The Top 5 Forgotten American Territories Where You Can Live Free

Overview: “Escape” the U.S. by relocating to U.S. territories

Relocate to “forgotten” U.S. territories that are typically tropical and warm (or milder), offering a more relaxed lifestyle than many mainland areas—while still maintaining legal residence and work options as a U.S. citizen.

Key lifestyle and travel highlights by territory

1) U.S. Virgin Islands (Caribbean)

• Vibe: Tropical paradise with turquoise water, white sand, and laid-back island living.
• Main islands:
  • St. Thomas: lively, shopping, nightlife
  • St. Croix: slower pace, historic towns, beaches
  • St. John: national parks, hiking trails, more untouched nature
• Where people often live:
  • St. Thomas: Charlotte Amalie (city-style access to restaurants/marinas)
  • St. Croix: Christiansted (historic charm + modern amenities)
  • St. John: Virgin Islands National Park areas (morning views + nature)
• Starting/legality as a U.S. citizen:
  • No visa/passport requirement mentioned for moving/living/work
  • Short flights from the mainland; typically easier than relocating abroad
• Practicalities:
  • Healthcare via hospitals/clinics in main towns
  • Grocery stores, local markets, and restaurants support everyday life
  • Reliable internet in populated areas; a supportive expat community
• Cost notes (approx.):
  • Small apartments: ~$1,000/month
  • Mid-range homes: ~$2,000–$3,000/month

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2) Guam (Western Pacific)

• Vibe: Tropical landscapes and coral reefs with a relaxed yet invigorating pace.
• Popular areas:
  • Hagåtña: capital/main center
  • Tamuning / Dededo: closer to shops, restaurants, and beaches
  • Tumon: popular expat area (ocean views, resorts, amenities)
  • Northern parts: more residential/serene
• Culture: Chamorro culture with blended influences from Asia and the U.S.
• Starting/legality as a U.S. citizen:
  • Can live/work indefinitely without a visa (as described)
• Practicalities:
  • Hospitals/clinics in main towns
  • Mix of American + local cuisine
  • Internet/mobile connectivity supports remote work
• Cost notes (approx.):
  • Rent: ~$1,200/month for apartments
  • Mid-range homes: ~$2,500–$4,000/month

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3) American Samoa (South Pacific)

• Vibe: Remote, mountainous green scenery with blue water and coral reefs; slower village-style life.
• Island highlights:
  • Tutuila: largest and most populated
  • Pago Pago: capital/harbor with steep mountainous scenery
  • Aunu’u and Manu’a Islands: more secluded, quieter pace
• Cultural focus: Strong Samoan traditions and community orientation
• Starting/legality as a U.S. citizen:
  • Passport required to enter (noted), but long-term residence described as straightforward with fewer visa hassles
• Practicalities:
  • Healthcare concentrated in main towns
  • Small markets/restaurants and easy intra-territory travel (described)
  • Internet/mobile connectivity supports remote work
• Cost notes (approx.):
  • Rent: ~$400/month for one-bedroom
  • Larger homes: up to ~$1,500/month

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4) Puerto Rico (Caribbean)

• Vibe: “A world away” from the mainland—beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and historic street life.
• Lifestyle/adventure options:
  • Surfing on the north coast
  • Waterfalls in the interior
  • Bioluminescent bay kayaking at night
• Where newcomers tend to live:
  • San Juan: bustling, modern amenities, nightlife
  • Ponce & Mayagüez: smaller, quieter, rich festivals/history
  • Rincón & Luquillo: beach town communities (expat-friendly ocean views)
  • Central mountainous towns: cooler temps and scenic tranquility away from tourist hubs
• Starting/legality as a U.S. citizen:
  • No passport/visa needed (as stated)
  • Uses U.S. dollar; mail and banking operate normally
• Practicalities:
  • Healthcare widely available (hospitals/clinics in larger towns)
  • Daily services/utilities and internet described as reliable
  • Strong emphasis on local food, festivals, music, seafood, and tropical fruits
• Cost notes (approx.):
  • One-bedroom apartments: ~$700/month
  • Three-bedroom: ~$1,200–$2,000/month (popular areas)

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5) Northern Mariana Islands (Western Pacific) — “top pick”

• Vibe: Feels far from the U.S. mainland while remaining part of the U.S.
• Island/environment:
  • 14 islands total
  • Saipan, Tinian, Rota: most populated/accessible
  • Pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, lush jungles, dramatic cliffs
  • Activities:
    • Snorkeling/diving (coral reefs)
    • Hiking (misty volcanic peaks)
• Starting/legality as a U.S. citizen:
  • No passport/visa required (as stated)
  • Can move freely between islands and the mainland
  • Uses U.S. dollar; U.S. mail/banking work normally
• Practicalities:
  • Healthcare and utilities described as reliable in main towns
  • Grocery/dining on main islands; internet in main towns for remote work
• Cost notes (approx.):
  • Smaller apartments: ~$600/month
  • Larger homes/ocean view: ~$1,500+/month

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Health routines / recipes

• No specific health routines or recipes were provided in the subtitles.

Notable locations mentioned (end)

• U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), St. Croix (Christiansted), St. John (Virgin Islands National Park areas)
• Guam: Hagåtña, Tamuning, Dededo, Tumon
• American Samoa: Tutuila, Pago Pago, Aunu’u, Manu’a Islands
• Puerto Rico: San Juan, Ponce, Mayagüez, Rincón, Luquillo
• Northern Mariana Islands: Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Notable speaker / channel

• Ray (Adventure Freaks)