A List of potential retirement spots
My present travels have now taken a narrow prospective. I always wanted to explore the far corners of the earth, but now, I am focusing on locating a place to call my own, to retire and spend at least a portion of my time outside of the USA.
Many of us have nourished the dream to live in an exotic far away land but for the majority, it remains just that, a pipe dream.
Like everything else, there are multiple lists, of wonderful retirement places , spread over continents, published by various magazines and organizations. I suggest that you do not accept any one as the gospel, as every entity has some degree of bias in formatting their unique list. Do your diligent research if you have started dreaming of alternate living spaces on our planet. Each of us will have our own needs and wants.Once you narrow it down on paper, visit those place with a non touristy mind. Make more than one trip and even stay for a few months before you pull the trigger to make that momentous move lest you regret your folly.
The criteria is very unique to you, but the usual variables are :
Location
cost of living,
language,
residency requirements
proximity to the US,
Expat community
weather
Culture and cultural needs/activities
medical needs
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My personal Criteria
Location
Tropical or close by. I like the warm weather.
I love the mountains. I do not like to live on the beach, though a day trip or a weekend at the beach is surely enjoyable. As I am looking at tropical or near tropical climate, I want higher altitude, where there is no need for air conditioning, and there is a lack of a sizable insect population.
culture
Accepting of who I am
cost of living
New Zealand, Ireland and Malta are wonderful places were English is the primary language. But the cost of living is high. Places like Mexico, Panama, Belize and Malaysia have lower COL
language
I would consider India, Malta, Malaysia and Belize as English speaking in addition to the above mentioned countries.
crime
Crime is there everywhere
proximity to the US
I plan to remain a US citizen. It would help me to visit my children and also AVOID GETTING VISA TO MAJORITY OF THE COUNTRIES
residency requirements
The rules are different from country to country and this is a serious consideration before one finalize the place. USA and India would be seamless for me.
food, culture, activities, medical quality
Since I am a member of the AARP, I choose their with their blur on each country
I have visited a few and will visit a few more that fit my needs
1. Mexico
“The country offers a wide variety of options for seaside living as well as established expat communities in many areas. (The colonial town of San Miguel de Allende is home to thousands of Americans.) Affordability is another magnet, with many expats living well on as little as $1,200 a month. The dollar’s strong position against the Mexican peso means the cost of living provides an even better than normal value.”
When I talk to people in the USA about Mexico, the first thing they ask me is “You want to live in Mexico? Isn’t it dangerous? “Well for an average American, every place is dangerous outside their home. My stock answer is that I feel safe in most parts of the world compared to Oakland CA.” I am not dissing Oakland here 🙂
Mexico Maybe
2. Panama
“Besides being close to the U.S. (making travel easy), Panama uses the American dollar, so you’ll have no worries about currency fluctuations. What’s more, Panama offers a wide range of options for becoming a legal resident, and its top-notch medical care is highly regarded. The best hospital, Punta Pacifica, is affiliated with Johns Hopkins and is known for performing cardio surgery, neurosurgery and a variety of complex procedures.”
I went to Boquete, Volcan, David and Panama city. I enjoyed their hospitality. It certainly is a place to consider
3. Ecuador
“Beyond its fabulous weather, Ecuador is a standout when it comes to affordability and the availability of real estate to buy or rent. It’s actually not difficult for a couple to live on $1,500 a month. There’s also no shortage of retiree perks. Those over 65 get discounts on flights originating in Ecuador as well as up to 50 percent off public transportation and entry to movies and sporting events.”
Ecuador maybe
4. Costa Rica
“Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled beaches have long fueled this country’s popularity among travelers. For retirees, a highly regarded health care system, with costs just a fraction of what you might pay in the U.S., is also a huge draw. And getting residency status couldn’t be more straightforward. Retirees just need an income of $1,000 per month from Social Security, a pension, disability or another similar source. That covers the applicant and a dependent spouse, offering a nice solution for long-term living in Costa Rica.”
