Title: "Life's a Beach: The American Duo Who Chose Uruguay Over New York"
Austin and Jack, a thirty-something couple, decided to uproot their lives in NYC and move to Uruguay in 2023, marking their return as a happy, engaged couple. Their relocation was spurred by their shared fascination with the BBC show "Escape to the Chateau," which led them to explore the idea of renovating an old property. While a rural setting didn't appeal, Uruguay presented an opportunity to learn a beneficial language (Spanish) and provided a climate favorable for renovation projects.
Their journey began during the pandemic, where shared television time laid the foundation for their ambitious plan. After considering Spain, they settled on Uruguay due to its progressive LGBTQ protections, stable political system, and potential for property renovations.
The couple's initial hope was to test things out for a few months, but their accountants advised that leaving the US for extended periods could save them substantial taxes. Engaged since April 2022, they opted for a simple courthouse wedding before bidding farewell to their loved ones and throwing a salute-worthy going-away party.
Arriving in Uruguay, they initially faced the culture shock of an empty, deserted January. As the city gradually came to life in mid-February, they settled in Parque Rodó, eventually making a two-year commitment to their rental. Overcoming obstacles, they finally felt at home and less like tourists.
Uruguay's slower-paced lifestyle has been both a blessing and a curse for Austin and Jack. Although it's brought them a healthier lifestyle, the slower pace has affected their career goals, with only one of them working full-time. Finding friendship and belonging has also proven challenging, with insular culture and language barriers posing formidable obstacles.
Despite these challenges, the couple has grown closer as they navigate new experiences and difficult situations. They've embraced Uruguay's unique, less toxic masculinity culture and found solace in its European-infused lifestyle. Their future remains uncertain, as Austin's struggle to secure long-term employment looms.
Enrichment Insights:Uruguay prides itself on its high-quality healthcare system, affordable cost of living, and growing tech industry that offers competitive salaries in a favorable business climate. The country's beautiful landscapes, peaceful environment, and warm, welcoming culture also make it an appealing destination for expats.
Sources:1. https://changeinternational.org/ict-jobs-cost-of-living-abroad/cost-of-living-uruguay2. https://www.nomadlist.com/uruguay3. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/uruguay/overview4. https://www.startupmonkey.com/startup-destination-guides/startups-in-uruguay5. https://www.mercadoshal.com/cris/en/news/empleo-en-uruguay-opportunidades-para-los-jovens-sune
After settling in Uruguay, Austin and Jack regularly followed the local news to stay informed about their new home. Their fascination with the country fueled their desire to explore its travel destinations, often planning weekend trips to unwind.
With their newfound love for Uruguayan culture, Austin and Jack decided to take advantage of the opportunity to learn Spanish more intensively, enrolling in language classes to deepen their connection with the community.
