For decades, aging Americans have viewed sunny Florida as the ideal spot to relax after years of work. But now, an increasing number are eyeing Europe - particularly Portugal, Spain, and Italy - as an escape from U.S. political turmoil, with Donald Trump's return to the White House being a primary factor.
David, a 65-year-old lawyer from Chicago, is one of them. In April, he scouted Portugal’s Silver Coast with a budget of $500,000, searching for a tranquil second home. Preferring anonymity due to concerns over backlash, David shared that the U.S. political climate had grown so toxic he felt compelled to look beyond its borders.
As the grandson of four immigrants who came through Ellis Island, David is particularly unsettled by divisive immigration debates. “This country of mine has become intolerant,” he said.
Those considering a relocation are spread across the East Coast, with some as far as California and Texas, many of whom are also exploring residency and citizenship options abroad.
Seeking a second passport has become the first step for many planning a potential European move, a trend confirmed by the latest USA Wealth Report, which highlights a record surge in Americans exploring options abroad as U.S. politics become increasingly fraught.
* Fortune Magazine contributed to this article.
