Even if this week’s political events are not driving your decision, you may be among the many Americans considering life abroad, and European Best Destinations has your back with the 10 best places to move to Europe.
Based on multiple criteria—including quality of life and a warm welcome for American expats—the new ranking of places to live, invest, retire or start new projects also considered:
“Discover a selection of destinations to build new projects, spend more time with your family, challenge yourself and bring about change in your life,” EBD suggests.
If you’re among those Americans thinking of leaving the U.S. for a few months at a time, a few years or permanently, these latest rankings feature some of the most welcoming and attractive destinations to establish a new life abroad.
Azores, Portugal, #1 Best Place for Americans to move in Europe
getty
Historically, a large segment of the Portuguese who settled in the United States came from the Azores, especially those in Massachusetts who moved there because of their involvement in the now-prohibited whale trade. That connection, among others, counts among the factors that land the islands at the top of the best destinations in Europe for American expats.
The Azores archipelago, composed of nine islands, was discovered by the Portuguese around 1427, although some new DNA studies and lake sediment suggest that it was discovered 700 years earlier by Vikings
“Have you been considering New Zealand or even Iceland as possible settling-destinations, but are not so hot about the weather and cost of living?” asks EBD. “Then the Azores is what you need.”
Many incentives have been put in place by the regional government to allow businesses and start-ups to get set there. With reduced sales tax — 5%, 10% and 18% — the Azores are still among the destinations in Europe with the best quality of life and the best value for money in real estate. The average price per square meter is almost three times less than the U.S. average.
“Instead of buying an apartment, buy a Quinta with outbuildings that you can convert into guest rooms, tourist accommodation, or something else,” the organization suggests.
Unlike Paris, Barcelona and Berlin, the regional government of the Azores favors installations of those types of accommodation (and, again, low tax rates).
The Azores is the region of Portugal seen as the best place to invest, with regular growth in real estate over the past 10 years.
The Azores islands are very well connected to each other by plane, with affordable ticket prices, and by boat.
Picturesque corner of a quaint hill town in Tuscany, Italy
getty
Many American expats, including a number of celebrities, have settled in Florence and Tuscany, not only for its breathtaking landscapes but as well for its quality of life, culture and gastronomy.
Although the Italian government has recently doubled the rate of taxation on wealthy expatriates, it remains low at €200,000 maximum tax on any income from abroad. This ceiling can even be extended to family members.
Tuscany is the preferred region of Italy for American expats, with a high percentage of locals speaking English in most of the big cities and tourist areas.
“If you can afford it, you can settle in the hills between Siena and Florence, like a number of movie stars, business leaders and famous singers,” EBD concludes. “For three to five times less, you can also find your little piece of paradise in small authentic Tuscan villages.”
Different municipalities in Italy, including a few in Tuscany, have introduced incentives to make the process of purchasing property more appealing, including offering historic properties in need of renovation, for a nominal price. That said, there are other expenses associated with taxes, legal fees and the renovation work. Those programs do not entail getting a visa or residential permit.
“A perfect region for retired expats, Tuscany offers many museums, cultural events and restaurants,” writes EBD. “The region also appeals to young professionals, digital nomads and those who want to set up their business or tourism project (guest houses, tours, guided tours, etc.) or work in real estate.”
If you’re looking for affordable prices, avoid big cities and choose smaller towns like Lucca, Pitigliano or Pistoia.
Malaga, Spain, cityscape with Cathedral, City Hall and Alcazaba citadel of Malaga
getty
If Europe attracts you for its culture, openness, solidarity, architecture, events, tradition and gastronomy, you will like Malaga, which was selected as #3 of the Best Destinations for American expats in Europe.
Sometimes associated with sun and beaches, Malaga is much more. The city with the highest concentration of museums per square kilometer in Europe, it offers excellent quality of life, safety, rich cultural life, good healthcare programs and sun almost throughout the year.
Malaga is family friendly and also suitable for singles, digital nomads, couples and retirees seeking an active and rich cultural life. Open-minded and tolerant, Malaga also attracts gay expats who are welcomed by the local population. The city of Malaga is also quite innovative in terms of town planning and development.
