We moved to SEA from the US when our kids were 5 and 8. It was perfect. They were old enough that we didn’t have to worry about diapers, naps and daycare, but not so old that their crappy education for those two years made a difference. Our family became so, so close! We have great memories of holidays, and trips we could never afford in the US.

Now that we’re back in the US and they’re in HS, we want to move again and it’s a lot more complicated. I think going when they’re young is the way to go.

Okay… I’ve got to ask. What is that?

Lol— I should definitely go there and check it out. 😏

I’m struggling with this too, as an American planning to move to EU in a few years. A lot of things are great, yes. But (1) I’m terrified to grow old in the US, as there are no social supports. I’ve heard of elder care facilities that cost $30,000 a month and still suck. (2) car culture. It’s truly awful. Traffic everywhere, all the time, and parking. It’s enough to keep me from getting out of the house as much as I should. (3) Architectural monotony. Yes, I know the US is large and diverse, but the big-box landscape is depressing. I can feel my brain decaying. I can spend thousands to go on vacation in another region, but the buildings and restaurant options will be largely the same. Ugghh.

Even a three month road trip couldn’t scratch the surface. I don’t just want to see these things, I want to live them.

I just wanted to say that you sound exactly like me… wanting to get out of the US! LOL

Have you thought of teaching?