Alexander Spatari//Getty ImagesEvery item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Having kids may slow down travel plans for somebut for others, it might actually become a part of their family's lifestyle. If youre a former jet-setter who now has little ones running around, you have probably at least flirted with the idea of raising your family abroad. After all, who hasn't been inspired by Pamela Druckerman's account in Bringing Up Bb of chic child-rearing, the French way? While Paris may not actually be the best place to make this particular dream a reality (the rental market is incredibly expensive and the city isn't exactly child-friendly), that doesnt mean the dream has to die. There are several countries around the world that are not only a great place to raise a family but also have relatively affordable real estate. So if youre genuinely considering moving your family abroad, here are 10 of the most family-friendly countries where you can comfortably buy real estate as an American. Bonne chance!Related StoriesNorwayWestend61//Getty ImagesThe Hanseviertel Bryggen historic harbor district in Bergen, Norway.It is no secret that Scandinavian countries are considered some of the happiest places to live on earth, especially when it comes to child care. Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have all made early childcare and education a top priority, while their paternal and maternal benefits are some of the best in the world. Norway, which boasts one of the worlds lowest crime rates, has consistently ranked as one of the top three countries in the world to raise children. Plus, there are virtually no restrictions on foreigners who want to buy a home and move to Norway, per Internations. While there may be a shortage of quality homes available right now, the median price for a house in Norway ($258,000) is still relatively affordable. Now might be the time to pack up your best cozy sweaters and move the whole family to Norway. Sure, it can get cold, but think about all that affordable childcare and gender equality.Swedenxbrchx//Getty ImagesRooftop view of Gothenburg, SwedenMuch like Norway, Sweden has consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries on earth for the past several years. Perhaps it has something to do with the countrys long-held parenting practice of friluftsliv, which translates to open-air life. Parents in Sweden are all about encouraging their kids to be outside to foster self-sufficiency and curiosity. Sweden is a bilingual country, with an education system that ranks fifth in the world. There is also a real focus on supporting families here, with a total of 480 paid parental leave days available (per child!), which can be shared between parents. Buying a house in Sweden is perfectly possible without residency, but be prepared to pay a little more for all of these perks. The average house price in a Swedish city is around $350,000, although it's considerably less if youre willing to move to a rural community.SpainSylvain Sonnet//Getty ImagesLookout point in Park Gell in Barcelona, Spain.If you were hoping to move your family somewhere with a temperate climate, consider Spain. Traditionally speaking, family values have long been the center of Spanish culture. Beyond the 16 weeks of parental leave at 100 percent pay that the Spanish government offers parents, there are plentiful childcare options available along with social programs to help families. Add that to the gorgeous beaches, amazing food, and unique culture, and raising a family in Spain is the total packageespecially as foreigners can buy houses in the country without any restrictions. The government has even started a digital nomad incentive program to entice remote workers to buy here. The cost of buying a house in Spain varies drastically depending on where you are looking, and tourist areas like Barcelona and Madrid come in way higher than the national average of $250,000.PortugalAlexander Spatari//Getty ImagesThe city of Lisbon at sunset.Right next door to Spain, Portugal has a lot going for it as a potential option for families moving abroad. The slower pace of the country promotes a healthy work/life balance for parents and kids alike, and the people are known to be very friendly. Another amazing bonus is Portugals Golden Visa, which offers foreign investors and their families with children under 26 years of age permanent resident status if they spend over $275,000. Portugal also recently decided to phase in a new program that offers free childcare for children under a year old, which should make life easier. Portugal allows foreigners to buy houses without restrictions as well, and the average cost of a home comes in around $250,000.JapanSean Pavone//Getty ImagesA street view in Kyoto, Japan during cherry blossom season.Japan is one of those countries that seems to be on everyones bucket list these days. For good reason, of course. The country really does offer everything you could possibly imagine: incredible city living in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, small-town island life, beach towns, and top-tier ski destinations. Families who want to move to Japan need to apply for a visa, which can be complicated, but once you've attained it, you are eligible for free public daycare, Japanese health insurance, and an excellent education system. And if you dont want to have a car, the public transportation system in Japan is one of the best in the world. Americans can buy real estate in Japan without proof of citizenship, and the average cost of a house here is around $337,000.ItalyAlexander Spatari//Getty ImagesView of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.Italy is another top destination that offers a taste of la dolce vita to expats who want to raise a family there. Theres the tiered childcare system, for instance. Parents in Italy have access to incredible childcare options, and the less you make, the less you pay. Vacation time and work/life balance are also high priorities for families in Italy, and the tax-funded healthcare system has been recognized internationally for its excellence. Buying a house in Italy as an American is fairly straightforward, as you dont need to be a citizen. And the average house price ($372,000) is pretty attractive too.Related StoryHungarySergey Alimov//Getty ImagesSkyline view of Budapest, Hungary.Hungary recently made international news when the government offered families money to have children, or at least pledge to have children. Once they do become parents, Hungarian citizens can apply for generous grants, tax cuts, and even heavily subsidized mortgages. New parents have access to a whopping three years of parental leave, which is one of the most extensive parental leave programs in the world. Beyond the financial aspect, Hungary is a genuinely beautiful place to raise children. The capital city of Budapest boasts low crime rates and first-class health care along with plentiful green spaces and famous public pools to use all year round. Foreigners can buy homes in Hungary with government approval, and the prices are attractive. A new home costs an average of $160,000, while a preowned home is around $75,000.Icelanddarekm101//Getty ImagesReykjavik, Iceland at dusk.If you love warm people and cold landscapes, Iceland is for you. This small but mighty country is all about social support and honoring family. Iceland has an excellent parental leave program, providing 80 percent of a parents salary for 12 months after their child is born. There is also a strong focus on protecting the natural environment and encouraging children to live sustainably. The Icelandic people are also all about making sure their children are happy and artistic, with music education being an integral part of every schools program from kindergarten to graduation. Americans can buy homes in Iceland without restriction, but be warnedIceland is an expensive country. If you want to bring your family here to live among the hot springs and the Aurora Borealis, be prepared to pay. The average house price is around $550,000.IrelandPeter Unger//Getty ImagesThe Ha'penny Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland.If you're willing to learn how to drive on the other side of the road, Ireland should also be a consideration. Almost everyone speaks English, and there are plenty of other perks too like universal health care, stunning views, charming small towns, and warm and welcoming people. Americans who work remotely can apply for a Short Stay C Visa to settle in, and can even buy a house there for an average price of around $354,000.Related StoryNew ZealandChiara Salvadori//Getty ImagesCoastline view of Wellington, New Zealand.Imagine raising your children in New Zealand, one of the safest countries on the planet with the most epic natural scenery. New Zealand has so much that makes it an appealing place to raise a family, from excellent health care to free education to the surprising perk of some of the most unique wildlife in the world. The people of New Zealand are known to be friendly and charming, English is widely spoken, and the dramatic landscape should provide newcomers with plenty of adventures. The only downside might be the slightly cumbersome real estate market for foreigners. Americans may have to jump through a few hoops to buy real estate in New Zealand, and the average house price is a little high at around $445,000.Perhaps the best thing to do before uprooting your kids is to visit your prospective new country. Decide if you are comfortable learning a new language, driving on the other side of the road, or even being hours and hours away from your family back home. Its a big change to live abroad. But certainly not impossible.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.