Malessa
First Post
Hello,
My husband has always toyed around with the idea of us retiring to Europe some day. Recently, I started taking the idea seriously. Even more recently, I brought up the idea of not waiting until retirement.
Here's my first step in the "move to Europe" research...
In the U.S., we have local "chambers of commerce" that supply all kinds of information about cost of living, job opportunities, housing, property taxes, education, utilities, local laws, shopping, night life, etc. that can be contacted if you want to consider moving to a new area. They'll send you a packet of pamphlets, brochures, addresses and phone numbers.
Is there any kind of "chamber of commerce" equivalent overseas? Specifically, we're thinking about an area such as a suburb of London, or perhaps Edinborough. Yes... I realize that's VERY vague, and not even in the same country. But, like I said, this is step 1 of testing the waters.
Anyway, what I'm looking for is very specific information on living in a primarily English speaking country... England and Scotland come to mind first, because they're the most familiar to us. Perhaps New Zealand (is that Europe?), the Netherlands, Switzerland??? Can anybody help me out with either internet links or mailing addresses for gathering the type of information I'm looking for?
I guess the most important would revolve around employment, cost of living, and school for our two boys. Help appreciated!
My husband has always toyed around with the idea of us retiring to Europe some day. Recently, I started taking the idea seriously. Even more recently, I brought up the idea of not waiting until retirement.
Here's my first step in the "move to Europe" research...
In the U.S., we have local "chambers of commerce" that supply all kinds of information about cost of living, job opportunities, housing, property taxes, education, utilities, local laws, shopping, night life, etc. that can be contacted if you want to consider moving to a new area. They'll send you a packet of pamphlets, brochures, addresses and phone numbers.
Is there any kind of "chamber of commerce" equivalent overseas? Specifically, we're thinking about an area such as a suburb of London, or perhaps Edinborough. Yes... I realize that's VERY vague, and not even in the same country. But, like I said, this is step 1 of testing the waters.
Anyway, what I'm looking for is very specific information on living in a primarily English speaking country... England and Scotland come to mind first, because they're the most familiar to us. Perhaps New Zealand (is that Europe?), the Netherlands, Switzerland??? Can anybody help me out with either internet links or mailing addresses for gathering the type of information I'm looking for?
I guess the most important would revolve around employment, cost of living, and school for our two boys. Help appreciated!
