{"id":12886,"date":"2022-01-12T12:43:25","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T12:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/?p=12886"},"modified":"2022-01-12T12:43:25","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T12:43:25","slug":"the-worlds-best-places-to-retire-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/en\/lastest-news\/the-worlds-best-places-to-retire-in-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"The World\u2019s Best Places to Retire in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12887\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion.png\" alt=\"Panam\u00e1 jubilaci\u00f3n\" width=\"auto\" height=\"100%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion-696x348.png 696w, https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion-1068x534.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion-840x420.png 840w, https:\/\/www.visitcentroamerica.com\/sala-prensa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Panama-jubilacion-500x250.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re considering retirement abroad, you need information, and you need lots of it. But more than that, you need guidance on how to interpret that information. That\u2019s what we\u2019re here for, and that\u2019s why we\u2019ve compiled the 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index: to help you with the exciting business of choosing where in the world will best suit your needs.<\/p>\n<p>When it was first conceived, our Retirement Index was our special way of coping with an embarrassment of riches. At that stage,\u00a0<em>IL<\/em>\u00a0had already spent over a decade exploring all manner of dream locales. The result was a huge and exciting variety of choice and opportunity. Fast-forward to 2022.<\/p>\n<p>More than three decades have gone by, during which our scouts have scoured every corner of the globe many times over. The result is a much bigger and ever-growing selection of outstanding destinations where you can live a healthier and happier life, spend a lot less money, and get a whole lot more.<\/p>\n<p>But how do you choose?<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rQZkSjJc8k0\" width=\"100%\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The Retirement Index is the most comprehensive and in-depth survey of its kind. It\u2019s the best way we know of to sift through the wealth of opportunity the world offers, bring some order, and help you pinpoint the best destination for you.<\/p>\n<p>Our index is informed by hundreds of opinions and real-life experiences\u2014information\u2014compiled by our trusted sources in the best retirement destinations across the globe. We think of it as a tool for you, our reader. A way for you to quickly compare and contrast your best options and begin to narrow down your choices.<\/p>\n<p>We have our people out there pounding the pavement in attractive overseas communities we know you should consider. They\u2019re reporting back to us with insights, and information about what\u2019s really going on. They\u2019re not beholden to relocation service providers or real estate agents or tourism boards or economic development organizations. They work for you.<\/p>\n<p>In no way is our Global Retirement Index meant to be a scientific output. It\u2019s designed to be a useful tool for people, constructed out of real-world, on-the-ground information interpreted through a lens of well-informed experience and opinion.<\/p>\n<p>Our sources are living in the places where they\u2019re gathering their intelligence. And we trust their judgment. If they say the healthcare is good, or that a meal for two in a nice restaurant costs $20, then we believe them.<\/p>\n<p>Our intention with this index is that it be genuinely useful. We\u2019re not looking for random input from random people around the world\u2014you can get that with a simple internet search. Instead, we\u2019re in the business of providing sound recommendations about a refreshingly limited number of options.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond data\u2014it offers, more importantly, information, opinions, perspective, and guidance.<\/p>\n<p>What has their research revealed about the best retirement havens in 2022? Read on\u2026<\/p>\n<h3>10. Uruguay<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/uruguay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Uruguay<\/a>\u00a0is a small country with a small population (3.5 million) between Brazil and Argentina. Its interior is a native grassland used for ranching and farming. Its natural harbor, the Bay of Montevideo, is a bustling container port. And its southern coast, which fronts the R\u00edo de la Plata (a sea-like estuary) and the Atlantic Ocean, is dotted with beach towns popular with summer vacationers.<\/p>\n<p>People in Uruguay enjoy four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. In its capital,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/uruguay\/montevideo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montevideo<\/a>, the average summer high is 82 F, cooling down to 63 F at night. The average winter high is 57 F, cooling down to 43 F at night. And because it\u2019s in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite.<\/p>\n<p>I moved to Uruguay 15 years ago. Among things I appreciate is its egalitarian culture. Uruguay is the most democratic country in Latin America. And in relative terms, it brags the largest middle class in the Western Hemisphere.<\/p>\n<p>All workers get Social Security, paid vacations, and comprehensive healthcare. Anyone who can pass the entrance exams can attend the state university at almost no cost. And the principle of treating others with respect is alive and well.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also a land with few natural threats. It\u2019s not in a hurricane path. It doesn\u2019t get destructive earthquakes. And thanks to effective public health policies, mosquito-borne illness is not an issue.<\/p>\n<p>Uruguay is a country where things work. Its public utility companies are among the best in Latin America for both quality and reach.<\/p>\n<p>And even though Uruguay is a small country, it offers a variety of attractive lifestyles to choose from.<\/p>\n<p>Forty percent of Uruguay\u2019s population lives in the capital, Montevideo. It\u2019s a city known for its tree-lined streets, large, green parks, and coastal promenade, which fronts the R\u00edo de la Plata.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/uruguay-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Popular foods<\/a>\u00a0include barbecued beef, Italian dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine. (In Montevideo, around 65% of the population is of Italian descent.) You also find many types of ethnic foods, as well as coffee places and craft beer bars. And if you like wine, you can visit the world-class wineries on the city\u2019s outskirts.<\/p>\n<p>Entertainment options include street tango, Carnival parades, a local symphony, and ballet productions. For recreation, you find sandy beaches, an 18-hole golf course, gyms, and tennis clubs.<\/p>\n<p>Popular areas of Montevideo include: Ciudad Vieja and Centro, where you find original\u00a0<em>plazas<\/em>\u00a0and period architecture; Cord\u00f3n, an up-and-coming neighborhood of unique caf\u00e9s, shops, and nightspots; the Pocitos area, with modern apartments and shopping malls; Carrasco, a low-density suburban neighborhood of single-family homes; and La Tahona, a private golf community just east of Montevideo.<\/p>\n<p>Eighty miles east of Montevideo is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/uruguay\/punta-del-este\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Punta del Este<\/a>, the most renowned beach resort in South America. It\u2019s also a university town, with a growing full-time population. Housing in and near Punta del Este includes suburban homes, luxury condos, and country estates.<\/p>\n<p>For recreation, you find a wide range of water sports, golf, tennis, and bowling. Food options range from sandwich places to landmark restaurants. If you like nightlife, there\u2019s bars and casinos. And like Montevideo, you find impressive wineries in the nearby countryside.<\/p>\n<p>While you can live in Punta del Este for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/uruguay\/cost-of-living-in-uruguay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">less than you might think<\/a>, it is the most expensive city in Uruguay. So, it\u2019s not for everyone. However, in the adjoining middle-class city of Maldonado, you can live in a nice apartment just four miles from Punta del Este\u2019s beaches, for a lot less money.<\/p>\n<p>Do you like the idea of a small, laid-back coastal town but you still want to be close to city shopping, dining, and services? If so, consider Atl\u00e1ntida or Piri\u00e1polis. Atl\u00e1ntida is known for its many trees and large beaches. And it\u2019s just 28 miles east of Montevideo\u2019s Centro. Piri\u00e1polis, known for its hills and coastal\u00a0<em>centro<\/em>, is 23 miles west of Maldonado and Punta del Este.<\/p>\n<p>Seventy miles east of Punta del Este is La Paloma. Set in a mostly rural region called Rocha, it\u2019s where you find long, sandy Atlantic beaches, a large natural bay, a boat harbor, and a 40-square-mile freshwater lagoon. Surfing, kayaking, kite surfing, and fishing are all popular here.<\/p>\n<p>For country life, you find small farms on the outskirts of most cities and towns. Another option is to settle in a small interior city, where you can live close to the rural life without the cost of owning your own farm.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/uruguay\/retire\/\">Renting long term in Uruguay<\/a>\u00a0can be a good option. In Montevideo\u2019s fashionable Cord\u00f3n neighborhood, you can rent a two-bedroom apartment for $700 per month. In Maldonado, you can rent a modern apartment for around $500 per month.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d rather buy a place than rent, that\u2019s no problem. In Uruguay, you can own any type of real estate in your own name. (You don\u2019t need a partner, a trust, or any special permissions.) In Cord\u00f3n, you can buy a newer two-bedroom apartment for $150,000. In Maldonado, you can buy a nice apartment for $125,000.<\/p>\n<p>For healthcare, most expats enroll in a private plan called a\u00a0<em>mutualista<\/em>. A\u00a0<em>mutualista<\/em>\u00a0covers everything from routine checkups to major surgery and emergency care. The cost is just $50 to $60 per month, plus a small copay when you receive care. With a\u00a0<em>mutualista<\/em>, you can say goodbye to big deductibles and complicated bills.<\/p>\n<p>Most expat couples in Uruguay live well on a budget of between $2,500 and $3,500 per month including rent. In Punta del Este and the Montevideo communities of Carrasco and La Tahona, the cost of living is higher. In La Paloma and many interior cities, the cost of living is lower.