Where should I move?

Post Reply New Topic

It's been on my mind for quite some time that I want to go somewhere else, I'm not happy where I live now. I don't feel comfortable with the people around here, and because of my past here, it kind of feels like a prison. I feel like I could use a fresh start in a different environment.
Well, the first step would be to figure out where I could go, hence this thread. Maybe I can get some ideas or advice. Or maybe I realize it's just not going to happen.

I have some savings (not that much though), and work that I can do pretty much anywhere (so I would probably not be looking for a job in the area I move to).

What I'm looking for (again, these are just naive fantasies; but you have to start with something):
- a place close to the ocean
- a lot of nature nearby (plant life, mountains etc)
- warm climate
- not too far away from civilization (food shopping, doctors etc)
- relatively easy immigration (I'm a EU resident & have a Master's degree which might help with skilled immigration, not much else though)
- ideally English speaking (I know some French but it's in no way close to fluent; I guess it would be my first choice if I had to learn another language though; I also know German, but don't really want to move to a place where that is the main language)
- ideally a place where $ or € has high purchasing power
- decent internet connection (required for work)

Most of the more obvious choices like Canada, the US or Australia/NZ seem to have relatively strict immigration rules, so I suppose this might be the major obstacle to my idea.

Anyway, if anyone has an idea or suggestions, I'd be grateful.

Where do you live now? Maybe moving to a place in your own country would be best, unless you are living in a place where you are in real danger (like being white in South Africa) or in the third world. If you already live in the US, I would definitely recommend staying in the US, but maybe going to another state or something. I live in California but plan to move to south Oregon within the next few years. I wanted a place with cheap land where I could settle and live by myself, and that had conservative values. (Land is actually pretty cheap in Klamath County.) It all depends on what you want, and what makes you feel comfortable.

It's hard to make a helpful suggestion without knowing where you live. It is best to start with your own country, though. Look for warmer and or coastal areas of your own country, if it's not land locked. Since you mentioned that you are part of EU and are primarily English speaking, I am assuming that you are from the UK. The southern part of England may suit your needs. If you've already checked this out and rejected it, that still leaves Australia, NZ, and the US. I'd skip Canada. Although it has a lot of coastal areas, it is definitely cold in the winter. I'm in the US. The areas here that best meet your temp and environmental needs are the southern half of the California coastal areas, all of Florida, the coastal areas of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and the two Carolinas. The coastal areas of Oregon, Washington state, Maryland, and Virginia are somewhat less warm, but not too bad. Every state in the US has parks, including local, state, and national, so there will be nature around where ever you choose to live. I think the same can be said of the other English speaking countries.

There is also something else to consider. A fresh start can be a big help at times, but people are people where ever you go. If your spectrum disorders have caused you problems where you are, they are likely to do so no matter where you live. If on the other hand you have encountered toxic people in your family, among friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc., then a change may help by putting some distance between you and any toxic people you have been dealing with. What ever the cause of your people problems, if you are serious about moving, you really should start looking in your own country first. It is usually hard for us on the spectrum to make big changes. Moving elsewhere in your own country would not be as big a change as moving to another country.

Remember, the UK and the USA are two countries united by a common heritage, but separated by a common language.

Hope I've been able to help.

Well there isn't that much choice if you prefer an english speaking country.
Maybe Malta ? English is one of the oficial languages, it is in the EU so that shouldn't be a problem. There is ocean and even in winter it doesn't usually get below 15 C'. I think it is a beautiful island.

Taking into account ocean and mountains, I was going to suggest Scotland. But I reread your criteria and realised you said warm climate...

So my next thought is Cornwall might work or, because of your French knowledge, Brittany.

I suggest the Sunshine Coast in BC Canada.

Canada lets everyone in, as long as you don't have a record, and even then.....

I'll give you some info on the US. To begin with, like a number of other countries, our economy is being flushed down the toilet. Even though the official unemployment rate is 8.2%, when you add all of the people who have lost jobs and still fallen off of the unemployment rolls, the actual percentage has been computed to be 14.6% according to the US Department of Labor. So, first issue: Do you really want to take a chance on moving to a country where finding a job is problematic at best? Do you have family that can bring you home if it doesn't work out? Homelessness and starvation happen in the US like any other country. You really need to think this through. It's not just a simple matter of pulling up the tent stakes, packing up the alice pack and going on a forced march. I don't see any evidence that you've done any research at all. And sorry to say, there is not a single country in the world that has "relatively easy immigration". I may only be a law student, but that's one of the first things one learns in law school. You're going to be in for a very rude awakening - if I'm not already doing that. You also need to check into a country's laws, medical care, religious views (if I had to leave the US, I'd rather live in Antartica than France for that reason and more). Yes, we have more freedoms than most other countries. But we also have some daunting responsibilities. We have the most complex tax system in the world, and filing an income tax return can be hellish at best - and that's for a professional. And yes, even resident aliens are required by law to file a return. We also don't have certain "safety nets" that other countries in the EU do. And we're gradually becoming more and more anti-socialist - which may not bide well with you, if that is what you're used to. Conversely, our taxes are much lower.
It's an understatement, but it's not easy being aspie. I struggle with it myself. I too have baggage, but I make due despite the baggage and take everything into perspective. Before you go about globetrotting, you really need to do some serious research and talk with a few experts before making this major a decision. In the days of the "New World", it was different. My ancestors came from England because they fought for King Charles and against Cromwell, or, like the descendants of Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger who were of my family, were in poor stead because of rebelling against Bloody Mary. They weren't given the choice. Today it is a different world entirely. I really strongly recommend you do some serious research.

Longshanks

LookTwice, I can share my experiences as a means of trying to give you some insight.

I am from the US and currently living in the UK. I made a few big moves within the US when I was younger and had a harder time with those than I had switching countries. I think you may find that in some ways you'll have an easier time in a different culture, even if it is only somewhat different like the US verses the UK.

I'm in my third year in the UK now and I still use the excuse that I'm a foreigner that doesn't understand as an excuse in awkward social situations. It is a nice excuse. Still, change is very hard for me at times and making friends in a foreign culture may be even harder for those of us with AS.

NT's I know from the US living in the UK seem to feel (as I do) that it is hard to break the shell and make friends with people in the UK. Nearly all of the people with whom I've become most acquainted in the UK aren't originally from the UK and I get the impression that is the norm.

Going from the UK to the US might be a similar experience. I realize more and more all the time while living in the UK and visiting continental Europe that the US is a really big place. Where you go there could make a huge difference.