Last year the U.S. experienced something that hasn’t definitively occurred since the Great Depression: More people moved out than moved in. The Trump administration has hailed the exodus—negative net migration—as the fulfillment of its promise to ramp up deportations and restrict new visas. Beneath the stormy optics of that immigration crackdown, however, lies a less-noticed reversal: America’s own citizens are leaving in record numbers, replanting themselves and their families in lands they find more affordable and safe.
I have an ex co-worker that moved there a few years ago. I did a few on and off months of research. It’s isolated. You’re not getting concerts or going to amusement parks. Housing is expensive. Pay is marginal when you put it up against housing. Kids go through school and move to Australia or further for more opportunities. There’s a windy season that’s pretty insane if you’re on the windward side. The ozone hole affects them, summers can be brutal even when it’s not all that hot. Population is not diverse. It’s markedly low stress. English speaking, schools are good, people are generally friendly. Lots of walking to places, food is seasonal, cheap and good quality. There are lots of good views and nature spaces.
I’m living in NZ temporarily (a few years) with wife and kids, and I would agree on most parts. Housing, energy/petrol, and groceries can get expensive especially when things are out of season. Medical staff pay is low and it can be the same sucky job sometimes, but it’s in a beautiful country with a better work/life balance. We’ve found it’s quite family friendly with parks, playgrounds and walking tracks - and we don’t get dirty looks if bringing kids to a nicer restaurant. Also it’s easy to do a day trip to some beach or go for a walk.
We live in an Auckland suburb, but the city has some cool venues that bring in NZ and international bands. As a metal guy, I feel likes there’s always something to go to.