The Great American Exit: Why DMV Locals Are Ditching the U.S. (2023–2025)

Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia— you’ve seen the signs. Your coworker’s Zoom background suddenly has a beach. Your neighbor’s mailbox is collecting dust. Your cousin now ends every sentence with “in Lisbon.” Americans are moving out—and DMV locals are leading the charge.

📦 How Many Americans Are Actually Leaving?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Migration Flow Dataset, over 9 million U.S. citizens now live abroad as of 2025[1](https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/migration-flow-data)es show a steady increase:

🌍 Where Are They Going?

• 🇲🇽 Mexico: Affordable, close, and tacos that don’t come with a side of inflation.
• 🇵🇹 Portugal: Digital nomad visas, pastel de nata, and rent that won’t make you cry.
• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica: Eco-living, monkeys, and no HOA fees.
• 🇪🇸 Spain: Siestas, sangria, and healthcare that doesn’t bankrupt you.
• 🇫🇷 France: Art, wine, and the ability to say “I’m an expat” without irony.

💸 Why Are They Leaving?

Let’s break it down DMV-style:

• Cost of Living: D.C. rent = \$3,200 for a shoebox. Lisbon rent = $1,000 for a two-bedroom with ocean views.
• Healthcare: France: universal. U.S.: $300 for a Band-Aid and a bill that says “LOL.”
• Work-Life Balance: Spain: 30 days off. U.S.: 30 minutes to cry between Zoom calls.
• Politics: Some are just tired of the chaos. Others want to live somewhere where “gun control” isn’t a punchline.

🧾 Renouncing Citizenship: The Bold Move

According to IRS expatriation reports, over 6,000 Americans renounced their citizenship in 2023. That’s not just “I’m moving to Bali for a year”—that’s “I’m done with Uncle Sam and his tax forms.”

📍 DMV Locals Are Leading the Charge

• Arlington tech workers: Now Lisbon tech workers.
• Fairfax retirees: Swapping golf carts for jungle hikes in Costa Rica.
• D.C. creatives: Coworking in Mexico City with mezcal and Wi-Fi.

🤔 Is This a Trend or a Fad?

The Optimists Say: “Remote work has unlocked the world. Why not live where you thrive?”

The Skeptics Say: “It’s a privilege. Most Americans can’t afford to move abroad. And you’ll miss Target.”

📚 Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau: Migration Flowalog.data.gov/dataset/migration-flow-data)
• Data.gov: Federal Migration Datasetsa.gov/dataset)