<\/p>\n<p>To become a legal resident of Uruguay, you need to both pass a criminal background check and prove a recurring monthly income source to support yourself in Uruguay (this is often around $1,500 for a single person).<\/p>\n<p>To apply, you enter Uruguay on a tourist visa and make your application to become a resident in person. Opening a bank account is also accomplished in person at a bank. You find several reputable residential specialists in Uruguay. They can help assure you bring the correct documents from home and then guide you step-by-step through the processes once you\u2019re in Uruguay.<\/p>\n<p>A married couple can apply for citizenship three years after applying for residency. Single people can apply for citizenship five years after applying for residency. There is no big fee or investment required to become a citizen.<\/p>\n<p>Uruguay is a Spanish-speaking country. You find the most English speakers (including bilingual residency specialists and real estate agents) in Montevideo and Punta del Este. You also find Spanish language schools in these cities, which can be a good way to socialize, as well as learn.<\/p>\n<p>While Uruguay is precious, it\u2019s not close. A non-stop flight from Miami to Montevideo is nine-and-a-half hours. But to me and many others, it\u2019s well worth it.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Spain<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spain<\/a>\u00a0seduces retirees with 300-plus days of sunshine and 3,000 miles of coastline. The low cost of living, excellent healthcare, first-world infrastructure, and superb personal safety seal the deal. Spain has long been a favorite retirement destination for the Brits, Germans, Dutch, and other Northern Europeans. Now more North Americans are discovering its allure.<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s sun-drenched Mediterranean coast assures retirees that they will never need to shovel snow again. The Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca promise 300 to 320 sunny days a year. Even Madrid, on the central plateau, boasts sizzling summers and winters where the temperature rarely dips below freezing. Green Spain, along the northern coast, offers a climate similar to Oregon or Seattle\u2026or England which is just across the channel.<\/p>\n<p>Spain also offers life beyond the beach and the golf course. Its geography runs the gamut from golden shores to snow-capped peaks, from dramatic deserts to lush forests. Its cities throb with commerce and culture.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/spain\/madrid-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Madrid<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/spain\/barcelona-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barcelona<\/a>\u00a0host dozens of world-class museums as well as opera, theatre, and music festivals.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/spain\/valencia-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Valencia<\/a>\u00a0blends medieval and post-modern architecture. Andalusia captivates with the passion of flamenco. Granada crowns its glory with the incomparable Alhambra. Every night is alive with music, conversation and conviviality.<\/p>\n<p>This good life comes with an affordable price tag.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/spain\/cost-of-living-in-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spain\u2019s cost of living is surprisingly low<\/a>. A couple can live in the Mediterranean coastal towns for about $2,600 a month, without a car. Rents are highest in Madrid and Barcelona, so you will need a bigger budget to live there, but as a single woman living in Madrid, I get by on about $2,000 a month. Public transportation in Spain is some of the most efficient and least expensive in the world.<\/p>\n<p>The fruits and vegetables at the heart of the healthy Mediterranean diet are available all year for a fraction of the cost in North America. Fish is ubiquitous on the Spanish table. The cost of eating in restaurants is surprisingly cheap. A three-course, fixed-price lunch including wine or beer can be found all over Spain for $12 to $16. A glass of wine or a beer is about $2.50, and the fact that there is no tipping makes eating out an even better bargain.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/spain\/health-care-in-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spain\u2019s healthcare<\/a>\u00a0is among the best in the world. In fact, it is the best in the world according to the\u00a0<em>World Economic Forum\u2019s 2020 Global Competitiveness Report<\/em>, and it placed second in\u00a0<em>International Living<\/em>\u2019s 2022 Global Retirement Index.\u00a0<em>Bloomberg<\/em>\u2019s recent post-pandemic \u201cefficiency listing\u201d for healthcare puts Spain\u2019s single-payer public health system in 16th place. In the same study, the USA came in 55th place out of 57 countries. Canada came in 27th place. In Spain, you will likely get better healthcare than you\u2019re getting now. Spain has 22 hospitals and healthcare facilities that are accredited by the Joint Commission International, the gold standard of hospital care. In general, costs run significantly less than in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>Spain has both public and private healthcare systems. As an expat on the non-lucrative visa or the golden visa, you are required to carry private Spanish health insurance for five years. You can choose from several providers. I have Sanitas, the largest private healthcare provider in Spain, which is an HMO, similar to Kaiser, with English-speaking doctors. The cost increases as you age, but it is about equivalent to paying for Medicare, Medigap, and Plan D. At 74, I\u2019m paying about $266 a month, which covers everything with no deductible or copays, including lab work, tests, and basic dental. This Sanitas policy for a healthy 64-year-old couple would be $324 per month. Prescription costs are not covered, but medications are astoundingly cheap by U.S. standards.<\/p>\n<p>After five years, you become a permanent resident and automatically enter the public system. In many communities, but not all, it is possible to buy into the public healthcare system after one year of residency. If you are under 65, it costs about $70 a month, and $187 a month if you are 65 or over. The public system pays 40% of most prescriptions. A new feature being introduced into the public system is the availability of interpreters to translate for patients who don\u2019t speak fluent Spanish. Now you can book your interpreter at the time you book your appointment.<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s First-World infrastructure puts the icing on this tempting retirement cake. You can drink the tap water. The electricity is on 24 hours a day. Trash is picked up every night. Super-fast Wi-Fi is available nearly everywhere. Public transportation is convenient, quick, and cheap. Clean, comfortable, high-speed trains whisk you across the country in a couple of hours. And you don\u2019t need a car, except for in the most remote locations.<\/p>\n<p>On top of all that, Spain is safe. Aside from a few pickpockets, crime is nearly non-existent. Homelessness is quite rare. It\u2019s almost impossible to own a gun. You can feel at ease walking anywhere in the middle of the night. The police are efficient and polite. The government is a stable, modern democracy.<\/p>\n<p>The best benefit of all is the Spanish people who are friendly, helpful, curious, and sincerely interested in North Americans and our culture. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among young people, but everyone is learning and wants to practice. Spanish culture effervesces with the joy of being alive, and it\u2019s one of the most open-minded and LGBTQ-friendly societies in the world. Within Madrid, you\u2019ll find Chueca, an LGBTQ neighborhood with its own rainbow-striped Metro station. Sitges, on the Costa Brava, has been known as \u201cthe Fire Island of Europe\u201d for more than 50 years. Torremolinos, near M\u00e1laga on the Costa del Sol, is a gloriously gay beach town.<\/p>\n<p>Did I mention the spectacular food and outstanding wines?<\/p>\n<p>For North American retirees, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/spain\/spain-visa-and-residency-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">most viable visa options<\/a>\u00a0are the non-lucrative visa and the golden visa. For a non-lucrative visa, you must have the equivalent of \u20ac30,000\/$35,000 in a bank account or documented income from pensions or investments of \u20ac2,130 a month ($29,644 a year at the current exchange rate) plus \u20ac532 a month ($7,404 a year) for your spouse and each dependent child. Income from rental properties or salaries is not accepted. You also have to provide proof of private health insurance in Spain, a clean criminal record from the FBI with fingerprints, and a letter from a doctor stating that you have no infectious diseases. Consulates can add other requirements. You must apply at your home consulate in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>To get the golden visa, you must buy property in Spain valued at $580,181 (\u20ac500,000) or more. Then you get a visa and residency for yourself, your spouse, and your dependent children, as well as permits to work in Spain. Financial documentation, an FBI report, and private health insurance are required. It\u2019s good for one year but can be renewed even if you\u2019ve been out of Spain for more than six months. The purchase must be made within 90 days prior to the application, and the $580,181 must be unencumbered. You can make the application from your home consulate, but applying while in Spain on a tourist visa gives you more advantages. Applications are processed within 10 days.<\/p>\n<p>Rumor has it that Spain will also have a digital nomad visa available in 2022.<\/p>\n<h3>8. Malta<\/h3>\n<p>If someone were to take Southern California and mix it together with a blend of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/italy\/tuscany\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuscany<\/a>, Spain, and more than a sprinkling of the Greek island of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/greece\/crete-greece\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crete<\/a>\u00a0\u2026 that person will have created a pretty good analog for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/malta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Malta<\/a>, a tiny little speck of rock in the southern Mediterranean, just a geologic stone\u2019s throw from Sicily.<\/p>\n<p>And \u201ctiny little speck\u201d is not an understatement. The entire country of five islands\u2014only three of which are inhabited\u2014is basically the size of Lubbock, Texas. Yet it\u2019s packed with more than 500,000 people, nearly 15% of whom are expats. Most of those people are sardined into the metropolitan area that stretches, unending, along the east coast\u2014the cities of Valletta (the capital), St. Julian\u2019s, Sliema, and the so-called \u201cThree Fingers\u201d of Kalkara, Birgu, and Senglea.