I'm originally from the Midwest. From a young age, I could tell CA was lush with opportunity compared to the Rust Belt, but I was like 12 years old and could not pull the trigger for my family. My uncle moved out right after graduating college in the late 90s. My family opted to stay and make the move later. However, my mother never got a serious income (its own separate issue) and whatever headway my father could make as an accountant in the rust belt with several kids never paced with the increases of CA CoL, especially after 2020. By the time I was old enough to make the move, everything had boomed 2-3x+. I know some are going to comment that it's just as easy out there as 2005, 'no excuses', 'work harder', etc, but you didn't always need a STEM degree to rent a room in CA. The appeal of Califonia for me was being able to show up, make a few good decisions, and financially 'make it' as a result. The nice weather, similarly ambitious neighbors, and nature was a bonus that rounded it out. I've since abandoned this dream, as the main facet of it no longer exists. One can still pay the entry fee to CA but the upside doesn't exist. I've since moved to a developing country with no winter. I no longer pay a larger monthly rent tithe to boomers and didn't get my eyes ripped out in a real estate transaction. Developing countries seem to by the 2020s+ method for those seeking what I was going for. I'll have to pay ~$10-25k/kid for private school, but it seemed like many in USA are paying these sort of premiums (or more) for private school anyways. #winning? AMA TC 230k. Remote at a startup (not indeed, but I like indeed) #lifestlye #realestate #overseas
Ok
where?
2 of my friends chose Mexico city, lima. I think CDMX is a neat option. I prefer to be able to venture out into the boonies with more safety, so i chose southeast Asia. We are all midwestern finance/tech workers or entrepreneurs. Albania is worth a look too, but I've never been. I prefer warmer climates. I know more people going this route than i would have ever imagined.
Do you still have to pay tax to Uncle Sam?
tl;dr
I lol'd