A record number of Americans are moving abroad, and Czechia is a top destination

More Americans than ever are leaving the United States, drawn by more affordable living and safer communities abroad. Czechia, alongside other European countries, has become a notable destination for families and retirees seeking a change, according to relocation data and experts tracking global migration trends.

Last year, the U.S. experienced net negative migration, with an estimated 150,000 more people leaving than arriving—a phenomenon not seen since the Great Depression, reports the Wall Street Journal.

While the Trump administration credited the exodus to stricter immigration policies and increased deportations, analysts say a broader social shift is at play. Many Americans are relocating overseas to escape rising living costs, violent crime, and political instability, while taking advantage of remote work and global mobility.

“In the past 10 years, the number of American residents has nearly doubled in Spain and the Netherlands, and more than doubled in the Czech Republic,” the Wall Street Journal reports. Prague, Brno, and other Czech cities have increasingly become home to Americans looking for quality education, healthcare, and a more affordable standard of living compared with the U.S.

Relocation companies report that the new wave of emigrants is not limited to young, adventurous professionals. Families, retirees, and even mid-career workers are moving with children in tow, laying down roots in cities across Europe.

Chris Ford, a 41-year-old real estate professional from Dallas, told the Journal that the higher U.S. wages are offset by a better overall quality of life in Europe. “You don’t face the prospect of your 5-year-old going into a kindergarten and doing an active shooter drill,” he said, describing his experience in Berlin.

Czechia’s combination of affordable housing, safe streets, and reputable schools is drawing attention from American families. The country’s central European location, historic architecture, and walkable cities make it especially attractive to those seeking a European lifestyle without the costs of Western capitals.

Expatsi, a European relocation consultancy, has seen a surge in inquiries from Americans aiming to move to Europe. Founder Jen Barnett, who relocated from Alabama to Mexico in 2024, said that today’s clients are “ordinary people” seeking stability, affordability, and quality of life.

Many plan multi-year stays, with children enrolled in local schools and parents balancing work and family life from abroad. Analysts say this trend could have long-term implications for the U.S., challenging the traditional image of the country as the ultimate destination for immigrants.

As more Americans plant roots abroad, countries like Czechia are benefiting from an influx of skilled professionals and families, while offering a lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the stresses of modern American life. Over the past year, the number of Americans legally residing in Czechia grew by around 700, to a total of 11,133.

Experts like Caitlin Joyce, who studies U.S. emigration patterns, note that this is part of a structural shift: Americans are increasingly drawn to countries with social-democratic policies, affordable healthcare, and vibrant local communities.

“Americans move abroad and find they like life better abroad,” she told the Journal, highlighting the appeal of Europe’s safety and public services. Czechia, with its mix of historical charm, accessible urban living, and growing expatriate networks, is emerging as a significant node in this global migration.