The best place on Earth to raise a family and live a good life is a quest many undertake, especially if you’re like me, a father who retired early and is thinking about the ideal environment for my two kids.
I’ve explored various places popular with young professionals living flexible lives: Bangkok, Playa Del Carmen, Costa Rica, and others. These spots are great if you’re not planning on starting a family soon and are more focused on saving for retirement since they tend to be affordable.
Having visited these places, I found them appealing but a bit distant from family and friends for a long-term stay.
For me, Hawaii stands out as the ultimate spot for an online entrepreneur to settle down and raise a family. Honolulu, in particular, is where I believe you’ll find the best combination of lifestyle and business opportunities.
Hawaii offers so much more than even my beloved San Francisco, known for its high-paying jobs and vibrant entrepreneurial scene. The weather in San Francisco is pleasant, with plenty of outdoor activities and solid infrastructure.
If you’re in your 30s or 40s and have already built a solid financial foundation, California could be a great option. However, the high taxes there can be a burden, with state and sales taxes eating into your income. Hawaii isn’t significantly better with an 8.25% state income tax, but its 4.8% sales tax and exemption of defined benefit plans make it more appealing.
Housing costs in Hawaii are also more reasonable compared to California, and many of the island’s attractions are free. Whether it’s lounging on the beach or catching the waves, you won’t have to pay a dime.
In a detailed post on Untemplater, I chronicle my nine-day stint living in Honolulu as an online entrepreneur. It’s part of my plan to spend six months of the year in Hawaii, three months in Lake Tahoe during winter, and the rest of my time exploring the globe. I aim to achieve this lifestyle by February 18, 2018.
Starting an online business has been a game-changer for me. Six years since launching Financial Samurai, I now earn a significant passive and active income online. If you enjoy writing, creating content, and connecting online, there’s enormous potential to earn additional income and gain more freedom.
These days, starting your own website requires minimal investment and has the potential for substantial returns. It’s a real opportunity for anyone willing to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.
About The Author: Sam started Financial Samurai to help people navigate financial complexities. With an MBA from Berkeley and over a decade of experience in finance, Sam is passionate about helping readers achieve financial freedom sooner rather than later.
