I've lived in the USA for 30 years and this is MY LAST Year here. While capitalism has catapulted the USA to the #1 economy in the world where has all that money gone? The top 1% of course. We still have one of the most confusing and expensive medicare systems in the world, good schools are unaffordable but the ONE THING that drives me out is CRIME: Brazen DAYLIGHT robbery, shootings and rampant drug problems and the trend of "decriminalization" for "low violations" such as stealing, harassments, minor assaults (a random punch in the face is fine, no jail time will be served) and PAPER/FAKE plates abundant with not a care in the world. Just a few examples. Graffitis have magically appeared all over (cops DON'T DARE to stop kids anymore) and auto thefts have SKYROCKETED 500% nationwide. "Catch and release" is the norn here in the US. The place is becoming insufferable. Getting TF out of here. No country is perfect but you pick & choose your poison and CRIME has gotten worse in the US. Unbelievable.
All countries are great if you are rich. Lifestyle can't be separated from pay. The best country to work is often not the best country to retire. Real estate prices compared to local incomes give the best answers. In my experience tracking real estate prices and value for money will tell almost the entire story.
I think Healthcare has to be considered. I don't know about NHS. Canada's Healthcare has collapsed. Waiting of 12 months to see a specialist and 18 months for a surgery. ER waiting time at least 6 hours and often another 10 hours to be seen by a doctor. People died in ER is a norm. When one does not have good health, education becomes a less concerned topic. During my recent trips to Taiwan, there were always between 30 - 40 people on wheelchairs waiting to board the EVA.
I was born in Hong Kong, move to Vancouver BC as a 9 year old (Jan) 1973. Spent a total of 6 years working in H.K. (1959-88 & 1992-94). Now as I navigate being close to retirement. My wife who is from H.K. we have decided to move back to H.K. or Zhong Shan China. To honest, I am excited and a bit scared at the same time. My English is better than my Chinese. but I can speak cantonese. I am an Automotive Service Advisor since 1989. Maybe once settled, I may find work in my profession again or I may just relax and retire. I know I will miss my friends in Canada. I sure won't miss the problems in Canada. (Municipal, Provincial & Federal elections. It's like you're at the Thrift Store & you are trying to pick out the least damaged & F@#ked up item there!)
Something for James to consider is NHS. From what I've gathered through news, Japanese healthcare should be much better and faster than UK's NHS. Also, Brexit will continue to be a damper on UK economic performance and a cause of inflation.
Same reason I dont want my kid to grow up in Taiwan, the schooling system sucks, the American school is $$$ but so are good private schools in Australia, but I have the opportunity to shop around, same reason public schools have some rough settings, but post schooling he can go to Taiwan. After school care is also 50/50, parents who work late and need a baby sitter. I think living in Taiwan/Japan is that there is less of the new trend of western nations self depricating and trying to shun their origins, I hate this attitude becuase its a grift most of the time, so to be away from this garbage is always a good thing.
