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The United States has become a Second Amendment killing field, a free fire zone. You're much safer in Spain. On the issue of healthcare, a Norwegian friend of mine said, "A country that doesn't provide healthcare to its citizens is not a serious country." I agree. Here in Costa Rica, I pay $36/month for socialized healthcare. Costa Ricans pay a far smaller percentage of their GDP on healthcare than Americans and yet live longer than Americans. Paying a lot less and living longer. America might want to take a lesson from Costa Rica.
Antoanetta, I had a kidney stone in Nov 2018. I was in emergency room in Phoenix, Arizona for 10 hours waiting for a room, and a procedure was done on me the following day. I was in the hospital for a total of 30 hours, 3 months later I received bill for $87,000. My insurance only covered $3700. 5 years later I still am paying, I still owe $58,000. I will be paying it for the rest of my life. This is why I am in Italy now.
That’s *effing insane 😢😢😢. What a shame. Thank goodness we in Canada have it covered but waiting times are months. Even year’s for hip or knee replacement. In emergency you wait 8-9 hours to see a doctor. 😢
This why I go back to Poland soon, 3h in hospital in USA 4700$. Polish public health care maybe not the best, but we also have private and it is way better than what it is in USA.
I live in Spain now and we often reflect on how free children are to be children here. I live next to three schools and it’s amazing to see all the children playing without a care in the world, and their parents casually socializing.
Meanwhile here in Florida, my neighbor won't allow her 10-year old daughter to play in their own backyard unsupervised. She's not allowed to touch trees, lizards, rocks, or go anywhere near a dog because her mother is so terrified that she'll get sick, injured, and pick up a parasite. We live in a culture of fear here.
The social fabric of the US is falling apart, our healthcare system is broken and quality of life is rapidly declining. People are angry, intolerant, toxic and profit is the only motive anymore. I recently heard a saying; "We'll be the first civilization that refuses to save itself because it's not cost effective." That sums up the United States perfectly.
@@Royermang77 I agree. American voters are dumb and that can be proven. I hear many say "I voted for candidate A because I hate candidate B" without giving any thought to actual policy and the consequences.
I left the US 7 yrs. ago and it's the best thing I ever did. I live in the Canary Islands now and I couldn't be happier. I agree with you 100% Americans are so materialistic
Brit here. I've been to the Canaries more than to mainland Spain and, whilst I love both, I love the Canaries most - all year round good weather! Cheap buses to get around an island and cheap ferry or plane to get to another if wanted. And I really value being able to get an all over tan on a beach where no one bats an eyelid because many are naked. Strange for a Catholic, ex-fascist country, but I got used to it!
Personal experience with US Healthcare vs US. When I was visiting Spain last year with my GF, she had a medical emergency and we had to go to the nearest hospital. It was a private hospital and did t accept my travelers insurance but it was an emergency so we just admitted her. First off the saw her almost immediately. They ran a bunch of tests on her, Xray, blood, ultrasound, and more. They fed her and cared for her well. My total bill: 180 euros. That's it. A couple weeks later back in the US she had to be rushed to the hospital for the same issue, this time in the US. We took her in the emergency room in the afternoon and she didn't get to see a doctor until the next morning. They ran the same tests, except she was never fed, service was abysmal. Most of the time we spent in a tiny room alone and I didn't even have a chair to sit on. Her co-pay for the ER (with insurance mind you) was $750 plus she had to pay $2500 deductible and since the insurance only pays 80%, she still owes the hospital $3500. All for nothing more than what was done in Spain but with much worse service. That's American Healthcare in a nutshell.
@@ANTOANETTA I respect your opinion, and we have a whole other issue here in Norway, when it comes to healthcare, the provide of healthcare in this country is so bad when it comes to service sector, there is no competition between private and public institution, our bureaucrats make sure everything run slow in all health department in Norway. For example if you were diagnosed by cancer here, and you wanted to make an appointment with your local doctor, only a simple visit could take 6 month, the procedure could take everywhere from 18 month to get prepared, keep also in mind that, our physicians do not have enough experience or knowledge to cure all types of disease, and if you choose to get treatment elsewhere our Government wan't cover your financial cost, that goes out of your own pocket. So dont be surprised. And you can already tell that we have a better healthcare regarding the cost.
Our Healthcare System is one of the best of the world for everybody. We pay our taxes for this , free health, free education and best quality of life . A Spanish Doctor (European Union , because Spain is in Europe)
My wife and I are US citizens. We have traveled to (I just counted these) 77 different countries and territories. Out of all of those, 7 years ago we decided we wanted to retire to Spain, for many of the reasons you have pointed out. So we bought our apartment and moved 5 years ago permanently to Valencia. It has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. We feel so blessed to be able to live in such a wonderful place. Thank you for your videos!
Hi there Philip. I have dual citizenship American and European and love Spain. Currently i live in Philly. I plan on moving to Valencia soon at some point and most likely will buy an apartment. Are you guys renting or did you buy a house. If you bought any recommendations about sorting out real estate agent and someone that specializes on getting the papers together regarding living there , kinda like guiding me !!! Any helps much appreciated. Thank you
Hi Philip! My name is Joe. I moved down to south Florida many moons ago from Brooklyn, New York. I miss the "walking life" that I had in N.Y. The cities in Spain sound like those of New York. Like N.Y., there is dependable public transportation so one doesn't really need to own a car in Spain. Thank you for sharing. Joe
That's a very shallow opinion. You don't seem to know what Spain is these days... La España Vaciada... you are going to need people in Spain regardless.
A friend of mine had a good job working for the Canadian government in Ottawa. He was depressed..took a half pension..moved to Progreso, Mexico..got married. He got his seamanship papers and spends four months a year working in Canada. I respect what he did as he totally changed his life.
I worked in a hospital billing department. We had a list of people who were on long term payment plans. There were multiple people who owed over $100k, and one of the top bills was to an elderly lady who owed $500k
I'm a professional musician from NYC, and after years of touring around the world, I made the move to Lyon, France (and I spend a lot of time in Barcelona, Spain too). Everything you've discussed here is spot on. It's hard to see what's happening in the US... I think there are a lot of good people in the States who are being pushed to the extreme due to the accumulation of various factors beyond their control, and it makes sense why folks are starting to crack under the constant pressure. It seems like the walls inevitably close in on most people in the States who aren't rich, so I'm glad I was able to start setting up roots abroad while I was in my 20s and still had the energy and "freedom" to do so. Now at 31, I'm glad I did. I truly am living the American dream abroad.
A family member with a normal private medical insurance in Barcelona had some health issues and needed to get some open heart surgery. He didnt pay a single cent and he was Hospitalized for about 20 days and had a fantastic treatment from doctors, nurses, food...etc....
One month ago I was to a birthday party with my middle kid. Some moms, including me, were having a conversation to start "knowing" each other. Almost imediatly they asked about what you work, like that was defining them. Like "Hi, I am Amanda, I work as a lawyer". I will never forget the silence when I told them I just stay home with the kids 🤣🤣. Definitely it feels like the carrier is what defines you as a person, here in the US. So sad
This is so true! Even my high school friends are all like this. Anytime we haven't talked in a few weeks, they immediately start asking about my job status, and my salary. I always thought it stemmed from the fact that they had low self esteem, and they want to constantly compare themselves to me and everyone else they know. Crazy. Also about the healthcare, a lot of times it is not even that good besides costing an arm and a leg. People in the US who are chronically sick constantly fly to doctors all over the country, since it is so difficult to find a good one.
Yep when i was growing up my parents taught me to mind my own business. How much money someone makes doesnt concern you, dont be rude. When i lived in seattle thats all they talk about. My wife is from peru we go there as often as we can. I love it there totally different attitude and atmosphere.
I’m a Brazilian that moved to Spain some months ago, I would add the quality of food you can buy in a supermarket by affordable prices. I never ate so well.
You made great points lady. I'm Dutch and living 14 years in Spain now. Life is fantastic here. Based on love for family, neighbours, friends and relatives. Healthcare is very good, cheap and jobs everywhere if you really want one. I will stay here the rest of my live. Great country and people! Enjoy Valencia 😊
You are right. I lived for 30 years in Europe. I wouldn’t trade it to live in the USA for anything. I’ve gotten a lot of resentment from family members for my views. They can’t imagine there is anything better than America.
Stop bothering your family members with your superior attitude. Live your life and leave them alone. You MUST be a Leftie. Only a Leftie feels the need to FORCE other people to adopt their views.
@@ellasoes8325 Lol. Way t project on a total stranger🤣 Many European health and social systems are objectively better than the dumpster fire that is the US nowadays. It's just a fact. If the family is b*tthurt about it and in denial, it certainly isn't this person's fault.🤪
I completely agree. I visited some friends who live in Germany for a couple of weeks and couldn't believe the difference in quality of life between the two countries. Returning to The United States after that short trip it was still a shock to me how people acted and what they complained about floored me. I can completely understand why you moved all those years ago. I have often thought of doing the same thing in my later years!
Omg, when you mentioned isolation, the lack of strong and meaningful relationship in america, you almost drove me to tears. This is how bad quality of life has become.
We agree with all of your points. We left the US 13 years ago for Europe and Asia. So much better quality of life. Less consumerism. Less anger. Less stress. Better healthcare. Better food. Much more freedom.
I agree with you I live and work in the inner city. No matter what you do for people in this crazy country they’re always angry and miserable. I tend not to be because I lived in many different countries and traveled the world between 1991 and 2010. When my children are old enough I actually hope to leave this Looney Tunes country
Yup but we need foreigners to come here and maybe help some of us Americans who are interested in traveling with them! Idc where Africa, Europe, Middle East, asia, or South America let’s make some trustworthy travel friends!
I left the US for Europe in the mid 80's . Best thing I've ever done. It is safer, healthier and gives a much better quality of life. I was in Germany for 9yrs and then moved to an island in the Mediterranean that belongs to Spain. I haven't spent a penny out of pocket for healthcare since 1985 and I've had numerous surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy and take medication daily. The food here is fresh and natural, the air and water is clean and there is no fear that I will be shot going about my day. Lounging in a cafe with friends for hours every day and going to the beach for a swim in the evening are just a normal part of life. There are people here from all over the world so it is never boring. I've learned two new languages and gained friends for life. The worst thing that could happen is that I would have to go back to the US.
The particulars of living elsewhere, becoming an expat, have always fascinated me. A guy I went to high with here in the USA wound up working as a civilian on a US military base in Europe. I ran into him ten years after we graduated and he still lived in Europe. But he said something to the effect that while he loved the country he was in and had mastered the language, there was no path to citizenship, ever. That has always stuck in my head.
@@forrestgossett that isn't true. The ways of obtaining citizenship varies from country to country. It certainly isn't impossible. The biggest deterrent to gettting a citizenship is that the US charges you quite a bit of money to renounce the US citizenship and is notoriously fussy about allowing dual citizenships.
I move to us in 2009 and my perception is that everything start to change drastically, country of egos, zero empathy, my daughter is 13 now I’m waiting that she graduated to comeback to my home town Antigua Guatemala. how much I miss the human warm
I'm from the US but moved to Argentina 25 years ago. I could not go back to the States, even though the economy is so bad here. The warmth of Latinoamerica is not experienced anywhere else, and once you've felt that, you never ever want to give that up.
I was friends with a woman and her husband who came here from Guatemala. After they migrated here they went back to Guatemala! Quality of life, friends and family were the main reasons. Her husband told me all they do here is work to survive and life was too short.
I’ve been living in Spain almost two years and I’ve noticed many of the same things you have. Especially the older people having a good lifestyle compared to the US where most of the time they just sit parked in front of the TV all day, and if they go out they drive wherever they need to go. Then when they lose the right to drive it’s a crushing blow. Here they walk outside to the public square, talk with their friends over coffee, grab some bread at the panadería, and spend time with their grandkids. And the kids have more fun and less stress here, too. About the only people whose quality of life is lacking are young people who can’t find jobs. Hopefully there will be improvements in that realm too.
I've been doing my research on Spain for years now. It's almost perfect but unfortunately, I've been told by Spanish friends that jobs are really hard to come by. So it's an idyllic place but only for much older people, for relaxing, for healthcare, for fun. If you're starting a career, the Nordic countries could offer better opportunities.
@@denniszenanywhere "... but only for much older people, for relaxing, for healthcare, for fun". This is a country, not Disneyland.Remember, we Spaniards are rude.
@@denniszenanywhere Good jobs are hard to find, but there are many jobs being taken by foreign workers. And there are companies that can't fill some positions because of lack of qualified workers.
Hi Antoanetta. We just returned to Dallas from Valencia yesterday. We totally agree with you on every point. We look forward to making our permanent move to Valencia.
Omg what a great amazing video ❤ I have visited Spain three times already , and since the first time I wanted to moved there 😢 things are harder when you have children , 😊 ❤
I don't know what you're talking about!... I love paying 7 dollars / euro for one beer in the States. Once again I agree with you. I would love to move to 🇪🇸.
I just found your channel and I used to live in Japan in my wife is Japanese and she moved to the states in the same exact thing you said about the school shootings and child safety is what made her move back to Japan and I’m so excited to move back in two weeks.
I was born and grew up in the US, moved to Spain out of college, stayed for 26 years and am now in Denmark (which is a better fit for me). I absolutely agree with everything you say here. Welcome to Europe!
I'm 41, retired military. I'm deeply disapointed in what the USA has transformed into. Living abroad for the win, as the military gave me perspective into true human nature and how much better other countries are.
I think this is a case of modern, uncultured life versus a cultured, more natural lifestyle. I moved from the UK to Thailand 6 years ago and I am seeing a similar comparison. In Thailand, people are way more respectful to each other, elders are respected, life is slower, people seem naturally happier and less stressed.
@sitdowndogbreath Liking a video doesn't have anything to do with good manners, lol. You thumb up or down a video based on its appeal to you, not a favor
I just watched your video again. it brought back memories of why I left the US for Mexico. I was fortunate that I "commuted" for almost 2 years back and forth and it became harder and harder to return to the states for many of the reasons you mention but primarily because of the people and their culture. I moved to a small fishing village growing its tourism business but I lived in the center of town where it was almost all locals living, not among the expats who lived outside the town by the beach. it helped me immerse in the culture. out town had no real grocery store or chain stores. everything was local including buying fish from the fisherman or fruits and vegetables from the outdoor market. I felt a part of the community.
