Why This American Couple Traded Richmond for the Netherlands in Their 50s

A Decision Driven by Perspective

For many, the idea of moving abroad is a dream deferred until retirement. However, for 55-year-old marketing consultant Leslie Hodgin and her 52-year-old husband, John Lyman, the realization that life is unpredictable prompted an immediate change. Living in Richmond, Virginia, the couple found themselves reflecting on the fragility of life after experiencing a series of personal losses, including the deaths of both of their parents and several close friends.

“We don’t have promises for tomorrow,” Hodgin explained. “Now is the time.” With no children to anchor them to the United States and a desire to avoid the stagnation they felt in their domestic routine, the couple decided to prioritize their long-held ambition of living overseas rather than waiting for a hypothetical “someday” that might never arrive.

Navigating the Move

The transition was not a spontaneous whim but a calculated six-month process. To finance the move and simplify their lives, the couple sold nearly all of their belongings, generating approximately $12,000, which helped cover visa fees and logistical expenses. They opted to ship only a small crate of essentials, relying on nine suitcases and a specialized museum-packing service to transport a prized piece of art, alongside their cat.

Choosing the Netherlands was a strategic decision. John Lyman had previously attended graduate school in the country, and Hodgin leveraged her professional network in the advertising industry to establish connections. Furthermore, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) provided a viable pathway for American freelancers and entrepreneurs to secure residency, making the Netherlands an accessible choice for their professional transition.

The Reality of Expat Life

Securing housing proved to be one of the most significant hurdles. Despite the well-documented housing shortage in the Netherlands, the couple managed to secure a newly renovated two-bedroom apartment in an historic building. To overcome the lack of local credit history or Dutch income, they were required to pay six months of rent upfront.

While the cost of living remains comparable to their previous life in Virginia—offset by the fact that they no longer own a car—Hodgin notes that the move was more expensive than initially projected. “Moving also costs a lot more than you plan for,” she admitted, noting that early fluctuations in their consulting and freelance work created moments of uncertainty during their first few months abroad.

Embracing a New Culture

Despite the challenges, including the difficulty of learning the Dutch language, the couple has found a sense of renewal. Hodgin highlights the Dutch “social contract” and the community-oriented culture as major highlights, noting the frequency of local festivals and the accessibility of cultural events like Open Monuments Day.

For Hodgin, the move has been about more than just a change of scenery; it has been a catalyst for creativity and personal growth. By committing to trying one new experience each week, she has integrated herself into the local community and found a renewed sense of purpose. While she acknowledges the emotional difficulty of living further away from aging family members, she remains steadfast in her belief that the risk was worth taking.

“You’re never going to regret trying it if it doesn’t work out,” Hodgin said. “If you don’t ever put yourself out there, you’re going to look back in 20 years and be like, ‘That would have been great. Why didn’t I give that a shot?'”

Source: businessinsider.com