International Living Community

Ed, I also want to emphasize that the locations I mentioned are places where you will not need a car. Many expat retirees use taxis, Ubers, or have private drivers they call on with regularity...very easy and affordable to do.

The only way to narrow it down is to visit your top contenders and stay as long as you can to get a feel for things. While there, shop in local markets, visit healthcare facilities and pharmacies, chat with local expats, etc. You have a fairly diverse group of countries on your list so boots-on-the-ground will help in your decision making.

Hey Christine, I wrote an article about this part of Mexico in your IL magazine last year. You should easily find it in the magazine archives. Plus, there are many helpful Facebook groups to join, from "Expats in Tijuana" to "Rosarito Living", "Ensenada Expats", "Ensenada Living", and more. In Ensenada, reach out to Gabriela, whos specializes in rentals and sales: gabrielavictorica@yahoo.com

Hi there, I am sorry to hear about your wife's condition. For affordable long term care, I'd suggest Latin America. Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama specifically. Keep in mind that for best medical care, just as in the US, you'll need to be close to a major metropolitan area. That means San Jose in Costa Rica and Panama City in Panama. You have many more options in Mexico. But if it were me, I would focus on either the Lake Chapala area--which is only an hour from Guadalajara--or Guadalajara itself. Foreign retirees have been flocking to Lake Chapala for many generations now and the healthcare industry that serves older English-speaking people there is superb. There are even very affordable assisted living centers (some with memory care) to choose from if you need to consider that.

HI Alan, you will be going in rainy season, so keep that in mind...but that's okay, anytime is a good time for Panama. Not sure what you'd like me to answer but if you are looking for a place to stay, you can start by looking on AirBnB, VRBO, etc. Another option is to look at local realtor websites—they often have rentals. Look by location...in other words, Google “rentals Boquete, Panama.” Another good resource is Facebook. I’m a member of a group called “Panama Real Estate Buy Sell Rent” and you’ll often find properties there. And join specific Facebook groups such as “Expats in Boquette, Panama” and ask for rental agent recommendations.

Start by reaching out to IL correspondents: Italy@InternationalLiving.com and France@InternationalLiving.com. And join specific Facebook groups such as "Expats in Florence" -- just search FB for the communities you will visit.