<\/p>\n<p>Here, you\u2019ll find a Western European lifestyle, spiced with hints of Arabia, which explains the Maltese language\u2014the only Arabic language reliant on a Western alphabet, albeit one with some funky letters. But no fears: Malta was part of the British Empire for 150 years, so English is a national language, too. That history also means you\u2019re going to find the locals driving on the wrong side of the road, and encounter traditional British cuisine. You\u2019re also going to find an abundance of excellent Italian cuisine, given the islands proximity to Sicily, just 90 minutes away by high-speed ferry.<\/p>\n<p>Everywhere you go in Malta, you get a sense of the age of this place. It\u2019s been around for 5 million years or so, and it has been overrun at one time or another by numerous civilizations, from Phoenicians to Romans, Arabs to Normans. All have left their mark in some fashion on the culture, the food, and even on how the place looks.<\/p>\n<p>Once you venture away from the metro area, the country opens up into panoramic, hilly vistas of low-rise plants and trees across a rocky, semi-arid landscape, with unending views out over the Mediterranean. Out here, you\u2019ll find ancient megaliths older than Stonehenge, wonderfully quaint fishing villages, and the medieval fortress city of Mdina, which once served as home not only to the Knights of Malta but as a set for\u00a0<em>Game of Thrones<\/em>\u00a0(yes, it looks that authentic).<\/p>\n<p>Just 20 minutes north of the main island of Malta by ferry is the much smaller island of Gozo. It is to metro area what Upstate New York is to Manhattan\u2014a slower-paced getaway. The population here is just over 32,000, so it\u2019s very quiet and seemingly years behind the big city, a facet of Gozo that the Maltese and many expats treasure.<\/p>\n<p>The country is also overrun with more churches than seems possible for such a small place: more than 360, or a church for every day of the year. The good news: All those churches mean there are street fairs and festivals\u2014known as \u201cfestas\u201d\u2014just about weekly. Aside from that, there\u2019s a lot to do in Malta, despite its Lilliputian dimensions. Hiking trails. Some of the best scuba diving in the Mediterranean. All manner of water activities including yachting, sailing, swimming, fishing, and water polo for all ages (seriously, you will find water polo courts right on the sea all over the metro area).<\/p>\n<p>The weather here is about what you might expect for an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, between Italy and North Africa \u2026 only in an unexpected way. Lots and lots of sun, for sure; about 300 days per year. But despite being a rocky, dusty outcropping, Malta dishes up swamp-like heat and humidity across the summer. Winters are short and mild, at least in terms of temperature, rarely dipping below the 50s F. But even in winter, humidity is high, which means the cool air permeates to the bone, according to expats who live here. Making that slightly worse is that the homes are designed to say cool in summer, not warm in winter, so walls and floors are all stone, amplifying the chill. The trick\u2014throw rugs all over the place, according to all the expats.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of housing: Maltese houses and apartments are not cheap. That\u2019s a function of a few things. The country sees incessant demand from the rest of Europe, since it\u2019s a warm, beachy destination for an often-cold continent. Plus, the country imposes no property taxes, which has created a situation in which scads of homes, passed down through generations to multiple heirs, sit in disrepair because the heirs can\u2019t agree on its disposition, yet have no incentive to sell because there\u2019s zero carrying cost. That forces builders to build new, which jacks up prices.<\/p>\n<p>Modern, one-bedroom apartments in the metro area that most Americans would find comfortable are in the $900 to $1,600 range, depending on location. In Gozo, expect to pay about 30% less\u2014but also expect fewer amenities and services on the smaller island. If you want to buy, expect to spend north of $300,000, or, again, about 20% to 30% less on Gozo.<\/p>\n<p>Meals in caf\u00e9s and restaurants cost less than in the U.S., but, again, they\u2019re not cheap. Street food is good value. A sandwich and a local Cisk Beer (pronounced: Chisk) will set you back about $3 to $7. But a nice sit-down meal of pasta and a salad, with a glass of wine, is about $30 a person. And any kind of imported, packaged food at a local supermarket can be downright expensive. Expats have learned that the best option is to shop the local veggie trucks that shop up in every neighborhood, hawking fruits and vegetables. Prices are easily 30% to 50% cheaper.<\/p>\n<p>What you pay for in food you save on transportation. The country is so small you don\u2019t need a car (and, frankly, you don\u2019t want one). Traffic is a nightmare, and parking is the demon inside that nightmare terrorizing you. Luckily, the country has an excelling, efficient, and inexpensive public transportation network. It also has a few local versions of Uber, such as one called Bolt. Download the app to a smartphone, connect to your credit card, and you can get anywhere you want to go, quickly and affordably. Seriously, the place is so small, it\u2019s basically a 30-minute drive from the east side of the island to the west.<\/p>\n<p>As for healthcare, Malta\u2019s is high quality, ranking fifth in the world. That makes it a popular medical tourism destination. There are just two hospitals in the country, though numerous medical clinics. As an expat resident, you don\u2019t have access to national health insurance, so you will need a travel-medical insurance plan. Those typically cost about $2,000 to $2,500 per year from any of several, well-known providers.<\/p>\n<p>The country offers a couple of paths for permanent residency. The quickest is the Permanent Residence Program. It takes several weeks. But it requires \u20ac500,000 in assets, financial contributions to the government and a local NGO, as well as certain real estate\/rental obligations.<\/p>\n<p>The less costly option is the \u201cself-sufficiency\u201d visa. Its biggest hurdles are \u20ac50,000 per year in income (can partly be Social Security), as well as proof of medical insurance, and a 15% tax payment annually (minimum payment: \u20ac5,000) based on the money you remit into the country.<\/p>\n<p>For a Western European lifestyle with a beachy afterglow,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/5-reasons-retire-malta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Malta\u2019s hard to beat.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>7. France<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">France<\/a>\u00a0is an incredibly beautiful country that leaves few visitors indifferent to its many charms. As the largest and most diverse country (sharing borders with 11 neighbors) in Western Europe, it\u2019s no wonder that\u00a0<em>la belle France<\/em>\u00a0has gained increasing popularity as a top spot to retire on the continent. With a captivating culture, stunning natural landscapes, and a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/france\/cost-of-living-in-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cost of living that is surprisingly accessible<\/a>, this storied land of fine wine and sumptuous cuisine is an excellent choice for retiring abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Housing prices are, on average, 34% less than those in the United States\u2014with property taxes coming in at one-tenth of what you\u2019d expect to pay back home. Of course, if you\u2019d like to set up shop in a swanky Parisian apartment or a\u00a0<em>chalet<\/em>\u00a0in the middle of the Alpes, you\u2019ll be faced with a hefty price tag. Outside of those glamorous zip codes,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/best-places-for-every-budget-in-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">many regions offer very affordable housing options<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In the sun-washed region of the Dordogne, known for its bucolic vistas of sunflower fields, rolling haystacks, and\u00a0<em>chateaux<\/em>\u00a0(castles) which seem to top every bend along the Dordogne River, two-bedroom homes are available for $250,000 or less. Once a well-kept secret among our British friends across the pond, more and more American expats are making the move to this gorgeous region in southern-central France.<\/p>\n<p>The medieval town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, with its vibrant farmers\u2019 market and active social calendar, has become a popular hub for North American retirees.<\/p>\n<p>While the glitzy beach towns of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/places-you-should-visit-in-provence-alpes-cote-dazur-trl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur<\/a>\u00a0may be a strain on the pocketbook, by going a little further inland retirees can find significant savings on real estate. The Var department, just adjacent to the Alpes-Maritimes region (home to Nice and Cannes), is full of cost-friendly destinations. Picture-postcard villages like Cotignac, Correns, and Pierrefeu offer an authentic French-country lifestyle tucked away among the grapevines of Provence.\u00a0<em>Maisons de village<\/em>\u00a0(village-style houses) can be found for $200,000 or less\u2014with a larger budget allowing for an ample garden and swimming pool.<\/p>\n<p>Fans of city-living can head to the fastest-growing metropolitan area in France: Montpellier. A historically influential center of studies, and one of France\u2019s most important university towns, Montpellier is an open, multicultural city with an emphasis on the arts and gourmet living. Among the top five sunniest cities in France (Marseille and Toulon often grab the top spot), life in this gem of the Occitanie region is meant to be lived out-of-doors. Retirees can look forward to long lunches on the city\u2019s dazzling main square, Place de la Com\u00e9die, and early-evening\u00a0<em>ap\u00e9ros\u00a0<\/em>(aperitifs) listening to live music, or preparing to watch a performance at one of the city\u2019s many theater venues.<\/p>\n<p>In the summer, a shuttle bus takes residents to the Mediterranean beaches of seaside towns like La Grande Motte and Le Grau du Roi\u2014around a 30-minute journey.