As global mobility becomes more accessible, younger generations of Americans are leading the charge toward international living. With shifting priorities and a desire for a better quality of life, Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly looking beyond U.S. borders particularly toward Europe.
See our previous article on why so many young Americans are moving abroad.
According to a recent report, approximately 1 in 4 Gen Z and Millennial Americans plan to live abroad within the next five years, with Europe emerging as the top destination. Nearly 40% of younger Americans favor countries like Germany, Italy, Ireland, and the Netherlands for their balanced lifestyles and better public services. Concerns over gun violence are pushing 59% of respondents to explore safer environments. Another 25% cite weak U.S. social services as a reason to relocate. Many are also attracted to the opportunity for cultural immersion, improved work-life balance, and affordable healthcare. Over 56% say cultural exploration is a top motivator. Interestingly, more than a third see this as a permanent move, with intentions to raise families abroad. The trend marks a significant generational shift toward long-term global living.
Across 2025, a growing wave of Gen Z and Millennials from the U.S. are relocating to Europe, motivated by a search for healthier, more balanced lifestyles. The shift is rooted in dissatisfaction with stressful work cultures, political unease, and a strong desire for meaningful cultural experiences.
According to YPulse 64% of young Americans report working beyond official hours compared to 58% in Western Europe a trend many find unsustainable and emotionally draining.
Meanwhile, Business Insider features stories like Kayleigh Donahue's: after moving to Italy, she says, “In Europe, you are a person first and a worker second,” noting significant improvements in her physical and mental well-being.
According to Savvy Nomad, nearly 69% of U.S. expats say their overall well-being improved after moving abroad. With cleaner environments, reduced work stress, and healthier lifestyles, many find they sleep better, eat more mindfully, and live with greater purpose overseas.
Over 56% of younger Americans are driven by Europe’s rich history, cultural diversity, and freedom to travel across borders. Living abroad offers a chance to experience a more intentional life through new languages, cuisines, traditions, and perspectives.
A Ypulse study found that safety is a growing concern, with many Gen Z and millennials citing gun violence and healthcare gaps as reasons for relocating. European countries often offer universal healthcare, affordable education, and a stronger social safety net, providing more peace of mind.
While cities like Paris or Zurich may be pricey, many expats are discovering affordable alternatives in places like Lisbon, Budapest, or Kraków. As noted by Business Insider, these destinations not only offer lower rent and living costs but also better mental and physical health outcomes for remote workers and creatives.
As younger Americans increasingly look beyond U.S. borders in search of lifestyle, security, and flexibility, several European countries stand out offering the right mix of affordability, visa access, vibrant culture, and quality of life.
Spain ranks as one of the most popular destinations among younger generations for its digital nomad visa, excellent travel infrastructure, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga combine affordability with rich culture and growing expat communities.
Portugal follows closely, offering low-cost living in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Young Americans are drawn to its welcoming expat systems, widespread English usage, and clear visa pathways like the D7 passive income visa and digital nomad visa.
Italy appeals with its slower pace of life, culinary heritage, and charming towns in Tuscany, Puglia, and Sicily where housing remains affordable. Young professionals are also exploring freelance-friendly visas and pathways to Italian citizenship by descent.
Greece, especially Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete, is gaining traction for its scenic beauty and affordable property options. The Greece Golden Visa (starting at €250,000) has made relocating especially attractive for investors and remote workers.
Germany is ideal for those who want structure, a strong economy, and visa options like the EU Blue Card and Job Seeker Visa. The Netherlands is favored for its work-life balance, English-speaking environment, and the DAFT visa, which benefits U.S. freelancers and entrepreneurs. The Czech Republic is a hidden gem with Prague offering affordable living, a thriving creative scene, and an easygoing urban lifestyle that's popular with young digital workers.
In recent years, a growing number of younger Americans, spanning Gen Z and Millennials have cited political instability, social unrest, and uncertainty over civil rights as primary motivators for considering relocation abroad. This section explores how these factors are shaping their global mobility decisions in 2025.
A study reports that about 17% of Americans are seriously considering moving abroad within five years, with many citing disillusionment with domestic healthcare, education systems, and increasing political polarization as key drivers. Candidates mentioned as preferred destinations include Italy, England, Ireland, and Australia for their perceived stability and social freedoms.
A survey found that a staggering 85% of Americans feel negatively about the current U.S. political climate, and nearly 20% have seriously considered emigration regardless of election outcomes. Many explained they no longer felt aligned with American values or secure in their civil rights at home.
Reports from Reuters highlight that Americans across communities including LGBTQ+ individuals and racial minorities are exploring relocation due to concerns over escalating threats to equity and legal protections. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Ireland have seen significant spikes in visa and citizenship inquiries in response to these fears.
Additionally, the concept of “citizenship insecurity” is gaining traction, many U.S. citizens today feel morally disconnected from the country, driving them to seek dual citizenship or alternative national identities for both personal and protective reasons. Rather than remaining subject to what they see as systemic risk and instability, younger Americans report seeking countries with robust public institutions, legal protections, and clearer rights enforcement.