I have taken it off my list as CR is past the point when I should have moved.
5. Colombia
“Once rejected as a possible retirement haven because of its reputation for conflict and drug cartels, Colombia has shed its dark past and stepped into the spotlight as an attractive place for those seeking excellent health care, a temperate climate and a low cost of living. This country at the northern tip of South America offers lush green coffee plantations, beautiful beaches and quaint colonial towns — something for everyone.”
I am still a little vary of Columbia. Maybe I will revisit later
6. Malaysisa
“Clean and modern, Malaysian cities boast an unrivaled public transportation system as well as some of the friendliest people in Asia. The country also straddles the tourism market, managing to offer both memorable budget holidays and first-class luxury vacations. Its multicultural society tolerates all religions, and it’s this fusion of cultures that, for many, makes Malaysia so special.”
Certainly on my list
English language, culture, cost of living certainly plus points. Cons: the distance. If I can go to Malay why not India?
7. Spain
“In Europe, Spain stands out because of its superior infrastructure, world-class health care system and laid-back lifestyle. And for retirees on a budget, the low cost of living and real estate is appealing. Indeed, a couple can live comfortably in a smaller city for as little as $1,900 a month, including rent. Small one- and two-bedroom apartments can be rented for a mere $500 a month and purchased for $70,000 and up. Another plus: the Mediterranean diet, which is both good and good for you.”
I will pass.I love a lot of things about Spain and have visited and enjoyed the country, its culture, music and food, I don’t want to live there. Maybe I would consider Catalan and Basque if they become independent . A good option for white people.
SPAIN No for me
8. Nicaragua
“Until recently, the largest nation in Central America has been generally sidestepped in favor of its more popular neighbors, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Not anymore. Although Nicaragua remains poor, there have been major infrastructure improvements during the past few years, including an expansion of the international airport in Managua. To top it off, there’s great health care, little traffic, warm people and a low cost of living. A couple on a budget can be comfortable on $1,500 a month —not bad.”
Until recently on the list. But off the list for the current political unrest.
9. Portugal
“Another inexpensive country, Portugal also entices retirees with its low cost of living and real estate. A couple can do well on just $1,700 a month in many smaller cities; in Lisbon, the capital, about $2,200 a month or more is needed. Other big draws are the usually mild climate and the country’s superior red and white wines. (The seafood is excellent, too.) The laid-back atmosphere means less stress, and the western coast, lined with beaches, offers plenty of recreational opportunities.”
I have been there and enjoyed it. It certainly is a contender!
10. Malta
“On a map, this tiny island chain between the coasts of Sicily and North Africa is easy to miss. But this Mediterranean destination has been enchanting countless visitors for decades, thanks to its centuries-old cities, sapphire blue waters, and 300 days a year of sun and warm weather. For retirees, the cost of living is remarkably reasonable; a couple can live here for under $2,700 a month. And if you ever find yourself getting island fever, you can simply take a three-hour ferry ride over to Sicily or hop on an inexpensive flight to Paris.”
Looks good on paper, weather and language are great. I will have to visit and see.
Other countries I like, but less likely to try are
Peru, Â Â
Yes but just the city of AREQUIPA
INDIA ,
Certainly a place I can live   YES
Chile,(Expensive) NO
Australia/New Zealand,(will visit)Â Â Visit only
Scotland,(have been there. Beautiful country but too cold)Â Â NO
Italy (I have been there and liked it)Â Â language is an issue
Ireland Maybe
Other countries worth looking but not on my list(for me)
Europe
Austria, Czech republic,Slovenia, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, France
Iceland, Liechtenstein, England
South America
Bolivia,Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana
Central America/Caribbeans
Belize, Barbados, Bahamas, Dominican Republic,Trinidad,Bermuda,virgin Islands,
North America
Canada, USA
ASIA
Thailand,Cambodia, Vietnam, Bhutan,Dubai, Qatar , Brunei,
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