Looking for an alternative to America?

Question

This may seem a bit weird, but I am looking for a country whose lifestyle is essentially American-style (midwest will do) - it just shouldn't be America. Please don't say Canada or Australia, those two are just too obvious. It doesn't even need to be English-speaking.

Answer 1

Costa Rica all the way! Not only is Costa Rica the only safe country is Central America but our lifestyle is extremely similar to an American liestyle. For example, Terramall in Tres Rios has stores ranging from extremos (which sells nike and adidas clothing as well as sports equipment) to Pops (an ice-cream shop that will remind you of Baskin&Robins but much cheaper). If you go to typical small towns like Zarcero you'll be able to eat chorreada con natilla while drinking a refreshing Coca-Cola. And if you live anywhere near San Jose you'll notice the Centralamerican counterparts of a bunch of American companies like FedEx (have you ever notice the arrow between the E and the X) and Price Smart. Even Wal-Mart is already investing in Costa Rica, although you won't need a Wal-Mart with all the department stores you'll find, such as Hiper-Mas and Mega Super.

Standards of living in Costa Rica are amazingly similar to those of America. Bathrooms use water (unike the Caribbean), houses are about the same size (unlike Japan), and our food is distinctinly Hispanic yet made with ingredients commonly found in America (except pejibayes and palm hearts, but trust me they're really good). Cities are very similar and decent. Sure our streets are smaller and we don't have super-highways, but so what? You said you didn't want anything exactly like America.

P.S. I know most Costa Ricans speak spanish but don't worry, 28% of the country speaks english as well.

Answer 2

New Zealand.
New Zealand has a modern, developed economy with an estimated GDP of $97.39 billion (2005).

The country has a high standard of living with GDP per capita estimated at $24,100. The standard of living has also been measured in other forms, including being ranked 19th on the 2005 Human Development Index and 15th in The Economist's 2005 world-wide quality-of-life index.

Answer 3

It's not as easy as it sounds. No two countries are alike. You need to pick the traits that are important to you, and start traveling until you find your new ideal.

In addition to Europe, Australia, and Canada, consider S. Korea, Japan, India, South Africa, some of the Caribbean islands, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica. But, having gone that route, I can assure you, you'll find some surprises wherever you go.

Answer 4

the way things are going lately, i've been thinking along these lines, too. but, aside fom other english speaking countries, only the european countries come to mind. i'm going to start researching the area, and i'll probably check back to this question to see what people say. . (one problem of course is with immigration rules. if you plan to make the change more or less permanent. they have to be looked into as well). good luck to us both.

Answer 5

Switzerland isn;t all that far off, Germany also. Brazil is also pretty nice (although nothing like the midwest).

Answer 6

Go to England or Germany

Answer 7

New Zealand or Germany (Franconia-Northern Bavaria).

Answer 8

New Zealand

Answer 9

Try Switzerland or Austria...it's awesome and everyone there can speak english as well as their native languages.

Answer 10

France? They're a democracy and have extensive rural lands.