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Whether it's wanderlust, retirement, cost of living, family ties, or other reasons, some Americans long to live abroad.
They tend to flock to certain parts of the globe more than others. The US's closest neighbors, Mexico and Canada, are top picks.
Others include locations like the UK and Australia where English is the primary language.
Yet, there are a few on the list that may surprise you.
Using census data, the Association of Americans Resident Overseas estimated the countries with the highest number of US citizens.
It's a rough estimate since embassies don't keep an official registry of Americans overseas and the US census doesn't track citizens abroad, Doris L. Speer, president of the nonprofit AARO, told Business Insider via email.
Here are the top 10 countries where Americans are choosing to live after they leave the US, according to the AARO.
10. Spain: an estimated 108,684 US citizens
From the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Mediterranean coast, Spain has a diverse landscape with bustling cities and charming towns in between.
Compared to other European countries, its cost of living is relatively low. Vibrant nightlife, sunny beaches, high-quality healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle all make Americans' lists of reasons to move to Spain, while some retirees find their money goes further in Spain.
Non-Spanish and non-Catalan speakers may have trouble navigating some parts of the country, and smaller homes, a slower pace, and unfamiliar bureaucracy all take getting used to for some Americans.
9. Japan: an estimated 111,021 US citizens
Japan has a population of over 124 million people, and just a tiny fraction of that number are US citizens.
Because the country's population is over 97% Japanese, Americans tend to stick out.
"It was a culture shock to see only one type of ethnicity all around me at all times," said Genie Doi, who is Korean-American.
However, Japan's safety, scenery, and quality of life can be huge incentives to move there.
"I was very concerned about gun violence, which is almost nonexistent in Japan," Floridian Alex Evans told BI in 2023. He and his family moved to Mukaishima Island, Japan, in June 2022.
Other US citizens have said some challenges living in the country include a lack of size inclusivity in clothing, difficulties with the language — even with years of study — and the time it takes to travel to other countries from an island nation.
8. France: an estimated 117,462 US citizens
From 1954's "Sabrina" to "Emily in Paris," Americans' fascination with France has existed for decades.
US citizens who immigrate there rave about everything from the food to the fashion to the art and architecture.
However, at least a few US citizens have found the visa process tricky and had difficulty finding housing.
Particularly in Paris, some Americans said racism is prevalent. Others had trouble making friends or experienced a language barrier if they didn't speak French.
Filling out lots of forms and waiting for answers isn't uncommon. "The bureaucracy is unbelievably frustrating," Rick Jones, who moved to Paris in 2018, told BI in July.
7. South Korea: an estimated 129,499 US citizens
Visitors flock to South Korea to revel in the land of K-pop and K-dramas or to experience the food, shopping, museums, and natural wonders.
US citizens who stay longer have touted universal healthcare, a good quality of life, and convenient public transportation as reasons to love Korea. The high-speed trains cover much of the country, making it easy to travel between big cities.
Among the challenges new residents to Korea face are difficulty with the language, high housing prices, finding employment, and the distance from the US.
6. Australia: an estimated 218,216 US citizens
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous weather. For those looking to live there permanently, though, it also boasts a solid economy, good healthcare, childcare stipends, and perks like retirement assistance.
Melbourne and Sydney are among the top 10 most livable cities in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index. The country is also one of the most welcoming of migrants, based on a 2019 Gallup survey.
However, for Americans, it is very far from home. It can take nearly 24 hours to travel from the East Coast of the US to Australia.
Another potential downside is that the country's drier, hotter weather is expected to worsen due to the climate crisis, according to the Australian government.
5. Germany: an estimated 238,652 US citizens
For decades, Germany has been Europe's economic powerhouse. Many American immigrants to the country found job opportunities, reliable public healthcare, affordable childcare, and a generous amount of time off from work.
Weeks of vacation time allowed them the opportunity to travel around Europe. The country shares a border with Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
4. Israel: an estimated 281,137 US citizens
Over the years, Israel has attracted high-tech startups and wealthy individuals, fueling a luxury real estate boom in some cities.
However, Israel's conflict with Hamas and the continued invasion of Gaza have slowed the inflow of millionaires who no longer consider the country a safe haven, according to one investment migration advisory firm.
While many US citizens move to cities far from the conflicts, others are living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Some have blamed these settlers for increased violence against Palestinians over the past year.
3. United Kingdom: an estimated 325,321 US citizens
Like Canada, the UK is full of native English speakers, which can ease the transition to living in a new country.
The financial website Investopedia found that prescriptions, groceries, and rent are often cheaper in the UK compared to the US, but gas and energy prices can be higher depending on where you live.
Americans living in the UK who spoke with BI have cited its National Health Service, proximity to the rest of Europe, and work-life balance as benefits of their new home.
These perks can offset lower wages and homesickness.
"Despite lower take-home pay, I'm way less stressed," Wales resident Regina Beach told BI in 2023. "The five-weeks paid holiday — that everyone actually takes — certainly helps."
Some potential downsides, which Americans may struggle to adjust to include smaller homes and the rainy weather. The UK's pub culture isn't for everyone, either.
2. Canada: an estimated 1,050,898 US citizens
The US's neighbor to the north has scenic beauty, vibrant cities, a large English-speaking population, and universal healthcare. These are all attractive reasons for Americans to relocate, though temporary or permanent residency is a little more difficult to attain than in Mexico.
Americans won't necessarily find affordable housing in some of the country's larger cities, like Toronto and Vancouver. But for some, Canada offers a feeling of safety, especially with the US's high rates of gun violence.
Despite the benefits of universal healthcare, some transplants from the US found that there can be long waiting lists for specialists and certain treatments.
1. Mexico: an estimated 1,182,346 US citizens
Mexico draws many Americans who want to stay close to friends and family while settling in a new country.
The ability to hop across the border to use their Medicare is also important for many retirees, she said.
Housing, groceries, and healthcare are typically less expensive than in the US, though the influx of newcomers is causing rising rents and housing shortages in some areas like Mexico City.
Source: Business Insider
