Are you about to retire and have itchy feet-aching to live abroad? More and more Americans are moving to other countries in search of the best countries to retire in and becoming expats for a number of reasons. Some of these have to do with the cost of living – it’s simply much cheaper to live in some other countries than in the US. Other people have just become worn out on the living conditions in their city–the unending traffic, the crime and other problems, and have decided to try life elsewhere.
If you fit either of these categories then you might be interested to learn the best countries to retire in. Naturally, there is no clear cut consensus as to which are the “best countries” to retire in as so much depends on your personal needs and goals. However, most experts suggest that, in general, these are 6 of the best countries to retire in.
Ecuador
Is living in the tropics your idea of a perfect retirement? Then you need to take a good, hard look at Ecuador. It has moved its economy so that it is based on US dollar, which gives a great economic stability to the nation and makes transactions very easy for US retirees. Ecuador has a low cost of living. In fact, a person could live comfortably there on just $17,000 a year. The country has three world-class cities, Quinto, Guayaquil and Cuenca that offer shopping, entertainment and cultural experiences.
Ecuador is a nature lover’s dream come true. It is classified as “megadiverse” for all its birds, mammals and orchids.
If you love temperate climate you will enjoy the year round spring like weather year round in Ecuador.
Argentina
Argentina offers a cost-of-living, which is much, lower than here in the US and has the charm that you would expect from a major Latin American country. Argentina’s climate is wonderful in terms of a sun and sand type of lifestyle or you can retire into the countryside for a more serene experience. Real estate in Argentina is much more affordable than that in the United States and other developed countries. Moreover, much of Argentina is still rural which means you can buy a larger portion of land than you could here in the US.
Australia
If you were to retire to Australia, one thing you would not have to worry about is crowding. Australia has so much land it’s very easy to have a large open space of your own with no neighbors crowding your privacy. There is very little pollution in Australia, especially vs. some cities in the US. If you have any sort of respiratory ailment you will find it much easier to breathe there.
Australians are very welcoming and friendly so no matter where you go, you will feel right at home. It is in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are reversed vs. what you’re used to-that is, summer lasts from December through February and spring from September through November.
Belize
You may never have heard of the country Belize but you may have heard of British Honduras, which is what the country was formerly called. For people who want to retire in the Caribbean, Belize may be one of the best choices available. Its climate is subtropical and offers waters sports such as scuba diving, fishing, and boating.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Belize actually has mountains with beautiful waterfalls and even some of the oldest Mayan cities. Apartments in Belize City cost on the average of $1000 a month but if you go to Ladyville, which is a bit further from the ocean, you can rent for $150-$200 a month or up to $300 for a three-bedroom apartment.
France
When you think of living abroad, you might not think immediately of France. However, it can be a wonderful place to retire. As you know, the food is simply the best. Plus, France gives you many choices in terms of where you live-the sea and sand of its Mediterranean area to its beautiful, rolling farmland and Alpine villages.
Housing in France is not as expensive as you might imagine-unless you’re thinking Paris. Many people who have retired to France are living in rented homes or apartments. You can rent an apartment there for as low as $700 month. Choose to live in one of France’s rural areas and you could buy a home for just $60,000.
Italy
People suffering from arthritis or joint pain will actually love life in Italy because it has an excellent climate that can make your life much less painful. It also offers beautiful, timelessly classic countryside and wonderfully unique housing. The Italian people are quite welcoming which is why you will find more foreigners retiring to Italy than any other country in Europe or North America.
You’ll also like the prices there. While Italy has a few expensive areas such as Rome, the majority of the country has home and farm prices much lower than the rest of Europe as well as the US. And if you want to work to support a more lavish lifestyle, jobs are readily available.
Italy is also a historic treasure with its amazing variety of architecture, some of which dates back to the days of Rome. There are cathedrals, villas, and fountains and, of course, the Coliseum as well as other fascinating ruins. Italy, like France, also offers an amazing array of museums and art galleries – that can keep a person interested and entertained for years.
There’s a quick trip around the world and a snapshot of 6 of the best countries to retire in the world. There is much more to explore before you decide on your final retirement destination.
Learn about more the best countries to retire in with a low cost of living compared to the United States: