The new American Dream is to leave America, expats say

With an increasing number of Americans considering relocation overseas, experts and expatriates offer their best advice and insights on how to make the move

-Tina and Chad made a major lifestyle change, opting to retire in the warmth of Cozumel, Mexico, after a two-decade love affair with the country. They fully committed to the move by selling their house, vehicle, and most of their possessions in a garage sale, leaving behind the unstable and bitterly cold winters of Wisconsin.Their long history with Mexico was sparked by Chad's passion for cave diving, which served as their initial gateway to visiting the region. Before fully committing, they first rented a property to test out the island. After confirming Cozumel was a safe place and that they could live comfortably on approximately $2,000 USD per month, they decided to buy a property and purchase a vehicle.

Having secured their Permanent Resident status, they were able to register their new vehicle and open a local bank account, solidifying their life in Mexico. Now, the three of them—Tina, Chad, and their beloved pet Mavis, who is happily thriving in the warm climate—are very happy and thoroughly enjoy their life in Mexico.

-Five years ago, after two decades of visiting Cozumel for its renowned diving, Clay Cogar, a real estate professional from South Carolina, made the bold decision to sell everything and permanently relocate to the island.

Driven by a deep love for the local culture and the stunning Caribbean environment, Clay now holds Permanent Residency status and has fully embraced his new life in Mexico. His commitment to exploring his adopted country has led him to travel extensively, visiting diverse states and cities such as Guanajuato, Nuevo León, Mexico City, Puebla, and Mérida.

The New American Dream: Leaving the U.S. 🌎

A rising number of Americans are choosing to move abroad, a trend that suggests the "new American dream is to leave." This mass relocation is driven by a combination of domestic pressures and the desire for a better quality of life.

Key Driving Factors

The primary reasons prompting U.S. citizens to become expatriates include:

• Rising living costs.

• Political instability and division.

• A strong desire for a better work-life balance.

Statistical Evidence of the Trend

The number of Americans living overseas is substantial and rapidly increasing:

• An estimated 5.5 million Americans currently reside abroad, according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO).

• The growth rate is accelerating: the first quarter of 2025 saw an estimated 1,285 U.S. citizens expatriate, representing a dramatic 102% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

This data indicates that relocating internationally is becoming a viable and increasingly popular choice for a diverse group of Americans seeking new opportunities and environments..