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Hi there and welcome
There are lots of places to consider retiring to here is a list of the 10 most affordable and achievable places to retire to when you’re ready. These are short summaries if want more detail, click on the heading which will take you to a more detailed page for that specific country.
Retire in Panama – Central America
Panama features beautiful beaches with a modern infrastructure (they even have a Costco). Panama caters heavily to expats providing deep discounts (25%-50%) for everyday costs like taxis, buses, airline tickets, entertainment, and dining. The Weather is very nice, the average temperature 27C/81F, the rainy season is April to November. Panama also offers mountain vistas for those of you who do not want to be in the city or beachside.
Healthcare in Panama is varied but very good, there are private clinics available and major hospitals in the city of David and of course in Panama City. Most doctors are trained in the USA.
Is it safe? Roads are the biggest concern in Panama. There is crime in Panama, not unlike a large city center in North America. Most Crime is related to theft petty crimes etc. Assault crimes in 2006 were reported at 54 per 100,000.
Conclusion
While no longer a secret, Panama has become more expensive over the years for the expat. Panama offers many modern conveniences that come with Modern cities and is only an hour flight to the US making it very convenient.
Retire in Mexico – Central America
(Crazy right? featherless chickens in Mexico.)
Mexico to me is intoxicating, great food, History, weather, and friendly people. Mexico is located just below the U.S. a large country by comparison to some of the others discussed here that borders on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Main Language is Spanish but most especially tourist areas speak some English. Mexico offers much in terms of entertainment and cuisine. Other activities include Golf, Scuba, and theme parks (for the grandkids when they visit). Temperature ranges from 13C-18C/56F-82F. The reason for such large ranges is that Mexico has deserts and subtropical climates. Unless you’re planning on living in the desert, the temps shouldn’t concern you. Hurricanes are a real possibility in Mexico on the Caribbean side, but much of the infrastructure is built to withstand the high winds and rain.
Healthcare is good to excellent, especially in the larger city centers. Hospitals have the latest equipment, prescriptions are half the cost in the U.S. and dentistry is very inexpensive as well. There are many clinics available throughout the country.
Is it safe? Ok here’s where it gets interesting. There is no doubt about it Mexico has received a lot of press about gang-related violence over the past 10 years. For the most part, it’s a very real issue in this country, having said that, the violence is concentrated along the border of the U.S. and large city centers. Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world with over 21 million people. It goes without saying this comes with its challenges regarding crime. The murder rate in Mexico in 2009 was 15 per 100,000 which by all comparison is quite low.
Conclusion
Mexico is one of my favorites; I love the people culture and the food. There is great health care; the road system is good and a multitude of activities more than make up a higher cost of living. Monthly rent starts at approximately $500, mid-range price for a condo or house is $200K.
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Retire in Belize – Central America
Belize is located just south of Mexico and bordering on Guatemala, The east coast bordering on the Caribbean Sea. The major language in Belize is English so for people considering retirement here this is a huge bonus. Belize has wonderful beaches and year-round temperature averages of 26C/78F. The rainy season is from June to November. Hurricanes are the biggest concern in Belize when it comes to weather; most construction is concrete to withstand the high winds associated with tropical weather. Like Panama, Belize provides mountainous areas as well.
Healthcare is fair to good; Belize City offers the highest level of care in the country, there are 7 public hospitals in Belize. Private hospital care is available; the cost of private care is higher. Cancer care is nearly non-existent in Belize.
Is it safe? In 2008 the murder rate was 33 out of 100,000, most of which were in city centers, given the high poverty. Belize is safe using your common sense.
Conclusion
Belize, like Mexico as a rich history, the Mayan culture offers much in terms of activities to visit like the pyramids and scuba. Belize is very accessible and affordable, while modern conveniences like internet and television may be hard to come by in some of the newer coastal areas, rents per month start at approx. $250 for a 1 bedroom and the cost of living is very low. English is the first language of Belize so it garners your consideration for that reason alone
Retire in Ecuador – South America
In between Peru and Columbia on the Pacific coast is Ecuador. In 2016, Ecuador was named the most popular affordable place to retire. Ecuador has year-round great weather and is very affordable. Beer is $0.50 the bus will cost you $0.25. The temperature in Ecuador will vary inland to the west coast, but on average is 21C/69F. Ecuador has beautiful beaches and even has volcanos, so the geography varies greatly. Driving in any foreign country can take some getting used to Roads are less than stellar, defensive driving is a must.
