(Nexstar) – Thinking about a long getaway? It seems a lot of people are feeling the same way.
Expatsi, a resource for Americans eyeing life overseas, recently shared a 2024 study where over 116,000 Americans weighed in on their dream destinations abroad.
Participants, all considering relocating, were asked about their reasons for leaving, their budgets, plans for medical care, and the freedoms they sought. They also discussed preferences like climate, city proximity, ocean access, and even the languages they wanted to learn.
From their responses, Expatsi Review suggested ideal international locations, with Portugal emerging as the top choice for 48% of participants. France was a close second at 46%, followed by Spain at 44%. They even shared a “top 10” list for everyone.
- Portugal (48%)
- France (46%)
- Spain (44%)
- Greece (44%)
- Switzerland (43%)
- Austria (40%)
- Luxembourg (38%)
- Belgium (35%)
- Slovenia (34%)
- Norway (33%)
The report didn’t clarify which specific factors made Portugal overwhelmingly appealing to Americans looking for change. Still, many foreigners in Portugal enjoy affordable housing, decent healthcare, a mild climate, and low crime rates. In fact, it was recently ranked second on the Global Retirement Index, just after Panama.
In this study, when participants were asked where they’d like to move, Portugal again topped the list, with 11% favoring it. Spain and the UK followed with 10% and 8%, respectively.
Interestingly, many Americans are indeed heading to Portugal. Reports indicate that from 2017 to 2022, the number of American expats in Portugal jumped nearly 240%, reaching around 10,000. Growing interest in moving there surged especially after the 2024 US presidential election, with notables spikes in inquiries about relocation and visa options around that time.
However, despite the buzz about Portugal, most Americans still tend to relocate closer to home. According to the American Residents Overseas Association (AARO), the largest numbers of US expats actually reside in Mexico and Canada, with estimates ranging from 1.5 million to 2 million in those countries combined.
In fact, the AARO estimates that about 4.4 million to 5.5 million Americans live abroad, excluding military personnel and their families. Another 2022 estimate from a nonprofit American citizens overseas suggests a figure close to 5.1 million.
The US State Department hasn’t provided very specific data on Americans abroad, citing the variable nature of travel and relocation. While embassies are trying to keep track, their numbers are often rough estimates.
Meanwhile, those still fixated on a move to Portugal should probably check out their desired neighborhoods first. Reports suggest that some areas might already be overcrowded with fellow migrants and tourists.
“Porto isn’t just a city anymore; it’s become a tourist hotspot,” remarked one user in a recent Reddit discussion. Similar sentiments have been expressed regarding Lisbon and the Algarve.
“I honestly wonder what makes Portugal so appealing to foreigners,” another Reddit user pondered. “Maybe it was a better choice 10 or 20 years back when things were more genuine and affordable?”
