I don't read reddit, but I do read the news.

I shouldn't have mentioned the politics stuff in my post. That confused the issue for some. The top reason for me asking is that I'm just ready for a change. I know every place has its downside, but without ever living anywhere else - how can I know for certain what is important to me?

Well, hang on. The USA is probably the most hospitable environment for business in the known universe. Not only is it harder to start businesses in most other countries, but expats face additional restrictions on business activity in most places. So if you want to start a business, stay in the USA. If you still want a change, the USA is a very diverse country, you can find all sorts of cultures just by moving a couple of states in any direction.

Challenges can also be found by giving yourself some handicaps.I knew a guy who was a moderately successful programmer, who sold all his belongings and hitchhiked across the USA.

If you want some sort of adventure that will test your sense of yourself, try someplace very different. India, Africa, China. Best handled with a buddy traveler, but they are not so hard to find.

Extreme short term, you can try Burning Man, that's on in a month and it will definitely stretch your imagination.

If he really wants a change, going to Europe might be good: way more diverse than the US in a relatively small space, and relatively "safe" (personal safety, health care, etc...). Agreed, though: "see something new" is a great reason to go abroad, but "start a company" is a great reason not to.

Well seriously, forget about the news too. It's like negativity programming for the brain. See how you feel after a month w/o it.

And if you're addicted to reddit and cant help it then following are your choices:

Americas: Canada (English speaking, diversified society, encouraging entrepreneurship etc.)

Asia: Singapore, India, Indonesia, Philippines (all countries are english speaking for business)

Europe: any eastern Europe that has good weather and encouraging environment for start-ups.

Far East: Australia/ NewZealand (they have immigration policy, and fantastic weather)

Middle East: Abu-dhabi and Dubai (most happening place, no tax, you just need to find good geeks or import it from India).

Good Luck.

P.S: Find out everything about Australia and Canada - they both have immigration policy and temporary work visa policy ...

I'm in Christchurch, NZ. I just biked to work and "fantastic weather" is not the way I'd describe it. But then we are also not the "Far East". Other material in OP may or may not be true.

>Middle East: Abu-dhabi and Dubai (most happening place, no tax, you just need to find good geeks or import it from India).

If you are from the US, you can never escape paying income tax unless you plan on never returning. You can't legally renounce your citizenship.

There's an allowance for up to $70k or $80k where you avoid double taxation. I'm a US citizen with permanent residence in Germany and since my income has been below that all I have to do is fill out my return and not pay anything.

I think this only works for certain countries. It also applies only if you live outside the US for at least 330 days the first year, but those days don't have to be consecutive.

You can renounce your citizenship but it comes with serious consequences. It is not anything anyone should do and you can't undo it once done.