Healthcare in Ecuador is excellent and very affordable. Doctors are educated in the U.S. and Europe. Insurance is available but because the cost is so low most residents don’t bother.
Is it safe? The 2006 stats suggest again that it is quite safe with only 19 murders reported per 100,000 people. Ecuador is neighbors with Columbia so with that comes the drug-related crime associated with Cocaine trafficking. Yet crimes like murder, assault and petty theft are half of what Columbia reports. Again, common sense reigns.
Conclusion
Ecuador has progressed well in terms of catering to those looking to retire there. As a retirement option, Ecuador offers modern shopping options, Healthcare and value for money Ecuador is hard to ignore. It is a little further away than say Central America so you should consider that as part of your decision. Value for your dollar is the main reason to consider Ecuador.
Retire in Nicaragua – Central America
South of Honduras and North of Costa Rica Nicaragua is quickly becoming the next hot spot for those looking to relocate. It has been identified as the number one tourist destination in Central America, surpassing Costa Rica. Getting around can prove difficult as only 30% of roads are paved. Generally, buses are the easiest and cheapest $0.50 to $1 depending on the length of travel. The average temperature is 27C/80F with a rainy season between June and November.
Healthcare in Nicaragua is considered to be the finest in Central America. Very affordable with current technology and doctors trained in N.A and Europe. The cost to see a doctor will be between $15 and $30. Dentistry is also very inexpensive.
Is it Safe? Again Nicaragua is considered the safest country in Central America. In 2006, only 13 murders were reported for every 100,000 people. Petty theft will be your biggest concern, just keep your purses and wallets close. Again use common sense.
Conclusion
Nicaragua is interesting! Still relatively undeveloped you’ll have to rough it as the country is not as advanced in terms of infrastructure yet, but it does offer a safe environment, great health care options, and good value for the money.
UPDATE: Sadly there is some recent political problems in Nic, the government has been changing constitutional laws to create a dictatorship and many protesting students have died as a result of civil unrest. We’ll keep a close eye on Nic because if it is resolved peacefully it means already low prices could go lower to get people back to the country.
Retire in Thailand – Asia
Thailand is a beautiful country with very friendly and happy people. Over 90% of the population are practicing Buddhists in their peaceful nature. The scenery is unbelievable, mountains, thousands of islands, beaches, and a rich history. Thailand is a well-developed country with an infrastructure to support its population. Seafood is its main dish but Thai food is known for its variety and freshness. The average temperature in Thailand is 27C/80F, Monsoons bring a great deal of rain between April and October If you’re looking for entertainment, wow, is this your place bars, live music, discos. Some people visit just for the nightlife. If a quieter place of solitude is more your speed Thailand offers that as well.
Healthcare in Thailand is considered to be superb, health and dental care are second to none. Doctors are well trained and very inexpensive.
Is it safe? Thailand is one of the safest places in the world you can live with only 6 murders per 100,000 people in 2008. Most crime that is committed is between locals and usually revolves around illegal activities.
Conclusion
Thailand should be high on your consideration list for places to retire. The downsides would be the distance from North America or Europe, a 24 hr. flight in most cases. Weather can be extreme as well if you are there year-round during monsoon season; we’re only 10 years removed from the devastating Tsunami that hit southern parts of the country in 2004. These extremes are infrequent and should not be the deciding factor in your decision given all of the upsides of Thailand.
Retire in Costa Rica – Central America
Just north of Panama sits Costa Rica, pristine beaches, friendly people, strong infrastructure and affordable living. Costa Rica has year-round great weather typically 25C/77F much of the land mass is considered tropical rainforest. If you’re adventurous, activities like zip lining, hiking, water activities and golf, there is lots to keep you busy during retirement in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has had a real head start on recruiting expats to move to their country, their retirement and visa programs are being mirrored by other countries trying to follow their lead.
Healthcare is excellent in Costa Rica. Doctors and dentists are all well trained there are private and public hospitals available and insurance is also available.
