Where, when and why did you move abroad?
I moved from Cleveland, Tennessee, to the small town of Englehart in Northern Ontario, Canada. My journey began in September 2020 when I arrived as a visitor, and by January 2021, I had officially become a Permanent Resident. The primary reason for my move was simple but powerful: I wanted to be with my wife. Trading the American South for the Canadian North was a massive shift, but being together made the transition worth it.
What challenges did you face during the move?
The biggest challenge wasn’t the physical move, but the bureaucratic nightmare that followed. Filing from a Canadian address triggered an “identity theft” flag with the IRS, leading to a grueling five-year legal battle to recover a frozen $1,800 refund. Beyond the paperwork, I had to adapt to the isolation of a remote, resource-based economy, the lack of public transit in rural areas, and the physical toll of Northern winters—specifically the brutal dry skin that comes with the sub-zero temperatures.
What do you enjoy most about life in your new country?
I’ve found a deep sense of purpose in community solidarity. Even as an outsider, I’ve been welcomed into the fold of Englehart. I’ve become highly engaged in local discourse and transit advocacy, pushing for better infrastructure like the Northlander train service. There is a certain grit and kindness in small-town Ontario that I’ve come to value deeply; people here look out for one another.
What is the hardest part of expat life for you / your family?
The hardest part is the “No-Man’s Land” identity crisis—the feeling that you don’t quite fit in your old home anymore, yet you’re still “the American” in your new one. The financial and psychological weight of navigating U.S. citizenship-based taxation while living abroad is a constant shadow that many don’t realize exists until they are in the thick of it.
What is your relationship like with locals and other expats?
With locals, I’m known as “The American” or “the guy who stands up for things.” My advocacy work has built strong bridges, and I feel like a respected member of the community. In the expat world, I’ve found a “tribe” through advocacy groups. My personal story has become a bit of a case study for the systemic issues Americans face abroad, and I enjoy connecting with others to help them navigate these same hurdles.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of making a similar move?
Be prepared for the “unseen” hurdles, particularly the tax and legal complexities of being an American abroad. Most importantly, don’t just live in your new country—immerse yourself in it. Find a cause you care about, advocate for your new community, and don’t be afraid to be the “outsider” who asks the tough questions. Building a life abroad is about more than just a change of scenery; it’s about finding a new way to belong.