Ils Top Pick In Europe: Portugal
Since I have been living in Portugal, says Joann Arnold, who moved to the European country in 2017, my health has improved greatly no stress, no worries. I survive on my Social Security and my pension, and I have all I need: a beautiful place to retire, a low cost of living, and the foodfresh grilled fish, salad, and garlic potatoesis delicious.
As Joann has found, with the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, an Old World retirement in Portugal is within most North American expats means. Portugal, continental Europes westernmost country, lies quietly in the shadow of the larger, more boisterous Spain. People are friendly and courteous. Family and friends are important, and people know their neighbors and the local shopkeepers. Ancient buildings look worn and lived-in, and quiet, cobbled lanes wind through seaside villages.
Quietly friendly, emphatically old-fashioned, and highly conscious of their illustrious history, the people of Portugal are what makes the country such a magical destination to retire to.
With figures like that, its easy to see why Portugal tops the chart as International Livings pick for a European retirement this year.
Best Active Retirement Community For Continuing Education: Oak Hammock Gainesville Florida
Retiring in Florida is hugely popular, of course. But if you also value life-long learning, look no further than Oak Hammock. Situated right by the University of Florida, this adult living community offers residents plenty of opportunities to pursue education well into their golden years. The Institute for Learning in Retirement centered in this communitys campus offers free classes to Oak Hammock residents and is open to all Gainesville area residents who are age 55 years or older. Below are some of the classes you can take.
- Playwriting
- Southern literature
- Music in the romantic era
Also, the community offers plenty of amenities like bike trails, a fitness center with therapy whirlpool, a dog park and more. You can even enjoy a cocktail lounge and an ice cream parlor.
Best 55+ Community In Wisconsin
Symphony Bay – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
With about 427 single-family homes built to suit various tastes, Symphony Bay is a senior community that offers residents an impeccable Lakeside retreat. Whether you’ve been looking to own a private boat in retirement or indulge in various water sport activities, this senior community will serve you just right. It’s located just a few miles away from Lake Geneva and is an excellent place if you’ve been looking for a retirement home in a gorgeous lake.
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Some Of The Expat Retirement Clusters In Latin America
Over the years, weve covered some of the most popular areas for retirees in our real estate section and we keep an eye on the sources mentioned above to watch the trends from year to year. Some of the places that were the most popular 10 or 15 years ago have fallen off a bit since then, which means there are plenty of bargains to be found. Its a roll of the dice if youre waiting for things to turn around, but you can find some very attractive prices if you have the money to take on more risk.
You dont have to be wealthy to feel wealthy in some of these spots: two social security checks can be enough to cover your regular living expenses, so if youve got five grand a month to live on, youll feel loaded.
These destinations with a murky future usually have everything going for them but one. That one may be political instability, like you have for Granada or San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. It may be crime worriesusually justified, sometimeswhich would include Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo in Mexico or Roatan Island in Honduras. There may be financial instability, which is nearly always the case in Argentina.
Here are some of the others where youll find a healthy expat community and an attractive cost of living to retire in Latin America.
GuatemalaAntigua is the most popular city for both travelers and retirees, with beautiful Lake Atitlan coming up next. A smattering of foreigners live in Xela as well, also known as Quetzaltenango.
Retire In Style: Top 5 Most Luxurious Retirement Communities In America
Youve spent years working hard, making smart decisions and refusing to get distracted. Now, having built your personal empire, what lies before you in retirement? Traveling, golf, theatre?
Yes. Retirement is your time. Youve earned it. Keep reading for the five of the most luxurious retirement communities in America.
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Del Webb At Lake Oconee Greensboro Georgia
Del Webb at Lake Oconee is a gated, golf-cart community fewer than two hours from Atlanta. Boasting breathtaking scenery and resort-style amenities, this adult community sits on the shores of Lake Oconee and is the perfect respite for those who like to sail, kayak or fish.
Homes feature open kitchens, formal dining rooms, private suites for overnight guests and up to four bathrooms. Greensboro sits in Greene County, which is ripe with camping, golfing, shops and boutiques offering the finest in antiques, fashion and home furnishings.
Whether its a one and done luxurious retirement home or one of the many homes across the country you frequent, these types of communities offer a large expanse of space, quieter living, a variety of activities and upscale architecture set amongst stunning landscapes.
The Proximity To Two Sea Coasts
Like its neighboring nation Panama, Colombia is twice blessed in the ocean department, with the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean to the northeast.
The two seas, with their different vibes, offer plenty of choices for retirees and expats. Jacobs, who lives in Cartagena on the Caribbean side, notes that there is a small but active community of expats there.
And on the Pacific side known as Colombias best-kept secret is the city of Cali, capital of salsa music, gastronomy, and festivals.
Colombias coastline totals nearly 2,000 miles, and that means that the country offers countless gorgeous beaches. The choices include standouts like Santa Marta, a captivating city that straddles the mountains and the Caribbean, and tropical island gems like San Andrés, Tintipán, and Baru.
