Survey Says Young Americans Want To Leave These Cities and America For a Life Abroad
More than in years past, young Americans are more likely to see a future for themselves outside the U.S. than within it. But those living in certain U.S. cities want to become expats more than others. A recent survey of Gen Z revealed the top 10 places they want to leave the most for an international life. Here are the cities they live in and what drives them to want to leave America.
Here’s What Gen Z Said
A survey of 3,000 Americans aged 18 to 26 discovered their motivations for wanting to leave America. When asked how strongly they felt that their future lay outside the U.S. on a scale of one to five, with five extremely eager to leave, the 3,000 polled returned an average score of 3.1.
The Main Reasons For Wanting to Leave
The top seven reasons they want to leave:
- Social programs such as universal healthcare
- Wanting new cultural experiences
- U.S. high cost of living
- Dislike of America’s political environment
- Additional job opportunities
- Lower stress
- Better safety
Additionally, 59% percent say that U.S. gun violence is playing a significant role.
It’s Not Influencers Influencing This One
Interestingly, just 0.1% of respondents listed the influence of digital nomad influencers as the main reason they’d consider moving abroad. Digital nomad influencers might be racking up millions of followers, but their actual impact on this topic seems relatively low.
Here are the cities whose residents have the highest urge to leave America behind.
Portland, Oregon
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Portland continues to lose residents and was one of America’s largest shrinking cities in 2022. The Preply survey confirmed that data. Its results revealed that Portland residents want to move abroad more than any other city in the U.S.
Memphis, Tennessee
A lack of employment options has driven over 30,000 people to leave the Memphis metro area. The city economy has struggled for years, and many aren’t waiting to see if it improves.
Kansas City, Missouri
While jobs and lower cost of living have attracted people from larger metro areas, especially from West Coast states, many are leaving Kansas City as well. However, can Taylor Swift’s love for Kansas City turn that tide?
Sacramento, California
Overall, 40% of Californians are considering moving. Sacramento residents have felt the crush of San Francisco Bay Area residents moving west in search of affordable homes.
Cleveland, Ohio
All major Ohio cities saw more residents leave than come in. With one of the highest poverty rates in America, people are looking to create a better life for themselves elsewhere.
Orlando, Florida
It is not the happiest place on earth for residents. What used to be an affordable place to live in America is no longer. People are looking to leave between high housing costs, suffocating high humidity, conservative politics, endless traffic, and low school ratings.
Riverside, California
An influx of people from Los Angeles seeking a lower cost of living is driving out those already living in The Inland Empire. For the amount of living there, you could live a luxurious life abroad.
Indianapolis, Indiana
With a lower cost of living and a great sports team, this Midwest city isn’t enough for some. Indiana has a super low cost of living, but residents across the state are eyeing other places for warmer weather, better job options, and lower taxes.
Miami, Florida
While many have moved to Miami, it has become too much for some. It’s loud, traffic and the cost of living has skyrocketed. Add into the mix the state’s conservative politics, and it’s become all too much for some.
Dallas, Texas
Once lauded for its low cost of living, that’s changed with a year-on-year increase in residents. Dallas is now known for its “Brutal heat, brutal traffic, and violent weather.” Add in fewer gun control laws, the party scene, and the lack of nearby nature; people want to build their lives elsewhere.
The Safest Cities in America
Millions of Americans are considering moving and are looking for lower-cost living areas. While Florida and other southern states have seen an influx of new residents, here are the safest cities in the US to consider for a new hometown.
A Guide to The 25 Safest Cities in The US
The 8 Most Common Travel Scams Americans Fall For When Abroad
A shocking 52% of Americans surveyed have either lost money to travel scams or know someone who has, with the average amount lost totaling $380. So keep your money in your pocket by preparing to face these most common scams targeting tourists around the world.
The 8 Most Common Travel Scams Americans Fall For When Abroad
