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Jazzman
ParticipantFrance is undoubtedly the best country in the world to live for its sheer beauty, variety, and life style. Home prices still represent unbelievable value in many parts of the country. Montecito/Rancho Santa Fe mansions for a fraction of the price, and they are the real thing, often surrounded by beautiful medieval towns and villages. The downside is tax and making a living. Wealth tax is possibly going to be abolished, which may bring back some richer nationals. The health care of course speaks for itself. Italy comes in a close second to France for culture and life style.
The UK has a climate that will deter many. Though not extreme, it can be depressing. It is Europe-lite, and offers a palatable alternative to the US, especially since language is not a barrier. The food now is actually very good, and London is far more varied, and international that LA. You won’t find burgers, and sandwiches on every menu there. Tax is favorable, and health care very good.
Most of Europe offers a very rich life style, but many Californians will relate better to Australia or possibly South Africa, the latter still having some security drawbacks, but better real estate values.
Thailand is over-run with cheap, tacky (sex) tourism and there are limitations on home ownership. Malaysia offers a better opportunity with it’s second home-ownership program, but is hot and humid. Panama is a favorite of expats for its developed banking and infrastructure, and doesn’t suffer the security malaise of Mexico or Costa Rica. Belize offer a retirement program. Dubai has tax advantages, but was developed quickly and around real estate, so is probably boring. Chile is a favorite, is Anglo Saxon friendly, is stable and has a strong economy. They say live in Chile, but have fun in Argentina.
First step is always residency visas. As for me, I’m 95% certain to leave CA, and will be heading to Maui and France. Doesn’t get better than that.
ParticipantFrance is undoubtedly the best country in the world to live for its sheer beauty, variety, and life style. Home prices still represent unbelievable value in many parts of the country. Montecito/Rancho Santa Fe mansions for a fraction of the price, and they are the real thing, often surrounded by beautiful medieval towns and villages. The downside is tax and making a living. Wealth tax is possibly going to be abolished, which may bring back some richer nationals. The health care of course speaks for itself. Italy comes in a close second to France for culture and life style.
The UK has a climate that will deter many. Though not extreme, it can be depressing. It is Europe-lite, and offers a palatable alternative to the US, especially since language is not a barrier. The food now is actually very good, and London is far more varied, and international that LA. You won’t find burgers, and sandwiches on every menu there. Tax is favorable, and health care very good.
Most of Europe offers a very rich life style, but many Californians will relate better to Australia or possibly South Africa, the latter still having some security drawbacks, but better real estate values.
Thailand is over-run with cheap, tacky (sex) tourism and there are limitations on home ownership. Malaysia offers a better opportunity with it’s second home-ownership program, but is hot and humid. Panama is a favorite of expats for its developed banking and infrastructure, and doesn’t suffer the security malaise of Mexico or Costa Rica. Belize offer a retirement program. Dubai has tax advantages, but was developed quickly and around real estate, so is probably boring. Chile is a favorite, is Anglo Saxon friendly, is stable and has a strong economy. They say live in Chile, but have fun in Argentina.
First step is always residency visas. As for me, I’m 95% certain to leave CA, and will be heading to Maui and France. Doesn’t get better than that.
February 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM in reply to: OT – What’s your take on Egypt and the Middle East #663012ParticipantWe don’t really know what is going on, and it’s academic to try and understand from afar. You need to be in the thick of it fully to appreciate some the intricacies, nuances and tensions within what we call the middle-east. All we know is a group of people are rising up against their government, and it is appears to be contagion. The rest of the world can only wait and hope.
February 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM in reply to: OT – What’s your take on Egypt and the Middle East #663074ParticipantWe don’t really know what is going on, and it’s academic to try and understand from afar. You need to be in the thick of it fully to appreciate some the intricacies, nuances and tensions within what we call the middle-east. All we know is a group of people are rising up against their government, and it is appears to be contagion. The rest of the world can only wait and hope.
February 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM in reply to: OT – What’s your take on Egypt and the Middle East #663678ParticipantWe don’t really know what is going on, and it’s academic to try and understand from afar. You need to be in the thick of it fully to appreciate some the intricacies, nuances and tensions within what we call the middle-east. All we know is a group of people are rising up against their government, and it is appears to be contagion. The rest of the world can only wait and hope.
February 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM in reply to: OT – What’s your take on Egypt and the Middle East #663815ParticipantWe don’t really know what is going on, and it’s academic to try and understand from afar. You need to be in the thick of it fully to appreciate some the intricacies, nuances and tensions within what we call the middle-east. All we know is a group of people are rising up against their government, and it is appears to be contagion. The rest of the world can only wait and hope.
February 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM in reply to: OT – What’s your take on Egypt and the Middle East #664152ParticipantWe don’t really know what is going on, and it’s academic to try and understand from afar. You need to be in the thick of it fully to appreciate some the intricacies, nuances and tensions within what we call the middle-east. All we know is a group of people are rising up against their government, and it is appears to be contagion. The rest of the world can only wait and hope.
Participant“One of America’s favorite past times seems to be acting like jerks in anonymous forums.” Forums have become a haven for sociopaths, the lonely, and opinionated cowards. Perhaps that’s who we really are.
Participant“One of America’s favorite past times seems to be acting like jerks in anonymous forums.” Forums have become a haven for sociopaths, the lonely, and opinionated cowards. Perhaps that’s who we really are.
Participant“One of America’s favorite past times seems to be acting like jerks in anonymous forums.” Forums have become a haven for sociopaths, the lonely, and opinionated cowards. Perhaps that’s who we really are.
Participant“One of America’s favorite past times seems to be acting like jerks in anonymous forums.” Forums have become a haven for sociopaths, the lonely, and opinionated cowards. Perhaps that’s who we really are.
Participant“One of America’s favorite past times seems to be acting like jerks in anonymous forums.” Forums have become a haven for sociopaths, the lonely, and opinionated cowards. Perhaps that’s who we really are.
February 1, 2011 at 10:28 AM in reply to: OT: LOL… All you folks that are trying to eat organic from places like Whole Foods…. #660640ParticipantFunny, I never really saw them as an organic, healthy eaters paradise. More of a deli with foreign goodies, and salads to boot. If you are a foodie, you go there, if you are a burger chomper you don’t. The fact they were battling against contaminants in the first place is in their favor. Expensive? Too expensive to fill the basket.
February 1, 2011 at 10:28 AM in reply to: OT: LOL… All you folks that are trying to eat organic from places like Whole Foods…. #660703ParticipantFunny, I never really saw them as an organic, healthy eaters paradise. More of a deli with foreign goodies, and salads to boot. If you are a foodie, you go there, if you are a burger chomper you don’t. The fact they were battling against contaminants in the first place is in their favor. Expensive? Too expensive to fill the basket.
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