I can’t understand how her moving to Spain, Europe has something to do with your experience in Mexico. Mexico is just another third world country like the USA even your government washed your brain thru the media and with other ways. Just check the % of usa and you’ll see you have way more % similar to Africa country’s than you wish. I’ll rather live in Europe ( wich includes Spain ) under a bridge as engineer than living in the USA and getting paid for eating burgers.
And they’re really not “expats” An expatriate is someone who has lost the citizenship of their country of birth. If they haven’t, then they aren’t “expats” they’re immigrants
Thank you. This was what I have been looking for. Im 29 years old pharmacist, technically just starting my career and I’m burned out. I don’t look forward to working everyday paying off student debt that will only grow with massive interest. I can barely use my own health insurance because I can’t get a day off of work. I’m moving this was everything I needed.
Muchas gracias por recordarnos (a los españoles que entendemos inglés) las cosas buenas de nuestro país. Muchas veces somos demasiado críticos con nosotros mismo y una visión de alguien de fuera como esta... oye, sienta bien. Bienvenida a España y espero que seas muy feliz aquí. Un saludo desde Asturias.
No te preocupes, hasta en Italia siempre somos muy críticos con nuestro país, será una forma de pensar en nosotros los latinos, nos gusta quejarnos. Somos muy afortunados y no lo sabemos, por suerte hay menos afortunados que nosotros que nos lo recuerdan.
Bueno esta señora no es Americana me gustaria oir a una Americana como le parese otro pais europeo. Bueno y no es de solo mudarse a otro pais si no tenes plata. Tambien tienes que solicitar residencia legal y no creo que es es facil.
@@mariolanz4187No es necesario escuchar una “Americana” porque si te le preguntas específicamente te lo confirmaras. Yo soy Americano, nacido, y criado aqui en Nueva York. Lo que dice la mujer es 100% correcto.
Yo soy Ítalo-alemán (papá italiano, mamá alemana) y he vivido en muchos países del mundo. La calidad de vida y de los servicios públicos que hay en España es la MEJOR. Y la gente 😍🇪🇸
Cuando la gente del caribe sueña con emigrar a USA pienso con mucha pena que realmente no saben lo que tienen en su pais. El dinero NO es lo mas importante en la vida.
Omg, Antoanetta, I will be turning 65 next week, and I agree with you on all points. We live in Phoenix, Arizona and can’t wait to visit Valencia next year. Life is way to short to explore the world and live a happy life. I especially like what you said that they treat seniors very well. We are trying to learn Spanish before we come. Love, love love your videos!❤
Aquí serás bien recibido. La vida no es tener más, sino trabajar para disfrutar de la familia, de los amigos, de la naturaleza. No lo dudes, cualquier zona mediterránea como Valencia o Alicante o Andalucía está muy bien para la jubilación
@@Carlos-rf2kj Gracias, Carlos. Estaremos explorando Valencia, Alicante y Málaga el próximo año para la jubilación. Disfrutamos de un estilo de vida urbano, pero también disfrutamos de las vistas al Mediterráneo. Estamos deseando encontrar la ciudad que mejor se adapte a nosotros. La vida es demasiado corta. Tenemos que empezar a vivir ahora.
Yo agregaría que en España se realiza rápidamente que la prosperidad no es para quien mas tiene, sino para quien menos necesita. Se puede pasar muy bien con mucho menos que en otros países por las razones mencionadas en el vídeo. Saludos de un madrileño y espero vengan pronto.
When I visited Valencia last month, I cried in my airbnb, because of everything you had mentioned in this video. I want to LIVE. I see my family and friends so caught up existing in this idea of what life is supposed to be in America...cost of living, health, gun shootings (I live in Texas and there was a shooting in Allen this past week, I live 15 min away)....it's tragic. My heart breaks, and I cannot wait to move sometime in the future out to Spain. I'm willing to sell and get rid of years of things (house, car, possessions) just to have a better, ...living life.
Follow your heart (responsibly) and you will be fine. My friend's high school buddy and his wife just sold everything they own, bought a Winnebago, a new Jeep and are traveling the country. There exact words were, "We want to chase 72 degrees!"
I am from a small country in South America with free healthcare and education...we also have private healthcare...but no one, whether local or foreign, is left without free medical care...I was interested in going to the United States to improve my English....a friend of mine who is living in Texas offered me a job....I was thinking to go only for the three legal months....but you have so many problems with the guns and the healthcare issue made me rethink and decide not to go....
@@globalizacionliquida If it is only for three months I would do it just for the experience. I have no idea what Texas is like (I have only been to the Dallas airport once), but it might be worth it to give it a try since you're not staying forever!
This was so spot on: Subbed to your channel. I was born in the US but my family is from South of France (less than an hour from Spain). Having worked in the corporate world and seeing how we live here (with a lot of fake people), I never really found my identity here. Quality of life is so important. A country is also judged on how they treat their elderly population. It's fairly disgusting in the states if you're poor or middle-class.
I was fortunate to be adopted by my grandparents at the age of 5. At the age of 9, I saw my first foreign country (Australia) when we went there on vacation for 2 months. I enlisted in the US Navy while still in High School (because of my grandfather and his service during WW II). Shortly after, the cycle of loss began. Grandpa was the first to pass, and within a matter of 20 years, I became the sole survivor of my family; no one else is left. Grandpa died of a massive coronary on Thanksgiving day of 1990; Grandma died after 3 weeks at home (being "made comfortable"), after having spent almost a month in the hospital in 2002; the rest of my uncles, biological father, and biological mother passed, victims of a healthcare system that did nothing more than exploit them for financial gain ("here, take these pills", "sign over your pension and social security to us", etc., etc.). If it hadn't been for the presence of family left in the US, I wouldn't have come back to the US after my time in the military. Now, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management with a Major in Entrepreneurship, my soul is screaming to get the Hell out of America! Every morning, I wake up and that is the goal of my existence. Too many Americans can't imagine living someplace other than America because they haven't BEEN anyplace other than America, and way too many of them have been brainwashed into believing there is no other place better than America. There IS a better way to live. America is NOT the be all/end all that they try to make everyone believe. To anyone that wakes up each morning dissatisfied with their day-to-day life, I simply ask this: do you simply want to exist, making the upper 1% of America that own the $34.2 trillion dollars of assets richer, or do you want to actually LIVE, happy with each day and how much fuller your life can be? I say this as an American veteran of 53 that has had his eyes opened to what America has REALLY become. People, you can do so much better! America has become a culture of toxicity, steeped in venom and manipulated for the enrichment of those who prey on hopes and dreams. Don't lose your humanity or sacrifice your souls for a bag full of empty promises or cheap goods (that won't last and you can't take with you when your time comes)!
@@markgoldstein4663 We´ve been to Barcelona and Madrid (too big and touristy) as well as Malaga, Seville and Cadiz. Decided on Valencia for the location, the size (about 800K people), public transportation, safety and how pedestrian it is (very walkable)-
@@mamagotgoals3114 I´m an EU dual citizen (Italy) so I don´t need a visa, making the process easier. If you´re not and you don´t need to work, you would get a NLV (Non Lucrative Visa) or another kind of visa specific to your situation and a NIE (identification number), both you would get before moving there through the consulate closest to you.
@@johnv6272 How long have you been in Valencia, and do you enjoy living there? I can’t wait to visit next year. I haven’t been back since 1982 when I was in a plane crash that killed 54 people in Malaga. Now Malaga is one of the cities I’m contemplating moving to from the US. How funny life is.
As an European citizen I can’t believe why US people think we craving for a Green Card and want to live in the states. Never!! And I don’t know anyone who is thinking moving to the States.
Depends who you mean by "we". It's not that US people "think" you are craving a Green Card. It's a fact proven by evidence and numbers and the illegal entry rushing of the southern US border. Since the 1960s, and more so since the last 20years, the USA has allowed entry to huge numbers of immigrants who deeply HATE and undermine the United States. Don't ask me why they come if they want to change the whole country and its distinct system of government into whatever they left behind in the first place.
My sister and her husband moved out to New Jersey in the late 90s due to her work. I would go out and visit them now and again. I loved Manhattan/New York. I went out for a longer stay of about 3 months in 2003, with a view to maybe moving there. After a month I was done. For all that I loved it, I started to hate it just as much. The inequality, homeless people treated like dirt. Having to work all the time just to exist (my friend was a teacher, she also had to work at a bar and even then had to survive on the tips). I'd love to be able to move to the European mainland and work, but unfortunately Brexit has destroyed that for us. America? As a kid in the 80s? For sure! Now, no thanks.
Nearly 1 million people from around the world move to the USA every year. US has the #1 economy in the 🌎 Lady u can join the Russian front & become a Canon fodder.😂
This is your problem: you think the world is Europe and the US. We are a tiny part of the world. No one in America thinks You want to come here. And, more importantly, we do not care.
I am 100% agree with your POV. I just came back from Europe for a vacation (first time), and it was a great experience. We visited 4 countries through the 7 nights cruise and stayed 2 nights in Barcelona. I like the calm atmosphere, and people just enjoyed a quick hang out at a local shop at the end of the day. Nobody seemed to care of look at what I got or drive etc. Europe in general has such a rich culture and the lifestyle is not about materials. I came from a third-world country and have been living in the US for 34 years. This trip gave me a different perspective and life option. My worse fear of retiring early in the US is the healthcare.
You covered every reason why we are leaving the United States. One more vacation to Spain then we plan our permanent move. I'm looking forward to my second half of my life in Valencia (and travel). A++++ video
Same here . Love Spain and i plan on buying a property . Haven't made up my mind and I'm between Málaga or Valencia. I live in Philly and it has gotten pretty bad and not that pleasant anymore
You are so right and I have loved every single of your videos, this one hits the mark. I have been in the US for 32 years. Worked myself into hypertension and even had a stroke. Thankful to have had health insurance and no severe damage from the stroke. Looking to take a break from work in 2024 and move to Valencia to experience what I saw on my trips there. Even got the apartment already ! Best wishes to you. Keep inspiring others to think of a different way of life. The money in US is nice though but keeping up with the cost of living takes a toll on you after a while.
I'm considering moving to Spain. "Human centered society"! That's what I'm talking about! I told my friends that the U.S. is a PERSONALITY CENTERED" society where many other countries are "SOUL CENTERED".Thanks for the video!
Personality would be crazy people who might kill ya for looking at them strange or just because your a certain color nationality etc...hey how's it going oh I see that gun you just lifted your shirt fir me too see ...no more hello how are you from me men f all yall .
For anyone with kids planning to attend school (of any sort), the tuition here is a fraction of the U.S. Not just Spain, but the EU in general. Our daughter paid $2K per year for an excellent school in the Netherlands. Now she's working in her field of study with zero debt. Meanwhile, she has friends back in the States with between $100-450K in school debt. The latter example is a doctor. Here in Spain, our son attends conservatory for piano, and it's the "pricier" private option at a lofty $160 a month. He loves it as it has afforded several options of performing with local orchestras. P.s., we live in Valencia too!
Higher education in the US has been "corporatized", i.e, been turned into a commodity from which "shareholders" wring profit. This is precisely the wrong model to institutionalize... The corporatized graduates move into corporate culture, and on the whole are the most neurotic, narcissistic, grasping, artless, aimless products of a defective, unbalanced, money-centric indoctrination into corporate pathology. They become worthless.
Yes! I’ve been living in Spain for 5 years for many reasons, but truly for the health care. I have both public and private and pay $0 for public and $40/ mo for private. The health care is top notch! They LISTEN to concerns and take it seriously. As a cancer survivor, I need this.
Thanks, Antoanetta, for confirming ALL of my reasons for leaving the US 30 years ago and settling in Amsterdam. Make no mistake...Amsterdam is NOT Spain, but has offered me a much better life than I would have had in the states. I no longer recognize my country of birth when I witness what is happening there now. I will be very, very happy to finish my life here !!!!
Wow Gary good for you that you were able to make that change. I'm in the US but have wanted to move aborad a few years now. Caring for my mom so that's my priority but I don't identify with this culture at all and I'm American. Best wishes in Amsterdam, lovely city.
@@ellasoes8325 - do you have a problem with that? You must be a MAGA freak. Sorry, that is what you are projecting. Trump, the biggest clown and charlatan ever.
Antoenetta, You are so spot on. I have old family ties in Spain. They’ve all passed now. I lived there in my youth and studied there a very long time ago. I wanted to stay there and didn’t for a variety of reasons. These past dozen years I’ve contemplated retiring in MX or Spain. I’ve chosen Spain because of my cultural ties, because it’s been a long held dream and for the other reasons you’ve mentioned. I had a tough time readjusting to life in the US and never fully have. Overall, work life has been brutal and a grind. I’m a mental health professional and the system has all but disintegrated, placing so much pressure on us and it’s just sad to do this work with children and families and little or no support. Plus the compensation is abysmal. Just as you mentioned, there’s little time for oneself to enjoy life. I’m 66 years old now and ready to break out. I’m recovering from some health issues, which I’m sure have been brought on by stress. But I’m doing better and preparing myself for a long visit to Spain to decide where to live and to prepare myself further for my eventual move in 2024. I’m enjoying your channel and thank you for your keen observations. Perhaps, I’ll see you in Valencia. Reciba un abrazote, Ana
I live in Sevilla but my favorite places are Cadiz, Malaga and Cantabria (coast places). The best about living here is to get tegether with friends and take a beer in the bar, also go to ther several parks and give food to the ducks and pigeons. They're simple things that improve your mental energy
Have you been to Alicante? If you have I'd like to hear more. I have a cousin there (somos cubanos...) and I know Valladolid and Madrid well, but Alicante has BEACH...
@@alsoarod I've never been in Alicante but I've heard good things about Valencia (they're side to side) like nice people, many tourists, good restaurants and museums and so on edit: cuando vayais no querreis iros, os encantara el ambiente costero :)
I love this and it’s so true! Every time I leave America I come back and have pretty hard reverse culture shock. It’s really sad the level of anxiety that has developed here and it’s almost like it’s a virtue which is very toxic! We really need to examine ourselves and make positive changes in this country for our mental health and communal happiness. Thank you for sharing your experience, I agreed with every word.
