Why I Am Leaving the US — Part 2
If you read my post from last week, Why I Am Leaving the US — Part 1, you'll know how distressed I am about the election results and why I think the next administration is a danger to our democracy. That alone might be reason enough to flee the US, and I’ll start there. However, my departure has far more to do with my love of France and French culture than my discontent with the US.
To distance myself emotionally from disturbing political changes
It was not just another election where my candidate didn’t win, and oh well, we’ll just have to make the best of it for the next four years. Our forefathers, who wrote the constitution, set up a government for the people, by the people with three branches of government so that no president would ever be a king. If the new administration successfully carries out their plans to give the president unlimited power to implement policies that hurt everyday Americans and strip them of fundamental rights, then we will no longer have a democracy with checks and balances.
The past nine years have been an emotional rollercoaster ride of outrage, hope and despair. As I stated in Part 1, while living abroad, I will stay informed; I will stay involved; and I will vote, volunteer and do everything I can to influence political change and protect the rights of Americans. But I hope living in France will provide an emotional buffer from the daily chaos and heinous actions of our administration, and the suffering it will cause Americas and immigrants, because these are things I cannot control.
To expand my life experiences
Every 20 years or so I need to move to a new area and shake up my life. I grew up in the greater Chicago area. At 25 I left Chicago, and I moved to Los Angeles where I lived for 22 years. For a better quality of life, I escaped to Portland, Oregon, which I have enjoyed over the past 20 years. Now at 67 I’m ready to see what the next twenty-some years will bring.
I’ve never liked routine, and I enjoy new challenges. Living part-time in France over the past three years has definitely meant stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m meeting new people, experiencing a new culture and learning a new language. As an older adult these are all great ways to keep my mind sharp, as well as to expand my thinking and my understanding of the world. See my post Why Seniors Should Keep Traveling.
To be connected to the wider world
The vast majority of Americas have little exposure to the rest of the world. We rarely hear news events outside of our country unless America is directly involved. That is, unless you tune into international news outlets based outside of the US, like the BBC, France 24 or CNN international.
Whenever I am in Europe, I feel more connected to the world. I fear the US will become increasingly nationalist and isolated. Living in France will provide a more global vision of the world.
To experience a culture that is more aligned with my values
France is not a consumer driven culture. The French are more focused on friends and family than having the latest gadget. There is a better work life balance because they work less hours and have more of a work-to-live attitude than living to work, which is more common in the US. Being an ambitious, type-A personality, I find it beneficial to be a part of a culture that encourages me to slow down occasionally and smell the freshly baked croissants.
The French live more sustainably, in smaller homes, driving smaller cars, recycling and buying second hand, and thereby leave a smaller environmental footprint. I also like that the French love to discuss and debate, but with civility, respect and politeness.
To be surrounded by history and beauty
France has its industrial areas, bland suburbs and strip malls just like the US, but a lot less of them. The vast majority of the country is rural, spanning across rolling hills, farmland, vineyards and coastline. I love being surrounded by the beauty of the countryside and being within easy reach of nature and charming villages. When I want to immerse myself in the culture, history and architecture of European cities, they are easily accessible by car, train or mass transit.
To live in a country that values health, safety and security
I want to live in a country where the brightest minds with the right expertise and experience are in charge, especially when it comes to health, safety and security. I want to live in a country whose government believes in science, recognizes the dangers of climate change and is doing everything they can to mitigate it. I want to live in a country that does not allow their food to be genetically modified, or to contain growth hormones or untested chemical additives like potassium bromate, BHA and BHT. France is one of those countries. I know their government is going through its challenges and France is not a perfect country, but they are doing their best for their people.
To lower my living expenses
The rising cost of living is reason alone to move out of the US. Although there are many countries with a lower cost of living, as a French resident I will still be saving a lot. Car insurance in France is a fourth of what I paid in Portland Oregon, and property tax is an eighth of what I pay in the US. Fresh vegetables are plentiful, more flavorful and cost half as much. Wine, cheese, pastries and coffee are a half to a third of the cost in America.
To travel the world
Traveling is a major goal, and having a base in Europe will allow me to easily and affordably explore other parts of Europe and the world. No more flying for 10 plus hours to visit a European country. Now I can take a low-cost European airline or a high-speed train and be in another country in a couple of hours. And if I want to hit the road, I know those roads will be safe and in good condition.
To enjoy great food
Living in a small village in the countryside means I won't have access to the array of restaurants I would have in a US city. However, the availability of farm-fresh eggs, just picked vegetables and fresh poultry and meat makes up for it. If I want to eat out, there are plenty of places nearby for traditional French fare at reasonable prices. And when I start craving ethic food, two large cities 50 minutes away offer plenty of choices.
To meet wonderful people
While traveling and living part-time in France over the past seven years, I’ve meet so many lovely people. The folks in Brittany, France are particularly friendly and welcoming to this American. I am looking forward to deepening my relationships with neighbors and friends, and being a full-time member of my community.
---------------------------------
I have wanted to live in Europe ever since I made my first trip to the UK at the age of 30. But the right circumstances never came together to make that happen — until now. Now I have the money and the freedom to make my dream come true. Leaving the US is bittersweet. I love my country and there are many things I will miss, especially friends and family. But France is calling me, and I am ready for my next adventure.
