Curious what the best places to retire abroad are?
After being a contributing member of society for decades on end, any senior deserves to spend his or her golden years in a relaxing haven, enjoying only the best life has to offer. Relocating to an oasis overseas, although a major decision, can be an unforgettable and very rewarding experience.
We’ve selected a few places around the globe that would be most suitable for retirement, in a fashion similar to our coverage of the best places to visit in the USA. The cities and countries were ranked by taking several indicators into account, such as life expectancy, health systems, crime rates, culture and socializing, as well as levels of bureaucracy and corruption.
Not all choices are suitable for everyone, as knowing a foreign language is a requirement in some cases, but the good news is that they are all affordable options any elderly person should take into account.
Let’s get this party started:
No. 5: San Jose or Tambor, Costa Rica
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Costa Rica is one of the safest and most economically stable countries in South America, making it a great place to retire. With virtually no army and a flourishing economy, Costa Rica has been attracting more and more retirees over the past few years. If you’re a big city person, San Jose would be the perfect choice for you. However, if you prefer enjoying life at a slower pace, a small town such as Tambor would be more suitable. The only downside to living in Costa Rica is that real estate prices are on the rise.
See the rest of the best places to retire abroad on the following pages:
No. 4: Abruzzo, Italy
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The Abruzzo region is located 50 miles away from Rome, towards the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The region has numerous quaint small towns, rich in history and culture, which represent a very affordable option for retirees. Another popular retirement spot in Italy is Lucca, a small town in Tuscany. However, this option is somewhat more expensive than Abruzzo.
No. 3: Spain
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It was pretty hard to pick just one city in Spain, as this country is all-around very kind and inviting to retirees around the world. The warm weather, the beaches, and the exquisite cuisine are all great reasons to want to settle in a Spanish city. The locals are very friendly and will make your stay worthwhile. You can opt for one of the larger cities, such as Barcelona or Valencia, or retire in the Spanish countryside.
No. 2: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
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Languedoc-Roussillon is a southern French region, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the sun, wine, and culture cities such as Nice, Montpelier, or Perpignan have to offer you. The French are known for their welcoming demeanor and France has one of the best health care systems around. What more could you wish for?
No. 1: Dingle and Waterville, Ireland
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Ireland is a breathtakingly beautiful country with much to offer to a senior citizen looking to retire. Dingle and Waterville are the perfect examples of charming small towns. With quiet neighborhoods, small local shops, great cuisine, and the trademark pubs, they are ideal for anyone looking to spend their golden years in a calm and relaxed environment. Real estate prices in Ireland have also decreased due to the 2007 economic crisis, so you’ll probably never find a better time to purchase a house.
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