Great comment! FTR I’ve survived that “culture shock” twice…when I came back to the USA from Germany (I was in the army) and after a week in Jamaica (adult son took us for my 60th birthday). On the last full day, I looked at my wife and said, “We’re both getting old. The world’s a big place. There has got to be something better…” Recently, the “old lady” mentioned teaching English to children…in Vietnam! Five years ago she was talking about North Carolina, LOL
Antoanetta I love how your vids always feel like we’re having a conversation, strolling down the streets together! I got emotional watching this one because of so many points you made about the challenges in the USA. I LOVE what you said about seeking a human-centered society. There is so much disconnect in the USA that contributes to this loneliness epidemic. I have been going down the Valencia rabbit hole as a possible place to live. As you said yourself don’t postpone living your life 💕
Thank you Antoanetta for making this video and sharing your experiences. You voiced feelings that I've had living in the US. The isolation, the lack of genuine human connection and concern and the consumer mentality. I feel that people are looked at as disposable on many levels. When you spoke about elderly and how they are treated, I think of the elderly and their end of live in nursing homes rather than with their families. When you speak about kids that are pressured to start their life after high school, I think of many of the Gen Y and Z who can't even afford a home in most cities because rising costs of living and because they are underemployed. Not to mention, the burden of educational loans.
You are right in many respects. I just want to correct one of your statements. It is not "rising cost of living", it is deliberate devaluation of the currency. You just have to guess by whom.
Life is not a race with opponents! Life is a journey to enjoy with friends! Stop racing and creating opponents! Stop hate now! Stop all wars now! Enjoy your journey.
I got my us citizenship in 2019 and 2023 I want to move from the country. I've been waiting for my papers for 5 years before that I lived 5 more years on different visas. I feel like I made a wrong decision by staying in this country and wasting my youth here. I've been miserable here emotionally. I'm ready to leave, God willing.
I got outta Dodge in 2014. I retired in Costa Rica. I married a wonderful Costa Rican woman (pictured in the pfp). No amount of money would get us to move to the US.
If I needed a sign to move there NOW instead of continuing to wait, then this was it! Thank you, Antoanetta for listing all the legit reasons I want to leave the states and join you over there in Europe! It has been my dream to move to Spain for many many years and I am finally going to take the plunge! Can’t wait 😀
Im 44 and live in Philly and I'm making a move this year or beginning of next year. I'm not waiting till 70 to make a move and i can't wait . Lifestyle here is insane and doesn't make any sense whatsoever. I'm just debating between Málaga and Valencia
Very compelling Antoanetta! I retired to Portugal even before Donald Trump. Here, there is little crime, zero mass-murders, no gun nuts, no religious zealots, and a cohesive culture with a deep history. The healthcare is better, food is fresh, and days are sunny. The people are sane, humble, helpful, and just lovely. Thanks!
@@wwbuirkle It does have to do. He is pointing out USA already sucked even before the ultra polarization that happened with trump... Good luck with that.
Hola Antoanetta. I moved to mexico 17 years ago for many of the same reasons you mention. I have never regretted my move. I'm actually in Spain now considering the possibility of moving to Spain. I love to live among other cultures and beautiful places in the world of which there are obviously many. I am fortunate since I now can work remote and that has brought much more balance to my life.. thank you for your videos
There are many great cities in Spain. You will notice there are stark cultural differences among them. In some the locals speak regional languages like in Alicante/Castellón/Valencia where people also speak valencian, in Cataluña people speak catalán, in Galicia, galician is spoken and last but not least, basque is spoken in the Basque Country.
@@denniszenanywhere I am still living in mexico but I'm currently in Spain for a month considering where I would move to if I decide to move. when I moved to mexico I did not speak Spanish but over time I learned. I live in a community that is primarily Spanish speaking so that makes it easier to become fluent. Mexicans are almost always willing to help you learn and not criticize. I did not want to move to a city with a large expat community because I like to feel that I'm in a different culture. where I live is similar to Spain in that there are many different dialects spoken, not just Spanish. the population is 60% indigenous many of which speak no Spanish. I started remote work with a company in the US while I was in mexico so I can now move anywhere there is suitable internet. I work with companies all over the world but English is the primary language. 2 of my kids work remote so it was an easy transition.
@@caballoloco100 thanks for your response. I'm familiar with regional dialects from my time in Oaxaca and that doesn't concern me. Most of the places I am looking at are used to dealing with Spanish or English. I am also used to cultural differences and consider that a plus as one of the criteria I always choose from are the importance of cultural identity in the location.
@@bobtoubman8551Entonces te sugiero que no pienses en Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia o las islas (Canarias y Baleares), son grandes focos de angloparlantes. Si quieres una gran ciudad, te recomiendo Zaragoza y Córdoba, y sí te apetece una capital pequeña, te recomiendo ciudades como León, Burgos, Vigo, Santander y otras que puedes investigar por tí mismo. Pero realmente deberías huir de los "guettos" anglófonos, donde muchos no saben ni decir gracias.
EXACTLY, finally someone not Spanish said it!! Here in Spain we stand out because the way we are, the way we interact with each other. I have lived in 5 countries and this one is the best so, far, hands down.
Fascinating! As everything you said about America is spot on. I know, I am an American. I just got out of the hospital and lucky I did not die but I get a feeling the bill that is coming is going to kill me. And we here in America are workaholics. Over worked and under paid and the gap between rich and poor is getting bigger. In America, I have always had neighbors that never talked to me. I mean, never even said hi when I walked by. We are atomized from each other. And I have been a victim of some major crimes, like car jacking. Someone tried to shoot me, to stab me and jump me. All on different occasions. The only reason I survived all of that is because the Good Lord blessed me with the ability to fight. Everyday in America hundreds are getting murdered. You can see all kinds of home videos of crime happening to Americans on RUclips. Just to stay above water in America economically we have to work, work and work some more. As Americans like to say, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go." And your complaints about America are a short list as I could add hundreds of more pages to it. Very interesting video and spot on. Good job. Ciao, Good Medicine
We are looking to Spain in the near future! We agree with all you mentioned in this great video! Thanks for sharing your feedback and thoughts on this subject. Zoe and Ramon.
Hi Antonetta, thank you so much for posting this. It is so true America, is really a horrible place to live now. For regular working class and lower middle class people it is just horrid. Your sincerity and truthfulness in this video made me cry totally unexpectedly......because I know it is true. I want to escape from Texas. This place is one major societal problem from a precipitous downfall. I can feel it in my bones, now....finally. 😢
I voted with my feet and left the USA for good. Best decision of my life! The Modern American Man pursues Prosperity above all things! Today’s American man has little time & energy left for humanity: developing constructive relationships with family, neighbors, villagers and community. It’s the American Way - Greed is Good: Ivan Boesky is a renowned American arbitrageur who came to epitomize the motto "greed is good" during the financial excess of the 1980s. A major player in the hostile takeover and junk bond craze. America changed its attitude by the 1980s. It’s evident if you look at their film hero’s over time. The heroes of the past: Errol Flynn as the honorable Robin Hood; Jimmy Stewart as the hero who saves a town by averting a banking run; WW2 US Army medic Desmond Doss became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor (a hero who did what he had too with great humility). But as the men came home from the Vietnam War - which made Wall Street, LBJ and many politicians wealthy - the new hero got to the top using any reprehensible means necessary: Dirty Harry, Death Wish, Burt Reynolds in Hard Frame, Rambo; and now the 1990s adventure film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, featured a dirty, unethical, shady & underhanded Robin Hood. Ultimately the American hero became the Terminator: a soulless machine. What does this reveal about the American soul? Ivan Boesky was finally jailed for insider trading; whilst Jeffery Epstein ran his criminal Shadow Banking System & Bernie Madoff drove his long-lasting Ponzi scheme. Finally Ivan Boesky was released from prison. His wife picked him up there and commented, “Look honey, the moon is beautiful!” To which Ivan Boesky replied, “What good is the moon? I can’t buy it or sell it?!” Today, Americans are, above all other things, pursuing prosperity - They don’t have time for anything else. Ben Shapiro writes in his latest book, “I can’t understand how the most prosperous nation in the world has the most radicalized population and the most addicted to opioids!” The reason for this is precisely because they are so prosperous! All other things are of lessor importance: personal health, communication and expressing love and camaraderie with family members, friends, neighbors, villagers, and the culture at large. Thus, you have an incarceral, radicalized country addicted to opioids. Not a very healthy place for all the boys and girls. “We live in a society that demands addiction. The person who is best adjusted to this society is not dead and not alive because if you were fully alive, you couldn’t support the system.” Anne Wilson Schaef A question everyone there must ask: “Does Money Make It Easier to Sell Your Soul?” The USA represents 4% of the world population. Yet it holds 30% of the world’s prisoners, and histories largest collection of children prisoners. The USA has 65% of the world’s drug addicts, and it holds over 50% of the people in the world taking psychotropic drugs. One does not “live” in the USA - But rather “survives” it! It is noteworthy that over 90% of all violent crimes committed in the USA involve substance abuse. America’s substance abuse problem is a direct and proximate result of war. In the USA, the problem began immediately following the Civil War - Wherein Bayer provided injured troops with opioids. Eisenhower signed a bill to give the US Army over a hundred million narcotics and speed during WW2. [War creates addicts; addiction creates violence; the stats bore this out.] Men come back from war with missing limbs and broken minds. Those damaged troops fold back into and damage the social fabric like a cancerous malignancy. The USA has been at continual war for all but 17 years since its inception in 1776. Is it any wonder the USA finds itself in this black hole? Sadly, since the phony Vietnam War, the wars have only escalated in size, scope and tempo. Voting does nothing. Who is America’s hero? Joe Biden? Donald Trump? Jesus Christ? Aliens from out space? It would seem that the herd - the society - has a black soul: unbalanced, prone to deadly shopping mall stampedes and continually promoting malevolent & pernicious soulless men to lead their corporations & governments. It will continue in this direction until finally the people are suffering to the point they can no longer ignore it! But at that point the cure will be exceptionally costly. Why is the USA so full of division? They have Prosperity Gospels and no use for Humanity on the spreadsheet - the profit and loss statement. Without humanity, the people are empty, lifeless, and imbalanced. I voted with my feet and left for good. Here on this simple island in the Caribbean, Nature Island, the people live for each other. We are the village. We have the same blood. When any one of us hurts, we all feel the pain. When any of us sings with joy, we all feel it as one! We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man--all belong to the same family. The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes, and feed our children. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life: he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. “Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny.” - Chief Seattle We may be brothers and sisters after all.
Many poor white rural dwellers in Kentucky, Tennessee, the Dakotas, Wyoming, Oregon, Texas, and Florida struggle against poverty, yet stubbornly cling to notions that they live in the greatest country on earth.
Spot on with the points Antoanetta. Its so ridiculous here, the other day I went to Chipotle to grab some food. I ordered a beer with my order and as soon as I am about to walk out the store with my order, they say 'Oh, beer can only be consumed in store'. What a nanny state America has become. You can't trust an adult to take beer back home? What am I gonna do, get drunk off one bottle and cause civil unrest? Yet you can buy guns with no licence in walmart. Such a joke of a society it has become.
You were able to buy a beer in Chipotle? In my state, only establishments with a license to sell beer can sell beer and a license, IF available can cost upwards of a million dollars.
Well, the very people that want to keep America “safe”, and provide “free” healthcare are the ones turning it into a non-functional Nanny State. You get what you vote for. I have to admit I was part of the problem until 2017.
@@JeepCherokeeful one thing is having a license. Another is buying a weapon with a background check WE.. Americans simply do not understand something. In european countries, it is not that hard owning a gun. It is indeed pretty easy. All you have to do is an exam that even a 6 yo could do, then hit like 5 targets at 10 meters away or something. Then you have to "enlist" yourself into a sport firing club and there you go. Now you can buy a gun and own it legally. People just dont care about owning a gun overhere.
Agree with your insight and at same time I think people here in US are realizing it's not worth giving up their personal life for work, reason why quiet quitting may be going on. I stopped going above and beyond normal job duties just to get brownie points and a raise that can't even match inflation. I don't care much anymore and if I get laid off, it would be a blessing in disguise. I'm ready to move out of this country. This is America 😆✌🏼
Words of wisdom! Thank you for sharing! 🙏 Native Californian who spent a long time as an ex-pat and now back in US for a job. It’s true, life here is really low quality compared to outside of the US. Such a culture of stress, and isolation, and deep insecurity, healthcare and other.. You’re making me think about other options! Beautiful articulation of all the reasons why one would!
I agree with everything you said, except you weren’t really an “expat” if you still hold an American passport and citizenship, you weren’t an expatriate, just an immigrant living outside the US
I left the US 10 years ago. It’s a good thing because I would have had to go back to work just to have medical insurance. We live in Colombia and it’s been a great experience. Living here you begin to see life much differently. Essentially your on a hamster wheel waiting to retire at 65 in the US. We can enjoy friends of all ages here. My voice and opinions count much more. In the the US my job is to be a good grandpa and go along with everyone else’s ideas. My time had passed and the best it gets is a comfortable recliner.
I just went to Heilbronn Germany a month ago and I witnessed an incredible amount of freedom, children playing outside without supervision because it’s that safe, people just hanging out in the park laughing and relaxing, I loved it so much!
My sister was recently holidaying in Crete when she fell and broke her wrist. She dreaded an American-style medical bill for the treatment (Australia is getting more and more like the 51st state of the USA in this respect, as in many others, above all in woke lunacy) but the surgeon in Heraklion, who did a very good job, charged only €37. That was it. The same procedure in Houston, Honolulu, or Harrisburg would have cost my sister something like $37,000.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, this really landed with me - especially the benefit of living in a human centred society - and how much more important it is to connect to people and have experiences and not just work all the time!
My family is from Spain, my parents came to New York City in the 70’s where I was born and raised. I travel a lot back and forth to spend time with family and over the years the quality of life in NYC just got worst. I find my self spending a lot of time in Galicia or with my sister in Valencia. I’ll be in Valencia this April. My family ask me why I keep coming back to NYC, I find myself with less excuses.
