Dear Ralph:  I’m feeling a bit uneasy about living in the US. It seems dangerous and unpredictable. Do you have any advice on where I could go after retirement?

― John-Buoy in Boston

Signature upper-body photo of Inner Space host, Ralph Williams, smiling and standing with arms crossed.

Greetings John-Buoy:  You are not alone! Lots of American have become disenchanted and worried and have started considering options. Are you looking for an ex-Pat community? English speaking? I really can’t recommend any one place since everyone is so different. But I will say that language makes big difference. Money makes a difference, too. Oddly enough, England is a very good country for Americans, simply because they speak English. But can you buy property and gain residency there? Same with New Zealand and Australia, and I hear great things about Irelandboth are English speaking. But can you immigrate? Dual citizenship? Do you think it might be possible to create your own safe bubble in the US? It can be done! But wherever you end up, stay safe and sane, John!

++RALPH

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Language:  If you’re not fluent in French, I wouldn’t move to France.

Weather:  If you like lots of sunshine and mild winters, I wouldn’t move to Scotland or Sweden.

Money:  If you’re on a fixed income with minimal savings, I wouldn’t move to Switzerland, lovely as it is.

Distance:  Will you be okay with living at a distance from close friends and/or grown children?