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Best 55+ Community In New Jersey
Holiday City at Berkeley – Toms River, New Jersey
For over four decades, Holiday City at Berkeley has been a perfect home for many retirees who have flocked New Jersey in search of an active but a low-maintenance lifestyle. With over 10,000 homes, this community is so versatile that it will suit just any type of buyer.
Set within Toms River in Ocean County, you’ll never lack stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and amazing dining experience. Some of the popular attractions in the area include Bey Lea Golf Course, Cattus Island County Park, and so much more.
Dumaguete Philippinesestimated Expat Population: 5000+
There are many good reasons to consider retiring in Dumaguete. The city is protected against most of the typhoons that periodically batter many of the Philippines. The weather is tropical and balmyrarely too hot. Dumaguete offers excellent medical care, too, care that has been getting even better since the city was named one of the five top retirement destinations in the Philippines.
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Best 55+ Community In Minnesota
Four Seasons at Rush Creek – Maple Grove, Minnesota
Located in Hennepin County, Four Seasons at Rush Creek is a vibrant senior community that offers a plethora of world-class amenities, outdoor recreation, and a very exciting lifestyle. This is one of the most sought out senior communities not just in Minnesota but also in the entire country.
Residents live in thoughtfully-designed and low-maintenance homes that allow them to live their lives to the fullest. This is a place where you can easily make friends and create long-lasting relationships with neighbors who share the same passion and hobbies. This is an age-restricted community that’s meant for senior citizens aged 55 and above, so most of the amenities are geared towards making their golden years much better. If you enjoy traveling the world, you’ll appreciate that Four Seasons is located just 30 minutes away from Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport.
Barcelona Spainestimated Expat Population: 35000+
The expat community in Barcelona is huge and thriving, and almost every nationality in the world is represented. Some are here employed by multinationals like HP or self-employed with their own small businesses. Others are running local businesses like bars, playgroups, and real estate companies. Meeting expats and making friends is easy. A good way to connect with the English-speaking community is through the Metropolitan Magazine , which lists places and events where expats are likely to meet.
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Best 55+ Community In Michigan
Bridgewater – Brownstown, Michigan
Overseen by Del Webb, Bridgewater is an amenity-filled senior community that fully caters to special interest groups through activities and events that are coordinated by a full-time director. This is a luxurious community that currently houses about 55 residents but will be able to house more than 630 residents once completed.
Most of the amenities in this idyllic location are set in a park-like location that has picnic areas and an incredible catch-and-release fishing pond. Its Landmark Lodge, which measures 14,700 square-foot center that offers a plethora of amenities to keep you and other residents social and active.
The Risks Of Retiring Abroad
Retiring abroad does have pros and cons. It is a significant lifestyle change, and it is essential that you carefully consider your decision.
- You may not be close to family and friends.
- You may need to learn at least some of a new language.
- Youll need to learn to navigate local ways of working.
- Governments, healthcare providers, and others may work differently.
- There may be different security and health risks to those of your home country.
- Moving may place strain on your relationship.
- Tax regimes may be different, to your benefit or cost.
- Exchange rates may impact your savings, both positively and negatively.
- Some international retirement hot-spots attract unscrupulous operators.
Checkout theSafest Countries in the Worldhere.
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Best 55+ Community In Alabama
âNational Village – Opelika, Alabama
Located right at the world-class Grand National Golf Course on the outskirts of Auburn University, the National Village is an award-winning retirement community. It offers virtually everything you’ll ever need in a retirement home and also for the way you want to live. From a championship golf course, gorgeous homes to a beautiful resort, miles of scenic nature trails, and style pools, The National Village is undoubtedly an extraordinary place to live and retire.
The best part of choosing the National Village as your retirement revolves around the fact that this place fully understands that there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all living. This is why it offers a wide selection of floor plans and elevations and remains a timeless neighborhood to spend your retirement years.
Amenities And Activities Include:
WindRiver is a stunning, lakefront and golf community located minutes outside Knoxville, Tennessee on Tellico Lake. Inside our gates, you will find world-class amenities surrounded by sparkling, fresh-water lakes and dramatic mountain views. This unique combination is what makes WindRiver the ideal place to call home and create a lakefront lifestyle you and your family will cherish.
You will sense it when you look towards the welcoming shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will feel it standing on the gentle slope of five miles of shoreline along beautiful Lake Tellico, named one of the top inland boating destinations in the nation.
Members enjoy a collection of world-class club amenities which include: a full-service marina, a championship 18-hole golf course, Golf Club and Grill, the Sports Complex with a resort-style swimming pool, sports courts, and a state-of-the-art exercise facility at Overlook Manor, the elegant Lakeside Inn, and Citicos Restaurant, a signature Member dining experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, WindRiver has access to over 30 miles of walking and hiking trails and a peaceful, lakefront retreat, Brightwater Park.
This is Life As It Should Be this is WindRiver.