Hi Antoanetta...what an eye opening! I live in Canada, but can see many similarities to the US. My wife and i have been following your channel for a while and ara planning to move to Spain. We are both fluent in Spanish and speaks the language at home ( it's actually my wife's mother tongue) and I hold the EU cizenship as well....so not sure what we are waiting for ? We go to Europe on vacation almost every year and have spent a month in Spain visiting friends and family this summer and were able to experience first hand the quality of life you so beatifuly talk about in your videos. Didn't make it to Valencia this year, but it is for sure on our must visit list. Keep doing what you're doing. Mucha éxito y suerte en lo que hagas, disfruta cada momento y vive la vida!
Well, there is always a first time. If you come to Valencia during Las Fallas festive season, you will notice the city transforms itself into something else. It is a bit crazy, chaotic at times, thrilling, and pretty noisy, so unsuitable for the faint-hearted. Enjoy the local traditions. València is open-minded, liberal city, and a foodie's paradise: paella, horchata, agua de Valencia (cocktail), and many historical sites.
Thank you Antoanetta! I appreciate these videos, as someone who has spent his whole life in the United States. While every country has its own set of problems, and none are perfect, many people in the US have a distorted perception of our country due to indoctrination and lack of exposure to the outside world. Hence, many are under the false impression that the US is by far the best at nearly everything that matters. Unfortunately, many of the same people who live in this delusion will seldom come across enlightening videos like this because they have depressing lack of curiosity about other cultures or the outside world. This lack of inquisitiveness is, again, a product of the way they were inculcated with blind patriotism.
well said! I agree with every point. Americans will always say "we are the best country in the world" -- and they've never even left the country to see for themselves. There is a complete lack of curiosity, a lack of understanding that there is a big world out there, no thirst for culture or anything that doesn't involve sports, entertainment or celebrity worship.
That's one of the best comments I have ever read on RUclips. I have been living in the US for 30 years, my grandparents came here 70 years ago and have many American cousins. I am ready to leave the US and move to Spain.
yes, it's only ever a shock to Americans that other countries can do x, y or z better. America is so vast and there's so much to see and do there, but they don't look after their own people. No healthcare unless you have a good, secure job. Gun crazies everywhere. I would never want to live there, as a person with modest income, a pension that will be modest, a house that is worth ''only'' about 320k dollars. I have enough though, in Europe that is. America must be a great place to be rich though.
If you have a car in the US expect an unexpected expenses like the annual inspection they will tell you that you must change your brake pads and rotors even though the rotors were still ok there is nothing you can do and it is around usd 750.
Medical and dental costs in USA are sky high. Even I go to the Mexico border for extremely great dental care at 1/5th the cost. I pray I NEVER have to go to the hospital because even with insurance it can bankrupt you. My neighbor needed a hip replacement and the cheapest quote he got from 4 hospital in Houston was $48,000 NOT including the surgeon's fees. He went to Thailand and had it done for $12,000 and that included everything including post-op therapy. he is now at home doing great. Just an example.
Son realmente muy interesantes tus videos sobre las formas de vida tan diferentes entre EEUU y España. Y estoy realmente de acuerdo, emigre hace 45 años a este pais y no me he arrepentido nunca, gracias y saludos desde Barcelona.
I live US adjacent, we have many of the same issues regarding work/life balance, health care and isolation from each other. I'm planning to move (I'm thinking Valencia, but I want to visit some other areas as well first) within the next few years.
Besides the health care system, many of the US things you mention can be applied to Canada u.u I don't want to live to work, and I want to make friends. It's so hard making genuine friends here because everything needs to be carefully planned and I feel I am constantly walking on eggshells. Very good video, I like the way you present things
I really loved your video. I visited Spain once as a kid and loved it. I am an Australian, and Spain in some ways had some similarities to home in terms of climate etc. I loved The people, the architecture, the climate, the food, the music the vibe.....wonderful place. I want to buy a house there one day
I started thinking about living in Europe about 3 years ago. My wife and I focused on Spain last year. My wife is fluent in Spainish I plan on teaching English. I currently work in Healthcare my average workweek is like 50 hours I am really ready to slow down and enjoy life. My wife and I have figured out all we do is work and there is so much more. I will say I am very lucky I have great friends I can rely on my circle of friends are human centric it's not all doom and gloom. Looking forward to calling Spain my new home. I want to say I love your channel so much great information especially about valencia which is where we want to go. Thank you for all the great videos Antoinetta
@@timschmitt7550 Thank you for your reply that's a good point but it's also cost of daily living currently my household runs about 7200 a month in expenses. I used to spend about 5500 with the current economic climate in the US. Out plan is to sell everything house cars furniture the average cost of living fairly well in Spain due to public transportation lower cost of living good weather should run about 2000. My wife and our kids are grown so it's a perfect time for us to travel enjoy life. This may not be a forever thing but I want to be able to really travel. My healthcare contract is over in July fingers crossed we'll be in spain by August. So excited for this new chapter life is short it's good to experience all we can.
@@timschmitt7550 Thanks for your advice but lifestyle working 10 to 12 hours a day 5 days a week I wouldn't consider a lifestyle and never taking a vacation coz we have blackout dates. I have 2 car payments here plus a house payment of 2300 a month I basically see my house to sleep and spent an hour maybe with my wife before I sleep sometimes I go months we barely see each other and we almost never have a day off together. I guess it's a lifestyle. I have nice stuff yes I do but when can I enjoy it when I am 70 nope ill still be working to keep paying for it all. I also wasn't planning on buying anything house wise in Spain I had planned on renting. So I guess if your making payments on stuff like houses and cars I guess that's a lifestyle. My father just passed from covid worked his whole life until 70 only was retired for 8 years. Did he have nice things but he was never around because he was working he wanted to travel see the world but didn't so before he passed he said don't do what I did don't work your life away. I am 50 I have 40 thousand cash with the sale of my home ill add another 180 to that total. I want to simplify my life teaching English in spain allows me to live their legally for a year get a small income and work 20 hours a week affording me time to travel and enjoy being alive. My goal is to stay for a year if my wife and I decide to stay longer then we will. Life isn't always about money it definitely helps even if it cost 2400 or 3000 a month I am sure I'll be just fine thank you for your input. Good luck to you as well.
No imagino vivir con la preocupación de enfermar y no tener dinero .. orgullosa de el sistema de salud en España .. por eso no hay que dejar de pedir y manifestarse para que siga mejorando .. tenemos que cuidarla
I am really honored by what you say and perhaps I should not be posting this comment but unfortunately not everything is pink colored in Spain (not sure if you say it like that in English). It is true that life in Spain, in general, is probably more relaxing than in the US, but everything has a cost. Spain has a 13% unemployment, getting a decently paid job in Spain is hard. And even if you have a college degree, the salary compared with the equivalent in the US is ridiculous. It doesnt come as a surprise that many people are in their 30s and still living with their parents, what I am sure it would be completely laughable in America.
@@guillermorivasruiz1703 Thanks. I have a happy life in Ireland, no appetite for changing my country of residence. If you have anything to add to this conversation, feel free, otherwise, pirate
Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspective Antoanetta. As a 58 year old 1st generation American I agree on your assessment of life in the U.S. now. I'm old enough to remember when it wasn't as it is now. Households with one spouse working had as much or more material prosperity as two working spouse households have now. Workload was reasonable, companies provided generous pensions for their employees, and High School gun clubs were often the norm, even in NYC (and there were no school shootings). Corrupt government has allowed centralization of power and industry. Naked greed and a decline in our judeo-christian family values are the root cause. Praying for a major housecleaning for the good old U.S.A. and a return to wholesome family values and real quality of life. Glad you are enjoying Spain. My wife wants to visit her cousin there and i look forward to the trip.
Literally working on getting out of here asap. It's getting really bad here like you said about everything being a trigger word here. Just turned 30 and I don't want to regret staying here any longer.
Antoanetta, thank you for another great video, this is the content that "Future ExPats" need to hear, my Wife and I are planning on retiring to Spain or Portugal within 5 years, thank you for sharing all the information you give in your videos, thank you Michael
Portugal is slightly cheaper than Spain, but public healthcare is under pressure. It is easy to travel freely between these two countries but also with the rest of the European neighbours when you have set up your permanent residency in a EU country. There are official schools of languages in the main Spanish cities if you fancy learning or improving the Spanish language at an affordable tuition fee of roughly €100 per year + books.
Agree that insurance in US is dreadful. While nothing is free in Spain too. The income tax rate much higher , even 19% on social security. Life-work balance may be better in Spain, but in the long run an economy without opportunities for next generation is worrisome. Expats retirees can live well for now.
nothing is guaranteed for ever.... but thats a silly way of looking at the situation. i am a 71 year old US Veteran and am seriously considering moving to Spain..... yes they pay more taxes, they recoup it by not having to worry about how they will pay for health insurance--this is a major issue for millions of Americans. as a veteran i get "free" health care from the V.A health care system and it is quite good but even with that, i still see a lot of positives for living in a European country. America is the most powerful country in the world--PERIOD.... but unfortunately, for the day to day needs/wants of everyday Americans.... that "Most Powerful in the world" does not filter down to actually helping AMERICANS in their day to day lives. Aiwu, i do not know if you live in the USA or not so i am guessing that its more of an academic reply you offered.
I am proud that you are in my beautiful land, my city, Valencia is a beautiful land, not only do I say it, thousands of people who have already been there say it, its people, its gastronomy and its traditions are incredible, Valencia has been home to many for years. from the USA, Valencia is very important in Europe and in the country, Welcome to Valencia, Magical Valencia
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Yes I been to Spain and trey are Lazy People ! Festas ! Annoying !
Said some lady not even born in America....gtfoh!
The United States has become a Second Amendment killing field, a free fire zone. You're much safer in Spain.
On the issue of healthcare, a Norwegian friend of mine said, "A country that doesn't provide healthcare to its citizens is not a serious country." I agree. Here in Costa Rica, I pay $36/month for socialized healthcare. Costa Ricans pay a far smaller percentage of their GDP on healthcare than Americans and yet live longer than Americans. Paying a lot less and living longer. America might want to take a lesson from Costa Rica.
America is a Fake nation there's no Human connection at all this started in the 80s people really started becoming superficial.
Which country are you from originally before you moved to the U.S. and finally move to Spain?
Antoanetta, I had a kidney stone in Nov 2018. I was in emergency room in Phoenix, Arizona for 10 hours waiting for a room, and a procedure was done on me the following day. I was in the hospital for a total of 30 hours, 3 months later I received bill for $87,000. My insurance only covered $3700. 5 years later I still am paying, I still owe $58,000. I will be paying it for the rest of my life. This is why I am in Italy now.
Health care seems to be highway robbery in America and countries which follow the American system.
That’s *effing insane 😢😢😢. What a shame. Thank goodness we in Canada have it covered but waiting times are months. Even year’s for hip or knee replacement. In emergency you wait 8-9 hours to see a doctor. 😢
A complete rip off and a disgrace.
After 7 yrs it goes off your credit. Do you have a house in the states? Also, you really need to negotiate this down.
Don’t pay just fail bankruptcy, or don’t pay it at all. The debt will clear after 7 years from your credit report
I'm 38 years old, have lived in the U.S. my entire life and I can say without hesitation everything you have said about the U.S. is absolutely true.
This why I go back to Poland soon, 3h in hospital in USA 4700$. Polish public health care maybe not the best, but we also have private and it is way better than what it is in USA.
I live in Spain now and we often reflect on how free children are to be children here. I live next to three schools and it’s amazing to see all the children playing without a care in the world, and their parents casually socializing.
Meanwhile here in Florida, my neighbor won't allow her 10-year old daughter to play in their own backyard unsupervised. She's not allowed to touch trees, lizards, rocks, or go anywhere near a dog because her mother is so terrified that she'll get sick, injured, and pick up a parasite. We live in a culture of fear here.
The social fabric of the US is falling apart, our healthcare system is broken and quality of life is rapidly declining. People are angry, intolerant, toxic and profit is the only motive anymore. I recently heard a saying; "We'll be the first civilization that refuses to save itself because it's not cost effective." That sums up the United States perfectly.
The answer; Stop voting for democrat liars and rino republicans.
And people still voting for the same people who made this problem grow more and more!!!!
@@Royermang77 I agree. American voters are dumb and that can be proven. I hear many say "I voted for candidate A because I hate candidate B" without giving any thought to actual policy and the consequences.
civilization?
America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between.
Oscar Wilde (a long time ago)
I left the US 7 yrs. ago and it's the best thing I ever did. I live in the Canary Islands now and I couldn't be happier. I agree with you 100% Americans are so materialistic
HELLO, HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO GET A VISA TO LIVE PERMANENTLY THERE?
And selfish and willfully ignorant
@@gonza8824 start by not shouting.
@@wout123100 you must be from another planet that you hear when you read!! and who are you to tell me what to do??
Brit here. I've been to the Canaries more than to mainland Spain and, whilst I love both, I love the Canaries most - all year round good weather! Cheap buses to get around an island and cheap ferry or plane to get to another if wanted. And I really value being able to get an all over tan on a beach where no one bats an eyelid because many are naked. Strange for a Catholic, ex-fascist country, but I got used to it!
Personal experience with US Healthcare vs US. When I was visiting Spain last year with my GF, she had a medical emergency and we had to go to the nearest hospital. It was a private hospital and did t accept my travelers insurance but it was an emergency so we just admitted her. First off the saw her almost immediately. They ran a bunch of tests on her, Xray, blood, ultrasound, and more. They fed her and cared for her well. My total bill: 180 euros. That's it.
A couple weeks later back in the US she had to be rushed to the hospital for the same issue, this time in the US. We took her in the emergency room in the afternoon and she didn't get to see a doctor until the next morning. They ran the same tests, except she was never fed, service was abysmal. Most of the time we spent in a tiny room alone and I didn't even have a chair to sit on. Her co-pay for the ER (with insurance mind you) was $750 plus she had to pay $2500 deductible and since the insurance only pays 80%, she still owes the hospital $3500. All for nothing more than what was done in Spain but with much worse service. That's American Healthcare in a nutshell.
