The Paseo Financial Group
Here are the Global Retirement Index’s top-10 retirement destinations for 2022.
10. Uruguay. Situated between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is a Spanish-speaking nation with warm summers and mild winters. A range of lifestyles and living costs are on offer, including interior grasslands, tree-lined cities like Montevideo, and beach towns. Navigating visas and residency is straightforward, health care is cheap and accessible, and there are plenty of outdoor activities.
9. Spain. There is more to Spain than its well-known sunny beaches, low cost of living, and relaxed lifestyle. The nation also has bustling historic cities, snow-covered mountains, and picturesque rural landscapes. A Mediterranean diet, excellent health care provision, and a festival culture make this one of the best places to retire for many people from Europe, and increasingly those from North America.
8. Malta. Surrounded by the southern Mediterranean Sea, the tiny islands of Malta are a mix of Western European lifestyle with a hint of Arabic language and culture. Residents benefit from a world-class health care system and plenty of outdoor sports and activities. Both Maltese and English are widely spoken and several civilizations have left their mark on the local cuisine and culture. Malta offers a mix of ancient megaliths, rocky hinterland, coastal fishing villages, and a few cities.
7. France. The home of fine wine, haute cuisine, and a certain je ne sais quois, France has something for everyone: big cities, rural hideaways, mountains, and sunny beaches. Residents benefit from a price-protected top-tier health system, reasonable housing costs in many regions, a rich cultural heritage, and a laid-back way of life.
6. Ecuador. A combination of good climate, environmental diversity, and plenty of culture at an affordable price makes Ecuador one of the best places to retire. Modern living in cities and beach communities meets untapped natural resources, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the biodiversity of the nearby Galapagos Islands. Expatriates can live an easygoing and varied lifestyle for around $1,500-$1,825 a month.
5. Colombia. Across the border, Colombia is more developed than Ecuador, but shares many of its neighbor’s scenic attributes. Health care here is excellent, property and living costs are comparatively low, and the visa application process is straightforward for many nationalities. Retirees can live well for little here, among friendly people where English is widely spoken.
4. Portugal. From the old-world charm of cities like Lisbon and Porto to the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, Portugal has been a favorite retirement destination for some time. The country has friendly people, low living costs, a world-class health care system, and low crime rates. English is widely spoken in some areas.
3. Mexico. Mexico has long been a popular destination for North Americans looking for an affordable place in the sun. Expats can choose from a range of climates and lifestyles, which include beach resorts, city life, and rural or desert hideaways. A monthly budget of around $2,000 is enough for housing, transport, and daily living expenses. Applying for visas or residency is straightforward for those who meet the criteria, and the country boasts affordable and professional health care provision.
2. Costa Rica. A tropical climate, affordable living and medical costs, friendly locals, and natural beauty have made Costa Rica a magnet for retirees. This Central American nation is a stable democracy with high literacy rates and a laid-back approach to life. Protected national parks and wildlife refuges cover about a quarter of the country’s landmass, providing visitors with ample opportunity to connect with nature.
1. Panama. Located away from Central America’s hurricane belt, Panama’s warm tropical climate is tempered by breezes from the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Panama has friendly people, a safe living environment, and excellent hospitals and medical provision within easy reach of most places. Panama is one of only three carbon-negative countries in the world. The famous shipping canal has brought modern communications, infrastructure, and affordable transport links to popular destinations.
Douglas Sedam is the Owner/Broker of SBRanchRealty and The Home Loan Pros. He can be contacted at 520-829-5219 or [email protected].