just in case it helps :

I have chosen France, the Herault region. I know it for over 40 years. sea, 4 seasons, mountains, food, wine a, good medical facilities and a US friendly tax regime. as my intent is to leave some investments here as I will always be taxed by USA unles I give up citizenship. Montpellier might suit some of you, I prefer the smaller more walkable places.

2excellent resources are on Facebook, with excellent files nd moderators who include tax experts , realtors,notaires and lawyers. I found my lawyer through them and she has been excellent.

They are "strictly legal France " and "strictly fiscal France "...there is also a democratic group in Montpellier which meets regularly, though I am not (yet) a member. There is also a handholder Alison Lounes, who many americans use, I have not needed her. she is generally held in good regard, and drums up business by being invited to UK Living Abroad shows. she has an FB site as well which you can join.

I also have EU citizenship so my transition is pretty easy, but members of my family do not, and there were no visa issues to get there.
If I can point you in the right direction I will help where I can.

Tghe 2 main issues which are troublesome if you do not detach fully from the USA , is maintaining a phone number for 2 factor authentication and whatever comes next , and maintaining your brokerge account. Fidelity lets you keep it, but you can only sell down, and no ETFs, or mutual funds , or managed accounts allowedl take you, and apparently charles schwab international will take you if you have a pre-existing schwab account.

Best of luck to all ! ping me on FB or here if you have any questions you think I might be ble to hlp with. given the recent topic on average wealth here (I am way below average) no one will have a problem moving from visitor visa status to resident.