Horrible! This is what I am talking about. I am sorry she had to go though this.
Yes, healthcare is ridiculous in US. I can say this having been a nurse in US.
@@ANTOANETTA I respect your opinion, and we have a whole other issue here in Norway, when it comes to healthcare, the provide of healthcare in this country is so bad when it comes to service sector, there is no competition between private and public institution, our bureaucrats make sure everything run slow in all health department in Norway.
For example if you were diagnosed by cancer here, and you wanted to make an appointment with your local doctor, only a simple visit could take 6 month, the procedure could take everywhere from 18 month to get prepared, keep also in mind that, our physicians do not have enough experience or knowledge to cure all types of disease, and if you choose to get treatment elsewhere our Government wan't cover your financial cost, that goes out of your own pocket.
So dont be surprised.
And you can already tell that we have a better healthcare regarding the cost.
@@ANTOANETTA I like you videos by the way :)
Our Healthcare System is one of the best of the world for everybody. We pay our taxes for this , free health, free education and best quality of life . A Spanish Doctor (European Union , because Spain is in Europe)
My wife and I are US citizens. We have traveled to (I just counted these) 77 different countries and territories. Out of all of those, 7 years ago we decided we wanted to retire to Spain, for many of the reasons you have pointed out. So we bought our apartment and moved 5 years ago permanently to Valencia. It has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. We feel so blessed to be able to live in such a wonderful place.
Thank you for your videos!
Hi there Philip. I have dual citizenship American and European and love Spain. Currently i live in Philly. I plan on moving to Valencia soon at some point and most likely will buy an apartment. Are you guys renting or did you buy a house. If you bought any recommendations about sorting out real estate agent and someone that specializes on getting the papers together regarding living there , kinda like guiding me !!! Any helps much appreciated. Thank you
Hi Philip! My name is Joe. I moved down to south Florida many moons ago from Brooklyn, New York. I miss the "walking life" that I had in N.Y. The cities in Spain sound like those of New York. Like N.Y., there is dependable public transportation so one doesn't really need to own a car in Spain. Thank you for sharing. Joe
@@josealberto890 The walking life is something i'd enjoy. Where I am has only a fraction of that.
Great, you’re moving your retired people to my country, which will put pressure on our health system. Plus you barely ever learn the language
That's a very shallow opinion. You don't seem to know what Spain is these days... La España Vaciada... you are going to need people in Spain regardless.
A friend of mine had a good job working for the Canadian government in Ottawa. He was depressed..took a half pension..moved to Progreso, Mexico..got married. He got his seamanship papers and spends four months a year working in Canada. I respect what he did as he totally changed his life.
HELLO, WHAT IS SEAMANSHIP PAPERS? AND THE GOVERNMNET ACCEPTED THAT HE WORKS ONLY 4 MONTHS PER YEAR??WHAT DOES HE DO? WHAT KIND OF VISA IS ?
To be able to work on a tanker.
Sounds quite privileged. 'Take' half a pension and move abroad. 'Take' a four months a year job. Sounds like he can just 'take' whatever he wants.
You can call it whatever you want. It requires strength of character to leave a comfort zone or what you have known all your life.
I worked in a hospital billing department. We had a list of people who were on long term payment plans. There were multiple people who owed over $100k, and one of the top bills was to an elderly lady who owed $500k
I'm a professional musician from NYC, and after years of touring around the world, I made the move to Lyon, France (and I spend a lot of time in Barcelona, Spain too). Everything you've discussed here is spot on. It's hard to see what's happening in the US... I think there are a lot of good people in the States who are being pushed to the extreme due to the accumulation of various factors beyond their control, and it makes sense why folks are starting to crack under the constant pressure. It seems like the walls inevitably close in on most people in the States who aren't rich, so I'm glad I was able to start setting up roots abroad while I was in my 20s and still had the energy and "freedom" to do so. Now at 31, I'm glad I did. I truly am living the American dream abroad.
A family member with a normal private medical insurance in Barcelona had some health issues and needed to get some open heart surgery. He didnt pay a single cent and he was Hospitalized for about 20 days and had a fantastic treatment from doctors, nurses, food...etc....
One month ago I was to a birthday party with my middle kid. Some moms, including me, were having a conversation to start "knowing" each other. Almost imediatly they asked about what you work, like that was defining them. Like "Hi, I am Amanda, I work as a lawyer". I will never forget the silence when I told them I just stay home with the kids 🤣🤣. Definitely it feels like the carrier is what defines you as a person, here in the US. So sad
Your job is your identity here in america. It’s reductive and kinda dehumanizing
I agree
Not in Europe, first questin when meeting someone what are your hobbies? Do you like animals? Do you keep a pet? ...
This is so true! Even my high school friends are all like this. Anytime we haven't talked in a few weeks, they immediately start asking about my job status, and my salary. I always thought it stemmed from the fact that they had low self esteem, and they want to constantly compare themselves to me and everyone else they know. Crazy. Also about the healthcare, a lot of times it is not even that good besides costing an arm and a leg. People in the US who are chronically sick constantly fly to doctors all over the country, since it is so difficult to find a good one.
Yep when i was growing up my parents taught me to mind my own business. How much money someone makes doesnt concern you, dont be rude. When i lived in seattle thats all they talk about. My wife is from peru we go there as often as we can. I love it there totally different attitude and atmosphere.
I’m a Brazilian that moved to Spain some months ago, I would add the quality of food you can buy in a supermarket by affordable prices. I never ate so well.
Great point. Many small Latin American cafes and restaurants which I love too. And of course the Spanish food which is terrific.
And why you dont go to Portugal that is like the same and speak your language?
You made great points lady. I'm Dutch and living 14 years in Spain now. Life is fantastic here. Based on love for family, neighbours, friends and relatives. Healthcare is very good, cheap and jobs everywhere if you really want one. I will stay here the rest of my live. Great country and people! Enjoy Valencia 😊
You are right. I lived for 30 years in Europe. I wouldn’t trade it to live in the USA for anything. I’ve gotten a lot of resentment from family members for my views. They can’t imagine there is anything better than America.
Stop bothering your family members with your superior attitude. Live your life and leave them alone. You MUST be a Leftie. Only a Leftie feels the need to FORCE other people to adopt their views.
@@ellasoes8325 Lol.
Way t project on a total stranger🤣
Many European health and social systems are objectively better than the dumpster fire that is the US nowadays.
It's just a fact.
If the family is b*tthurt about it and in denial, it certainly isn't this person's fault.🤪
I completely agree. I visited some friends who live in Germany for a couple of weeks and couldn't believe the difference in quality of life between the two countries. Returning to The United States after that short trip it was still a shock to me how people acted and what they complained about floored me. I can completely understand why you moved all those years ago. I have often thought of doing the same thing in my later years!
@@ellasoes8325 I never forced my views on them. Americans are inherently miserable.
@@ellasoes8325 lmao.. such an irony...
Omg, when you mentioned isolation, the lack of strong and meaningful relationship in america, you almost drove me to tears. This is how bad quality of life has become.
i'm about to talk to every stranger on the street, lol it's driving me nuts
@@jokerrhe well I am about to spending the rest of my life in solitary confinement ignoring everyone and not talking to strangers.
@@kolyxix that won't help with the/ur isolation issue. Instead of identifying with it, fix it. Easier said than done it seems but try don't give up
@@jokerrhe you can go and isolate yourself. I believe in reaching out, self improvement
@@kolyxix that's what i said if u read my first comment lol
We agree with all of your points. We left the US 13 years ago for Europe and Asia. So much better quality of life. Less consumerism. Less anger. Less stress. Better healthcare. Better food. Much more freedom.
Which country in Asia?
6 years ago, I left the US for many of the same reasons. People there are so unhappy. It's such a miserable, soul destroying place to live.
Agree, its become more toxic by the day
I agree with you I live and work in the inner city. No matter what you do for people in this crazy country they’re always angry and miserable. I tend not to be because I lived in many different countries and traveled the world between 1991 and 2010. When my children are old enough I actually hope to leave this Looney Tunes country
Yup but we need foreigners to come here and maybe help some of us Americans who are interested in traveling with them! Idc where Africa, Europe, Middle East, asia, or South America let’s make some trustworthy travel friends!
@@trips505 toxic and unsafe
Yep. Have been dreaming of leaving for nearly ten years. It’s finally looking possible
I left the US for Europe in the mid 80's . Best thing I've ever done. It is safer, healthier and gives a much better quality of life. I was in Germany for 9yrs and then moved to an island in the Mediterranean that belongs to Spain. I haven't spent a penny out of pocket for healthcare since 1985 and I've had numerous surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy and take medication daily. The food here is fresh and natural, the air and water is clean and there is no fear that I will be shot going about my day. Lounging in a cafe with friends for hours every day and going to the beach for a swim in the evening are just a normal part of life. There are people here from all over the world so it is never boring. I've learned two new languages and gained friends for life. The worst thing that could happen is that I would have to go back to the US.
What island do you live in?
Sounds amazing.
The particulars of living elsewhere, becoming an expat, have always fascinated me. A guy I went to high with here in the USA wound up working as a civilian on a US military base in Europe. I ran into him ten years after we graduated and he still lived in Europe. But he said something to the effect that while he loved the country he was in and had mastered the language, there was no path to citizenship, ever. That has always stuck in my head.
Its funny that thats all people want is free health care. The whole world has gone commie lol
@@forrestgossett that isn't true. The ways of obtaining citizenship varies from country to country. It certainly isn't impossible. The biggest deterrent to gettting a citizenship is that the US charges you quite a bit of money to renounce the US citizenship and is notoriously fussy about allowing dual citizenships.
I move to us in 2009 and my perception is that everything start to change drastically, country of egos, zero empathy, my daughter is 13 now I’m waiting that she graduated to comeback to my home town Antigua Guatemala. how much I miss the human warm
I'm from the US but moved to Argentina 25 years ago. I could not go back to the States, even though the economy is so bad here. The warmth of Latinoamerica is not experienced anywhere else, and once you've felt that, you never ever want to give that up.
@@Kat-tr2ig I was in Peru recently, didn't feel the "warmth"
I wanna try B.A.
I was friends with a woman and her husband who came here from Guatemala. After they migrated here they went back to Guatemala! Quality of life, friends and family were the main reasons. Her husband told me all they do here is work to survive and life was too short.
I’ve been living in Spain almost two years and I’ve noticed many of the same things you have. Especially the older people having a good lifestyle compared to the US where most of the time they just sit parked in front of the TV all day, and if they go out they drive wherever they need to go. Then when they lose the right to drive it’s a crushing blow. Here they walk outside to the public square, talk with their friends over coffee, grab some bread at the panadería, and spend time with their grandkids. And the kids have more fun and less stress here, too. About the only people whose quality of life is lacking are young people who can’t find jobs. Hopefully there will be improvements in that realm too.
For sure! Seniors are adorable 🥰 and I really like his free kids are here and how safe!
I've been doing my research on Spain for years now. It's almost perfect but unfortunately, I've been told by Spanish friends that jobs are really hard to come by. So it's an idyllic place but only for much older people, for relaxing, for healthcare, for fun. If you're starting a career, the Nordic countries could offer better opportunities.
@@denniszenanywhere "... but only for much older people, for relaxing, for healthcare, for fun". This is a country, not Disneyland.Remember, we Spaniards are rude.
@@jesusfernandezgarcia9449 actually all of the Spanish people I meet are nice. After all we were colonized by the Spaniards for nearly 400 years.
@@denniszenanywhere Good jobs are hard to find, but there are many jobs being taken by foreign workers. And there
are companies that can't fill some positions because of lack of qualified workers.
Hi Antoanetta. We just returned to Dallas from Valencia yesterday. We totally agree with you on every point. We look forward to making our permanent move to Valencia.
I moved to Dallas from Los Angeles two years ago. Wife is from Barcelona but were thinking of Valencia in the next year or so.
Omg what a great amazing video ❤ I have visited Spain three times already , and since the first time I wanted to moved there 😢 things are harder when you have children , 😊 ❤
@@demetriusm8221 Hi Demetrius, I'm from LA and thinking of moving my family to Dallas. Any cons???
I don't know what you're talking about!... I love paying 7 dollars / euro for one beer in the States. Once again I agree with you. I would love to move to 🇪🇸.
oh dear god no! Americans, please stay in your country. you ruin everything wherever you go.
I just found your channel and I used to live in Japan in my wife is Japanese and she moved to the states in the same exact thing you said about the school shootings and child safety is what made her move back to Japan and I’m so excited to move back in two weeks.
I lived in Spain for five years. It was so wonderful!
I was born and grew up in the US, moved to Spain out of college, stayed for 26 years and am now in Denmark (which is a better fit for me). I absolutely agree with everything you say here. Welcome to Europe!
I'm 41, retired military. I'm deeply disapointed in what the USA has transformed into. Living abroad for the win, as the military gave me perspective into true human nature and how much better other countries are.
I think this is a case of modern, uncultured life versus a cultured, more natural lifestyle. I moved from the UK to Thailand 6 years ago and I am seeing a similar comparison. In Thailand, people are way more respectful to each other, elders are respected, life is slower, people seem naturally happier and less stressed.
Even in Bangkok
not for long
@@travisgoesthere Smash like button speaking of manners.
@sitdowndogbreath Liking a video doesn't have anything to do with good manners, lol. You thumb up or down a video based on its appeal to you, not a favor
@@travisgoesthere be quiet rude gen Z
I just watched your video again. it brought back memories of why I left the US for Mexico. I was fortunate that I "commuted" for almost 2 years back and forth and it became harder and harder to return to the states for many of the reasons you mention but primarily because of the people and their culture. I moved to a small fishing village growing its tourism business but I lived in the center of town where it was almost all locals living, not among the expats who lived outside the town by the beach. it helped me immerse in the culture. out town had no real grocery store or chain stores. everything was local including buying fish from the fisherman or fruits and vegetables from the outdoor market. I felt a part of the community.
I can’t understand how her moving to Spain, Europe has something to do with your experience in Mexico. Mexico is just another third world country like the USA even your government washed your brain thru the media and with other ways. Just check the % of usa and you’ll see you have way more % similar to Africa country’s than you wish. I’ll rather live in Europe ( wich includes Spain ) under a bridge as engineer than living in the USA and getting paid for eating burgers.