The city offers multiple options for public and private schools for foreign kids and job opportunities in many sectors.
Gdansk, Poland, old town
European Best Destinations
Particularly American-friendly, Poland is a country of great cultural, gastronomic and architectural wealth. Gdansk is one of the Best Places to Live in Poland thanks to its preserved architecture, low crime rate and proximity to the sea.
“There is no other place like Gdansk,” EBD writes. “Other cities can just resemble Gdansk, but its unique location and over a thousand years’ history shape the city’s expressive and distinctive character and give it strong and implicit recognition among European cities.”
Gdansk’s history has made it a symbol of freedom and courage. For centuries the people of Gdansk have treasured these virtues which, in turn, have shaped the city’s unique “genius loci” which can be sensed not only among the Old Town’s patrician houses, but also amid the Young City’s shipyard cranes, beautiful sandy beaches, post-industrial halls, parks and woods.
“Freedom is ubiquitous in Gdansk. It is almost tangible and a source of inspiration transforming space and people.”
Contemporary Gdansk is a modern metropolis, a thriving center of culture, science, sports and entertainment and an attractive tourist destination — as well as the world capital of amber.
Gdansk is also famous for its breathtaking Stadion Energa. Gdańsk was one of the host cities for the European soccer championship (UEFA Euro).
Compared to other American or European cities, Gdansk is affordable with moderate rents and real estate prices (and cheaper food than Germany, Switzerland, England and France).
Almost 40% of Poles speak English, a percentage that climbs even higher in big cities including Gdansk.
Plaza Mayor in Madrid, one of the best places for Americans to move in Europe
getty
A European capital with one of the best quality of life, reasonable cost of living and a low crime rate, Madrid appears at #5 of the best choices for U.S. expats.
In Spain, there’s a possibility to benefit from a special tax regime known as the “Beckham Law” that allows individuals to be taxed at a lower rate on their worldwide employment income. It’s been adapted to lower revenues recently. (If your income is less than €600,000, you will benefit from a flat tax rate of 24% versus 47% for Spanish residents.
“Spain is a country constantly evolving, very dynamic, culturally incomparable and Madrid is a destination that will appeal to even the most demanding,” writes EBD.
Sunnier than France, Spain has good healthcare reimbursement plans and an overall cost of living lower than its French neighbor.
Whether you come with your own job, telework, are looking for a job in a small, medium or large company, or want to live an active retirement, Madrid suits all expats’ profiles.
Spaniards, especially the younger generations, speak English quite well. That said, learning Spanish will be of great help to fully integrate into the local fabric of the country.
Madrid is the capital of a large country and therefore is more expensive than other places in Spain. But the cost of living still is lower than in other European capitals including Vienna, London and Paris.
With many international schools as well as quality public and private Spanish schools, Madrid suits expats with children but also young students, digital nomads and those looking for new challenges.
Madrid Airport offers regular flights to major U.S .airports.
Brighton, UK tourists and residents at one of many outdoor terraces by the seafront
getty
Want to settle in Europe for a few months, a year or the rest of your life but don’t have the energy or the time to learn a new language? Then Great Britain is for you.
While some cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham are appropriate for finding jobs in large companies, others like Brighton are made for free thinkers, start-ups, digital nomads and artists.
Known for its openness and tolerance, Brighton is certainly one of Britain’s cosmopolitan cities with good quality of life, perfect for a short stay on a budget or for a long-term move for more comfortable budgets. The city is the seventh most expensive in the UK.
Its strengths are its cultural life, openness, great seaside, quirky shops, quaint alleyways, international schools — and the fact that everyone speaks English.
Promenade of San Sebastian with city hall and strolling pedestrians
getty
Gastronomic capital of Europe, San Sebastian has one of the largest concentrations of “starred” restaurants in Europe.
Known for its magnificent beaches, quality of life, cultural features and gastronomy, San Sebastian is a perfect destination to make a new start.
Located close to the French border, San Sebastian offers the chance to have a foothold in two of Europe’s most important countries.
The Basque Country — both in Spain and France — has a very special DNA. Choosing the Basque Country means excellent quality of life, nature, gastronomy, outdoor sports, conviviality and family.
