The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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I live in a CCRC currently. That is a Continuing Care Retirement Community. If you are not aware, that is an independant living community with attached assissted living and rehab and nursing care sections. I had what I thought was a good deal because all maintence and utilities except telephone were included in the monthly fee aa well as a 20% discount on any stay in assissted living or nursing care. Also I liked the feeling of security it gave me. Is anything similar available abroad? I am still independant and relatively healthy.
It's too long a story for an email, but this CCRC has had a bankruptcy and the "life care" contract I signed is not worth the paper it was printed on! My deposit refund and the 20% discount on the medical section are gone. I consider it a fraud, but it is legal. I have an unbreakable lease for a year. Then I could stay here or move to another CCRC here in the States, but I have learned my lesson! I am looking for another option that would make me feel secure - perhaps a gated community?In Mexico, you'll find options in San Miguel de Allende and in Lake Chapala. Here's a piece we ran a little bit ago with Three Case Studies for Long-Term Care in Mexico that should give you some insights:
https://members.internationalliving.com/articles/three-case-studies-on-affordable-long-term-care-in-mexico-mag-10-2019/Tuula mentioned they exist in France as well.
Related: you might find this article useful, too, just FYI... Medical Tourism: How Insiders Afford New Hips, Hair Plugs, and Facelifts https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/october_2023/4138620/
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There are a lot of countries that sound great. The biggest difficulties that I have trouble getting real information about are:
my wife is in memory care because of Alzheimers. Which countries would allow me to bring her? Which countries have affordable care for her, preferably at home with me using aides. I do have enough money for this.
Which countries would be better if you have no car and do not drive.Hello,
You should have some luck with France. They have in-home health aides and care homes if that is a needed. You could start to do some research to find what's available in the area of the country where you'd like to move.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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What is it like living as a SINGLE WOMAN in your best places? I spent a semester in Rome, Italy a long time ago and remember the papagali (Italian men just "standing on the corner watching all the girls go by") were quite annoying., Of course I am no longer a bella ragazza but a 77 year old. But I still like to shop and even eat out alone and I worry about being harrassed especially in "latin" countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal, France, Mexico and yes Italy. I will be moving alone leaving my family behind, with no men to "protect" me. I guess that makes me a scarlet woman.
I love how someone recommended Facebook groups. I would totally see if there are any single or expat groups where you want to visit to reach out and see what is available.
I am a single woman in Costa Rica; I have always felt safe here, even when I was young.er I always compared Costa Rica to Jamaica, where I was horrified at what the people yelled at me on the street-- it was so vulgar compared to what I had experienced in Costa Rica prior to that trip.
I always suggest not meeting people alone and being in a group setting in a busy place, not walking at night alone, and following one's gut feelings.
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As a gay couple, my wife and I would love to live abroad in our retirement. What countries are welcoming and which should we avoid?
Hello,
I think France is good... especially the south of France or Paris. There are several gay expat couples that I know who have moved here. They found the south the most welcoming outside of Paris.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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UK has horrendous waits to see a dr. how are wait times in the countries you mention?
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Can I still receive US social security when living in a foreign country
Hello,
Yes you can. I know retired expats in France who are receiving their US social security.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Im wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of buying vs renting property
also, Im not much of an urbanite. I prefer to live within reasonable distance to town, but would prefer living in a quiet riral area, in a small bungalow-type of home. Im having a hard time finding a website to begin a search
thank you in advance
Brucieil_admin said:
The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
Our Annual Global Retirement Index Explained
If you’re looking for your just-right place overseas, this roundtable discussion is for you. Here at International Living, we’ve been exploring the world’s best options for better living abroad since 1979. Each year, we create a useful tool with our Annual Global Retirement Index—comparing, contrasting, ranking, and rating the 20 top countries for retirement living across seven key categories.
Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor, together with expats who live in the countries that snag the top five spots in the 2025 Index—Tuula Rampont in France, Bel Woodhouse in Mexico, Glenda Cole in Portugal, Bekah Bottone in Costa Rica, and Jessica Ramesch in Panama—will discuss what life is like in their respective countries and dive into the benefits that make them top contenders. You’ll discover how they compare when it comes to healthcare, cost of living, day-to-day lifestyle, climate, and more, plus take a look at those under-the-radar perks that make these places special.
