You work hard today so as to enjoy the fruits of your labor upon retirement. And what can be a better way to retire than to hide off somewhere sunny, fun, relaxing, and low cost? This is particularly true when the money you’ve put away for your later years won’t exactly be up to par to the living standards of the place you’re currently residing. Why not move somewhere where a few bucks can go a long way?
“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
Ecuador
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Cuenca, in particular, is a fantastic city, which that is host to a variety of Spanish-colonial structures and a rich history. This explains the fascinating diversity in this city’s culture and people. What makes this place especially appealing is the fact that its real estate rates are rock bottom. The cost of living is also low.
Despite this, health care services here are high quality. The fact that the city has a sizeable expat community should tell you that this indeed is a great retirement destination.
Malta
Although it’s one of the smallest states in the world, it has a high population count. This indicates the residential viability of this place. Many U.K. residents have found a second home in this country. Malta has a predominantly sunny weather and fantastic climate (averages at 19C), as well as the English-speaking populace.
Thailand
This country is known for its stunning beaches, fantastic food, and low cost of living. Chiang Mai deserves special mention, as it has better weather than some parts of this Asian kingdom.
The city’s health-related services are also good, drawing expats and retirees from other countries into its borders. There also are a good number of income-generating opportunities. In particular, Westerners are valued assets in language institutes and in the tourism industry.
Portugal
The beaches here are lovely, and the port is good. The weather and health care services are also retiree-friendly, making it a viable retirement place. Real estate costs are also lower than other locations in Europe. In fact, they’re reportedly three times cheaper than those in France. No wonder it’s got a huge expat community. Algarve is the most appealing spot in Portugal due to its beauty, laid-back vibe and community, and low costs, not to mention its selfie-worthy beaches.
Colombia
The old Medellin is a far cry its current cleaned-up version, making it a serious contender for the best retirement place in the world. It’s no longer crime or drug-addled. In fact, it was named the most innovative city by The Wall Street Journal in 2012. That’s because it has better public transit systems, well-used and favored public areas, and accessible Internet and technology. You may be pleased to hear that it’s also a pretty city with an artsy aura.
Belize
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Being host to a cornucopia of influences, Belize has been labeled as a rather “quirky” state. It has strong ties to the Caribbean despite being a Central American country. It is also a former British colony, which explains why the people here can speak English. NOT because they’ve learned the language from their former colonial masters, but because many are descendants of British migrants.
There also are people from other South American countries in the mix. The Cayo District, in particular, is a viable place for retirement. It has a beautiful landscape and a sunny weather, not to mention low cost. You can even run a business here tax-free!
