Nearshore Americas

Escape from the USA: 7 Perfect Places to Relocate if, God Forbid, Trump Wins

The U.S. presidential election campaign is in full swing, with the polls showing that Republican nominee Donald Trump has a decent shot at becoming the next commander-in-chief. For those fearing life under The Donald’s petulant rule, there is increasing talk of leaving The Homeland, with some US-based realtors hoping to cash in on the exodus.
If you’re one of those who simply cannot stomach the harsh tone and alarming symbolism of a Trump White House, you should consider these seven cities in the Americas, which offer tolerance, freedom, and a decent place to make a living and raise a family. Our shortlist of locations are secure, mid-size cities where you can work, and where the kids can get a good education, all while taking advantage of great weather and quality infrastructure.
Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada croppedIf you live in the American southwest, Ensenada might be just the place. Only 80 miles (125km) south of San Diego, this Mexican city on the Baja California Peninsula is called “The Cinderella of the Pacific”. It has a bustling harbor, with the well-established wine region of Valle de Guadalupe nearby. The region also offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from parasailing, to fishing, to hiking and off-road racing.
With a population of just over 500,000, Ensenada is a manageable size, and has a reliable technological infrastructure. This is essential as the city is home to plenty of working Californian expats, and has the highest per capita population of scientists of anywhere in Latin America. An added bonus is that your neighbors, whether gringos or Mexicans, will share your dismay at the Trump presidency.
Cartagena, Colombia
CartagenaColombia’s days of drug cartels and guerrilla insurgency are now fading into history, allowing the country to emerge with renewed dynamism and confidence. Within this story, the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena has taken a central role. Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the walled port city of about 1 million inhabitants is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Latin America, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
Cartagena has a respected international school that teaches to all grade levels, many museums and galleries, as well as the stunning Teatro Heredia. The airport has direct service to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York City – very convenient for friends and family who might need a break from Trump’s triumphalism.
Montevideo, Uruguay
MontevideoMontevideo, with a population of about 1.3 million, is the capital of the tiny South American country of Uruguay, tucked between Brazil and Argentina on the Atlantic Coast. Montevideo itself is only a day-trip across the Río de la Plata to Buenos Aires, one of Latin America’s most fascinating and dynamic cities.
The city has a vibrant entrepreneurial and tech sector, with excellent schools, and a mild subtropical climate. Residents are often seen out walking, cycling, or jogging along the city’s many beach-front promenades. Leafy residential streets, low rise developments, and a diverse population make Montevideo feel like a town along the shores of the Mediterranean. This is a place where daily life is manageable, and the stable political and economic climate will make the world of Donald Trump seem far, far away.
Recife, Brazil
Recife BrazilWhen people speak of Brazil, they usually mention Rio de Janeiro, famous for its beaches and night life, or Sao Paolo, the country’s commercial center. But one of Brazil’s real gems is Recife, a city of over 3 million on the country’s north eastern Atlantic coast, and capital of the State of Pernambuco.
In Recife, trade winds provide a year-long breeze, with enough rainfall to keep things green. The city is home to the “Porto Digital” (Digital Port), a major hub of tech activity and investment. This is a town famous for its museums, film festivals, and carnival, as well as its first class medical services. It’s the sixth largest metropolitan area in Brazil, but has the second largest metro system.
Recife’s international airport and two ports keep it connected to the world. But with its international schools, fine cuisine, deep musical roots, and nearby coastline – with some of the world’s most stunning beeches – why would you want to leave?
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown_BannerLiving on a Caribbean island is a dream come true. There are plenty to choose from, but it is critical that there be the right balance of size, infrastructure, and affordability, with a friendly business environment. Bridgetown, Barbados, has the right mix. A small city of just over 100,000 people (the entire island of Barbados has only 270,000 inhabitants), Bridgetown has long been a safe and reliable place to live and conduct business.
The small island nation has diversified its economy beyond sugar cane and tourism, and now supports finance, information services, and light manufacturing. English is spoken, with a solid education system – literacy rates approach 100%.The international airport has daily flights to the US and Europe, and high-speed internet is widely accessible. This island is off the hurricane path, which has kept its old hotels and Caribbean beaches pristine. It also has a dramatic, windswept Atlantic coast, for those wild at heart.
Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
QueretaroOur second pick from Mexico has everything you need: a fantastic climate, top-notch infrastructure, and easy access to transportation. The capital of the state of Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro (also simply referred to as “Querétaro”), is situated about 120 miles (200km) directly north of Mexico City.
The vibrant and delightful town of San Miguel de Allende, with its booming arts scene, is only 39 miles (63km) to the northwest. Querétaro has all the colonial charm of a highland city in Mexico, but none of the hustle and bustle of Guadalajara, Monterrey, or Mexico City. Steeped in history, the historic center of Querétaro was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
Halifax, Canada
HalifaxThis city of half a million people is in the Province of Nova Scotia, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Situated in a beautiful harbor, Halifax is essentially free of crime, and right next door to New England. The citizens are proud, friendly, and welcoming. A polite people, the Canadians will be unlikely to blurt “Sad!” into your face, or to call you a “loser”. After all, Canadians know their Queen is ridiculous, which is why they give her no power; certainly, they will share your dismay at the demise of the fine Republic to the south, and the rise of the gilded Emperor Trump. But be forewarned: over the years Canada has accepted fleeing loyalists, slaves, and draft dodgers; you’ll have to make a better case than simply being a Trump refugee. So far, there is no wall with the US, but some Canadians are considering building one.
How are you preparing for Trumpageddon? Would you consider relocating to any of these cities if he wins? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

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Tim Wilson

Tim has been a contributing analyst to Nearshore Americas since 2012. He is a former Research Analyst with IDC in Toronto and has over 20 years’ experience as a technology and business journalist, including extensive reporting from Latin America. A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, he has received numerous accolades for his writing, including a CBC Literary and a National Magazine award. He divides his time between Canada and Mexico. When not chasing down stories, he is busy writing the Detective Sánchez series of crime novels.

2 comments

  • I am thinking about getting a temporary residency card for Mexico and moving to our border town on the Mexico side. I would have to commute back and forth every day to come to work in the USA. I am also going for a certification in web development. Can you offer insight or advice for some one who wants to work remotely as a web developer and reside in Mexico?