Why Dom Jones Chose Taiwan as Their Forever Home in 2025
Dom Jones had always felt a pull towards Asia. Growing up in a diverse Los Angeles neighbourhood, they developed an early fascination with Asian cultures. That curiosity eventually led them to call Taipei, Taiwan, their new home.
In 2025, Jones made the permanent move after years of visiting and exploring the island. Their decision was shaped by Taiwan’s safety, strong infrastructure, and affordability—factors that matched their lifestyle and ambitions.
Jones’s connection to Asia began in childhood. A Cambodian family living next door introduced them to Asian food and traditions when they were just seven or eight. Later, as a Christian missionary, they worked with Vietnamese communities and studied Vietnamese and Tagalog in college.
Their first trip to Taiwan in December 2019 left a lasting impression. The country’s energy resonated with them, and after several more visits, they decided to relocate permanently in September 2021. The move wasn’t about leaving the US but about expanding their life in a place that offered stability and cultural richness.
Taiwan’s public systems played a key role in easing the transition. Jones relied on the government’s healthcare and administrative support rather than private organisations. Financially, the favourable exchange rate made living in Taipei surprisingly affordable. Their three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a prime location costs less than $2,000 a month—a luxury they couldn’t easily find elsewhere.
Jones now lives in a city that fits their needs and values. Taiwan’s safety, efficient infrastructure, and low cost of living made the move practical. For them, the decision was less about escape and more about building a life in a place that felt like home.