Intro
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Just signed on here, beginning the (long) journey towards moving to Europe for retirement. I'm English originally, my wife is from Puerto Rico, but is the one who suggested we retire across the pond. We know we need to plan recon trips, and we're so early in this game, we don't know what we don't know. We haven't even narrowed down which country to focus on, although Spain and Italy seem to be in the lead, with France close behind. We prefer temperate climes, variation is good, but we'd prefer to avoid extremes. 'Goldilocks' would be the main theme, I suppose, for climate, as well as size of the town/city, and topography. We're anticipating a budget of $4k-ish, which seems to leave open most areas we'd be interested in. No chronic medical issues to factor, but obvious as we age that will become more important. We do want some space where we live for when 'the kids' visit, so probably a house, not apartment.
Welcoming guidance from those who have gone before.... -
Hi, this is Chip Stites your Italian Correspondent. We have lived in italy for 7 years at this point and love it.. From what you have said I have two suggestions.
- Travel as much as you can to the areas you are interested in. Get lost and get into the small towns, the BnBs that are off the beaten track. See how the culture feels to you. Italy offers a diverse climate and topography so I would suggest lookng in the area between Rome on the southern end and Milan and Venice to the North. You need to decide if you want a city lifestyle or a country lifestyle as they are very very different.
- As you do this look for the differences between taxes, and visas and healthcare. There are wide differences from one country to the next and these differences may change what your think you want.
Do your reasearch and your travel and as you do get lost. Go to small towns, get the feel of the culture, food and people. You will find a place that you can call home!
Chip Stites, International Living, Italian Correspondent. -
Hello, bonjor, this is Tuula, the IL France Correspondent chiming in. Well, you might be surprised to know that you have a very good budget to find something in the south of France. If you’re looking for a house, you could try the inland area of Provence. The villages of the Luberon - made famous by Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence - is a very attractive place to retire. Also, around Saint Remy de Provence is very beautiful, with the outdoor market, café and bistros, available in the historic center. You’ll find a lot of American retirees have settled there. If you’d like to go a little lower budget, check out Montpellier and the surrounding towns. The southeastern part of the country is where you will find the best weather.
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With the information you provided, any of the three countries would be a fit, although they are also very different. Some things to consider are the language (which would you prefer to learn), the culture and lifestyle, and if still unsure look at the taxes you will be paying in each county. If you like all three, this could be a deciding factor. Make a list of all the things you want and then a list of the cities/towns in each country that fit that list. Then go visit these places for as long as you can. You are allowed 90 out of 180 days to visit. When you go, don't look at the places through the lens of a tourist. Think about if you would like to live here every day. It is very different from being somewhere on vacation and living there. I agree with Chip, get off the beaten path a really explore each country. You will probably be surprised with the places you find and the people you meet. Enjoy the journey to finding your new home.
- Sally Pederson
International Living, Spain Correspondent
- Sally Pederson