Our experts will be online answering your questions, below. Please type your questions, and we’ll get you the insights you’re looking for.
Monday, December 2, 2024
12:00 Noon Eastern TimeA good resource that'll give you a sense for what's available all over the world is Idealista.com -- if you search "Idealista" with "Spain," or "Panama" or whatever country you're curious about, that'll give you a realistic feel for what's available. And in most places, you can search by specific area in the country.
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How do we find an attorney that can review home or apartment rental contracts before we sign them? Rental agreements in other countries can be tricky.
Hello,
You can contact the IL correspondent of the country you are interested in and they will help you.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Will it be captioned? I am Deaf
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We are interested in retiring to either France, Mexico, Panama or Portugal. Getting visas can be tricky for those of us who haven’t done it in the past. Do you recommend getting an immigration attorney? If so, would that be one in the U.S. or the country we’re interested in? How do we find a knowledgeable immigration attorney?
Hello,
The French visa is pretty straight forward, you could do it on your own if you wish. Otherwise, the IL country correspondents can give you attorney contact info.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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what plans to make to bring a pet into your country?
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safest place to retire?
I think France is a good bet! Also Spain, Portugal, Italy... many places in Europe are very safe.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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I am a musician and I'm wondering what is the best way to research the community music scene in various places overseas.
Hello,
In France, you look on the town hall website, or really just go to the center of the village and ask at the cafe. There's always something going on, music-wise.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Not all airlines allow dogs these days to Costa Rica, but I have heard these airlines still allow them in cabin or as luggage: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Lufthansa.
There are also companies that have private charters for pets you can research.
I know a lot of people who have brought their pets along to join their new life! I know a woman who works at a vet and I can have her send me the guidelines. If you want more info, send me an email: bbottone@internationalliving.com
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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my husband and I are 76, so social contacts would be very important should we move away from our family.
Can you recommend locations in France, Spain, Italy and Spain where there are large english speaking populations. -
great counties for a liberated woman?
please talk about heath insurance. I see someone else asked.
thank youThis little discussion of places for folks retiring solo might be helpful: https://internationalliving.com/can-you-advise-me-on-the-safest-countries-for-a-single-woman-to-live-in-qa/
More in-depth is this piece Jess wrote for us a little bit ago -- lots of good advice in here: https://internationalliving.com/singles-guide-to-fitting-in-and-making-friends-overseas/
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What about moving? I mean physically. Do you recommend shipping all your furniture, appliances, books, cd's, etc. Or should you just dump all that and start from scratch?
What type of electricity is available in these 5 places?
Is online shopping easy and reasonable abroad? During covid I got used to using Amazon a lot. I know Walmart and other common US stores have an international presence, Can I shop online with them? What about HSN and QVC?Hello,
In my opinion, I would take as little as possible. It can get expensive to ship, plus any additional customs fees... and paperwork to deal with. Shopping online is a breeze in France. I am a happy Amazon prime member. Shopping currently for Christmas! I haven't seen HSN or QVC, but we have a lot of discount shopping sites. See Showroom Prive, my favorite.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hi everyone
Bonjour !
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As a US expat, is it necessary to have an address in the US for matters of federal/state tax, Social Security, Medicare Advantage coverage, etc.? If so, do the mail screening and forwarding services that provide you the US address, that is not a P.O. Box, an effective and practical solution?
I suggest establishing a virtual home address in your home country as many people say family and friends is not ideal-- although I use my parent's address still, after MANY years.
For Costa Rica, you can look into Correos de Costa Rica (with a box in Miami) and these options too: Access USA: myus.com / Earthclassmail.com
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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Interested in Colombia to retire, is this not an acceptable place any longer?
Colombia is still a good option. It's on our Global Retirement Index... and here's a recent piece that will hopefully give you some insights -- reasons you should (and should not) retire there. https://internationalliving.com/countries/colombia/