quality education, while private schools are rare and less expensive than U.S. ones.
Food and portions
Many products dubbed safe in the States are banned in the E.U. Europeans eat fresh foods in smaller portions, and unlike most U.S. foods, these are not filled with sugar and are less processed. They also enjoy their meals more because lunch breaks are often even two hours long, and people generally take pride in healthy, fresh meals. Combined with much walking, it is a better choice for overall health.
Walkability
Americans are driven by cars, but European cities were built way before the introduction of vehicles, and walking is used just as much as driving. Americans, in comparison, make 85 percent of their daily trips by car. It might not be the only reason to move, but it is part of a healthier and less stressful lifestyle adopted across the Old Continent.
Hate crimes
It is not that other countries do not have hate crimes, but Americans, thanks to the great divide, are especially vulnerable. There’s an alarming uptick in crimes against the LGBTQ community, people’s race, ethnicity, and religious beliefs. This leads to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, the American Psychological Association warned in late 2023. Europeans are more tolerant; in most cases, they complain to their friends if they don’t like something. They do not pull out their guns.
Wealth gap
Income inequality in America is the highest of all the G7 nations. While the wealth gap presents a worldwide problem, many E.U. countries have specific taxes on the richest, which is a small but significant step to addressing wealth inequality. The American middle class is smaller than in Western Europe, though Canada is the best place for middle-class families.
Less pressure on children
American culture relies on football (and ice hockey or lacrosse) and cheerleaders, making them kings and queens of schools and universities. Europeans care about sports, but the scene is vastly different, and the pressures on children are more isolated cases than a cultural thing. European universities have athletics programs, yet they focus more on a specific study area.
Access to other countries and cultures
Europe is small, and traveling from one country to another is easy and relatively cheap. Europeans are connected, yet every country has its own identity, which allows people to be in tune with other traditions, history, and cultures. Many Europeans also get together in Croatia, Italy, Spain, or Greece during summer vacations.
Cost of living
Undoubtedly, the post-pandemic world is less affordable, but Europeans do not have to consider health care, pricey medications, childcare, or college tuition. That’s why the cost of living is cheaper. While housing prices are above what they were, in most cities, they did not skyrocket as they did in the U.S.
New experiences
Finally, some Americans want to move to experience the European lifestyle. This is common and unrelated to the current issues, but Americans who traveled to Europe know that there is so much history, architecture, and appreciation for art. It is great for all generations, and you generally don’t need too much money to go through magnificent galleries, visit real castles, or listen to some of the world’s best philharmonic orchestras.
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