And they’re really not “expats”
An expatriate is someone who has lost the citizenship of their country of birth. If they haven’t, then they aren’t “expats” they’re immigrants
Thank you. This was what I have been looking for. Im 29 years old pharmacist, technically just starting my career and I’m burned out. I don’t look forward to working everyday paying off student debt that will only grow with massive interest. I can barely use my own health insurance because I can’t get a day off of work. I’m moving this was everything I needed.
you, with those skills will be more than welcome here.
I like Denmark 6 weeks of holiday a year😊
@@raunholt1234 6 weeks to go to Spain.....Better live in Spain the whole year XDXD
Muchas gracias por recordarnos (a los españoles que entendemos inglés) las cosas buenas de nuestro país. Muchas veces somos demasiado críticos con nosotros mismo y una visión de alguien de fuera como esta... oye, sienta bien. Bienvenida a España y espero que seas muy feliz aquí. Un saludo desde Asturias.
No te preocupes, hasta en Italia siempre somos muy críticos con nuestro país, será una forma de pensar en nosotros los latinos, nos gusta quejarnos. Somos muy afortunados y no lo sabemos, por suerte hay menos afortunados que nosotros que nos lo recuerdan.
Bueno esta señora no es Americana me gustaria oir a una Americana como le parese otro pais europeo. Bueno y no es de solo mudarse a otro pais si no tenes plata. Tambien tienes que solicitar residencia legal y no creo que es es facil.
@@mariolanz4187No es necesario escuchar una “Americana” porque si te le preguntas específicamente te lo confirmaras.
Yo soy Americano, nacido, y criado aqui en Nueva York. Lo que dice la mujer es 100% correcto.
Yo soy Ítalo-alemán (papá italiano, mamá alemana) y he vivido en muchos países del mundo. La calidad de vida y de los servicios públicos que hay en España es la MEJOR. Y la gente 😍🇪🇸
Cuando la gente del caribe sueña con emigrar a USA pienso con mucha pena que realmente no saben lo que tienen en su pais. El dinero NO es lo mas importante en la vida.
Dear Antoinette….. I agree with you. I am African American and enjoyed myself there tremendously. My family and I stayed there last summer.
I agree 100%, I moved into USA from 🇷🇸 and the older I get I find myself thinking about moving back more and more….
Omg, Antoanetta, I will be turning 65 next week, and I agree with you on all points. We live in Phoenix, Arizona and can’t wait to visit Valencia next year. Life is way to short to explore the world and live a happy life. I especially like what you said that they treat seniors very well. We are trying to learn Spanish before we come. Love, love love your videos!❤
Welcome
Aquí serás bien recibido. La vida no es tener más, sino trabajar para disfrutar de la familia, de los amigos, de la naturaleza. No lo dudes, cualquier zona mediterránea como Valencia o Alicante o Andalucía está muy bien para la jubilación
@@Carlos-rf2kj Gracias, Carlos. Estaremos explorando Valencia, Alicante y Málaga el próximo año para la jubilación. Disfrutamos de un estilo de vida urbano, pero también disfrutamos de las vistas al Mediterráneo.
Estamos deseando encontrar la ciudad que mejor se adapte a nosotros. La vida es demasiado corta. Tenemos que empezar a vivir ahora.
Thank you! Yes many positives here don’t waste time 🍷
Yo agregaría que en España se realiza rápidamente que la prosperidad no es para quien mas tiene, sino para quien menos necesita. Se puede pasar muy bien con mucho menos que en otros países por las razones mencionadas en el vídeo.
Saludos de un madrileño y espero vengan pronto.
When I visited Valencia last month, I cried in my airbnb, because of everything you had mentioned in this video. I want to LIVE. I see my family and friends so caught up existing in this idea of what life is supposed to be in America...cost of living, health, gun shootings (I live in Texas and there was a shooting in Allen this past week, I live 15 min away)....it's tragic. My heart breaks, and I cannot wait to move sometime in the future out to Spain. I'm willing to sell and get rid of years of things (house, car, possessions) just to have a better, ...living life.
Follow your heart (responsibly) and you will be fine. My friend's high school buddy and his wife just sold everything they own, bought a Winnebago, a new Jeep and are traveling the country. There exact words were, "We want to chase 72 degrees!"
I am from a small country in South America with free healthcare and education...we also have private healthcare...but no one, whether local or foreign, is left without free medical care...I was interested in going to the United States to improve my English....a friend of mine who is living in Texas offered me a job....I was thinking to go only for the three legal months....but you have so many problems with the guns and the healthcare issue made me rethink and decide not to go....
@@globalizacionliquida If it is only for three months I would do it just for the experience. I have no idea what Texas is like (I have only been to the Dallas airport once), but it might be worth it to give it a try since you're not staying forever!
This was so spot on: Subbed to your channel. I was born in the US but my family is from South of France (less than an hour from Spain). Having worked in the corporate world and seeing how we live here (with a lot of fake people), I never really found my identity here. Quality of life is so important. A country is also judged on how they treat their elderly population. It's fairly disgusting in the states if you're poor or middle-class.
I was fortunate to be adopted by my grandparents at the age of 5. At the age of 9, I saw my first foreign country (Australia) when we went there on vacation for 2 months. I enlisted in the US Navy while still in High School (because of my grandfather and his service during WW II).
Shortly after, the cycle of loss began. Grandpa was the first to pass, and within a matter of 20 years, I became the sole survivor of my family; no one else is left. Grandpa died of a massive coronary on Thanksgiving day of 1990; Grandma died after 3 weeks at home (being "made comfortable"), after having spent almost a month in the hospital in 2002; the rest of my uncles, biological father, and biological mother passed, victims of a healthcare system that did nothing more than exploit them for financial gain ("here, take these pills", "sign over your pension and social security to us", etc., etc.).
If it hadn't been for the presence of family left in the US, I wouldn't have come back to the US after my time in the military.
Now, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management with a Major in Entrepreneurship, my soul is screaming to get the Hell out of America! Every morning, I wake up and that is the goal of my existence. Too many Americans can't imagine living someplace other than America because they haven't BEEN anyplace other than America, and way too many of them have been brainwashed into believing there is no other place better than America.
There IS a better way to live. America is NOT the be all/end all that they try to make everyone believe. To anyone that wakes up each morning dissatisfied with their day-to-day life, I simply ask this: do you simply want to exist, making the upper 1% of America that own the $34.2 trillion dollars of assets richer, or do you want to actually LIVE, happy with each day and how much fuller your life can be? I say this as an American veteran of 53 that has had his eyes opened to what America has REALLY become. People, you can do so much better! America has become a culture of toxicity, steeped in venom and manipulated for the enrichment of those who prey on hopes and dreams. Don't lose your humanity or sacrifice your souls for a bag full of empty promises or cheap goods (that won't last and you can't take with you when your time comes)!
Love your videos. We just moved to Valencia from Florida permanently last month! We love it here.
Glad you missed Hurricane Ian! How many other cities did you visit before deciding upon Valencia?
Hello! How did you go about moving to Valencia from Florida? I currently live in Florida and I dream of moving to Valencia!
@@markgoldstein4663 We´ve been to Barcelona and Madrid (too big and touristy) as well as Malaga, Seville and Cadiz. Decided on Valencia for the location, the size (about 800K people), public transportation, safety and how pedestrian it is (very walkable)-
@@mamagotgoals3114 I´m an EU dual citizen (Italy) so I don´t need a visa, making the process easier. If you´re not and you don´t need to work, you would get a NLV (Non Lucrative Visa) or another kind of visa specific to your situation and a NIE (identification number), both you would get before moving there through the consulate closest to you.
@@johnv6272 How long have you been in Valencia, and do you enjoy living there? I can’t wait to visit next year. I haven’t been back since 1982 when I was in a plane crash that killed 54 people in Malaga. Now Malaga is one of the cities I’m contemplating moving to from the US. How funny life is.
As an European citizen I can’t believe why US people think we craving for a Green Card and want to live in the states. Never!! And I don’t know anyone who is thinking moving to the States.
Depends who you mean by "we". It's not that US people "think" you are craving a Green Card. It's a fact proven by evidence and numbers and the illegal entry rushing of the southern US border.
Since the 1960s, and more so since the last 20years, the USA has allowed entry to huge numbers of immigrants who deeply HATE and undermine the United States. Don't ask me why they come if they want to change the whole country and its distinct system of government into whatever they left behind in the first place.
My sister and her husband moved out to New Jersey in the late 90s due to her work. I would go out and visit them now and again. I loved Manhattan/New York. I went out for a longer stay of about 3 months in 2003, with a view to maybe moving there. After a month I was done. For all that I loved it, I started to hate it just as much. The inequality, homeless people treated like dirt. Having to work all the time just to exist (my friend was a teacher, she also had to work at a bar and even then had to survive on the tips).
I'd love to be able to move to the European mainland and work, but unfortunately Brexit has destroyed that for us.
America? As a kid in the 80s? For sure! Now, no thanks.
Nearly 1 million people from around the world move to the USA every year. US has the #1 economy in the 🌎 Lady u can join the Russian front & become a Canon fodder.😂
This is your problem: you think the world is Europe and the US. We are a tiny part of the world. No one in America thinks You want to come here. And, more importantly, we do not care.
You are right! Leaving in America is a nightmare for me. Always I’m looking around me, having fears for me and for my grandkids. Don’t come!!!!
I am 100% agree with your POV. I just came back from Europe for a vacation (first time), and it was a great experience. We visited 4 countries through the 7 nights cruise and stayed 2 nights in Barcelona. I like the calm atmosphere, and people just enjoyed a quick hang out at a local shop at the end of the day. Nobody seemed to care of look at what I got or drive etc. Europe in general has such a rich culture and the lifestyle is not about materials. I came from a third-world country and have been living in the US for 34 years. This trip gave me a different perspective and life option. My worse fear of retiring early in the US is the healthcare.
You covered every reason why we are leaving the United States. One more vacation to Spain then we plan our permanent move. I'm looking forward to my second half of my life in Valencia (and travel). A++++ video
How do you like Valencia as compared to other cities that you have visited? We are going to visit Valencia, Malaga, and Alicante.
@@markgoldstein4663 Alicante has a magnificent old castle. All three of them are coastal towns, being València the third largest city in Spain.
Same here . Love Spain and i plan on buying a property . Haven't made up my mind and I'm between Málaga or Valencia. I live in Philly and it has gotten pretty bad and not that pleasant anymore
You are so right and I have loved every single of your videos, this one hits the mark. I have been in the US for 32 years. Worked myself into hypertension and even had a stroke. Thankful to have had health insurance and no severe damage from the stroke. Looking to take a break from work in 2024 and move to Valencia to experience what I saw on my trips there. Even got the apartment already ! Best wishes to you. Keep inspiring others to think of a different way of life. The money in US is nice though but keeping up with the cost of living takes a toll on you after a while.
I'm considering moving to Spain. "Human centered society"! That's what I'm talking about! I told my friends that the U.S. is a PERSONALITY CENTERED" society where many other countries are "SOUL CENTERED".Thanks for the video!
Personality would be crazy people who might kill ya for looking at them strange or just because your a certain color nationality etc...hey how's it going oh I see that gun you just lifted your shirt fir me too see ...no more hello how are you from me men f all yall .
Money driven, material-centered-economy-hyper-focused society, even healthcare and education is not a human right in the U- S-
For anyone with kids planning to attend school (of any sort), the tuition here is a fraction of the U.S. Not just Spain, but the EU in general. Our daughter paid $2K per year for an excellent school in the Netherlands. Now she's working in her field of study with zero debt. Meanwhile, she has friends back in the States with between $100-450K in school debt. The latter example is a doctor. Here in Spain, our son attends conservatory for piano, and it's the "pricier" private option at a lofty $160 a month. He loves it as it has afforded several options of performing with local orchestras. P.s., we live in Valencia too!
Higher education in the US has been "corporatized", i.e, been turned into a commodity from which "shareholders" wring profit.
This is precisely the wrong model to institutionalize...
The corporatized graduates move into corporate culture, and on the whole are the most neurotic, narcissistic, grasping, artless, aimless products of a defective, unbalanced, money-centric indoctrination into corporate pathology. They become worthless.
Yes! I’ve been living in Spain for 5 years for many reasons, but truly for the health care. I have both public and private and pay $0 for public and $40/ mo for private. The health care is top notch! They LISTEN to concerns and take it seriously. As a cancer survivor, I need this.
Thanks, Antoanetta, for confirming ALL of my reasons for leaving the US 30 years ago and settling in Amsterdam. Make no mistake...Amsterdam is NOT Spain, but has offered me a much better life than I would have had in the states. I no longer recognize my country of birth when I witness what is happening there now. I will be very, very happy to finish my life here !!!!
Wow Gary good for you that you were able to make that change. I'm in the US but have wanted to move aborad a few years now. Caring for my mom so that's my priority but I don't identify with this culture at all and I'm American. Best wishes in Amsterdam, lovely city.
@@valsummerfield3069 Did you vote for Biden? Hillary? I bet you did.
@@ellasoes8325 No idea why you'd make that assumption but I don't vote for anyone. The lobbying corporations are the real people running this country.
@@ellasoes8325 - do you have a problem with that? You must be a MAGA freak. Sorry, that is what you are projecting. Trump, the biggest clown and charlatan ever.
