But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my decade abroad as a travel journalist and as a digital nomad who’s lived in several countries, it’s this: If you’re actively planning a move abroad from North America — this year or next — there are destinations you need to know about. Because more residents in these places are literally saying: don’t come.

Moving overseas isn’t just about picking the place with the best beaches or lowest taxes. It’s also about understanding the impact of your presence on the people who already live there.

Lately, more locals are protesting, staging demonstrations, and openly pushing back against tourists but also against foreign residents who they say are displacing them from their historic neighborhoods.

Let’s talk about eight cities or countries you should pause on before making a relocation decision in 2025 — and why. This list could be longer, but my aim is to get you thinking about your move before you jump on the American exodus bandwagon.

1. Mexico City, Mexico

Locals are fed up with skyrocketing rents in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa that they say have been gentrified. Signs read “Gringo Home,” while protests have blamed short-term rentals alongside the government, as some areas have seen housing prices rise 50–70%.

Ironically, the current president of Mexico herself promoted digital nomadism — partnering with Airbnb and UNESCO in 2022 – when she was the mayor of Mexico City. But locals say the result was a short-term rental boom that has displaced residents.

Some experts say the protests were not about housing, but really a pushback against cultural erasure, as most long-term foreigners are digital nomads who have no intention of integrating or learning Spanish… eventually transforming the area into businesses that cater to them and their palates.

Takeaway: Don’t move to Mexico City and contribute to a housing and cultural displacement crisis.

2. Accra, Ghana

The Year of Return campaign which kicked off pre-pandemic was one of the most brilliant tourism and relocation pushes of the century — bringing African-Americans “back home.” But in the capital, property began being marketed in US dollars, rents skyrocketed, and average Ghanaians were priced out.

Cost of living in Accra is high, while there have been reports of some internal land disputes–not widespread but existent–perceptions of American entitlement, and economic inequality. It’s a very nuanced situation.

There are reports that the economy is improving under a new president, but you’ll want to visit and move forward with caution.

Takeaway: Visit, yes. Relocate? Understand the complexity first and how you’ll be a positive contributor.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa’s new digital nomad visa requires at least $37,000 annual income (which has been a moving target) for a stay of up to 36 months. Meanwhile, Cape Town has 25,000 short-term rentals, and local leaders are proposing new taxes on them.

Even more of note, there is local resentment among some that visitors are using their tourist visas to stay long-term rather than apply for the new digital nomad visa.

Takeaway: Beautiful, yes. But housing pressures make this a sensitive move. If you do, do it legally.

4. Lisbon, Portugal and Barcelona, Spain

Both cities have reached a breaking point. Portugal ended its Golden Visa and is reviewing its popular D7 visa as a result of this growing crisis.

Lisbon has seen protests over unaffordable rents. Barcelona residents are staging increasingly direct protests against tourists and pushing to ban short-term rentals by 2028.

Takeaway: Years of unchecked overtourism and foreign investment have broken the housing systems here. Expect resentment if you move in, but preferably don’t contribute to the problem and consider secondary cities in Portugal.

5. Tbilisi, Georgia

Since the war in Ukraine, tens of thousands of Russians relocated to Georgia, driving rents up 200%. Locals were calling it a “digital colonization” when I visited in 2023, with landlords preferring foreigners over nationals. That may have cooled off by now but it’s something you’ll want to look out for when visiting.

Takeaway: Gorgeous landscapes, a rich culture and spirituality— but check on the vibe for a few months in the capital before deciding.

6. Costa Rica

Nosara, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo… once affordable beach towns are now facing soaring rents, foreign-dominated real estate, and rising crime. Rapid, unregulated development is also putting stress on Costa Rica’s environment and communities.

Takeaway: Eco-tourism hotspot? Yes but affordable long-term living? Perhaps not so much anymore–ask locals how things are at the moment, listen and visit multiple times before committing.

What to Keep in Mind Before Moving Abroad

These aren’t “never move” destinations. They’re mostly “not right now” places or destinations you should think about carefully— where overtourism, gentrification, and inequality are fueling local resentment.

If you’re serious about moving abroad:

• Spend months living there, over at least a two to three year period, first before deciding.
  
• Listen to locals — not just influencers.
  
• Remember that even if you don’t feel you are wealthy, your U.S. dollar or euro gives you an economic advantage that empowers you over locals in low to middle income countries.

Relocation isn’t just about what you gain. It’s about what you’re bringing with you–will it be integration in the culture and real exchange, or life in a bubble that contributes to communities losing more of what is theirs?

Are there are places you think also belong on this list, based on your experiences? Share in the comments.

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Considering moving to Belize — which is facing similar tensions in tourist and US retiree areas — but want to do it consciously? Grab my 7-Day Belize Cultural Itinerary for an honest, on-the-ground perspective and a one-week overview trip that connects you with Belizeans.