Towards the end of last year, OverseasGuidesCompany.com surveyed our readers, expats and would-be expats looking to make a move overseas, to find out the key drivers of Brits wanting to start a new life abroad.
As you would expect, quality of life was by far the most frequently cited reason for making that move – cited by 38 percent of respondents, and this was quickly followed by the 25 percent looking for a better climate. With these results in mind, we also spoke to our expat writers in some of the most popular destinations with Brits (Australia, Spain, USA, Canada and New Zealand) to find out if it these reasons that keep them abroad long term.
Australia – the sunshine!
AustraliaBuyingGuide.com’s Anna Goater, originally from Farnborough, was backpacking around the world when she decided to stay in Sydney for the backpacker rite of passage that is a ‘year in Australia’… and she never left!
“There are so many things that I love about life in Sydney. The amazing beaches, bars, parks and camping spots. The fact that it’s sunny around 300 days each year, which is fantastic for me as I love being outside as much as I can. I have also managed to find a job that I love, as the office manager of a fantastic yoga and Pilates studio. Life in Sydney is relaxed, safe and clean, and it’s an easy place to live and work.”
Spain – the way of life
Sally Veall, writer at SpainBuyingGuide.com, had been living in France for 12 years before she moved to North East Spain seven years ago. Her husband’s work often took him across the border, and when she accompanied him she found that she quickly fell in love with the way of life; the late opening times of bars and restaurants, and of course the weather! Once they had made the decision to move, they spent six weeks renting an apartment in the winter to make sure they were happy even in the off season. From there they bought an apartment close to the sea – and haven’t looked back!
“In the seven years I have lived here, I have learnt Spanish and gained a good understanding of Catalan. I have made new friends from all over the world. I have tried new things, sometimes quite daunting things! I am always learning more about this fascinating region. I live outdoors more than indoors. Nowadays, when I return from family visits in England, I truly feel as though I am coming ‘home’.”
The United States of America – affordability!
USABuyingGuide.com’s Carole Wirszyla tells us how she always knew she would eventually live across the pond.
From early childhood, Carole was fascinated by the “place on the other side of the Atlantic that was home to sun, sand and Disney World!”, and this was compounded by her first visit to America at the age of eleven.
“Years later, I fell in love with a New Yorker at university and while this didn’t work out the first time round, eleven or so years ago we reunited and I moved to South Carolina. I was studying journalism at a nearby college when we decided to get married – and we stayed there after my course because of the low cost of living, relatively cheap flights and job security for my husband. We eventually ended up in North Carolina, thanks to its more forgiving climate, attractive scenery and more cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city, as well as the affordable housing and good education.”
Canada – making the most of the scenic seasons
CanadaBuyingGuide.com’s Stewart Buchanan’s decision to move to Canada was helped along by his Canadian wife, who hailed from just outside Vancouver. They took many trips over in the years before the move – experiencing all the different seasons, the amazing scenery and the opportunity to spend time outdoors.
“There is great skiing here, and we love taking our dog on long walks in the woods or on mountain trails. In the summer, we can spend time on the local beaches and lakes. I also love living in Canada because of the people, who have made it really easy for me to feel at home. Of course the fact that it is an English-speaking country made the transition much easier.”
New Zealand – the great outdoors
Pattie Pegler, writer at NewZealandBuyingGuide.com, was itching for a life away from the London rat race, particularly the long commutes and expensive housing. Her husband had grown up in New Zealand and they decided to move to Christchurch thanks to its open spaces, lack of crowds, fantastic outdoor sports and reasonable house prices.
“Life in New Zealand is good. We can afford a nice house and 10 acres of land within commuting distance of Christchurch for my husband’s job. We have space and animals, and a lifestyle that we wouldn’t be able to afford in the UK in terms of property and land.
“Since we moved out here, we also had our little boy, which has really helped me to feel rooted here. Of course, there are the downsides – we are a long way from the UK, which is something that we recommend Brits carefully consider before they go. The cost of living here can also be high, but all in all though, we have settled in and adjusted well to kiwi life.”
Words by Angelos Koutsoudes, Head of Overseas Guides Company.com, publishers of buying guides in over 15 countries, 0207 898 0549.