With 23 miles of sun-soaked shoreline and endless entertainment, Daytona Beach is a place where every day feels like an escape. Now you can claim a piece of paradise at Latitude Margaritaville-Daytona Beach, the 55-and-better community where fun and relaxation meet.
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The Advantages Of Living In Latin America
Before we get to the list of the best countries to live in Latin America, lets analyze some of the advantages of living in this part of the world. Some of the key advantages of living in the region are: low cost of living, easy visa and residence permit policies, thriving expat communities in many cities in the region, pleasant weather in most countries and a relatively easy languages to learn if you are an English or Romance language speaker.
Can I Afford To Retire Abroad
The considerable differences in the cost of living mean your money is worth much more in some countries. Your savings and income can go further than you can imagine.
- Moving from Miami, Florida to Boquete, Panama will effectively multiply your spending power by 230%.
- A shift from Sydney, Australia to George Town, Malaysia would feel like tripling your spending power!
- Spend your money in Valletta, Malta instead of London, England, and feel 153% richer.
- Your money goes more than twice as far in Cartago, Costa Rica than it would in Vancouver, Canada.
The savings in accommodation, food, entertainment, health care, domestic help, and other expenses can be enormous.
- The rent on a two-bedroom flat in a mid-range suburb in Sydney, Australia? That quickly pays for a beautiful beach side house in Hua Hin, Thailand.
- For the price of eating in McDonalds in Atlanta, USA, you could have a three-course lunch with a glass of wine in Malaga, Spain.
- The cost of a cleaner for a day in London, England? That will get you a housekeeper/cook/carer for a month in Granada, Nicaragua.
Some countries offer great financial incentives to Expatriate retirees. Take Nicaragua, for example, where the retiree benefits program includes incentives like:
- No tax on out-of-country earnings.
- You can bring in household items worth up to $20,000 duty-free.
- Sales tax exemptions on items up to $50,000 when constructing a home.
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Best 55+ Community In Washington
Trilogy at Redmond Ridge – Redmond, Washington
Are you a senior citizen looking to live and retire in the beautiful outskirts of Seattle? Well, Trilogy at Redmond Ridge could be a great option. The age-restricted community offers remarkable views of the Cascade Mountains, has a challenging 18-hole golf course, and has everything that will nurture and nourish your body, mind, and soul even in old age.
This senior community is located in a beautiful area that gives you easy access to Downtown Seattle in just 30 minutes. This means that you can retire near Seattle without having to buy expensive homes in Seattle.
Best 55+ Community In Oregon
Woodburn Estates & Golf – Woodburn, Oregon
Located in the tranquil Willamette Valley, Woodburn Estates & Golf is an age-restricted senior community that has been in operation since 1961. Residents are given access to common areas such as the clubhouse and the golf course, as well as other facilities such as the library, indoor pool, billiards, and many more.
Located between the Cascade and Coastal Range, you can easily access various recreational, cultural, and historical activities that will make your retirement years much better and more enjoyable.
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Best 55+ Community In Virginia
Ford’s Colony – Williamsburg, Virginia
If you’ve been longing for a senior community that offers luxurious living and world-class amenities, Ford’s Colony could be a great option. For over 30 years, Ford’s Colony has offered retirees spacious homes in a beautiful gated community that offers a vibrant social scene. Imagine a community that has over 50 clubs and is based on a sprawling 3,000 acres. No matter what kind of activity you want to indulge in retirement, Ford’s Colony has everything to suit even the hardest-to-please senior citizens.
Why Choose To Live In A Latin American Community
Have you long dreamed of living in a seaside home or condominium where the days are always sunny? And where you can play golf, go fishing or hike a wilderness trail anytime you want? And where the living costs are low, but the quality of local healthcare is high? And perhaps most importantly, where real estate prices are very affordable and tax breaks are offered to those who make the move? That dream is a reality in modern Latin American retirement and residential communities
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Best 55+ Community In Hawaii
Moanalua Hillside – Honolulu, Hawaii
Are you looking to retire where you can enjoy the best of the Hawaiian lifestyle right on your doorstep? Well, Moanalua Hillside is a great community with beautiful apartments for rent, as well as various floor plans and resort-style amenities.
This community is centrally located in the heart of Honolulu so you can easily access Pearl Harbor, Downtown, Ala Moana, Tripler, the Navy Exchange, and Pearlridge Shopping complexes. Whether you’re looking for a studio, one-bedroom, or a two-bedroom apartment or beachfront house, there’s no better way to immerse yourself into the Hawaiian culture in your retirement than by staying at Moanalua Hillside.
Best 55+ Community In Nevada
Sun City Summerlin – Las Vegas, Nevada
Rolling majestically across 2,400 acres that boasts magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the Las Vegas Strip, Sun City Summerlin is an ideal location if you’ve been planning to retire in the Strip. If you’re a golf enthusiast, this community has two championship 18-hole golf courses, as well as an executive 18-hole golf course. This is a great senior community if you’re looking for a place that looks like a world-class resort.
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