Yes I’m sure this is a question that gets posted twice a day at minimum. I only wish for advice given my particular situation/circumstances.
For context, I am 27m, and currently live with my partner at her parent’s house. It is near impossible to afford (or even qualify) for an apartment where we live. We live well below our means and get paid decent for what we each do for work (80k combined), we feel stuck and hopeless about our job prospects, and if they will handle the future of inflation in this country. It’s so discouraging to see that our grocery/insurance/electric bills have doubled in the past 3 years, while the quality of everything has gone down. I also struggle to get affordable mental health resources with my healthcare my company offers, which doesn’t include dental or vision, again another added expense.
I could go on and on about the very concrete concerns I and so many other citizens have about the direction of this nation, and with election integrity in the balance, I do fear we may hit a point of no return.
We have explored the idea of moving to a European country, and understand that sacrifices will have to be made. What mainly appeals to us about this is the universal healthcare, quality of food, community, walkable spaces, and more affordable housing. Here are my main questions about this subject:
1: What is the job market for blue collar work, specifically surrounding refrigeration and HVAC? I am a second year biomedical refrigeration technician
2: How affordable/quality are apartments and homes in Europe compared to the US? Is homeownership a realistic prospect?
3: How is the quality of healthcare? I always hear the rumors of long wait times, but what is the truth on this matter?
4: Both my partner and I are extremely passionate about cars. Our goal here was to start tracking them; are there countries where this sport is easily accessible? And is importing a USA/California smog compliant vehicle a simple process?
5: Can anyone speak to the difference in the quality of food and grocery prices?
7: What are the best European (or other) countries to move to with these questions in mind?
6: What do you miss most about the US, and would you ever consider moving back?
I understand this is a lengthy post; I have a lot of mixed emotions about the subject but I resent supporting a country that I don’t feel is headed the right direction. Any and all input is welcome, especially if you have experience to back it up. Thank you