10 Reasons Americans Leave The U.S.
10 Reasons Americans Leave The U.S.
You might wonder why someone might contemplate leaving a highly developed country like the U.S., but the reality is that there are more than enough reasons. While the U.S. may appear to thrive on technology and materialism, humans cannot survive on that or the promise of the ‘land of the free’ for happiness. A nation needs to offer much more to its citizens to ensure a high quality of life. Below, we’ll list 10 reasons pushing Americans to leave the U.S. and seek somewhere else to call home.
1. Relatively High Crime Rate
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The United States does indeed have a higher crime rate compared to many other developed countries. According to the 2023 Safest Countries rankings from U.S. News, the U.S. failed to rank in the top 10 and landed 46th out of the 87 countries listed.
We can’t discuss the lack of safety without acknowledging the heartbreaking impact of gun violence experienced in our country. Mass shootings are prominent in American news coverage and the fear of them among US citizens is palpable. This isn’t an issue anywhere else because, overall, most countries have much stronger gun control laws.
Safety is a fundamental component of a good quality of life – its absence prompts people to question what truly makes staying in the US worthwhile.
2. Lack Of Architecture And Culture
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The United States often lacks cultural richness, leading a lot of citizens to travel to countries such as Europe when they want to admire centuries-old architecture and learn more about history. While the U.S. is home to more than 35,000 museums, they aren’t the most accessible due to expensive costs and location. In Europe, many galleries offer free public admission, student discounts, and even host designated free days.
While national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty in New York and Independence Hall in Pennslyvania give a taste of American history, they don’t compare to the ancient cities and meticulously preserved architecture found in other countries. It’s worth noting that many European buildings predate the discovery of North America and the founding of the United States in the 1700s. However, humans did inhabit North America thousands of years before colonial settlers arrived, and still, little history from that time is preserved. This absence of historical depth in the U.S. can leave people feeling disconnected from world history as though they’re living in an uncultured bubble.
3. No Sense of Belonging
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The sense of community in the United States is becoming obsolete due to factors including work-life imbalance, addictive technology, political conflicts, and moving away from family. Many Americans are constantly either seeking community or yearning for it. It’s an intense void for many that needs to be filled, elsewhere.
Unlike cultures where tight-knit communities and strong family ties are the norm, Americans often find themselves living in neighborhoods where they barely know their neighbor’s names. This sense of non-belonging was exacerbated by the pandemic, however, even four years later, it’s still present. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s latest Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, one in 10 Americans report feeling lonely every day. It’s a consistent struggle for some to make authentic friendships and relationships based on genuine connection rather than status or superficial small talk in the United States.
4. Children’s Safety
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A lot of American families choose to leave the U.S. for the sake of their children – they’re genuinely concerned for their safety and well-being. It’s troubling that firearms, not car accidents or illnesses, are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. The fact that our children have to practice active shooter drills in school, a place that exists for learning, is just devastating.
It’s a reality that shouldn’t exist, but unfortunately does. Multiple studies have also named the U.S. as the most dangerous wealthy country to live in. All of this is enough for many parents to make a change and find a safer nation to raise their children.
5. Political Climate
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In recent years, politics have become an unprecedented source of tension. While politics are typically a sensitive subject as it is, events including the presidency of Donald Trump and the pandemic have highlighted how divided the United States is. These political events have sparked a lot of intense debates, challenged people’s beliefs and values, and fueled animosity among Americans. The Democrat and Republican parties refuse to work together, listen to opposing viewpoints, and, frankly, treat each other with respect. Being affiliated with a different party means much more than a mere political disagreement; it becomes an “us” versus “them” battle.
6. Increased Drug Addiction
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Drug abuse and addiction are serious issues in the United States. From kids having access to drugs in both private and public schools to adults battling with addiction, drugs are impacting almost every demographic. Drug use is escalating; prescription drug abuse in particular has been the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem and has even been classified as an epidemic. Americans are dying of overdoses than ever before in modern history. Drug overdoses have killed almost one million people since 2000 and continue to go up 30 percenter year after year.
In comparison, European countries have a more liberal attitude towards drugs, where recreational use is less stigmatized and addiction is viewed as a public health issue rather than purely criminal. This is to say that of course drugs are going to exist no matter where you live, but the approach a nation takes towards handling them significantly influences their societal impact.
7. Overwhelming Materialism
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In today’s modern era, particularly in the U.S., we’re drifting away from our true selves and being thrown into a contagious culture of hyper-consumerism and materialism. The obsession with material possessions has distracted Americans so far from finding contentment within themselves and has even created a major gap in society, leaving everyone feeling like they never have enough.
Materialism in the U.S. is breeding competition and leading to a greedy, anxious, and depressed society. In 2022, the United States recorded the largest number of cosmetic procedures, with over 7.4 million procedures. Today, the traditional American dream to get married, have children, and buy a home with a white picket fence falls short; Americans need the latest smartphone or computer, shiny cars, designer clothes, and more.
8. High Living Costs
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The United States is the world’s 20th most expensive country to live in. The cost of living in the U.S. continues to rise, families are struggling to make ends meet, and inflation is a pressing issue. High living expenses are a result of healthcare costs, taxes, steep housing and rental prices, and the effects of gentrification. To put it into perspective, basic expenses for a single adult with no children in the U.S. are about $2,500 per month, compared to an average of $1,746 per month in Europe.
9. Expensive Medical Care
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It’s no secret that the United States is the only wealthy, industrialized country without universal healthcare. The ridiculously high cost of healthcare is a burden on U.S. citizens; forcing them to weigh the financial implications of going to the hospital for medical help. No one should have to worry about whether or not they can afford an ambulance ride during a moment of crisis. From illnesses to car accidents, broken bones, cancer diagnoses, or even giving birth, – U.S. citizens face astronomical healthcare costs. In contrast, other developed countries provide universal healthcare to their citizens.
12. Lousy Work-Life Balance
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Americans live to work while other countries work to live. The work-life balance in the United States is far out of reach, and the exhausting hustle culture has normalized stress and burnout. While a 40-hour workweek is standard, it’s common for Americans to clock in well beyond that and are even expected to answer emails and calls outside of their work hours. In contrast, many European countries are actively trying to pass legislation, and some have already succeeded, to prevent employers from contacting employees outside of work hours, known as the right to disconnect.
Outside of the demanding work hours, the lack of paid vacation and parental leave in the U.S. is disheartening. Vacation time isn’t encouraged and can even feel like a burden when one must make up missed hours and play catch-up upon return. Support and care for new parents is virtually nonexistent – maternity leave in the U.S. is limited to a mere 12 unpaid weeks, barely enough time to witness your baby’s first smiles. The United States is the only first-world country without paid maternity, paternity, or parental leave.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with taking control of your life and relocating when you’ve had enough. After all, the pandemic inspired many U.S. citizens to reassess their priorities, leading them to realize that work shouldn’t consume their lives.
Zobia Shazi is a freelance writer from Pakistan and travel enthusiast. With a Bachelor's degree in IT and four years of professional writing experience, she's passionate about crafting compelling content for people all over the globe. When she's not busy typing, you can find her reading books in a nice cafe or exploring new places.