Antoenetta, You are so spot on. I have old family ties in Spain. They’ve all passed now. I lived there in my youth and studied there a very long time ago. I wanted to stay there and didn’t for a variety of reasons. These past dozen years I’ve contemplated retiring in MX or Spain. I’ve chosen Spain because of my cultural ties, because it’s been a long held dream and for the other reasons you’ve mentioned. I had a tough time readjusting to life in the US and never fully have. Overall, work life has been brutal and a grind. I’m a mental health professional and the system has all but disintegrated, placing so much pressure on us and it’s just sad to do this work with children and families and little or no support. Plus the compensation is abysmal. Just as you mentioned, there’s little time for oneself to enjoy life. I’m 66 years old now and ready to break out. I’m recovering from some health issues, which I’m sure have been brought on by stress. But I’m doing better and preparing myself for a long visit to Spain to decide where to live and to prepare myself further for my eventual move in 2024. I’m enjoying your channel and thank you for your keen observations. Perhaps, I’ll see you in Valencia. Reciba un abrazote, Ana
I live in Sevilla but my favorite places are Cadiz, Malaga and Cantabria (coast places). The best about living here is to get tegether with friends and take a beer in the bar, also go to ther several parks and give food to the ducks and pigeons. They're simple things that improve your mental energy
Have you been to Alicante? If you have I'd like to hear more. I have a cousin there (somos cubanos...) and I know Valladolid and Madrid well, but Alicante has BEACH...
@@alsoarod I've never been in Alicante but I've heard good things about Valencia (they're side to side) like nice people, many tourists, good restaurants and museums and so on
edit: cuando vayais no querreis iros, os encantara el ambiente costero :)
I love this and it’s so true! Every time I leave America I come back and have pretty hard reverse culture shock. It’s really sad the level of anxiety that has developed here and it’s almost like it’s a virtue which is very toxic! We really need to examine ourselves and make positive changes in this country for our mental health and communal happiness. Thank you for sharing your experience, I agreed with every word.
Great comment! FTR I’ve survived that “culture shock” twice…when I came back to the USA from Germany (I was in the army) and after a week in Jamaica (adult son took us for my 60th birthday). On the last full day, I looked at my wife and said, “We’re both getting old. The world’s a big place. There has got to be something better…” Recently, the “old lady” mentioned teaching English to children…in Vietnam! Five years ago she was talking about North Carolina, LOL
Antoanetta I love how your vids always feel like we’re having a conversation, strolling down the streets together!
I got emotional watching this one because of so many points you made about the challenges in the USA. I LOVE what you said about seeking a human-centered society. There is so much disconnect in the USA that contributes to this loneliness epidemic.
I have been going down the Valencia rabbit hole as a possible place to live. As you said yourself don’t postpone living your life 💕
Thank you Antoanetta! I love how you speak about the city and the human factor! I so appreciate your time and energy!
Thank you Antoanetta for making this video and sharing your experiences. You voiced feelings that I've had living in the US. The isolation, the lack of genuine human connection and concern and the consumer mentality. I feel that people are looked at as disposable on many levels. When you spoke about elderly and how they are treated, I think of the elderly and their end of live in nursing homes rather than with their families. When you speak about kids that are pressured to start their life after high school, I think of many of the Gen Y and Z who can't even afford a home in most cities because rising costs of living and because they are underemployed. Not to mention, the burden of educational loans.
You are right in many respects. I just want to correct one of your statements. It is not "rising cost of living", it is deliberate devaluation of the currency. You just have to guess by whom.
Life is not a race with opponents!
Life is a journey to enjoy with friends!
Stop racing and creating opponents!
Stop hate now!
Stop all wars now!
Enjoy your journey.
I got my us citizenship in 2019 and 2023 I want to move from the country. I've been waiting for my papers for 5 years before that I lived 5 more years on different visas. I feel like I made a wrong decision by staying in this country and wasting my youth here.
I've been miserable here emotionally. I'm ready to leave, God willing.
I got outta Dodge in 2014. I retired in Costa Rica. I married a wonderful Costa Rican woman (pictured in the pfp). No amount of money would get us to move to the US.
If I needed a sign to move there NOW instead of continuing to wait, then this was it! Thank you, Antoanetta for listing all the legit reasons I want to leave the states and join you over there in Europe! It has been my dream to move to Spain for many many years and I am finally going to take the plunge! Can’t wait 😀
Im 44 and live in Philly and I'm making a move this year or beginning of next year. I'm not waiting till 70 to make a move and i can't wait . Lifestyle here is insane and doesn't make any sense whatsoever. I'm just debating between Málaga and Valencia
@@kb-mt7gm I am Spanish. Malaga or Valencia are very good and beautiful cities, Malaga is growing a lot.
Very compelling Antoanetta! I retired to Portugal even before Donald Trump. Here, there is little crime, zero
mass-murders, no gun nuts, no religious zealots, and a cohesive culture with a deep history. The healthcare is
better, food is fresh, and days are sunny. The people are sane, humble, helpful, and just lovely. Thanks!
What does Trump have to do with anything. Americans are by far worse off with Biden at the helm
What's trump got to do with it. All the crime is in democrat run cities crustycob
@@wwbuirkle It does have to do. He is pointing out USA already sucked even before the ultra polarization that happened with trump... Good luck with that.
@@wwbuirkle trump is a racist and a homophobe, I guess that has something to do with everything
@@Trikipum Exactly, all Trump did was take an existing problem and amplify it by 1000x.
Hola Antoanetta. I moved to mexico 17 years ago for many of the same reasons you mention. I have never regretted my move. I'm actually in Spain now considering the possibility of moving to Spain. I love to live among other cultures and beautiful places in the world of which there are obviously many. I am fortunate since I now can work remote and that has brought much more balance to my life.. thank you for your videos
Can you vlog about yout life in Spain? What kind of remote work do you do? Do you speak Spanish? Curious to know how you did it.
There are many great cities in Spain. You will notice there are stark cultural differences among them. In some the locals speak regional languages like in Alicante/Castellón/Valencia where people also speak valencian, in Cataluña people speak catalán, in Galicia, galician is spoken and last but not least, basque is spoken in the Basque Country.
@@denniszenanywhere I am still living in mexico but I'm currently in Spain for a month considering where I would move to if I decide to move. when I moved to mexico I did not speak Spanish but over time I learned. I live in a community that is primarily Spanish speaking so that makes it easier to become fluent. Mexicans are almost always willing to help you learn and not criticize. I did not want to move to a city with a large expat community because I like to feel that I'm in a different culture. where I live is similar to Spain in that there are many different dialects spoken, not just Spanish. the population is 60% indigenous many of which speak no Spanish. I started remote work with a company in the US while I was in mexico so I can now move anywhere there is suitable internet. I work with companies all over the world but English is the primary language. 2 of my kids work remote so it was an easy transition.
@@caballoloco100 thanks for your response. I'm familiar with regional dialects from my time in Oaxaca and that doesn't concern me. Most of the places I am looking at are used to dealing with Spanish or English. I am also used to cultural differences and consider that a plus as one of the criteria I always choose from are the importance of cultural identity in the location.
@@bobtoubman8551Entonces te sugiero que no pienses en Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia o las islas (Canarias y Baleares), son grandes focos de angloparlantes.
Si quieres una gran ciudad, te recomiendo Zaragoza y Córdoba, y sí te apetece una capital pequeña, te recomiendo ciudades como León, Burgos, Vigo, Santander y otras que puedes investigar por tí mismo.
Pero realmente deberías huir de los "guettos" anglófonos, donde muchos no saben ni decir gracias.
EXACTLY, finally someone not Spanish said it!! Here in Spain we stand out because the way we are, the way we interact with each other. I have lived in 5 countries and this one is the best so, far, hands down.
Fascinating! As everything you said about America is spot on. I know, I am an American. I just got out of the hospital and lucky I did not die but I get a feeling the bill that is coming is going to kill me.
And we here in America are workaholics. Over worked and under paid and the gap between rich and poor is getting bigger. In America, I have always had neighbors that never talked to me. I mean, never even said hi when I walked by. We are atomized from each other.
And I have been a victim of some major crimes, like car jacking. Someone tried to shoot me, to stab me and jump me. All on different occasions. The only reason I survived all of that is because the Good Lord blessed me with the ability to fight. Everyday in America hundreds are getting murdered. You can see all kinds of home videos of crime happening to Americans on RUclips.
Just to stay above water in America economically we have to work, work and work some more. As Americans like to say, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go."
And your complaints about America are a short list as I could add hundreds of more pages to it.
Very interesting video and spot on. Good job.
Ciao,
Good Medicine
Everything you said is so true! Such an excellent video Antoanetta!
Thank you I appreciate it
I'm moving to Spain next month from NY, and can't wait!!! Agree with everything you said!!
How's your life in Spain?
@@jaredcarline love it!!
@@lizcoleman5229 if you don't mind, give me one or two reasons why :)
Would you recommend most of your friends to make the move to Spain?
We are looking to Spain in the near future! We agree with all you mentioned in this great video! Thanks for sharing your feedback and thoughts on this subject. Zoe and Ramon.
You will be very welcome, Zoe and Ramon. ;)
Hi Antonetta, thank you so much for posting this. It is so true America, is really a horrible place to live now. For regular working class and lower middle class people it is just horrid. Your sincerity and truthfulness in this video made me cry totally unexpectedly......because I know it is true. I want to escape from Texas. This place is one major societal problem from a precipitous downfall. I can feel it in my bones, now....finally. 😢
I voted with my feet and left the USA for good. Best decision of my life! The Modern American Man pursues Prosperity above all things! Today’s American man has little time & energy left for humanity: developing constructive relationships with family, neighbors, villagers and community.
It’s the American Way - Greed is Good: Ivan Boesky is a renowned American arbitrageur who came to epitomize the motto "greed is good" during the financial excess of the 1980s. A major player in the hostile takeover and junk bond craze.
America changed its attitude by the 1980s. It’s evident if you look at their film hero’s over time. The heroes of the past: Errol Flynn as the honorable Robin Hood; Jimmy Stewart as the hero who saves a town by averting a banking run; WW2 US Army medic Desmond Doss became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor (a hero who did what he had too with great humility). But as the men came home from the Vietnam War - which made Wall Street, LBJ and many politicians wealthy - the new hero got to the top using any reprehensible means necessary: Dirty Harry, Death Wish, Burt Reynolds in Hard Frame, Rambo; and now the 1990s adventure film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, featured a dirty, unethical, shady & underhanded Robin Hood. Ultimately the American hero became the Terminator: a soulless machine.
What does this reveal about the American soul?
Ivan Boesky was finally jailed for insider trading; whilst Jeffery Epstein ran his criminal Shadow Banking System & Bernie Madoff drove his long-lasting Ponzi scheme.
Finally Ivan Boesky was released from prison. His wife picked him up there and commented, “Look honey, the moon is beautiful!” To which Ivan Boesky replied, “What good is the moon? I can’t buy it or sell it?!”
Today, Americans are, above all other things, pursuing prosperity - They don’t have time for anything else.
Ben Shapiro writes in his latest book, “I can’t understand how the most prosperous nation in the world has the most radicalized population and the most addicted to opioids!” The reason for this is precisely because they are so prosperous!
All other things are of lessor importance: personal health, communication and expressing love and camaraderie with family members, friends, neighbors, villagers, and the culture at large. Thus, you have an incarceral, radicalized country addicted to opioids. Not a very healthy place for all the boys and girls.
“We live in a society that demands addiction. The person who is best adjusted to this society is not dead and not alive because if you were fully alive, you couldn’t support the system.” Anne Wilson Schaef
A question everyone there must ask: “Does Money Make It Easier to Sell Your Soul?”
The USA represents 4% of the world population. Yet it holds 30% of the world’s prisoners, and histories largest collection of children prisoners. The USA has 65% of the world’s drug addicts, and it holds over 50% of the people in the world taking psychotropic drugs. One does not “live” in the USA - But rather “survives” it!
It is noteworthy that over 90% of all violent crimes committed in the USA involve substance abuse. America’s substance abuse problem is a direct and proximate result of war. In the USA, the problem began immediately following the Civil War - Wherein Bayer provided injured troops with opioids. Eisenhower signed a bill to give the US Army over a hundred million narcotics and speed during WW2. [War creates addicts; addiction creates violence; the stats bore this out.]
Men come back from war with missing limbs and broken minds. Those damaged troops fold back into and damage the social fabric like a cancerous malignancy. The USA has been at continual war for all but 17 years since its inception in 1776. Is it any wonder the USA finds itself in this black hole? Sadly, since the phony Vietnam War, the wars have only escalated in size, scope and tempo.
Voting does nothing. Who is America’s hero? Joe Biden? Donald Trump? Jesus Christ? Aliens from out space?
It would seem that the herd - the society - has a black soul: unbalanced, prone to deadly shopping mall stampedes and continually promoting malevolent & pernicious soulless men to lead their corporations & governments. It will continue in this direction until finally the people are suffering to the point they can no longer ignore it! But at that point the cure will be exceptionally costly.
Why is the USA so full of division? They have Prosperity Gospels and no use for Humanity on the spreadsheet - the profit and loss statement. Without humanity, the people are empty, lifeless, and imbalanced. I voted with my feet and left for good.
Here on this simple island in the Caribbean, Nature Island, the people live for each other. We are the village. We have the same blood. When any one of us hurts, we all feel the pain. When any of us sings with joy, we all feel it as one!
We are part of the earth and it is part of us.
The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers.
The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man--all belong to the same family.
The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes, and feed our children.
All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected.
Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth.
Man did not weave the web of life: he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.
“Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny.” - Chief Seattle
We may be brothers and sisters after all.
@sugarpudding ...too much time on your hands
@@TopSpinWilly ….that’s exactly her point
Many poor white rural dwellers in Kentucky, Tennessee, the Dakotas, Wyoming, Oregon, Texas, and Florida struggle against poverty, yet stubbornly cling to notions that they live in the greatest country on earth.
@@maynardmckillen9228 - And why not? To believe it makes one feel better.
Spot on with the points Antoanetta. Its so ridiculous here, the other day I went to Chipotle to grab some food. I ordered a beer with my order and as soon as I am about to walk out the store with my order, they say 'Oh, beer can only be consumed in store'. What a nanny state America has become. You can't trust an adult to take beer back home? What am I gonna do, get drunk off one bottle and cause civil unrest? Yet you can buy guns with no licence in walmart. Such a joke of a society it has become.
You need to pass a background check to buy a gun at Walmart...
You were able to buy a beer in Chipotle? In my state, only establishments with a license to sell beer can sell beer and a license, IF available can cost upwards of a million dollars.
Well, the very people that want to keep America “safe”, and provide “free” healthcare are the ones turning it into a non-functional Nanny State. You get what you vote for. I have to admit I was part of the problem until 2017.
