Best countries to live in

No hesitation the UK and I’ve travelled to a great many other countries near and far, were not perfect here but nowhere else has more attraction. From the UK I can travel easily to a great many new places or repeat previous trip, why would I want to move away from my friends and family.

Now if I felt differently and I hated the UK and everyone in it, moving to a far flung country might be attractive, or if I was young and skilled other countries have attractions, as a retiree, no, it’s the UK for me.

Gaga, I used to be a Senior teacher in UK, so I know ... for sure.

jura2, I would happily stay working in the UK BUT as a long-term, experienced teacher, I can't get a permanent post. Too expensive. Schools just won't pay beyond the Main Pay Scale (cheap) and I don't see why I should take a low wage, when I'm a highly trained, post grad examiner with management experience. PLUS once you're past 50 you're a dinosaur here.

So. I'm making the best of the bad UK situation and seeing it as a positive.

www.theguardian.com/education/2019/nov/13/why-british-teachers-fleeing-overseas-international-schools?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR16lKZmL5_yeAW7-xjJ3b9n1Ys3c-8JJjWz8zTVvB7wS73UlbX8o6K6YQU#Echobox=1573628918

Every country I’ve been in (loads) I could’ve lived in and adapted to their way of life. Communist and fascist have their good points and bad but for sheer middle of the roadness I choose uk.

Big problem with NZ or OZ - the massive distance to family. I couldn't do that. From EU, you are never far from home. We drive or take train to and from UK all the time- and kids know I could be with them in hours in an emergency.

My son works in Melbourne and loves everything in Oz.
Daughter visited New Zealand last Xmas/New Year and her other half has said if Labour get in here, they will move to NZ to escape punitive tax rates. Hope they don't as still waiting for grandchildren and too old/health problems to fly round world at 68!
They also love USA and visit yearly, lucky things. Some family live in Phoenix, Arizona which attracts a lot of retirees with its great climate.

Even individual countries can be very different depending on location- just as in the UK.

Even Switzerland, which is very small by comparison with many- is very varied- in culture, religion, countryside, language, and more. The experience you would have in my town, Neuchâtel, would be totally different to Zurich, or Geneva, or Lugano- or Ultra rural/tradtional German speaking regions. Happy to help by pm, re Switzerland.

And the best of luck with your search!

Canada - nothing like the U.S. (IMO), so much beauty, cities very cosmopolitan
New Zealand - mind blowing scenery, wonderful people, great coffee

Would love to live in USA! We holiday there quite often, beautiful country and so much to see!