<\/p>\n<p>To take advantage of this idyllic southern-France lifestyle, potential investors can access Montpellier\u2019s abundant housing market which includes a large selection of affordable, modern apartments. One- and two-bedroom offerings start at $160,000 and $215,000, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Although enticing, there\u2019s more to France than the sunny south, and practically every corner of the country seems to have something special and unique to offer. Known for their friendly attitudes and community spirit, Lorraine and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/uncovering-the-charms-of-frances-alsace-region\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alsace<\/a>\u00a0in northeastern France shine with elegant and cosmopolitan cities like Nancy and Strasbourg. Colmar and Riquewihr, two small towns in Alsace, are fairy tale-like destinations with colorful, half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals. With proximity to Germany and a host of international airports, these regions have all of the fine-living attributes (excellent wine, world-class dining, and a rich artistic scene) associated with France, while keeping housing costs low.<\/p>\n<p>The windswept, seaside regions of Brittany and Normandy are two other northern treasures, and certainly France wouldn\u2019t be France without its spectacular wine-growing regions. While retirees can choose to settle in wine-producing areas around the country, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Loire Valley are particularly nice spots to enjoy life among the vines.<\/p>\n<p>With talk of fine wine, incredible food, and lower housing costs, it\u2019s easy to overlook one of the top reasons to consider a move to France:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/france\/health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the healthcare system<\/a>. Available to anyone after three months of residence, the system has no pre-existing condition limitations, age restrictions, or entry fees. Rated as one of the top healthcare systems in the world (ranked number one by the World Health Organization), costs are incredibly low, and care is modern and reliable. Charges are fixed by the government and cannot be increased by any single provider\u2014you\u2019ll be asked to pay the same fee at the top teaching university in Paris as with the local village doctor.<\/p>\n<p>A standard doctor\u2019s visit costs $29, and a visit to a specialist is $58, without signing up for French healthcare. Once in the system, after the three-month mark of residing in France, 70% of that cost is refunded to you\u2014meaning you\u2019ll pay approximately $9 out of pocket for a standard doctor\u2019s visit. At $69 to $173 a day, hospital stays are covered at 80% during the first month, and at 100% each subsequent month. Prescription drugs, already a fraction of the price of their U.S. counterparts, are covered at 65% to 100%.<\/p>\n<p>Retirees pay a very low percentage of their annual income into the universal healthcare system, and, thanks to a tax treaty with the United States, cannot be taxed on income received from Social Security benefits or pensions.<\/p>\n<p>Good food, excellent wine, and a relaxed, gourmet culture make France a very attractive option for retirement. By bypassing the popular metropolitan areas and expensive Riviera resort towns, retirees can take advantage of lower housing costs while maintaining the same standard of living enjoyed across the country. With one of the top healthcare systems in the world, residents enjoy huge cuts in medical costs, and a system that prioritizes individual patient care. A retirement in France provides the ability to experience the best that Europe has to offer, while still keeping a keen eye on your nest egg.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Ecuador<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been dreaming of retiring in a place where you can easily live off $1,500 to $1,825 a month, depending on location and lifestyle, in a culture which hasn\u2019t been gentrified but has all of the accoutrements of modern living, then\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/ecuador\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ecuador<\/a>\u00a0should top your list. Don\u2019t be misled by its obscurity. Ecuador\u2019s tourism has grown by 30% over the past five years and the country attracts North Americans, Europeans, gap year backpackers, explorers, and expats from around the world, all who come to enjoy its perfect combination of climate, culture, and affordability.<\/p>\n<p>Anthony Bourdain once said about the country: \u201cIt is a republic on the equator lying on the west coast of South America and is the second smallest country on the continent. With 1,200 miles of coastline, one of the world\u2019s highest active volcanoes, and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/ecuador\/galapagos-islands\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/a>, it is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ecuador is a largely undiscovered country not yet homogenized but still offering the conveniences of modern living, including high-speed fiber-optic internet, American dollar currency, temperate weather, good public transportation, and affordable healthcare and housing. It has a\u00a0<em>tranquilo<\/em>\u00a0culture where\u00a0<em>manana<\/em>\u00a0means sometime in the future, and people welcome each other with cheek kisses and hugs. It\u2019s often described as a trip back to the 1950s, only now the Indigenous men in tribal dress (often seen pulling donkeys along on long ropes) are talking on iPhones. Walk down any major city street and you will see the population is a mix of Indigenous, Spanish descendants, North Americans, Europeans, and mixed ethnicities.<\/p>\n<p>Ecuadorians know how to enjoy life. It\u2019s a very family-oriented, mostly Catholic, country where the locals attend services in massive, gold-embossed cathedrals, gather for Sunday dinners, close down their shops to go watch their kids play soccer, and frequently invite expats over for dinner\u2014but be prepared that dinner starts at 8 p.m. with dancing until 2 a.m. (which is most likely why they don\u2019t start their days until 10 a.m.) There is an abundance of colorful parades with dancers swirling in fedoras and velvet skirts, fireworks that rival Disneyworld, street performers lining downtown town squares, international cuisine, and an abundance of chic bars where musicians pump out everything from salsa, classical, and rock music. Saying it\u2019s a happy place is an understatement.<\/p>\n<p>Weather is near-perfect anywhere you live in Ecuador. You can sit on the beach and enjoy cool sea breezes with temperatures in the 70s F and mid-80s F. Or settle in the Andes, where the equator places the mountains closer to the sun, making even locations at 8,000 feet altitudes produce weather in the 60s F to 70s F.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re dreaming of a coastal destination, visit the beaches and you can sit on the shores of Puerto Lopez and whale watch while you enjoy a pilsner and eat freshly made\u00a0<em>ceviche<\/em>\u00a0in beachside canopies. Venture north and you\u2019ll encounter small, sleepy, coastal towns that attract expats wanting to escape the rat race, surfers, and hippies riding bicycles in towns like Monta\u00f1ita. Further north is the launching point to explore the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands and its famous blue-footed boobies and giant green tortoises. On the southern coastal tip of Ecuador is Salinas, a modern oceanside town known for its party bars, seafood, and year-round fiestas.<\/p>\n<p>Head inland and you\u2019re in the Andes, where you can zipline over mountain valleys, white water raft, get purified by Shamans, and shop for colorful textiles loomed by the Indigenous. Many expats settle in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/ecuador\/quito\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Quito<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/ecuador\/cuenca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cuenca<\/a>\u00a0to enjoy the 16th-century Spanish colonial and 18th-century French Republican architecture which earned these cities UNESCO Heritage Site designations. Both these colonial towns offer modern conveniences and their streets are lined with shops, chic bars, and restaurants tucked into scenic, historic, Spanish colonial\u00a0<em>haciendas<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Go east into the Amazon rainforests and you can white water raft down the Puyo river where you\u2019ll see the Indigenous tribes who live on the river with their children, who hoist blow dart guns to test their aim.<\/p>\n<p>Expats are scattered all over Ecuador depending on their lifestyle choices. Larger expat communities are in Salinas, with its beaches lined with modern condos;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/ecuador\/cotacachi-ecuador\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cotacachi<\/a>, a small, sleepy village where craftsman make everything from leather goods to alpaca ponchos; Cuenca, the modern Andean resort town which is the cultural center of Ecuador, where music, art, and New Orleans-style architecture attracts visitors from around the world; and Vilcabamba, the home of the \u201cValley of Longevity\u201d known for its Indigenous centurions and laidback expats who sit outside at caf\u00e9s trading philosophies.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/ecuador\/cost-of-living-in-ecuador\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">There are few places where living is as affordable as in Ecuador<\/a>. There is something for everyone, regardless of your budget. Consider that you can own a home on a Pacific Coast beach or a condo with great views in the Andes for around $150,000. Rentals are plentiful and affordable too, with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo available in downtown Cuenca for $500.<\/p>\n<p>Since the land produces excellent food, mostly with year-round growing seasons, prices at local\u00a0<em>mercados<\/em>\u00a0are so low that it is difficult to buy more than $15 worth of fruits and vegetables. Household help is available for $20 for four hours of cleaning, gardeners run $20, and a deep tissue massage will run between $30 to $40 for a 90-minute massage. No need for heating and air-conditioning bills in most of the country because of the temperate weather, and you can live most places without a car, paying 30 cents for trams, and $2 to $5 for cab rides to get you almost anywhere in town.<\/p>\n<p>Cuenca boasts the largest expat communities and many activities to get involved in\u2014day trips to nearby towns, card games, dinner clubs, trivia, art classes, hikes in the Cajas, and long lunches with friends.<\/p>\n<p>Living in Ecuador can give you a retirement you could only have dreamed about if you had stayed in the U.S. Instead of living paycheck to paycheck or having to work well into your retirement, Ecuador will provide a safe, joyful,\u00a0<em>tranquilo<\/em>\u00a0lifestyle, with money left over to travel the world.