With its feet in the water, San Sebastian is a paradise both for surfers and those who want to soak up the sun on its beautiful beaches.
A word of warning from EBD: “The vibrant green vegetation indicates that it can rain a little more in San Sebastian than in Barcelona, Madrid or Seville. This is the Basque Country: A beautiful storm refreshes everything and then comes the sun again.”
If you intend to settle in San Sebastian as a digital nomad, avoid the summer when rentals are at their highest. If you want to dig in for a year or more, consider your most important criteria, such as proximity to international schools if you have children.
As in many cities, move away from the center of town and you will snare more square meters t a lower price.
San Sebastian boasts several international schools and airports with U.S. connections there and in nearby Bilbao (with its legendary Guggenheim Museum).
Paris, Toujours Paris
European Best Destinations
After the exceptional Olympic Games, various seasons of Emily in Paris, a ranking as “Best Cultural City in the World” in addition to its status as the Capital of Love and Capital of Fashion, Paris is a highly attractive destination for Americans who want to live the Parisian dream.
Paris has a large expat community with most ‘Parisians’ themselves from other regions of France who have come to work or live in the capital. Nearly 40,000 Americans are now living in France, half of them in Paris. That’s more than double the number four years ago.
Enjoying a community life, you will often find them in the lively and chic neighborhoods of the Marais, the 6th Arrondissement, the posh 16th Arrondissement or the Latin Quarter, more student, literary, artsy.
With the Emily in Paris series, the 5th arrondissement has become the place to be, especially La Place de l’Estrapade, where the central character has taken up residence. Given the popularity of the location, the square meter is more expensive than elsewhere in the capital — figure $15,447 per square meter to live like the heroine of the series compared to the average $10,000 in the 19th, the least expensive arrondissement in Paris.
Parisians are quite good at speaking English and accustomed to helping English-speaking expats. No surprise as Americans and Brits are the largest expat communities in Paris.
Luxembourg City
European Best Destinations
Luxembourg City may count among the smaller capitals in Europe but it has much to offer in terms of diversity and quality of life.
The capital of the only Grand Duchy in the world, Luxembourg City is one of the European destination with the highest rate of expatriates in Europe.
Despite a breathtaking modernization in the last few decades, it remains a metropolis on a human scale. While its inhabitants number some 135,000, they represent more than 150 different nations. Among them are numerous international bankers and European civil servants — the city is one of the three capitals of the European Union — who enjoy the multilingual as well as multicultural flair they find in Luxembourg.
Most of the inhabitants of Luxembourg speak English, French and German. The native population also speak Luxembourgish, a Germanic language intertwined with French.
The city offers a number of public and private international schools.
Centrally located in Europe, Luxembourg is two hours from the Grand Place in Brussels and two hours by train to Paris. Perfectly located for exploring France, Belgium and Germany or simply for a gourmet getaway to the vineyards of Alsace or the romantic city of Bruges.
Luxembourg City is a safe destination for families and retired expatriates. In terms of real estate, it’s one of the European destinations in this ranking with the highest prices at nearly $13,000 per square meter — and expect $30 per square meter for a rental. It’s easier to buy than to rent in Luxembourg City and it remains a good investment as real estate increases each year by an average of 10%.
Montreux from above: lake Geneva and Alps
getty
Whether they lived there to escape McCarthyism like Charlie Chaplin or to have their wife treated like the author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, as Freddie Mercury said, “if you want to find peace, go to Montreux.”
Montreux is a beautiful and exclusive destination located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It’s always attracted royal families, aristocrats and celebrities including David Bowie, who retreated there to recharge their batteries there after exhausting tours.
The health system is of a standard in Switzerland, and in addition Montreux also has anti-aging clinics where the wealthiest take tea during treatment, with views of the lake of this beautiful destination on the Swiss Riviera.
Montreux is largely influenced by French and Italian cuisine, has international schools and Swiss schools of world renown, plus superb cultural life, shopping, and outdoor sports. Hence, Montreux is a favorite destination for many American expatriates in Europe.
More information on what you need to know to start a new life abroad here.
