The Lindy Guide to Moving to Europe

Since Covid struck in 2020, I've been a remote worker and live between Europe and America. But recently, Europe's has kept me anchored there longer, thanks to its perks. And it's not just me; you've probably seen the surge of TikToks showcasing Americans relocating overseas, some for a temporary spell, others for good.

@movedtoeurope

3 things I like about life in #switzerland as an #expat so far (opinions are my own) 🇨🇭 #zurich #expatlife #american

This is a very new phenomenon. Americans barely even traveled abroad before 10-20 years ago, let alone move abroad. That’s because barely anyone had passports.

I’d thought I’d spend this Newsletter describing some of the pros and cons of living in Europe as an American. I’d like to preface this by saying that moving to Europe as an American is not for everyone. In fact, for 98% of Americans it is probably a dumb move.

Reasons Not To Move

America, with its wealth, is a magnet. Open the gates, and billions of people would swarm in overnight. Jobs abound, businesses sprout with ease. Here, the ordinary worker, the homeowner, the 401K contributor, can often ascend to millionaire status after a long life of working—a rarity, a phenomenon not mirrored in many corners of the globe.

Moving abroad means stepping away from this incredible chance to amass wealth. The outlook remains unchanged for the foreseeable future. America stands as the epicenter of innovation across numerous sectors. Here, the future is crafted. The smart move? Stay put, seize this unprecedented opportunity. Your descendants will be grateful to be born into a dynamic economy and a culture of comfort.

Why Leave?

However, there's a caveat. For a select few Americans, a European adventure, be it temporary or lasting, might work. Who are these people? Typically, they're people who make their money stateside (or through the internet). This can be through remote gigs, entrepreneurship, or online income streams.

You don’t want to uproot to Europe and tussle with the locals for jobs. Chances are, you'd fall short. Plus, let's not forget, the paychecks there might not be as hefty as you'd imagine.

Here’s a list of some people who may consider a move to Europe:

1) Urbanists. There are a certain amount of people who really love living in cities. America builds amazing suburbs but has a difficult time building great cities.

American cities are split between places like NYC, Boston or San Francisco that cost 3-4k a month in rent or millions to buy or cities that are undergoing decline like Buffalo or other rust belt places.

American cities are only going to get more expensive. European cities provide a better value while still being high quality. The famous Youtube account NotJustBikes describes why he left North America.

2) Artists and Creatives. A creative American might move to a European city because it offers affordability that is increasingly hard to find in American cities. The rising cost of living and high expenses associated with urban centers in the United States can be prohibitive for artists and creatives who often work on irregular incomes. European cities, on the other hand, might provide a more cost-effective environment, with cheaper housing, healthcare, and daily expenses, allowing creatives to focus more on their art and less on financial stress. The

3) People Who Are Tired of the Grind. If you make $100,000 or are close to that number you are in the top 1% of European countries. That’s like making $776,000 in New York. You can just stop the career grind and enjoy a comfortable life somewhere with all modern amenities and culture. Some people don’t want to play the career game and fight for promotions or compete with American workaholics.

4) People Who Want to Retire. Are you going to have enough money to retire in America? Places like Florida are expensive. Another option is to do what the Brits, Germans and other Northern Europeans have done for decades. Find a nice place in Spain or southern Europe and retire there. America will only keep getting more expensive over the decades.

5) Couples With One Income. For certain couples, having both people go off to work every day isn’t ideal. They would prefer one person to stay home.

For these couples, European cities are a good deal because of the affordability, but also provide amenities, schools and culture so that the person staying home won’t be bored.

6) A Different Dating Pool. If you’re sick of your local dating pool, you can change the environment.

In This Newsletter

1) Where Are You Going to Go? Europe is complex and each country has its’ own culture. I'll guide you through the top destinations for Americans, gauging them on a scale of friction, while unpacking the perks and pitfalls of each city.

2) Transactional Cultures vs Relationship Cultures. Be careful what city you choose as an outsider. Some countries have relationship cultures, an insider is advantageous as it provides a warmer, more connected experience of life through a network of relationships. On the other hand, in transactional cultures, being an outsider can be comfortable as the social dynamics are more anonymous and market-driven. 

3) The Second City: Most capital cities are internationalized or touristified. But if you want to gain a true understanding of a country, it's often more insightful to live (or visit) its second city rather than its capital or largest city.

Which City Should You Move To?

Subscribe to Premium Membership to read the rest.