Check out New Zealand. It's clean, safe, environmentally secure, relatively educated and great for families, and if you hang about awhile they practically throw citizenship at you. Rent is expensive, tax is high, and income low... but coming from the US you'll like the relaxed lifestyle and plethora of holidays. When the kids grow up they can always hop the water to Australia and/or onward to Asia for some more excitement.
> if you hang about awhile they practically throw citizenship at you
New Zealand's one of the very few countries in the world where non-citizens vote. After 1 year of permanent residency, residents can register to vote, whereas only after 5 years of residency can they become citizens. A stark contrast with nearby Australia where only citizens are allowed to vote, but it's also one of only a few countries where they must vote.