Is it safe? Costa Rica is very safe reporting only 11 murders in 100,000 people in 2006. Petty crime and assaults are in line with other countries. When in city centers use common sense, no shiny jewelry or wads of cash.
Conclusion
Costa Rica is beautiful and diverse in terms of its geography. Although it will be more expensive to live there in terms of cost of living, the average rental will be approximately $1000 depending on location. That cost of living comes with the perks of a more modern infrastructure, internet, and great healthcare.
Retire in Malaysia – Asia
South of Thailand, West of Indonesia and North West of Australia is Malaysia. Malaysia is like Thailand in terms of climate, the average Temperature is 27C/80F, considered a tropical climate. Islam is recognized as the main religion in Malaysia. The Malaysian government has an aggressive program to entice North American retirees. English is widely spoken. Malaysia has a great infrastructure with a low cost of living.
Healthcare is excellent in Malaysia; it’s very affordable with state of the art equipment and services. Doctors are all trained in the U. S. and Europe.
Is it safe? I’m not sure you can get much safer than Malaysia. Malaysia in 2006 reported 2.3 murders in 100,000 people and only 22 assaults. Most crimes are associated with drugs.
Conclusion
Like any country, there will be a huge adjustment you’ll have to make in terms of culture shock. Malaysia on this list may be the hardest to adjust to relate to religion. English is widely spoken, healthcare is excellent. Like Thailand, if you’re coming from North America or Europe you’re looking at a long “commute” to and from your home country if you’re only staying for months at a time.
Retire in Colombia – South America
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Colombia is located in the Upper North West portion of South America. Largely bordering on the Pacific its eastern geography connects with Panama in Central America and on the Caribbean Sea has had a sorted history with violence and drugs. The Weather on the coast is very nice, the average temperature 27C/81F, the rainy season is April to November. Inland is very Mountainous with a median temp of 20C/68F.
In the last 5-10 years, the Colombian government has worked hard on eliminating the stigma of its dark drug-fueled violent past. It has new trade agreements with both the United States and Canada which leads me to believe that a North American presence we’ll lead to Colombia’s untapped possibilities for retires.
Healthcare is excellent in Colombia; it’s very affordable with state of the art equipment and services. Doctors are all trained in the U. S. and Europe.
Is it Safe? In the past, the drug trade was a huge contributor to violence in Colombia, North America, and Europe have contributed greatly to finance the reduction of the trade to a point where violent crime has been halved in the last ten years. In 1993, Bogota centrally located in Colombia listed homicides at a rate of 81 per 100,000. When you consider the noted reduction of a half, we could expect 40 per 100, 000 in a city with a population of 7.5 Million people. Not to say you still need to be careful, but it’s worth watching to see where it goes.
Conclusion
I’ve visited Colombia; I found the people incredibly nice and the culture wonderful. There are still concerns about safety which are well warranted, militant groups like the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia) and the ELN (National Liberation Army) are still concerns. I will say as a Canadian we walked around Bogota with no problems while the Americans were restricted to where they could visit without security. Again, to me, Colombia is worth watching as it might be a real goldmine of untapped retirement potential.
Retire in Arizona – United States of America
There are so many places to retire to consider in the USA. The overwhelming reasons to retire to Arizona are 1) climate and, 2) very affordable. Homes are selling between 100K and 150K for an average size home, Condos are even less. The weather is ideal, there is no humidity like on the east coast and there is sunshine nearly every day of the year. The average temperature in Phoenix is 25C/76F; unfortunately, the summers are brutally hot with the temps getting over 100F in July. There are lots of out of doors activities including golf and hiking with the Grand Canyon nearby. In addition, Arizona supports major league sports teams including the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB and college athletics.
Health Care is excellent in Arizona; this assumes, of course, you’ve got the insurance coverage whether you’re an expat or an American citizen.
Is it safe? While stats are somewhat outdated violent crimes were listed as 447/100,000 in 2008. Like most American states and cities you need to be aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion
Arizona at its face comes very highly recommended, I’ve spoken to retirees from Canada who spend each winter in Arizona, the overall sentiment is that Arizona is preferred over the east coast of the US. The climate is more predictable, costs are less and there are lots activities to do for the retiree. The location of Arizona is close to the Pacific coast and Mexico so it does provide some interesting options for activities outside the state as well.
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