Couple moves to the Netherlands in their 50s to start new life

Leslie Hodgin and her husband decided to move abroad in their 50s, choosing the Netherlands as their new home, Business Insider reported. They sold most of their belongings and relocated in January 2026.

Previously living in Richmond, Virginia, Leslie and her husband had experience living abroad in Seoul, South Korea, for two years during a marketing job contract, according to Business Insider. After returning to the U.S., they felt Richmond was small compared to their time in Korea.

The couple was motivated to move again after several personal losses, including the deaths of Leslie's father, her husband's mother, and close friends. They felt there was no time to wait and decided to live their lives fully, Business Insider explained.

John, Leslie's husband, had studied in the Netherlands and had a network there, which helped in choosing the country. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa allows American freelancers and entrepreneurs to live in the Netherlands, making it an attractive option for them.

John works for himself, which made relocating easier, and Leslie started her own consulting business after leaving her agency. They were also drawn by the advertising community present in the Netherlands, Business Insider noted.