Public healthcare systems in Europe, such as in Portugal, Spain, and Ireland offer universal or low-cost access and rank among the best worldwide. The trust many young Americans place in these public systems, versus the privatized U.S. model, is driving relocation for those seeking wellness assurance.
Beyond politics, many younger Americans want a slower pace of life that values work-life balance, access to walkable cities, green spaces, and social cohesion. Nations with generous vacation policies, support for mental health, and community-based living rank highly among top choices.
When considering relocation, healthcare and education often shape the decision as strongly as lifestyle or citizenship options. In Europe, these two pillars are not only affordable but also promote inclusivity, stability, and long-term well-being.
European countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Italy offer universal or highly subsidized healthcare, meaning doctor visits, diagnostics, and emergency care are either free or carry minimal co‑payments. This removes the anxiety of unexpected medical bills and eliminates reliance on expensive private plans.
Cost structures are more transparent even routine services like lab tests and prescriptions are regulated, helping reduce healthcare spend to a fraction of U.S. levels. Preventive programs and high life expectancy further underscore healthcare quality.
According to a Business Insider feature, Americans who relocate often highlight improvements in mental and physical health attributed to better access to regular check‑ups and healthcare continuity in public systems.
For more on how Americans are navigating rising medical expenses, read our article on escaping healthcare inflation — and how investment migration and geoarbitrage are helping lower healthcare costs abroad.
In many European nations, public schooling is tuition-free, offering children of expats access to education systems focused on multilingualism, creative learning, and holistic development. The goal is global readiness rather than standardized testing alone.
University fees are either eliminated or significantly reduced for residents. Countries like Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands offer top-tier degrees at little to no cost, far below U.S. tuition. Partnered with EU initiatives like Erasmus+, students can study abroad at minimal cost, enrich their CVs, and gain transnational credentials.
A study published by Times Higher Education highlights how public universities in Europe maintain high global rankings while offering low or nominal tuition for residents making higher education both high quality and affordable:
Easiest-to-access countries for free or low-cost higher education in Europe
For more on children’s education abroad, read our article on why educating your kids overseas may be the best move for your family.
Beyond just financial or political motivations, a growing number of younger Americans are seeking something far more personal in their decision to move to Europe. For many, the draw lies in the continent’s rich cultural offerings, opportunities for personal growth, and a way of life that feels more aligned with their values and emotional well-being. Europe’s cultural diversity is an undeniable pull, the chance to learn new languages, participate in long-standing traditions, and live in multicultural societies provides a sense of adventure and connection that many feel is lacking at home. From the historic streets of Prague to the art-soaked avenues of Paris, young Americans often find themselves inspired by the depth of history and artistic expression embedded in daily life.
Particularly in southern European countries like Italy, Portugal, and Greece, the slower, more intentional pace of life offers a stark contrast to the relentless hustle that defines much of American culture. This shift isn’t just about aesthetics or leisure, it’s about mental health, community, and feeling human again. A young expat shared her journey after moving from New York to Lisbon:” recovering from burnout, she quit her job to focus on personal health and self-discovery. In her words, embracing Portugal’s pace “helped [her] learn to breathe again”, an emotional reset she hadn’t anticipated
For many of these expats, the move is also a response to what they feel is missing in their home country. The U.S., for all its opportunities, has become increasingly fraught with social tensions. Rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, ongoing racial disparities, and deep political divisions have left many feeling disconnected and unsafe. There’s also the ever-present anxiety around safety, especially gun violence, which has become a grim part of everyday life, even in schools. Parents, young professionals, and students alike cite this fear as one of the driving reasons for exploring life elsewhere. Coupled with a culture that glorifies overwork and offers little in the way of affordable, reliable healthcare, the emotional toll becomes hard to ignore.
Europe, in comparison, often provides a sense of refuge. Many countries on the continent boast progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, gender equality, and minority rights, creating an atmosphere of broader social acceptance. The feeling of community is more tangible too, whether it’s through walkable neighborhoods, accessible public spaces, or weekly street markets, Americans often express a deepened sense of safety and belonging. Lower violent crime rates and a stronger focus on communal well-being contribute to this sentiment. In places like Spain and the Netherlands, work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword, it’s built into the system through generous leave policies, shorter work weeks, and a cultural emphasis on rest and connection.
Ultimately, what young Americans find in Europe isn’t just a better healthcare system or lower cost of living, it’s a chance to belong to something deeper. They discover the possibility of living more fully, more freely, and more meaningfully in a society that encourages balance, safety, and self-expression.
In 2025, Europe isn't just a travel destination, it's becoming a long-term life strategy for younger Americans. With its blend of political stability, accessible healthcare, affordable education, and a healthier work-life culture, Europe offers a compelling alternative to the challenges many face in the U.S. Whether you’re drawn by better career prospects, safer social environments, or simply a desire for change, relocating to Europe could be the first step toward a more secure and balanced life.
Ready to explore your path to Europe?
At Immigration Diligence, we specialize in helping Americans navigate the process of moving abroad, whether it’s through ancestry, investment, or long-term retirement planning. From choosing the right country to securing legal residency or citizenship, we’re with you every step of the way.
Book a free consultation to start planning your move today, your European future is closer than you think.