Aubrey and her wife are preparing to leave the United States for Costa Rica in January - a decision they haven't taken lightly, having built a life as homeowners in upstate New York.
Aubrey says months of unease about the political climate in the United States—from debates over LGBTQ rights to concerns about basic safety—finally tipped them into making a plan to leave.
We're very concerned about the legality of our relationship and the overall tone of safety, not only as members of the LGBTQ community but also as women entirely, she expresses.
Aubrey's experience is not isolated; a recent survey by Gallup indicated that 40% of American women aged 15 to 44 are contemplating moving abroad permanently, a striking increase compared to only 10% a decade ago. This survey also outlined a considerable gender gap, revealing that only 19% of younger men share the same aspirations to leave the U.S.
While these numbers reflect aspirations rather than firm intentions, they underscore a growing trend among younger American women reassessing their futures.
The trend towards relocation has been gaining traction for years, initially noted around the end of the Obama administration. Pressures on women have been mounting from both political sides, according to Nadia E. Brown, a professor of government and chair of women's and gender studies at Georgetown University. It's not just partisan politics, notes Professor Brown. Women feel caught between expectations from both sides—traditional roles promoted by conservatives and the pressures of progressive working life. Neither path guarantees autonomy or dignity, leading women to consider alternatives like moving abroad.
Economic burdens such as student loans, healthcare costs, and homeownership challenges further complicate the decision-making process for young women thinking about life in another country.
A recent Harris Poll indicated that 40% of Americans as a whole have contemplated moving abroad, with younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, showing the most inclination toward this life change.
While Aubrey's decision crystallized recently, Kaitlin, who moved from the U.S. to Portugal four years ago, sought a lifestyle change as well. She explained, There’s not a strong work-life balance in the U.S. I wanted to live somewhere that offers a different pace, a different culture, and the opportunity to learn a new language. Now content in Lisbon, working remotely, and enjoying a lower cost of living, Kaitlin says, I can’t imagine ever going back to the U.S.
Alyssa, who relocated to Uruguay earlier this year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, faced more profound societal pressures. I felt like women's rights were being stripped away in real time, she explained, illustrating her concerns about raising children in an environment of political and social insecurity.
The trend extends beyond personal stories to indicate a larger cultural shift among American women, particularly as trust in institutions continues to erode and practical concerns like healthcare and safety loom large. Marina, planning her move to Portugal, cited the U.S. healthcare system and gun violence as significant factors in their decision to relocate.
This transition isn’t solely an American phenomenon. As Professor Brown asserts, Women in many countries face similar issues. The U.S. exemplifies a specific intensity in these pressures right now, particularly with respect to women’s rights. As access to affordable healthcare, childcare, and parental leave remains deficient in the U.S., many women are reconsidering their options on a global scale.