@@JeepCherokeeful one thing is having a license. Another is buying a weapon with a background check WE.. Americans simply do not understand something. In european countries, it is not that hard owning a gun. It is indeed pretty easy. All you have to do is an exam that even a 6 yo could do, then hit like 5 targets at 10 meters away or something. Then you have to "enlist" yourself into a sport firing club and there you go. Now you can buy a gun and own it legally. People just dont care about owning a gun overhere.
@@Trikipum What do you need a gun for? I live in Europe, it is replete with history and beautiful landscapes. I don't need a gun. I have a camera!
Agree with your insight and at same time I think people here in US are realizing it's not worth giving up their personal life for work, reason why quiet quitting may be going on. I stopped going above and beyond normal job duties just to get brownie points and a raise that can't even match inflation. I don't care much anymore and if I get laid off, it would be a blessing in disguise. I'm ready to move out of this country. This is America 😆✌🏼
Words of wisdom! Thank you for sharing! 🙏 Native Californian who spent a long time as an ex-pat and now back in US for a job. It’s true, life here is really low quality compared to outside of the US. Such a culture of stress, and isolation, and deep insecurity, healthcare and other.. You’re making me think about other options! Beautiful articulation of all the reasons why one would!
I agree with everything you said, except you weren’t really an “expat” if you still hold an American passport and citizenship, you weren’t an expatriate, just an immigrant living outside the US
✌️
I left the US 10 years ago. It’s a good thing because I would have had to go back to work just to have medical insurance. We live in Colombia and it’s been a great experience. Living here you begin to see life much differently. Essentially your on a hamster wheel waiting to retire at 65 in the US. We can enjoy friends of all ages here. My voice and opinions count much more. In the the US my job is to be a good grandpa and go along with everyone else’s ideas. My time had passed and the best it gets is a comfortable recliner.
I just went to Heilbronn Germany a month ago and I witnessed an incredible amount of freedom, children playing outside without supervision because it’s that safe, people just hanging out in the park laughing and relaxing, I loved it so much!
España es igual.
Thank you so much, Antoanetta! This is very informative. 🙂
My sister was recently holidaying in Crete when she fell and broke her wrist. She dreaded an American-style medical bill for the treatment (Australia is getting more and more like the 51st state of the USA in this respect, as in many others, above all in woke lunacy) but the surgeon in Heraklion, who did a very good job, charged only €37. That was it. The same procedure in Houston, Honolulu, or Harrisburg would have cost my sister something like $37,000.
I'm from L.A, and I a 100% agree with all your points you made.
One day I see myself following your steps and relocate to Spain.
With one pension of 2000 USD you can live here with no problem.
LA sux, need a change
I met an American in Spain who moved there because of all the craziness in the US...
That was 35 years ago! 😀
My nephew lives in valencia Spain and I loved it when I visited. It's a beautiful place.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, this really landed with me - especially the benefit of living in a human centred society - and how much more important it is to connect to people and have experiences and not just work all the time!
My family is from Spain, my parents came to New York City in the 70’s where I was born and raised. I travel a lot back and forth to spend time with family and over the years the quality of life in NYC just got worst. I find my self spending a lot of time in Galicia or with my sister in Valencia. I’ll be in Valencia this April. My family ask me why I keep coming back to NYC, I find myself with less excuses.
😋 I understand! Hopefully you find Spain better!
NYC is leftist…
Hi Antoanetta...what an eye opening! I live in Canada, but can see many similarities to the US. My wife and i have been following your channel for a while and ara planning to move to Spain. We are both fluent in Spanish and speaks the language at home ( it's actually my wife's mother tongue) and I hold the EU cizenship as well....so not sure what we are waiting for ? We go to Europe on vacation almost every year and have spent a month in Spain visiting friends and family this summer and were able to experience first hand the quality of life you so beatifuly talk about in your videos. Didn't make it to Valencia this year, but it is for sure on our must visit list. Keep doing what you're doing. Mucha éxito y suerte en lo que hagas, disfruta cada momento y vive la vida!
Well, there is always a first time. If you come to Valencia during Las Fallas festive season, you will notice the city transforms itself into something else. It is a bit crazy, chaotic at times, thrilling, and pretty noisy, so unsuitable for the faint-hearted.
Enjoy the local traditions. València is open-minded, liberal city, and a foodie's paradise: paella, horchata, agua de Valencia (cocktail), and many historical sites.
Thank you Antoanetta! I appreciate these videos, as someone who has spent his whole life in the United States. While every country has its own set of problems, and none are perfect, many people in the US have a distorted perception of our country due to indoctrination and lack of exposure to the outside world. Hence, many are under the false impression that the US is by far the best at nearly everything that matters. Unfortunately, many of the same people who live in this delusion will seldom come across enlightening videos like this because they have depressing lack of curiosity about other cultures or the outside world. This lack of inquisitiveness is, again, a product of the way they were inculcated with blind patriotism.
well said! I agree with every point. Americans will always say "we are the best country in the world" -- and they've never even left the country to see for themselves. There is a complete lack of curiosity, a lack of understanding that there is a big world out there, no thirst for culture or anything that doesn't involve sports, entertainment or celebrity worship.
I totally agree and I'm American. I don't relate to our culture at all.
That's one of the best comments I have ever read on RUclips. I have been living in the US for 30 years, my grandparents came here 70 years ago and have many American cousins. I am ready to leave the US and move to Spain.
Thanks! I couldn't have articulated my sentiments any better.
yes, it's only ever a shock to Americans that other countries can do x, y or z better. America is so vast and there's so much to see and do there, but they don't look after their own people. No healthcare unless you have a good, secure job. Gun crazies everywhere. I would never want to live there, as a person with modest income, a pension that will be modest, a house that is worth ''only'' about 320k dollars. I have enough though, in Europe that is. America must be a great place to be rich though.
If you have a car in the US expect an unexpected expenses like the annual inspection they will tell you that you must change your brake pads and rotors even though the rotors were still ok there is nothing you can do and it is around usd 750.
I spent 6 years in Japan. For me, people complaining about how the US is too focused on work is sort of a joke.
Medical and dental costs in USA are sky high. Even I go to the Mexico border for extremely great dental care at 1/5th the cost. I pray I NEVER have to go to the hospital because even with insurance it can bankrupt you. My neighbor needed a hip replacement and the cheapest quote he got from 4 hospital in Houston was $48,000 NOT including the surgeon's fees. He went to Thailand and had it done for $12,000 and that included everything including post-op therapy. he is now at home doing great. Just an example.
Yes 12 k in Thailand my freind had it 😊
In Spain and as a resident in it, $0, rehabilitation included. They did it to me a year ago
Yeah, you need to be a believer in the US, cause you need to pray everyday)))
Thank you for sharing. Germany has some of these positive qualities but you DEFINITELY can’t speak as freely without the social stigmas either.
Son realmente muy interesantes tus videos sobre las formas de vida tan diferentes entre EEUU y España. Y estoy realmente de acuerdo, emigre hace 45 años a este pais y no me he arrepentido nunca, gracias y saludos desde Barcelona.
I left England UK for Brazil 7 years ago and do not regret it.
I live US adjacent, we have many of the same issues regarding work/life balance, health care and isolation from each other. I'm planning to move (I'm thinking Valencia, but I want to visit some other areas as well first) within the next few years.
Besides the health care system, many of the US things you mention can be applied to Canada u.u I don't want to live to work, and I want to make friends. It's so hard making genuine friends here because everything needs to be carefully planned and I feel I am constantly walking on eggshells. Very good video, I like the way you present things
Yes
Hace mucho que me subscribí a tu canal de RUclips,eres la mejor embajadora de España.Muchos abrazos
I'm happy you feel yourself great in Europe. Greetings from Hungary 🤗
I really loved your video. I visited Spain once as a kid and loved it. I am an Australian, and Spain in some ways had some similarities to home in terms of climate etc. I loved The people, the architecture, the climate, the food, the music the vibe.....wonderful place. I want to buy a house there one day
I started thinking about living in Europe about 3 years ago. My wife and I focused on Spain last year. My wife is fluent in Spainish I plan on teaching English. I currently work in Healthcare my average workweek is like 50 hours I am really ready to slow down and enjoy life. My wife and I have figured out all we do is work and there is so much more. I will say I am very lucky I have great friends I can rely on my circle of friends are human centric it's not all doom and gloom. Looking forward to calling Spain my new home. I want to say I love your channel so much great information especially about valencia which is where we want to go. Thank you for all the great videos Antoinetta
how about taking a part time position in the US?
@@timschmitt7550 Thank you for your reply that's a good point but it's also cost of daily living currently my household runs about 7200 a month in expenses. I used to spend about 5500 with the current economic climate in the US. Out plan is to sell everything house cars furniture the average cost of living fairly well in Spain due to public transportation lower cost of living good weather should run about 2000. My wife and our kids are grown so it's a perfect time for us to travel enjoy life. This may not be a forever thing but I want to be able to really travel. My healthcare contract is over in July fingers crossed we'll be in spain by August. So excited for this new chapter life is short it's good to experience all we can.
@@mattandrosetravel best of luck to you, but I honestly doubt that you can get the lifestyle for which you paid 7200 in the US for 2000 in Spain.
@@mattandrosetravel In fact buying real estate in nice and popular locations can be extremely expensive.
@@timschmitt7550 Thanks for your advice but lifestyle working 10 to 12 hours a day 5 days a week I wouldn't consider a lifestyle and never taking a vacation coz we have blackout dates. I have 2 car payments here plus a house payment of 2300 a month I basically see my house to sleep and spent an hour maybe with my wife before I sleep sometimes I go months we barely see each other and we almost never have a day off together. I guess it's a lifestyle. I have nice stuff yes I do but when can I enjoy it when I am 70 nope ill still be working to keep paying for it all. I also wasn't planning on buying anything house wise in Spain I had planned on renting. So I guess if your making payments on stuff like houses and cars I guess that's a lifestyle. My father just passed from covid worked his whole life until 70 only was retired for 8 years. Did he have nice things but he was never around because he was working he wanted to travel see the world but didn't so before he passed he said don't do what I did don't work your life away. I am 50 I have 40 thousand cash with the sale of my home ill add another 180 to that total. I want to simplify my life teaching English in spain allows me to live their legally for a year get a small income and work 20 hours a week affording me time to travel and enjoy being alive. My goal is to stay for a year if my wife and I decide to stay longer then we will. Life isn't always about money it definitely helps even if it cost 2400 or 3000 a month I am sure I'll be just fine thank you for your input. Good luck to you as well.
No imagino vivir con la preocupación de enfermar y no tener dinero .. orgullosa de el sistema de salud en España .. por eso no hay que dejar de pedir y manifestarse para que siga mejorando .. tenemos que cuidarla
You are quite right
I am really honored by what you say and perhaps I should not be posting this comment but unfortunately not everything is pink colored in Spain (not sure if you say it like that in English). It is true that life in Spain, in general, is probably more relaxing than in the US, but everything has a cost. Spain has a 13% unemployment, getting a decently paid job in Spain is hard. And even if you have a college degree, the salary compared with the equivalent in the US is ridiculous. It doesnt come as a surprise that many people are in their 30s and still living with their parents, what I am sure it would be completely laughable in America.
Pues nada a vivir en USA.
@@guillermorivasruiz1703 Thanks. I have a happy life in Ireland, no appetite for changing my country of residence. If you have anything to add to this conversation, feel free, otherwise, pirate
Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspective Antoanetta. As a 58 year old 1st generation American I agree on your assessment of life in the U.S. now. I'm old enough to remember when it wasn't as it is now. Households with one spouse working had as much or more material prosperity as two working spouse households have now. Workload was reasonable, companies provided generous pensions for their employees, and High School gun clubs were often the norm, even in NYC (and there were no school shootings). Corrupt government has allowed centralization of power and industry. Naked greed and a decline in our judeo-christian family values are the root cause. Praying for a major housecleaning for the good old U.S.A. and a return to wholesome family values and real quality of life. Glad you are enjoying Spain. My wife wants to visit her cousin there and i look forward to the trip.
Literally working on getting out of here asap. It's getting really bad here like you said about everything being a trigger word here.
Just turned 30 and I don't want to regret staying here any longer.
Antoanetta, thank you for another great video, this is the content that "Future ExPats" need to hear, my Wife and I are planning on retiring to Spain or Portugal within 5 years, thank you for sharing all the information you give in your videos, thank you Michael
Portugal is slightly cheaper than Spain, but public healthcare is under pressure. It is easy to travel freely between these two countries but also with the rest of the European neighbours when you have set up your permanent residency in a EU country.
There are official schools of languages in the main Spanish cities if you fancy learning or improving the Spanish language at an affordable tuition fee of roughly €100 per year + books.
Agree that insurance in US is dreadful. While nothing is free in Spain too. The income tax rate much higher , even 19% on social security. Life-work balance may be better in Spain, but in the long run an economy without opportunities for next generation is worrisome. Expats retirees can live well for now.
nothing is guaranteed for ever.... but thats a silly way of looking at the situation. i am a 71 year old US Veteran and am seriously considering moving to Spain..... yes they pay more taxes, they recoup it by not having to worry about how they will pay for health insurance--this is a major issue for millions of Americans. as a veteran i get "free" health care from the V.A health care system and it is quite good but even with that, i still see a lot of positives for living in a European country. America is the most powerful country in the world--PERIOD.... but unfortunately, for the day to day needs/wants of everyday Americans.... that "Most Powerful in the world" does not filter down to actually helping AMERICANS in their day to day lives. Aiwu, i do not know if you live in the USA or not so i am guessing that its more of an academic reply you offered.
I chose to live in Umbria, Italy. Best decision ever and can totally relate to the many things you mentioned. Grazie!
Why Umbria? What is your opinion of living in Perugia vs other smaller towns in Umbria? We have been to Italy many times and love country.
I’m happy for you that you’re back home in your country 🇪🇸
I am proud that you are in my beautiful land, my city, Valencia is a beautiful land, not only do I say it, thousands of people who have already been there say it, its people, its gastronomy and its traditions are incredible, Valencia has been home to many for years. from the USA, Valencia is very important in Europe and in the country, Welcome to Valencia, Magical Valencia