With today's advances in transportation, communication technology, and workplace flexibility, relocating has never been more possible.
It is a different story when determining a place where your unique family can thrive.
After years of exploration, scoring black, Latinx, and mixed-race families blogs/vlogs, and conversations with current expat families, we have found that no ONE country will be "perfect." Each has its own forms of systemic racism, cultural xenophobia, and individual prejudices. But overwhelmingly, the countries on our list are friendly to foreigners/non-familiars, rank high in safety and quality of life (both perceived and actual), have sound educational systems, and very diverse population hubs. Throwing in diversity of language, environmental beauty, and heritage also ensures there is an option, no matter your preferences. These are the top 5 countries our family would highly consider relocating to.
Canada
OHHH Canada! After years of traveling alone throughout North America for work or family journeys around the world, I have never found a more friendly bunch than the Canadians. From Quebec City and Montreal to Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver, Canadians of all identities were welcoming. Each province I visited had its own uniqueness and beauty. Chatting with locals at restaurants, gay bars, and sporting events, they all were open to discussing everything from politics, the Canadian healthcare system, and foreign relations with a smile. Canada is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural countries, with a very high immigrant population. For a country younger than America, in my opinion, Canada has better-ascertained methods to produce a higher quality of life, a more transparent and stable government, and a safer environment for visitors and citizens alike. It is continually on the Top Best Countries in the US News & World Report lists, Reddit message boards, and world health, peace, and safety lists. Ready to load up the U-haul for Canada? This site is the Holy Grail of starting points!
Portugal
You may have heard a lot of buzz around Portugal lately, with good reason.
After visiting in 2023, I was amazed at how everything I had heard or researched was TRUE. The weather, food, and people were beyond. While exiting the airport and into main city hubs, I was not scarred by tanks, "officials" barring large firearms, or extensive screening processes - looking at you Mexico, Italy, and my home country the United States. What stands out in Portugal over other European (especially EU) countries is friendliness to non-familiars, affordability, temperate climate, and ease of visa process. Looking for more info on how to move to Portugal? Look no further.
New Zealand
A small island just south of Australia, New Zealand is a country that was never on anyone's radar until it was. Much like Portugal, the home of the Kiwis, there's a buzz around visitation and relocation due to its friendly population, unbelievably safe environment, and breathtaking scenery. Black expats rave about their surprising sense of community while building roots, and the country has a strong Asian influence due to its geographical location. For some North American citizens, the distance from relatives and home networks may be too much to bear. That is why our family has not visited New Zealand or even had it on our radar until now. But with the country's progressive LGBTQ+ policies, the overall approach to equality, and stellar education system, we would be remiss not to add it as a top choice. Hey, and New Zealand is welcoming Americans with open arms. Find out more about why NZ is the place to be.
The Netherlands
I fell in love with Amsterdam based on the airport alone. It was the most thoughtfully inclusive and safe transportation hub I had ever spent significant time in. That same consideration continues as you enter the country. The Netherlands has a considerable amount of social practices and policies that enhance the quality of life for families of all types. I have found that you will need to be your own advocate regard regarding health-related issues, though, but the system is quality and accessible to all residents. Unfortunately, the Dutch are still hanging on to the racist practice of blackface when depicting the black Moor companion, Black Pete (Zwarte Piet), to Saint Nicholas during the national holiday festivities. Wonderfully, you will not be alone with your advocacy or protest concerning social justice. Human rights are taken seriously for all individuals in the Netherlands. Want to know more about visiting or living in Holland? Here are two great reviews: Relocation Checklist and Finding Housing, as it can be limited.
The United Kingdom (Scotland and parts of England)
Though I have had nothing but bearable, if not pleasant, weather when visiting England, images of cold, gloomy days and shivering with multiple layers bounce around in my head. Yes, it does rain in the UK, but the winters aren't nearly as bad as in parts of North America or other parts of Europe. Plus, the rain brings a lovely green geography and unique hiking places. Glasgow, London, and the Manchester/Liverpool metro areas are highly diverse, providing a wealth of culture and several ex-pats. When you start to feel "homesick," visits to and from the US or other parts of Europe are simple due to the number of transportation hubs, which also can keep costs lower. Things aren't all rosy in Britain, though. Much like the US and other parts of the world, conservative politics have fostered an increase in hate crimes, especially toward the trans population. Stick to larger metropolitan cities, and you'll find a better chance of finding community.
Close though missing something...
You might be saying, "But what about Argentina, South Africa, Ireland, or Mexico... or more countries that were not colonizers?" You have a fair point. But let's not forget the main criteria are safety, quality of life, and education. If a family consisting of two androgynous women (one black and one white) and their mixed-race child tried to visit, let alone live in Mexico, Argentina, or South Africa, would they have similar protections as any other family? Or would they endure severe harassment and discrimination? Visiting a place singularly on vacation is one thing - with your family, it is another.
Moving to a new country is hard enough without knowing there is, or could be, a sizable community of similar demographics, shared experiences, or support. That is why Iceland or Denmark may not fit the bill. There are too many accounts of xenophobia or downright racism in Spain toward dark-skinned Africans and Americans alike to comfortably recommend it. Though, I'm sure it would be in theTop 10 on our list due to its strong gender and LBGTQ+ rights, schools, and healthcare system. In every country mentioned, there are cities, townships, territories, and provinces that are more diverse ethnically, racially, and culturally than others, which will influence your experiences.
The United States also has a mixed scale of pros and cons. Remarkably, for such a diverse and geographically large country, the US has highly ranked economic prosperity (i.e., easier to get a decent paying job), education and healthcare system (for those who can afford it), and global influence. I have found that this global influence provides a sense of privilege, no matter your race. Many fellow black and brown travelers often note that they have felt more American in other countries than when actually in the United States. A discussion for another post, indeed. But, the abashingly systemic policies and practices that put profit over health and quality of life, and the absurdly increasing safety risks of raising a LGBTQ+, mixed-race family (or any family) in the US, make opening up our minds to other possibilities only logical.
Is a Great Migration Coming?
The size and homogeneity of many countries can allow certain practices toward an unfamiliar individual to become commonplace. There are many accounts of black folks being stared at and their hair touched without asking or being solicited for sex because of their skin tone. The opinion is that this is more out of curiosity and ill-perceived notions than aggression. Highlighting the point that it is essential for our families to proudly travel to and/or relocate to countries where our ideologies align, though places may not feel familiar. Ask yourself: What is the best place for my family's needs abroad? There may not be a "perfect" place - But a safer, more protected, and enriching local, ABSOLUTELY. Do you live in one of these countries or think other places fit the criteria? Please share your stories in the comments!
Only by sharing our experiences will we all feel more support in our journeys.
Together, we can make anything happen.
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