A survey, carried out by Kickresume, has found that Dublin ranked as the fifth most popular destination that US workers would like to move to, with 8% of people surveyed wanting to move there.
Making up the rest of the top five destinations were London in first place with 17% of respondents choosing this option, followed by Rome (12%), Barcelona (11%) and Paris (9%) in second, third and fourth position.
On the flip side, some cities are less popular among respondents. Sofia, Bulgaria, and Warsaw, Poland, were chosen by only a handful of people.
When delving down into other reasons for choosing these European cities, job opportunities were only at the 4th place, chosen by just 10% of respondents. Fifty-three percent of respondents would stay for more than a year or even move permanently. If they could bring one thing from America, 33% would bring their pets.
Of those surveyed, 30% chose their destination because they had always wanted to visit, 27% chose it because of a fascination with the city's culture and cuisine, and 15% were inspired by a past holiday. The biggest worry about moving to a European city was the language barrier at 35% - perhaps why Dublin was such a popular choice in comparison to other cities.
Clontarf's promonade, Dublin.
A breakdown of all the reasons US worker chose their top European cities are:
- Always wanted to visit
30% have long dreamed of exploring these cities but never got the opportunity.
- Fascination with culture and cuisine
Close behind, 27% are drawn by the culture and cuisine these cities offer. Whether it’s savoring a croissant in Paris or dining on tapas in Barcelona, the allure of new culinary experiences is strong.
- Past vacations
15% of respondents have vacationed in these cities before, fell in love, and would go back for an extended stay and work.
Grafton Street, Dublin.
- Job opportunities
Surprisingly, job opportunities are only the fourth most popular reason, with 10% of respondents highlighting this as a factor. While professional prospects are important, it appears that personal and cultural experiences hold more weight in the decision-making process.
- Personal recommendations
Six percent chose their cities based on personal recommendations from friends and family.
Media influence: Around 3% of respondents were influenced by TV shows or films set in these cities.
Special mentions include architecture, work-life balance, crime rate, or multiple respondents wanting to connect with their heritage.
These insights reveal that American workers are driven by a mix of lifelong dreams, cultural fascination, and past pleasant experiences when choosing their dream European city. While career opportunities are important, the chance to immerse themselves in a different culture seems to be the primary motivation.
A significant 35% of respondents cited the language barrier as their biggest worry. Adjusting to a new language can be daunting and potentially isolating, making it the top concern for those dreaming of a European relocation. This might also explain why London, with no language barrier for English speakers, tops the list of dream cities.
The River Liffey, Dublin.
Close behind language challenges, missing friends and family is a significant concern for 25% of respondents. The emotional sacrifices that come with moving abroad — like maintaining close relationships from a distance — are understandably hard to overlook.
Housing emerged as the third primary concern, with 18% of participants worried about finding suitable accommodation in their new European city. Whether it's the cost, availability, or the process of house hunting in a foreign country, this issue presents another layer of complexity to moving abroad.
Other notable worries include cultural differences (8%) and missing pets (5%). Interestingly enough, 1% of respondents are apprehensive about the local cuisine.
When it comes to relocating to Europe, many American workers want a piece of home to take with them. Pets top the list, with 33% of participants saying they would bring their beloved animals with them. No wonder — pets provide companionship and a semblance of home.
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Access to American TV shows and streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, ranks second, with 22% of respondents listing it as their top comfort item. Entertainment from home can offer significant comfort and familiarity in an entirely new place.
One in ten respondents would also bring their car along, highlighting the convenience and freedom that comes with having personal transportation. Similarly, the longing to celebrate American holidays like Thanksgiving and the 4th of July is shared by 10% of those surveyed, emphasizing the emotional and cultural ties to American traditions.
Here are some other top comfort items respondents wish to bring:
- Favorite American snack/food: 10%
- Favorite fast food: 4%
- A piece of American sports culture (e.g., jersey, baseball glove): 3%
- American-styled coffee: 2%
- Other: 7%
* You can read the whole Kickresume survey report here.
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