Goodbye America? Inside the Report Revealing Where 116,000 Americans Plan to Move

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Golden beaches kissed by the Atlantic, cobbled streets winding through centuries-old towns, fresh seafood served with local wine, and the peaceful rhythm of fado music echoing at sunset—Portugal offers more than just a postcard-perfect escape.

It offers a new beginning.

This is the lifestyle that tens of thousands of Americans now dream of—and many are making it a reality.

According to the newly released Expatsi 2024 Report, based on data from over 116,000 U.S. respondents, Portugal has emerged as the top destination for Americans planning to relocate abroad.

It’s not just the scenic beauty drawing them in. Portugal offers affordable living, world-class healthcare, a slower pace of life, and a reputation for safety and friendliness—a stark contrast to what many feel they’re leaving behind in the United States.

“What we’re witnessing isn’t just about cheaper rent or better weather,” said Gabriel Kahn, co-founder of Expatsi.

“It’s a values shift. Americans are telling us they want less polarization, more community, and a life that feels sustainable—both financially and emotionally.”

While Portugal leads the list, other European nations, including Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Ireland, feature prominently. Outside Europe, destinations like Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Costa Rica are also gaining favor.

A Departure from Division

The motivations behind this trend are layered, but the report identifies a common thread: disenchantment. More than half of respondents—56%—say they feel the U.S. is “too conservative,” while 53% cite political division as a reason to consider leaving.

Issues like gun violence, healthcare affordability, and lack of work-life balance also emerged as dominant concerns.

For some, like Angela Martin, a 42-year-old digital marketing consultant from Seattle, the tipping point came after a string of mass shootings in her area. “I just don’t want my children growing up thinking lockdown drills are normal,” she told Expatsi in a follow-up interview. She’s now preparing to move to Porto by year’s end.

Portugal’s Quiet Appeal

Portugal’s rise as a relocation magnet has been swift. The country offers universal healthcare, low crime rates, and a relatively straightforward visa process.

Although its popular Golden Visa program was recently phased out for real estate investors, alternative pathways—such as the D7 visa for retirees or remote workers—remain attractive.

“There’s a reason Portugal keeps ranking at the top,” said Kahn. “It combines quality of life with a pace and cost that’s hard to match in the U.S.”

According to the report, 31% of respondents are still unsure which visa route they’ll pursue, highlighting both the growing interest and uncertainty that surround the process of emigration.

An Evolving Dream

While the term “American Dream” has long stood for prosperity and freedom, the Expatsi report suggests that the geography of that dream is shifting.

“This isn’t an exodus in the traditional sense,” said Kahn. “It’s more of a reimagining. People aren’t necessarily running from the U.S.—they’re moving toward a lifestyle they feel they can’t access at home.”

The findings point to a quiet but significant cultural trend: A growing number of Americans believe that the life they desire—affordable, safe, connected—is more achievable outside their home country.

As the waves roll in over the Algarve cliffs and the cafés of Lisbon hum with a mix of Portuguese and American English, one can’t help but wonder: Is the next great chapter of the American story being written overseas?

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