Why More American Families Are Exploring Life Abroad

Boundless Crew
January 29, 2025
10 min read

We’ve noticed a trend lately: an increasing number of American families are reaching out to Boundless Life, ready to embark on a new adventure. Naturally, this left us wondering: What’s behind this shift? Why are so many families drawn to the idea of global living right now?

To find out, we conducted a survey at the end of 2024, gathering insights from 1,500 U.S. adults. We wanted to hear directly from people about their feelings on spending time overseas – to understand their motivations and uncover the perceived barriers holding them back.

What we discovered was fascinating. At its core, the data highlights a growing interest among Americans in exploring global living and the possibilities it might bring.

Here’s a peek at what we uncovered.

A large group of American families living abroad stand on the beach looking at a sunset
Boundless Life Families Living Abroad in Portugal

Families Are Dreaming Big

First off, the appetite for living abroad is real. 

A remarkable 32% of the families surveyed told us they’re actively planning or exploring a move abroad within the next five years. Another 23% said they’ve already taken tangible steps - like researching visas, housing, or schools - to make this dream a reality.

And what if finances weren’t an issue? A whopping 70% of participants said they’d be open to spending an extended period of time abroad if (real or perceived) financial barriers were removed.

It’s clear that the dream is alive - and it’s not just about wanderlust. For many families, it’s about creating a better life.

Why are Families Wanting to Move Abroad?

The reasons families are considering this big move vary, but there’s a clear overarching theme: a better quality of life.

Whether it’s the chance to experience life at a slower pace, spend more time together, or introduce their children to a multicultural lifestyle, families are seeking something deeper and more meaningful.

In fact, 33% of parents said the idea of exposing their children to a multicultural lifestyle is "very appealing." And it makes sense. What better way to broaden horizons and foster resilience than by living and learning in a global context?

Survey graphic on the reasons why Americans consider living abroad

The Challenges of Making the Leap

Of course, every dream comes with its challenges. For many families, the biggest hurdle to moving abroad is cost—cited by 74% of survey respondents as their primary concern. Other obstacles include family ties, social networks, and visa complexities.

That’s where Boundless Life comes in. By offering affordable living solutions, built-in communities, and programs designed to simplify the logistics of international relocation, we’re helping families overcome these barriers.

We also know how important it is to feel supported in a new environment. That’s why so many families are drawn to the idea of joining a community designed for digital nomads. In fact, 53% of participants said they’d be more likely to move abroad if they had access to a supportive community and progressive education for their children.

Survey graphic on how interested Americans would be to live abroad if finances weren't a limiting factor

A Shift in Priorities

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that families are reassessing what’s most important. Safety and support topped the list of priorities for families evaluating their quality of life, with over 73% identifying it as their main concern. Access to quality education and time to focus on family also ranked high.

At Boundless Life, we’re seeing these priorities reflected in the families who join our communities. They’re not just looking for a new location; they’re looking for a new way of life. One that prioritizes connection, growth, and balance—and we couldn’t agree more.

Survey graphic highlighting that safety and community is most important factor to Americans' quality of life

Why Now?

So, why are families feeling the pull to make this move now? While everyone’s story is different, there’s a common thread: people are searching for environments that align with their values and offer a brighter future. Whether it’s leaving a polarized political and social climate behind, seeking a safer and more communal environment, or providing better educational opportunities, families appear ready to take the leap.

And it’s not just about leaving behind what isn’t working. It’s about moving toward something better and the chance to embrace a new way of life–a life that feels freer, more connected, and filled with a greater sense of opportunity.

Survey Graphic on Americans' concerns about the future of the United States

How Boundless Life Helps Families Move Abroad

We know what it’s like to dream about living abroad because we’ve been there ourselves. As travelers and global families, we’ve experienced the ups and downs of this lifestyle firsthand. We understand the excitement, the challenges, and the life-changing potential of making this leap. That’s why Boundless Life exists - to make it easier for others to follow the same path.

We’re a community built by families for families, and we’ve connected across the globe to create something truly special. We understand the importance of community, safety, and overcoming obstacles because we’ve lived it. We’ve turned our collective experience into a support system designed to help others thrive.

Whether it’s providing guidance on where to go, providing individualized education for your kids, or simply connecting you with like-minded families, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

If This Sounds Like You, Let’s Talk

Have you ever thought about living abroad? If the answer is yes, we’re here to help you explore what’s possible. At Boundless Life, we’ve seen how transformative this experience can be - not just for parents, but for children too.

Curious to learn more? Click here to discover how we’re helping families like yours create lives filled with adventure, growth, and connection. Let’s work together to write the next chapter of your story!

At Boundless Life, we create thoughtfully designed communities in beautiful destinations worldwide. Each community includes private homes, co-working spaces, and an experiential learning-based education system, providing like-minded families with opportunities to connect, work, explore, and immerse themselves in local cultures.

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