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s no wonder that Ecuador has consistently placed in the top ten retirement locations in the world. It\u2019s not just an ecological paradise, it\u2019s a place where you can make friends, stop worrying about money, and enjoy the diversity of a country that is only a four-hour flight from the U.S. Not that you will want to go back.<\/p>\n<p>At this stage of life, we can either sit back in our recliners and watch television all day, or we can realize that life isn\u2019t over and the adventure is just starting. Perhaps Bourdain said it best, when he said: \u201cYour body is not a temple, it\u2019s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>5. Colombia<\/h3>\n<p>Looking for that perfect spot on the earth for retirement? You are not alone. Lots of people are searching for their little slice of heaven where they can spend their \u201cbest are yet to come\u201d years.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/retire-to-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Colombia checks many of the boxes<\/a>\u00a0for those wanting to live in a place with a lower cost of living, excellent healthcare, close proximity to the U.S. and Canada, and climate options to suit practically every taste.<\/p>\n<p>As the gateway to South America,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Colombia<\/a>\u00a0sits at the northern tip of the continent and covers 440,831 square miles, approximately the combined size of the states of Texas and California. For comparison, Colombia is geographically four times larger than Ecuador, 15 times larger than Panama, and 23 times larger than Costa Rica. Colombia has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It has the three ranges of the Andes Mountains running down its spine in the western half of the country, as well as the Amazon rainforest in the southeast.<\/p>\n<p>Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, so what you pack will depend on where you are planning to live. The coastal areas of Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta are hot and humid, with daytime temperatures in the upper 80s F to low or mid-90s F. The mountain areas of Medell\u00edn, Bucaramanga, Pereira, and the Coffee Triangle have a more temperate climate. Temperatures range from the mid-70s F to low 80s F with no humidity. Bogot\u00e1 will be much cooler, with temperatures in the mid-60s F to low 70s F.<\/p>\n<p>This country offers colonial towns and thriving cosmopolitan cities; places to enjoy the mountains and Caribbean beach towns to soak up the sun. Just three hours from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Colombia welcomes non-stop flights into its major cities of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/bogota-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bogot\u00e1<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/medellin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medell\u00edn<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/armenia-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Armenia<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/barranquilla-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barranquilla<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/barranquilla-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Santa Marta<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/barranquilla-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cartagena<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/barranquilla-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cali<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You will find that Colombia is a more developed country than many other countries in Latin America, with the infrastructure, modern products, and services you\u2019d expect in the major cities of a country on the move. Colombia is no longer Latin America\u2019s best-kept secret because more and more expats are moving here to start a new life in this beautiful country\u2026either retiring or continuing to generate an income.<\/p>\n<p>Medell\u00edn is one of the fastest-growing expat havens in Colombia. Due to the near-perfect climate, flowers are constantly in bloom and dot the streets with color year-round. Spend just a few hours walking around the city and you will see why it is nicknamed \u201cThe City of Eternal Spring.\u201d This perfect weather is what first drew me to the city. I lived in Maine for 27 years before I moved to Medell\u00edn in 2012, and I am ecstatic to announce that I have not had to deal with snow since my move.<\/p>\n<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/barranquilla-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Colombia\u00b4s healthcare system<\/a>\u00a0as number 22 out of the 191 countries they review. That is better than Canada which ranks number 30 and the U.S. which ranks number 37. On top of this, when financial publication\u00a0<em>Am\u00e9rica Econom\u00eda<\/em>\u00a0put together their latest annual list of Latin America\u2019s top 63 hospitals, 26 of those hospitals were based in Colombia. That means that 41% of the top Latin American hospitals are in Colombia. The larger cities of Bogot\u00e1, Medell\u00edn, and Bucaramanga have hospitals which have received the Joint Commission International accreditation, the gold standard for international healthcare.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/barranquilla-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visiting Colombia is simple.<\/a>\u00a0You can come for 90 days with just your U.S., EU, Canadian, or Australian passport, and then extend for another 90 days. If you want to stay in Colombia for more than 180 days in a calendar year you will need a visa. Retirement visas are relatively easy to get, require proof of at least $750 monthly Social Security income, or $2,500 from a private pension or 401K (based on current exchange rates), and are issued for up to three years.<\/p>\n<p>The real estate owner\u00b4s visa applies to people who purchase real estate in their own name for at least $83,000 (based on current exchange rates), a very low threshold compared to many other countries. This visa is also issued for up to three years at the discretion of the officer processing your application.<\/p>\n<p>Your dependents, which could include a spouse, partner, minor children, or someone who is economically dependent on you do not need to apply for a visa too. You can add them to your visa as beneficiaries. Colombia legalized same-sex marriage in 2016, so spouses are covered as beneficiaries.<\/p>\n<p>Retirement dollars go much further in Colombia. A couple can live in many cities around Colombia for $2,000 per month or less. Of course, your cost of living will depend on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. Nancy says, \u201cI can tell you that my living expenses are 60% less than they were back in Maine. Just the fact that I don\u2019t have to pay heating or cooling costs has saved me about $3,400 per year alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m living a lifestyle I couldn\u2019t come close to in the U.S.,\u201d Robert Venhuizen, 68, says. \u201cI have enough money to do what I want.\u201d Life in the\u00a0<em>pueblo<\/em>\u00a0(small town) of San Antonio de Pereira, 45 minutes outside of Medell\u00edn, has a slower lifestyle, less traffic, and a low cost of living for Robert. \u201cSince my only income is from Social Security, I could not approach this lifestyle back home. Financial freedom is definitely the greatest benefit to living in the smaller community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/colombia\/barranquilla-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Colombia is probably one of the most misunderstood countries in the world.<\/a>\u00a0Most likely the only exposure you\u2019ve had to this country were the Juan Valdez coffee commercials and the seemingly nightly news stories about Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels. Well, that was then and this is now. Colombia is still world-renowned for its coffee, however the shadow that Pablo Escobar cast over the country has been lifted to reveal the true Colombia: warm, welcoming people, stunning scenery, a contender in world economics, and an exporter of oil, flowers, minerals, and emeralds.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Portugal<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s no wonder that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Portugal<\/a>\u00a0has topped the charts for the best places to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">retire<\/a>\u00a0through the years. This tiny country in the southwest corner of Europe has something for everyone. Vibrant cities full of Old World charm, miles of golden sandy beaches, green, rolling hills, some of the best healthcare in the world, low cost of living, and safety.<\/p>\n<p>But for me, the best part about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">living in Portugal<\/a>\u00a0is the people. The Portuguese people are warm, friendly, and greet everyone with double-cheeked kisses. On the Silver Coast we rented our first apartment from a sweet, Portuguese woman that spoke no English but always filled our arms with fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden. Despite the language barrier, she became like a sister to us, and we just loved her. At our current rental in the central Algarve, our landlady has shown us around the area, helped us to navigate government offices and even dropped off a gift basket at our door on my birthday. She too is like one of the family, speaks fluent English, and is a person we truly adore.<\/p>\n<p>Since English is taught in schools here starting at the sixth-grade level, many Portuguese do speak some English, which makes retiring here a little easier. Cinemas throughout Portugal offer first-run movies in their original language, which is often English, with Portuguese subtitles.<\/p>\n<p>As a way to encourage foreigners to move to Portugal, the government even offers free Portuguese language classes at schools throughout the country. These run in conjunction with the school year and provide immigrants with an elementary level of understanding and communication skills in the local language, to facilitate and enrich their daily lives.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the hardest decision about moving to Portugal is where to live, so let\u2019s have a look at a few options.<\/p>\n<p>My husband Clyde and I began our lives on Portugal\u2019s beautiful Silver Coast in the historic city of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caldas da Rainha<\/a>. The name literally translates to the \u201cQueen\u2019s Baths,<em>\u201d<\/em>\u00a0since the city was constructed around a thermal spring that now boasts the oldest thermal hospital in Europe. Just one hour north of Lisbon, this mid-sized city has a cobbled downtown, daily produce and fish market, weekly flea market, modern shopping mall, scenic park with a lake, and a sizeable expat population.