Every election cycle, thousands of Americans join a chorus of celebrities threatening to leave the U.S. if a particular person or party emerges victorious—but where should they go?
International Living, a publication dedicated to U.S. citizens who choose to retire overseas, has named its top five destinations for American expatriots. The magazine’s choices are all in the Western Hemisphere—four in North America and one in South America.
In this year’s contentious presidential race, Americans had to choose between two major party candidates with generally low favorability ratings. Donald Trump, the Republican president-elect, and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic challenger, spurred many celebrities and everyday to promise to leave the country should one candidate or the other win.
Celebrities who pledged to expatriate if Trump won—which he did—included Lena Dunham, Cher, George Lopez, Al Sharpton and Amy Schumer. More than two weeks after the election, not one has left.
Some of these celebrities have been criticized for threatening to bail out on the nation, and some Trump supporters have mockingly offered to pay their travel expenses. But it should be noted that Republicans in both 2008 and 2012 threatened to leave the U.S. if Barack Obama won.
Prominent conservatives who threatened to leave included Dick Morris and Michael Savage, not to mention a majority of Texans, who indicated in an August survey by Public Policy Polling that they would be willing to secede should Clinton win.
Afterl Trump won, searches for “move overseas” and “expats overseas surged by 160 percent, according to International Living. The traffic was so intense that Canada's immigration website crashed.
Most Americans look northward when threatening to expatriate—Canada often sees a hike in U.S. citizens receiving permanent resident status during or after election years—but International Living recommends that they look southward instead.
Here's the list of preferred expatriot destination in ascending order:
5. Peru
Peru is described by International Living as one of the world’s “best kept secrets” because of indigenous cultural landmarks such as Mach Picchu. It also boasts a vibrant night life, modern services and a comfortable climate—at a discount.
With rents reported as low as $200 to $400 per month, Peru could register as a potential destination for middle-class expats unable to escape to other locales.
4. Belize
As an English-speaking Caribbean country, Belize already attracts travelers and vacation-goers with its warm climate and stretches of undeveloped coastline.
The country has a rapidly growing, diverse populace and a vibrant economy diversifying away from its roots in the oil and petrochemical industries. For more adventurous expats, Belize has over 450 offshore islands to explore, the Belize Barrier Reef, an expansive cave system and miles of untouched jungle punctuated by Mayan ruins.
3. Panama
Panama may be overlooked because of its relatively diminutive status, but the country has a modern, metropolitan capital in Panama City and enjoys the economic benefits of the Panama Canal zone.
At the same time, Panama is an inexpensive area for relocation, making it popular for U.S. citizens interested in living abroad. Those interested in escaping urban life may enjoy one of Panama’s beach, rainforest or farm communities.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica already has nearly 50,000 expats living within its borders, likely attracted by its scenic beaches and rainforests as well as its low cost of living.
The central American country also boasts highly ranked education and health care systems, allowing U.S. expats to enjoy a high quality of life at a relatively low expense.
1. Mexico
Mexico tops International Living’s list of best locations for expats, as the country is the U.S.’s closest southern neighbor and shares many cultural similarities to the U.S.
Mexico already has a large American expat community living within its Colonial Highlands region. Towns like San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro and Guanajuato have developed booming local economies focused on a burgeoning expatriot enclave.
Mexico also has low costs for real estate, food, restaurants, entertainment and transportation, according to International Living, which makes it possible for a retired couple to live on $1,800 a month or less.
