Good analysis. I think there is arguably another category between Expat & Snowbird, where your primary residence is abroad, but you return seasonally to the US or other home country. That could be to a home you own, or one you rent out but keep a room or ADU reserved for yourself, or to a seasonal Air B&B type rental. That was our original plan though instead we wound up going full Expat when conditions in the US altered.
I was actually thinking about that after writing this up. Would be a good strategy, as you can keep a US mailing address etc. while more or less living like an Expat. Good point, will add more more granular options somewhere!
Glad to be a full-blown expat, having moved to Portugal three and a half years ago. We “burned the boat,” meaning not going back. We have found that community is more important than we thought it would be, and the primary reason that we chose to settle where we did. We understand that some people need to be out of the country only part of the time, but we’re glad we don’t have to split time.
Good analysis. I think there is arguably another category between Expat & Snowbird, where your primary residence is abroad, but you return seasonally to the US or other home country. That could be to a home you own, or one you rent out but keep a room or ADU reserved for yourself, or to a seasonal Air B&B type rental. That was our original plan though instead we wound up going full Expat when conditions in the US altered.
Agree, that’s my plan too. Would we call ourselves ‘SnowPats? 😁
New copyright incoming ;)
I was actually thinking about that after writing this up. Would be a good strategy, as you can keep a US mailing address etc. while more or less living like an Expat. Good point, will add more more granular options somewhere!
Retire!
Added you!
Glad to be a full-blown expat, having moved to Portugal three and a half years ago. We “burned the boat,” meaning not going back. We have found that community is more important than we thought it would be, and the primary reason that we chose to settle where we did. We understand that some people need to be out of the country only part of the time, but we’re glad we don’t have to split time.
I also tend to be in this category. It suits me to have 1 "main base" where I can operate from.