Forgotten American Territories Where You Can Live Free

Main ideas / lessons

• Core concept: Americans can live outside the mainland US with minimal or no visa paperwork by relocating to either:

  1. US territories (still “American soil” legally), and/or
  2. Sovereign Pacific island countries that allow Americans to live/work there indefinitely without visa processes, via international agreements.

• Why the video exists: The creator argues moving abroad is usually painful (visas, language barriers, banking/healthcare navigation), so these places “undermine” the typical foreign-move model by making the process far simpler.

• Key “civics” lesson:

  • Move to a US territory → you remain on American soil (mail/USA branding, English, dollars, Medicare, etc.), so you are not treated as an immigrant/expat in the usual way.
  • Move to certain COFA countries → you can live/work there indefinitely without visa friction.

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Method / structure presented

Two categories that make the “no visa” idea work

• Category 1: US territories

  • Still within US sovereignty for practical purposes (use of dollars, English, Medicare; no typical immigration visa process as framed by the speaker).

• Category 2: Independent COFA countries (Compact of Free Association)

  • Americans can live/work there indefinitely without visa requirements, and those countries’ citizens can similarly live/work in the US without visas.

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Top places on the list (ranked)

US territories (numbers 8 to 4)

#8 Puerto Rico

• Why it’s high on the list: Established retirement communities, English-speaking environment, accessible infrastructure (doctors/groceries), and a workable support network.
• Typical costs: ~$1,500/month (varies; San Juan pricier, west/interior cheaper).
• Major benefits mentioned:
  • Act 60 tax incentive: potential ~0% capital gains/dividends/investment returns if qualifying as a bona fide resident.
  • Medicare works; US bank/phone plans may work; driver’s license valid.
  • US-like convenience with Caribbean weather; hurricane season needs planning.
• Positioning: “Entry drug” for testing the abroad idea without full disruption.

#7 US Virgin Islands (USVI)

• Honest tradeoff vs Puerto Rico: More expensive.
• Stated island notes:
  • St. John: exceptionally beautiful; much land is a national park → limited development → housing tight/expensive.
  • St. Croix: recommended for retirees; most affordable; more functional daily infrastructure (groceries/medical facilities) and a small expat community.
• Shared “American” practicalities (as stated): dollars, English, Medicare, US mail, no visa process (as framed).
• Tax incentives: “Own version” of tax incentive programs mentioned (consult a tax professional).
• Budget guidance: roughly $2,000–$4,000/month for comfortable living with breathing room.

#6 Guam

• Main appeal: Feels less like “America,” with distinct Chamorro culture and Pacific-island atmosphere, while retaining American legal/financial benefits.
• Geographic advantage for “Southeast Asia interest”: closer to the Philippines/Japan than the mainland US.
• Cost claims: cheaper than Hawaii; local food inexpensive; housing/funding supported by military presence.
• Infrastructure: roads/utilities/hospitals described as maintained at a higher level than expected for the population.
• Downsides:
  • Long flight (about 14–17 hours from the West Coast).
  • Typhoon season; small island size.
  • Less novelty compared to places like Thailand/Bali/Vietnam (restaurant/experience variety may eventually feel limited).
• Positioning: “Underrated” and almost ignored by the retire-abroad space.

#5 Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) – “Saipan” focus

• Obscurity as a selling point: not widely covered; framed as a “fun” discovery.
• Basic description: chain of islands north of Guam; Saipan main island; American territory with dollars/English/Medicare.
• Appeal:
  • Lower cost of living than Guam; cheaper housing.
  • Slower pace of life.
  • Japanese tourism influence improved infrastructure quality.
• Special note: mentions unique investment/immigration carve-out frameworks (doesn’t explain details).
• Reality check / downsides:
  • Remote; amenities limited.
  • Healthcare not as robust as Puerto Rico.
  • Flight logistics more complicated than Guam.
• Positioning: best for people who want “somewhere nobody else is” and who can tolerate limited plug-and-play convenience.

#4 American Samoa

• Framing: included more as “infotainment” than a universal recommendation; more isolated and challenging.
• Distinctives:
  • Most isolated and culturally distinct US territory on the list.
  • Samoan culture is described as deeply present in daily life.
  • Volcanic landscapes; off-the-beaten-path.
• Key legal footnote (important caveat):
  • American Samoans are described as US nationals, not US citizens by birth (unless born elsewhere in the US).
  • If someone is already a US citizen, citizenship “is your citizenship,” but the territory’s status may change practical expectations.
• Downsides:
  • Infrastructure rougher; limited healthcare; difficult flight connections.
  • Not a place to “accidentally” show up.
• Cost claim: extremely low cost of living (as stated).

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Independent COFA countries (numbers 3 to 1)

(Explaining the category): Compact of Free Association (COFA)

• Based on post-WWII administration and later agreements.
• Crucial implication for the video:
  • Citizens of those countries can live/work in the US without a visa.
  • Americans can live/work there indefinitely without a visa (no application/renewal/expiration).

#3 Palau

• Main hook: extremely beautiful “paradise”-like scenery; UNESCO Rock Islands; Jellyfish Lake/diving.
• Practical advantages stated: no visa/no paperwork; US alignment; economy uses US dollars; English official; US handles defense (no Palau military).
• Cost caveat: not “Vietnam cheap” because many items must be imported.
• Healthcare limitation: basic facilities available, but serious needs likely require travel to Guam or the Philippines.

#2 Marshall Islands

• Core themes: remote, low-lying atolls, adventure vibe; climate change risk emphasized (rising sea levels threatening).
• Practical advantages stated: indefinite US residence/work without visa friction; economy runs on US dollars; English official alongside Marshallese.
• Lifestyle warning: limited entertainment variety; adjustment may be hard for people needing constant stimulation/internet/restaurant options.
• Cost/infrastructure: low cost; inexpensive housing and affordable local food; limited but functional infrastructure.

#1 Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

• Description: four states (Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, Yap); ~115,000 population.
• COFA advantage: Americans can live/work there indefinitely without visa requirements.
• Cultural/geographic variety: different island environments/cultures highlighted (lush forests in Pohnpei, traditional “state money” in Yap, wreck diving in Chuuk, quiet in Kosrae).
• Economy/language: US dollar currency; English widely used in government/education.
• Cost: described as low; more affordable if willing to live simply.
• Healthcare caveat: limited medical infrastructure; must plan accordingly.
• Positioning: best for a particular audience—people considering Philippines/Southeast Asia but wanting Pacific remoteness and zero immigration friction; framed as a “niche” the speaker claims others don’t cover.

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Overall takeaway / conclusion

• The list’s unifying claim: Eight places are described as allowing Americans to live abroad with:

  • Zero visa process
  • US dollars
  • English spoken (varied by location)
  • Different tradeoffs in infrastructure and isolation

• The video’s main “excuse removal” argument: the biggest barrier for many people—legal paperwork—is allegedly removed. What remains is simply choosing how adventurous one wants to be and which level of infrastructure/isolation they can handle.

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Speakers / sources featured

• Speaker: Evan A (described as “retired early in Vietnam”; also the video author/host)