From Portugal to Australia: The Best Countries for American Expats

There comes a time when daydreaming about a new life overseas turns into something more. And, the truth is, moving abroad isn’t only for the fearless or the wildly rich.

It’s for anybody ready to trade the familiar skyline for something new, to write the next chapter of their story against a different backdrop. Together, let’s explore ten countries where beauty, safety, and opportunity intertwine, and where the idea of “home” can take on a whole new meaning.

Portugal

Portugal has become a beacon for expats seeking warmth, both in climate and community. From the sunlit alleyways of Lisbon to the terracotta rooftops of Porto, it’s a country where life unfolds at a gentler pace. 

Safety is one of its hallmarks, and the cost of living can be refreshingly manageable compared to the U.S. Coastal towns like Cascais and Lagos are blessed with golden beaches, while the Douro Valley might be calling your name amidst its vineyards and rolling hills.

Spain

If your vision of expat life involves sipping café con leche beneath a balcony draped in flowers, Spain might be your match. It’s a land of energy and ease, where flamenco rhythms mingle with the scent of orange blossoms.

Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia each have their own pulse, while Andalusian villages are all about slow living. Many parts of Spain are considered to be safe, with a quality of life that’s hard to rival.

Ireland

Ireland’s charm lies in its blend of vibrant city life and green, windswept countryside. Dublin has a cultural heartbeat; Galway hums with music; and Cork is a welcoming crossroads between tradition and modern life. 

It’s a safe and friendly country where strangers might greet you on the street, and where history lingers in every stone wall and ruined castle. The beauty here is softer than the Mediterranean sun, but no less captivating, especially when the light catches the hills after a soft rain.

France

France has a way of making the everyday feel extraordinary. Paris dazzles with art and romance; Lyon tempts people with its culinary mastery; and Nice shines beneath an endless blue sky.

Beyond the cities, you’ll enjoy roaming through vineyards in Bordeaux, lavender fields in Provence, and alpine trails in Chamonix. Much of France is considered safe and well-connected, and has a public healthcare system ranked among the best in the world.