7 best places to retire abroad, say the experts

Spend your gold years to explore a new and exciting place.


Once you have finally entered your retirement years and have more time to spend what you like, journey Can be an absolute priority. But if the jet set for a week or two at a time just does not realize your Wanderlust, you may want to consider a complete movement. There are endless options, especially since when you retire, you are generally free to move wherever you choose, even outside the United States, you want to spend your golden years in a new destination? Read more for the best seven places to retire abroad.

In relation: The 6 best small towns to retire .

1
Costa Rica

retired man walking along the beach in costa rica
Brian Glowacki / Shutterstock

Head to Central America and remove yourself in the heat of Costa Rica. According to the travel writer LGBTQ Lindsey Danis , founder of Queer adventurers , This tropical paradise has "a huge community of expatriates and is really welcoming for foreigners".

"It is at the central standard time, so it works well for family people in the United States," said Danis. "What distinguishes me for me is their commitment to sustainability, and the environmentally friendly hobbies it offers to retirees, such as birds, pleasure navigation and nature."

Katy Nastro , spokesperson and travel expert with Going , recommends Costa Rica for those who want somewhere geographically near the United States

"From the point of view of travel, it is also easy to fly in small American airports from there in addition to the big hubs, so if there are grandchildren in Cedar Rapids, that will not break for See from time to time, "she says.

Even better, Nastro stresses that Costa Rica offers easy access to health care and has a Retirement Visa In place, "facilitating relatively easy for retirees to qualify for resettlement".

2
Germany

town square in frankfurt germany
Istock / Vichie81

Wolf person , Babbel professor live and cultural expert at Hubbub said that American retirees should consider Germany.

"Because of its exceptional health system, Germany is also at the top of the list of the best places to retire," shares Wolf. "The quality of life in Germany is high and the social services in place ensure clean cities and well -developed infrastructure."

Wolf also dissipates the fears of a linguistic barrier.

"There are many cities with English-speaking communities that will allow you to learn the language at a more comfortable rate-considered Munich, Dusseldorf or Bremen," she suggests.

In relation: 10 things you should stop buying your retirement, finance experts say .

3
France

biarritz france
Telephone / Shutterstock

While the French can have a reputation for their opinion on the Americans, travel experts say that retirees will feel at home in this beautiful country.

Kristin Lee , Expert by travel and author of the Adventure Travel Global Travel Escapades blog, specifically recommends the south of France.

"This region houses several idyllic cities and cities known for their relaxed atmosphere and their mild climate, perfect for those who seek to relax and enjoy their golden years," she explains. "In addition, the region offers a range of activities adapted to older communities. Picturesque Provence , fishing along the picturesque coast, and discovering the history of neighboring medieval cities! ""

If you want a more affordable French destination, Lee advises considering Biarritz .

"This small coastal town is a hidden jewel located along the southwest side of France near the border of Spain," she says. "It signals to its pleasant climate, its picturesque beaches and its dynamic local culture, which makes it an ideal place for retirees who seek to remain active and to engage in their new community."

4
Mexico

merida mexico
EYETRAVELPHOTOS / Shutterstock

Another beautiful place to retire is Mexico, which borders conveniently the south of the United States, but rather than settle in a well-known tourist destination like Cancun or Cabo San Lucas, Becca Siegel , co -owner of the Half Half Travel blog, suggests checking Merida, Mexico .

"I know full well that Merida is an excellent place to retire abroad, because when we were there, we ended up socializing with many expatriates who were retired!" Siegel remembers. "Merida is a city in the Yucatán peninsula, known to be the region's trade center. The charm is that it is very accessible on foot and has pastel buildings throughout the city center."

Even better, Merida is an ideal place if you want to relax in hot weather.

"If you want to retire and escape the cold forever, Merida is your tropical response," she said. "Nor is it too far from most of the United States and the cost of living is really affordable. Not surprising that the secret is out of Merida!"

In relation: The best hot time travel destinations for seniors .

5
Portugal

retired couple walking on street in portugal
Prostock-Studio / Shutterstock

According to Digital Nomad @ebfinleytravels, one of the best places to retire is Portugal.

"Portugal is certainly one of the most affordable European countries, and you can easily retire with between 2,500 and 4,000 euros [around $ 2,700 and $ 4,300] per month," said @ebfinleytravels in a April 2023 Tiktok Video . "Whether you are looking to retire in a big town, a small town or a villa by the beach, Portugal has everything."

In addition to a relatively affordable cost of living, retirees can enjoy a good warm weather all year round, as well as "good health care, incredible food and incredible landscapes", says @ebfinleytravels.

The Tiktker stresses that the idea of ​​a "inexpensive" cost of living is relative according to your income - and if you are going to settle in a more distant region, you should have a basic understanding of the Portuguese language.

6
Greece

little venice mykonos island greece
Stall

Greece is another Danis' "best choices" for retirement destinations outside the United States AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"It's beautiful, people are friendly and the food is fresh, local and largely based on plants", shares Danis.

Need more convincing? Greece has been named one of the best places to retire in the world. According to Global annual retirement index of international life in international life in 2024 , Greece has more affordable real estate real estate than we have done here in the United States - estimated up to 75% cheaper. The cost of living is also 30 to 50%lower, known as International Living.

7
Spain

san sebastian spain
Prostock-Studio / Shutterstock

Spain is also highly recommended by travel experts.

"Cities like Málaga, Valencia or Madrid in Spain are known for their large expatriate communities, but will also encourage Spanish learning for American retirees," said Wolf. "The Costa del Sol region in Spain in particular is known for its conviction and its welcoming people, which makes the sometimes intimidating aspects of the practice of a much easier to manage language."

If you wish to consult northern Spain, Lee strongly recommends San Sebastian .

"Breathtaking views of Bisque bay to a rich gastronomic scene which includes Michelin -starred starred restaurants nestled in the winding alleys, this seaside city offers the perfect mixture of relaxation and cultural experiences for those who seek to take Her retirement abroad, "she said, stressing, highlighting also affordability.

"San Sebastian is relatively affordable for most other regions of Europe, so that retirees can stretch their retirement savings while enjoying the best than Spain and its surrounding regions have to offer," shares Lee.

Even better, Samantha Linnett , travel planner and blogger Discover with Sam underlines that Spain has an easily accessible retirement visa called non -profit visa . It has no age restriction and only requires that you prove financial self-durability.

This story has been updated to include additional inputs, verification of facts and copying edition.


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