To ask where would be an option to move to?

[Wheretogotonow]

We’re starting to look into moving abroad for a better lifestyle and improved safety, and I’d really appreciate any advice from those who have already moved or are considering it.

Our situation:

• My husband is a top 1% earner.
• I don’t currently work (child care around school) but I have a master’s degree so can look to go back into work.
• We own a 3-bed semi-detached house with a mortgage, in an expensive area due to my husband’s job we need this location.
• We pay privately for healthcare and for our children’s schooling.
• We don’t receive benefits (or receive reduced child benefit).
• We consider ourselves community-focused—we volunteer, are involved locally, and have nice children.

Despite all of this, we’re being priced out. Food costs have increased, VAT is being added to school fees, and with Rachel Reeves’ upcoming budget, it looks like we’ll be taxed even more.

We also don’t feel as safe anymore. There was a stabbing of a teenager at the end of our road—not something you expect in what’s meant to be a nice area. It’s getting worse and I’m fine to say I don’t feel safe walking the dog on my own anymore.

So, for those who have relocated or are planning to—where did you go, and why? What should we consider?
We won’t be a burden to any country we move to—our intention is to continue paying for schooling and healthcare privately and to contribute positively to the community.

No need for negative comments- we love England and are both born and bred here but it’s not the same as when we were children and I just don’t want this for our children. We know it’s time to go.

@Gair interesting post - my H lived for 2 years in Singapore when he was 7 - dad worked for BBC and got all the perks that were common early 70’s - maid, driver, schools paid, house paid for etc - as he said his main memory was the food ( which he said was fabulous) - fabulous lively markets, plus access to quite swanky places/clubs where ex pat families went , outdoor cinema and the weather which he remembered as ‘sweaty’ - I do think it’s a very different thing doing it all off your own back somewhere with support and your life ‘created’ and funding and building it all yourself from scratch and navigating new often complex systems - you can often underestimate costs of shipping your stuff, deposits on rented homes ( 3 months rent plus the agency fee is common in many places) buying or leasing a car , deposits on kids schools etc etc

Just looking for my tiny violin!

Australia is a a good place to live. I don’t think there’s an age restriction for doctors to emigrate there so it’s still a possibility if your DH is over 45.

It’s a well trodden path for medics so I’m surprised you needed to ask really. Your DH must know someone over there surely. Or a friend of a friend.

I’m not asking for sympathy but thanks for the violin … 🎻 here it is! I am so incredibly lucky- I have a lovely husband and children and pets but it’s ok to say you want to leave somewhere and ask for advice not sympathy!

@Gair You've been talking a lot of sense on this thread and I don't see any avenue for me to valuably add to your excellent detailed contributions.

It is interesting hearing about Chinese mainland and other such postings with regards to pollution, limitations on movement, and accommodation costs. I've often heard this over the years, jaw agape, but each locality has its charm, and its all part of the raw and sometimes jarring yet wonderful experience of living in APAC.

My postings have been non-Chinese mainland East Asian localities in the usual conventional hubs. Somewhat similarly to you, a desire to school my DC in the UK also brought me back. I was unable to stay away, however, and have had postings again since. There are still quite a few of my old gang out there, and as you say the food is just too good to be away from.

It's good for OP to know that whatever decision she takes, its reversible as long as she doesn't sell her house, although there is a time of readjustment required on return. Somewhat imperfect souls like me succumb to temptation and go back!

Everyone is always so defensive and snarky in these MN posts when top earners are seeking ways to better their own life. Seems if you’re in 1% earner, you aren’t allowed to complain about anything. This country has zero incentives to motivate people to earn money but they’ll happily support the govt dashing money to lazy folks. OP is asking for advice for people in similar shoes, if that’s not you then jog on, no need for the silly sarcasm 🙄
I’m not in the 1% but I can relate to your post OP.
Portugal or even Denmark are nice options but high taxes. I’ve heard some people say Singapore also but I’ve never been.