<\/p>\n<p>If you are looking to retire in a city full of Old World charm, check out Lisbon. The city comes alive with colorful tiles, museums, palaces, nightlife, and a tram system that navigates the steep, cobbled roads. Take a deep breath and inhale the sweetness of the pastries that are all around. Sample an original custard tart in the famous bakery of Belem that has been baking these delectable treats since 1837.<\/p>\n<p>Head north to visit Portugal\u2019s second-largest city, Porto. Famous for its production of port wine, stately bridges, a colorful riverfront area, university vibe, and tours along the Douro River, there is much to explore. Porto also has an international airport, one of three in the entire country, which makes it easy to come and go.<\/p>\n<p>Looking to retire and live without a car? Then city life in either\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lisbon<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Porto<\/a>\u00a0might be for you. Portugal has an excellent long-distance bus and train system, also making it easy to visit other areas of the country. Both cities have plenty of expats and, because of tourism, English speakers are easy to find.<\/p>\n<p>South of Lisbon is the Alentejo region that includes the cities of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beja<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00c9vora<\/a>. The largest and most rural region of the country, it is famous for the fields of wildflowers, stately cork oaks, historic towns, and a sparse population. Life here is slow, winters are cool, and summers are hot and dry.<\/p>\n<p>The southernmost region of Portugal is the Algarve. Known for its Atlantic beaches, fishing villages, golf resorts, waterparks, hot, dry summers, and tourists. Due to its long history of British tourists coming here on holiday, English is widely spoken.<\/p>\n<p>So,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how much do you need to retire to Portugal<\/a>? Although it depends on many factors, you can estimate that you can live on about one-third less here. A couple can live comfortably, but not lavishly, in Portugal on $2,500 per month. If you want to live in Lisbon, Porto,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/cascais-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cascais<\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/the-algarve-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Algarve<\/a>, you should bump that number up to $3,000 or more.<\/p>\n<p>My husband Clyde and I have called Portugal home for over three years now. Our first rental in Caldas da Rainha was a three-bedroom, fully furnished, private home where we paid just $404 per month. The house offered views of lush, rolling hills and fertile farmland that we loved. But the winters were too cold and wet for us, so we moved further south.<\/p>\n<p>Now we live in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/vilamoura-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vilamoura<\/a>, an unincorporated area near the city of Quarteira. Here we rent a two-bedroom condominium in a gated complex with a pool and garage for $981 per month at the current exchange rate. We love Portugal and have never regretted our decision to move here.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Mexico<\/h3>\n<p>In many ways,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mexico<\/a>\u00a0is the original retirement haven for Americans and Canadians, with expats coming here for going on 50, 60 years. It\u2019s popular for many reasons:<\/p>\n<p>Mexico is close\u2014it\u2019s the United States\u2019 neighbor, after all\u2014and easy to get to by either\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/vilamoura-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">driving or taking a direct flight<\/a>\u00a0into one of the country\u2019s many international airports. There\u2019s low-cost, top-notch healthcare, including a well-regarded government system. The weather is great from coast to coast. It\u2019s a modern country with high-speed internet, good highways, reliable electric and water, good cellphone service, and stores and brands you\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n<p>And being such a large country, about three times the size of Texas, means there is a wide variety of climates, cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles\u2014there really is a place for everybody in Mexico, from bustling beach resorts to quiet country villages to picturesque colonial towns to major metropolitan areas.<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s just the start of why more than 1 million Americans and about a half-million Canadians live in Mexico either full time or part of the year (there are a lot of snowbirds in the country in winter, especially from the northern U.S. and Canada).<\/p>\n<p>That likely makes Mexico the number one expat destination in terms of sheer numbers. And for many who come, that large expat population is a big benefit in itself. When you first move to Mexico, you don\u2019t have to be a pioneer. You don\u2019t have to figure everything out. And, although it is a great idea learn Spanish, you don\u2019t have to be fluent or even speak much at all to get around comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>Things are \u201cset up\u201d in a way. Locals are used to having foreigners around. And that expat community is very welcoming, which makes the transition much easier. People can help you find a rental home or a specialist doctor\u2026recommend restaurants, a lawyer to help you secure residence, and just about anything you can think of. And, of course, there are all sorts of fun things to do like clubs, volunteer work, live music, theater, happy hours, parties\u2026 Many expats in Mexico say they\u2019ve never had as many friends or such a full schedule.<\/p>\n<p>Importantly, Mexico still retains its distinct culture. Yes, tourism and expats have changed some communities. But the holidays, the celebrations, and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/vilamoura-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">festivals<\/a>\u00a0still go on. And as a foreigner, it\u2019s quite a lot of fun to learn about these traditions and even sometimes take part. It\u2019s part of that transition process as a new expat, and you\u2019ll find that Mexicans are very welcoming to newcomers and proud to teach them about their country\u2019s history and what makes it special.<\/p>\n<p>As far as practical matters, Mexico has it covered.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/portugal\/vilamoura-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cost of living<\/a>\u00a0is, of course, tied into lifestyle and habits. But on average, a retired couple could live well in Mexico for right around $2,000 a month. That covers housing, transportation, healthcare, utilities, food\u2026everything. Some people get by on much less because they live very much like locals, others spend a whole lot more\u2014if you want luxury and high-end, Mexico certainly has it. The popularity of a place, whether it has a big expat group or is a tourist destination, can also impact prices.<\/p>\n<p>But in general, Mexico is a very affordable country, with good value real estate (whether you rent or own), good food at cheap prices, whether you\u2019re shopping in the market or going out to eat, low-cost medical care, cheap or even free entertainment, and other ways to save. Those over 60 get a special discount card to save on travel, prescriptions, and much more.<\/p>\n<p>Another big bonus: it\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">easy to become a resident.<\/a>\u00a0The income requirements are quite reasonable for the two categories most apply for: monthly income of around $2,100 a month or $36,000 in the bank for temporary residence, or $2,700 a month or $149,000 in the bank for permanent residence. Those amounts are approximates because of fluctuations in exchange rates which can change from year to year.<\/p>\n<p>Temporary residence can last for up to four years at a time. At that point, you can re-apply and stay a temporary resident or convert to permanent. You can also apply for permanent residence from the start, if you meet the requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike some other countries, once you have your residence card, there is no requirement to stay a certain number of days out of each year in Mexico. You can come and go as you please without watching the calendar.<\/p>\n<p>The only other things you need to apply for residence are proof of your home country citizenship (your passport) and marriage certificate if you\u2019re applying with your spouse. The application process is smooth, with much of it done online. And even though the process must start at a consulate outside of Mexico, that\u2019s no big deal because there are dozens in the U.S. After that initial approval, you finish at the nearest immigration office to your new home in Mexico. The whole thing takes a matter of a few months, sometimes less.<\/p>\n<p>A big part of the lower cost of living in Mexico is the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">healthcare.<\/a>\u00a0There are two government-run programs, including one (INSABI) that is basically free to Mexican citizens and foreigners with residence (there can sometimes be some small out-of-pocket expenses). This system is designed for those without the means to pay for any other healthcare and has facilities all around the country. Another government option is called IMSS, which costs about $500 per year per person. However, with IMSS pre-existing conditions are not covered.<\/p>\n<p>There is also private healthcare, with clinics and hospitals with all the modern equipment and technology, and doctors of every specialty trained in the latest techniques and procedures. In fact, Mexico is a major medical and dental tourism destination for that reason. You can pay cash at a private facility (costs are a fraction of the U.S.\u2014try $50 to $70 for a specialist visit, $300 for an MRI) or use local or international insurance.<\/p>\n<p>As I mentioned, Mexico enjoys great weather. But it\u2019s quite varied depending on where you are.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s the dry heat in the desert in and around Los Cabos at the tip of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Baja California<\/a>, contrasting with the perpetually sunny and warm days and slightly cool nights of the northern part of the peninsula, which is just over the border with Southern California.