my "opening line" goes like -- "I'm a retired engineer, drive a Prius and believe in global warming and science" -- that eliminates about half the women out there! As an engineer, I tend to over plan and over analyze - but that's part of my "charm" -- that's why I started this exercise - surprised more people haven't entered into the discussion though.

Like you, I'm hoping for the best, but keeping an open mind for alternatives. You started me re-thinking England, went to a good web site -- found seaside property is far far less expensive than in MD, NJ, NY etc. Had hoped to find a WW II airport for sale (quite a few still exist as farm equipment storage etc.) - just in case I hit the lottery...or my novel hits it big.. (haven't written it though)... or my music career takes off... (can't sing and just re-learning basic guitar) -- nice to have a dream though!

Having spent 2 1/4 years in Venezuela in the salad years of the 70's, I've a dim view of the ability of most SA countries ability to govern and control their police and military -- something about being stopped at checkpoints and being asked for "su papeles por favor" by a kid whose rifle and bayonet were taller than him! The police are as corrupt as anything one can imagine in this country --

Thought of Chile (like Chilean wine) - then thought of Argentina ... until I learned of their "disappearing" people that didn't agree w/ the bosses....

Finally, it comes down to medical care -- not that it's much better on the prairie - but ... it sure isn't Johns Hopkins! When adequate medical care is available only in the capitol --
something about strings of ants climbing up the walls and people in the halls moaning and being told sorry, clinic is closed come back tomorrow - and then passing out on the floor.

Kinda resigned to thinking of countries where the Brits were the colonial power - Trinidad and such -- but haven't followed 'em recently.

Had an associate move to France (his wife was from there) - then thought of Spain, Portugal, but the poverty /wealth gap is not a good sign.

My best hope is still Canada -- IF things go south here - would expect a whole fleet of Priuses hurtling towards the border - they can't get all of us! Figure we can learn enough French to pass a written test - not a chance on a verbal comprehension test though.

keep going - I like your way of thinking...

Costa Rica doesn't suffer from the problems you listed, @pops410.

They don't have a military. Their police are nowhere near as bad as ours. Medical care is top notch and affordable.

They are also one of the most advanced countries when it comes to ecological consciousness.

And the climate is very temperate.

@mcgeo52 I think we had an electrician (long time expat) who gave raves about Costa Rica - a former brit colony? - would still spend a month or so there before I'd commit. I never got over the gap between the rico and pobre in Caracas -- cardboard shacks on the hills looking down on the mansions. Thanks for jogging my failing memory

@pops410, Costa Rica has less economic disparity than Venezuela or the U.S.

Costa Rica was a Spanish colonoy, not Brit. After the Mexican War of Independence it was part of Guatemala in theory. In reality it was so isolated geographically it was basically a separate country. It declared its sovereignty in 1838.

I learned Spanish for a SA assignment - Yeah, I'd say if my great grand dad could learn English when he came over on the boat - I could learn French -- especially if "I had to". I did spend 6 mo in Toronto on assignment - loved the country and the people - I really think they've got their heads screwed on right. Heck, might even learn the subtleties of hockey

They had a Thatcher ... and after that a Blair ... the trend seems to be to eliminate their social safety net as does our Republican party. Yes, some of the socialized industries should have been privatized and eventually eliminated -- but the whole country strikes me to be like the city of Baltimore - they killed the industrial activity w/o giving the workers anything to live w/! We can't all be stock brokers.

-- and they drive on the "wrong" side of the road! and voted for Brexit

• BUT - they gave us Jeremy Clarkson and Mary Poppins!

Let's call 'em tier two -- acceptable w/ reservations.

I left it somewhat open ended -- but your questions are spot on -- The goal would be to complete ones life w/o hassle in a lefty environment - whether that would be the equivalent of a green card or citizenship is open to question -- but it would have to be legal and residency would have to incur the benefits of the state medical insurance ..

I looked into Canada some time ago - not speaking French hurt me on their test - but the real kicker was the $1 mil to "buy" a visa --

Hadn't thought of England - they seem to have the same problems as we do - but had thought of Ireland ...

Of course, it things go really south here (no pun intended) - maybe someone would open the doors for us as "refugee status" -- man would that be a kick in the groin...