<\/p>\n<p>On the Pacific, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico coasts, the beaches in places like Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen are beautiful and the weather is warm and humid, cut by sea breezes, year-round. Head to the center of the country, to the Colonial Highlands and cities like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">San Miguel de Allende<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guanajuato<\/a>\u00a0are temperate pretty much year-round, with some cold days in winter.<\/p>\n<p>Mexico certainly has a lot to recommend it. And it\u2019s destined to be an expat favorite for years to come.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Costa Rica<\/h3>\n<p>Sure, the secret has long been out about Costa Rica\u2019s popularity. But that does not stop millions of visitors and new foreign residents from discovering its special brand of enchantment, lured by the country\u2019s tropical climate; lower cost of living; friendly locals; affordable medical care; vast real estate options; and, of course, its natural beauty for which the country is famous. Located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, a region often plagued by political and civil unrest, it is nice to know that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Costa Rica<\/a>\u00a0remains a beacon of stability, democracy, and that sought-after laid-back lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p>When the government abolished their army in 1948 the world took notice, earning Costa Rica the nickname the \u201cSwitzerland of Central America.\u201d That military budget was pledged to education and healthcare. Resulting in education for all and a First-World literacy rate. Plus, healthcare access for all citizens and legal residents with one of the top-rated public healthcare models in Latin America.<\/p>\n<p>This republic is internationally known for its tranquility and commitment to the environment\u2014with roughly a quarter of its land protected as national parks and wildlife refuges. The current democratic government, under Carlos Alvarado Quesada*, is considered progressive on most, but not all, political policies. For example, LGBTQ same-sex marriage is legal and women\u2019s rights are mandated. Although readily available, marijuana is not sold legally. Gun laws are also considered strict and possession is only legal for citizens and legal immigrants with permanent residency status. Background and criminal checks, psychological tests, and gun training are mandatory. Hunting is illegal. *Note: the next presidential election takes place February 6, 2022.<\/p>\n<p>There are two\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">healthcare systems<\/a>\u00a0within Costa Rica\u2013both public and private. Once you have acquired your residency, you pay approximately 7% to 11% of your reported monthly income into the\u00a0Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social\u00a0healthcare system (Caja\u00a0for short) and this national medical program is available to you without copays, pre-existing exclusions, or age disqualifications.<\/p>\n<p>Residents have the option to blend public healthcare with private medical care either through out-of-pocket self-insuring or with the purchase of private insurance policies. You can purchase these through familiar insurance brand names; priced significantly less compared to a similar policy in the U.S. You will find three JCI-accredited private hospitals in the San Jos\u00e9 area, as well as numerous private clinics throughout the country. The public system has over 29 hospitals and nearly 250 regional clinics, making it easy to find healthcare no matter where you choose to settle.<\/p>\n<p>A couple can live comfortably, but not necessarily extravagantly, here for around $2,000 to $2500 a month. This includes renting a two-bedroom home\/condo with North American amenities, air conditioning, plus groceries, entertainment, transportation, and healthcare. If your monthly budget is over $3,000, you will find a relaxed lifestyle with most creature comforts you require.<\/p>\n<p>One of the things you hear often from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">expats<\/a>\u00a0is how warm and welcoming the\u00a0<em>ticos\u00a0<\/em>(Costa Ricans) are. They are wonderful people, eager to share the magic of their culture, food, and traditions with foreigners. You will also find engaging international communities of expats who will help you through the process of acclimation. The vast majority of new arrivals say it is very easy to make friends and fit in here. People of color are also finding a more peaceful existence in Costa Rica away from the systemic racism associated with the U.S. The Costa Rican government\u2019s official proclamation rejects all forms of racism and discrimination.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Pura Vida<\/em><\/a>\u00a0is a common Costa Rican phrase. Although it translates to \u201cpure life,\u201d this definition merely scratches the surface of a phrase deeply woven into Costa Rican culture, and used to convey anything from \u201chello\u201d and \u201cgoodbye,\u201d to \u201cgreat news,\u201d \u201ccheers!\u201d and countless declarations in between.<\/p>\n<p>Most expats will confirm they are living a healthier lifestyle once they arrive. Costa Rica is an outdoor playground\u2014with no shortage of physical activities on offer, such as fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, surfing, pickleball, and yoga. Plus, it\u2019s easy to create a healthy diet of less processed food and abundantly healthy choices of locally grown fruits, vegetables, organic eggs, seafood, and grass-fed beef. It is no surprise to hear reports about expats having shed unwanted weight, lowering their blood pressure, taking fewer prescription drugs, and having overall better health of mind, body, and soul.<\/p>\n<p>These statistics should come as little surprise since Costa Rica is home to one of only five \u201cBlue Zones\u201d in the world\u2014located on the Nicoya Peninsula in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guanacaste<\/a>. These zones were discovered by\u00a0<em>National Geographic<\/em>\u00a0longevity researchers in the early 2000s. They consist of regions that have an unusually high population of centenarians (100+ year-olds). Ten times greater than in the U.S. The research confirms qualities such as healthy diets, natural calcium-enriched water, sunshine, active lifestyles, strong familial and friendship ties, and faith contribute greatly to their longevity.<\/p>\n<p>Costa Rica, like all of Latin America, is predominantly Roman Catholic with approximately 75% identifying as Catholic. Even so, Costa Rica is considered quite secular. The government assures religious freedom for all. You will also find Evangelicals, Protestants, Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses, and small numbers of Jews, Mormons, and Muslims. Expats who settle in larger international communities will be able to find nearby English-speaking nondenominational churches for worship.<\/p>\n<p>With a dozen official climate zones and hundreds of microclimates, there is someplace for everyone\u2019s personal weather preferences. Many people prefer the temperate \u201ceternal spring\u201d climate of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/san-jose-costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">San Jos\u00e9<\/a>, the capital, and the surrounding\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/san-jose-costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Central Valley<\/a>. Other popular choices are the dry, hot beaches of\u00a0Guanacaste, or the lush, green landscape of the jungles in the south and Caribbean side.<\/p>\n<p>The pandemic turned the world upside down, and Costa Rica felt similar repercussions. The country is now in a slow economic recovery, with initiatives like the new digital nomad visa and an updated law to attract retirees with perks such as a lower threshold for investors (lowered to $150,000 from $200,000), and the ability to import a shipping container of home goods tax-free, as well as two vehicles\u2014sans the steep import costs. The healthcare system has been extremely strained, but not broken. The indicators point toward Costa Rica continuing to be a good long-term relocation contender\u2014given its protected natural beauty and resources, resilient population, and progressive visionaries\u2014as we move toward a better managed COVID world.<\/p>\n<h2>1. Panama<\/h2>\n<p>Some say the only constant in life is change. But after more than 15 years in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/san-jose-costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Panama<\/a>, I\u2019ve found that some of the best things in life remain the same. It\u2019s no surprise to me that this tiny powerhouse has\u2014once again\u2014taken the number one spot in\u00a0<em>International Living<\/em>\u2019s Annual Global Retirement Index.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve been here before\u2026and with good reason.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s because, when it comes to overall benefits and value, Panama is very tough to beat. It\u2019s what you get when myriad pros come together to create the perfect tropical storm. All any doubter has to do is make a list.<\/p>\n<p>Start with Panama\u2019s geographical position and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/san-jose-costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">climate<\/a>. Just a three-hour flight from Miami, it\u2019s perfectly positioned between North and South America, on a narrow isthmus between the Pacific and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s warm and tropical, but completely outside the treacherous hurricane belt. Though it\u2019s a high-humidity, high-rain destination\u2026especially in the mountains and on its Caribbean coast\u2026it\u2019s also one of the region\u2019s sunniest expat destinations. My days here are balmy and pleasant, characterized by ocean breezes and light, bright mornings.<\/p>\n<p>The cornflower-blue skies and deep-green jungle foliage are the stuff of #nofilter posts. At this latitude both the Pacific and Caribbean defy description, with countless hues from turquoise and pale jade to brilliant, sparkling sapphire. (And as one of only three carbon-negative countries in the world, Panama is serious about protecting this environment.)<\/p>\n<p>The mild climate and incredible biodiversity are just the tip of the iceberg. Panama\u2019s shape and strategic position also made it the obvious choice for its now world-famous canal. That in turn led to major infrastructure works and the development of the region\u2019s busiest flight hub.<\/p>\n<p>People who\u2019ve never been here tend to assume it\u2019s very Third World, but I have reliable power, water that I can drink straight from the tap, high-speed internet, and excellent cell phone service. For 35 cents I can hop on Central America\u2019s only metro line and zip downtown in 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>The city center is framed by a gleaming skyline and the sparkling Panama Bay. Residents and tourists come here to work out, skate, ride bikes, have picnics, and so much more. A vast, verdant park and recreation area stretches from here to the romantic historic quarter known as Casco Viejo.<\/p>\n<p>At the other end of the city is Tocumen International Airport, known as the \u201cHub of the Americas.\u201d Today, Panama is one of the easiest retirement destinations you can travel to from the U.S. or Canada. There are direct flights to Panama from all over the U.S., as well as several cities in Canada and Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Travel within the country is easy, too. I love exploring, and from my home in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/costa-rica\/san-jose-costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Panama City<\/a>\u00a0I have so many options it\u2019s hard to keep track of them all. In just 20 minutes I can drive to Veracruz for a boozy seafood lunch on the beach. Or I can hop a 30-minute ferry to Taboga Island, also known as the \u201cIsland of Flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The cool mountain towns of Cerro Azul, Sor\u00e1, and El Valle are a one- to two-hour drive from the city. The unspoiled Caribbean beaches of Portobelo are about two hours away by car. Or I can fly to my favorite Caribbean archipelago in an hour.<\/p>\n<p>The most popular destination for expat retirees is the lush highland haven of Boquete. It\u2019s almost as far as you can get from the city, about six hours by car. I usually fly, as it\u2019s just an hour to the domestic airport in the city of David. From there, I can rent a car and be in Boquete\u2026 sipping award-winning coffee\u2026just 40 minutes later.<\/p>\n<p>My favorite spot right now is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/countries\/panama\/coronado\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coronado<\/a>, a happening beach town just an hour\u2019s drive from the capital. In fact, I like it so much I bought an apartment there, and am packing up to move as we speak. Coronado is home to one of Panama\u2019s most active and welcoming expat communities. I\u2019m not even there yet, and I\u2019m already getting invites to potlucks and happy hours.<\/p>\n<p>I also plan to join in on fitness activities like yoga and water aerobics, and who knows what else. There\u2019s tennis, golf, pickleball\u2026you name it, someone\u2019s probably doing it.<\/p>\n<p>No matter where you live in Panama, you\u2019re likely to be no more than an hour away from excellent hospitals. In Coronado I\u2019ll have access to the San Fernando facility. It\u2019s a satellite of the San Fernando in Panama City\u2014a JCI-accredited hospital affiliated with the Miami Children\u2019s Hospital, Baptist Health International of Miami, and Tulane University Health Services Center and Hospital Clinic.<\/p>\n<p>Panamanian doctors make me feel truly cared for. They don\u2019t rush through appointments and they\u2019ll often give you their cell phone number so you have direct access to them while you\u2019re going through treatment or recovery. In fact, I\u2019d say Panamanians in general are the best part of living in Panama. I have made so many wonderful friends here. People who are welcoming and fun and have a wide range of interests, so the conversation is always scintillating.<\/p>\n<p>Panama may not be perfect\u2014no country is\u2014but I wouldn\u2019t trade it for anything. As a single woman I feel safe and free to live my life here, whether I\u2019m going out to dinner and Ubering home late at night or driving cross-country to visit friends. Perhaps that\u2019s because this is truly a land of opportunity, home to thousands of hard-working, upwardly mobile locals and immigrants.<\/p>\n<p>There have been a lot of ups and downs over the past couple years\u2014in Panama and all over the world. But this country has a well-deserved reputation as Central America\u2019s powerhouse. And here\u2019s the thing about living in a powerhouse nation: Panama was perfectly poised to weather the financial and health-related storm, with excellent healthcare and a strong economy that was bound to bounce back.<\/p>\n<p>So, these days it\u2019s \u201cback to business\u201d here. The country is busy welcoming tourists, new residents, and new investment, too. And if you\u2019re on your way down, rest assured that Panama is also ready to welcome you.<\/p>\n<h3>How We Compile the Annual Global Retirement Index<\/h3>\n<p>Each year, we use our ever-expanding network of editors, correspondents, and contributors all over the world to give us the on-the-ground information and recommendations we need to put our index together\u2026<\/p>\n<p>All these people were once in your shoes. All of them wondered if they could \ufb01nd a better life abroad. Many of them were former\u00a0<em>International Living<\/em>\u00a0readers who took the plunge, and now want to share their love for their new home with the world. These are the people we draw upon to put together our index each year.<\/p>\n<p>We rank and score each of the 25 countries in the Index across the following 10 categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Housing.<\/strong>\u00a0This looks at the value of real estate and how easy it is to buy or rent your dream home overseas. We assess things like the price of houses and condos in areas an expat retiree would like to live in, annual property tax, and if there are any restrictions on expats owning property. We also asked our correspondents whether there are good opportunities to invest in property as a means of earning a rental or capital return.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Benefits &amp; Discounts.<\/strong>\u00a0In some countries, as a retiree you can get discounts on lots of things, from airfare and food to electricity and public transport. All the bene\ufb01ts and discounts retirees can get in the country are factored into this category.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Visas &amp; Residence.\u00a0<\/strong>If you can\u2019t legally and easily call a country home, it won\u2019t be much good as a retirement spot. This category looks at things like how easy it is to get permanent residence, whether the income you make outside of the country will be taxed within it, and if there are any special residence options for retirees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fitting In\/Entertainment.<\/strong>\u00a0This isn\u2019t just about making friends with locals and expats. It\u2019s also about feeling at home. Can you pick up your favorite North American comforts when you need them? And how easy is it to adapt to the local culture? This category looks at all of these things. Also, what will you do when you\u2019re there? Are there lots of museums, events, and exhibitions? Are there lots of outdoor activities? And can you catch a movie in English when you want to?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Development.<\/strong>\u00a0You wouldn\u2019t want to live anywhere where you couldn\u2019t stream your favorite movies, call home, or access reliable electricity. You\u2019ll also want quality roads and an efficient public transport network. These are just some of the factors that feed into the Development category.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Climate.<\/strong>\u00a0Moving abroad gives you the chance to escape from the extremes of weather back home. You can \ufb01nd places overseas where the weather is just perfect for you. In this category, we rate the climate of each country, factoring in things like rainfall, temperature, and humidity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Healthcare.<\/strong>\u00a0In this category, we put our experts to the test like never before. How much will you have to pay for things like laser eye surgery, a tooth crown, or a blood transfusion? Can you get common medications for things like asthma and diabetes? And do you need a prescription to get a re\ufb01ll? When it comes to assessing healthcare, we factor in both quality and price to give you a fair and balanced view.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Governance.<\/strong>\u00a0Knowing that your new home respects personal freedom, keeps the bureaucracy to a minimum, and offers a stable and safe environment in which to enjoy retirement is a nice feeling. You\u2019ll also appreciate an efficient banking system. And how well did each country cope with the COVID-19 situation, according to our correspondents? The Governance category examines these factors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Opportunity.<\/strong>\u00a0Retirement doesn\u2019t need to be a grinding halt. Maybe you have a business project you\u2019d like to try out, or perhaps you\u2019ve thought about supplementing your income with some freelancing work or online employment. We\u2019ve examined how well the local authorities support small business, whether it\u2019s easy to work remotely, and whether there\u2019s a strong economy in each country. You\u2019ll see the answers reflected in the Opportunity score.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost of Living.<\/strong>\u00a0A country has to be affordable to be a great retirement spot. It\u2019s that simple. And to assess how affordable each country is, we got our experts on the ground to \ufb01ll out a comprehensive monthly budget. Everything from the cost of a liter of milk to a bottle of beer to a movie ticket was factored in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Note: We\u2019ve given Nicaragua and Bolivia low scores in the Opportunity and Governance categories. They\u2019re still viable retirement locations, but because they\u2019ve experienced political instability in recent years, proceed with caution.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Source <a href=\"https:\/\/internationalliving.com\/the-best-places-to-retire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International living<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re considering retirement abroad, you need information, and you need lots of it. But more than that, you need guidance on how to interpret that information. That\u2019s what we\u2019re here for, and that\u2019s why we\u2019ve compiled the 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index: to help you with the exciting business of choosing where in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":12887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[68,82],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-12886","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lastest-news","8":"category-panama-en"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The World\u2019s Best Places to Retire in 2022<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"After more than 15 years in Panama, I\u2019ve found that some of the best things in life remain the same. 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