The Best Places to Retire In the World
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These Are The Best Places to Retire in 2019
Have you ever wondered where you’d like to live after you’ve finished working? Enjoying the sun by the sea? In a house with an orchard? In a warm place in the mountains? Or in a vibrant capital? We would all like to enjoy the autumn of life in health, accompanied by family and friends and with a decent pension. However, reality often prevails and when you reach retirement age, options are often limited. You’ve worked hard your whole life, and you now need to consider where are some of the best places to retire.
The experts at International Living give us a hand. For 26 years, the U.S. platform has developed and published the Annual Global Retirement Index. According to the 2019 Annual Global Retirement Index, these are the 10 best places to retire in the world.
If you’re in the travel mood, click here to see other great travel destinations.
This year, experts are recommending these 10 places as the best places to retire in the world:
Peru
“If you’re looking for a country with an economic lifestyle, friendly people and excellent food, you should get to know Peru,” says the Index, which also praises the climate, spectacular pre-Hispanic sites and colonial cities.
Spain
According to International Living, Spain stands out for its romantic cities, its history, and its charming villages. The cost of living in Valencia can be as low as 500 euro per person per month.
Nicaragua
The Central American country is described as a tropical destination that, despite its rapid development, remains affordable. The author of the chapter on Nicaragua also emphasizes the positive impact that fresh food, warm temperatures and the offer of outdoor physical activities have had on his health.
We recommend Bogotá, one of the best travel destinations according to The New York Times.
Portugal
Portugal, for its part, is considered one of the best places to retire in all of Europe. It may be a little bit more expensive than the other options on our list, but it is actually quite affordable to live in Portugal. I would start your search in Porto, as both rent and food are cheap. They have better infrastructure than most places on the list, and it’s easier to travel to other European countries.
Colombia
This South American country is both sophisticated and affordable, according to International Living: “Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world. That’s why you can easily find the perfect climate and environment for yourself,” writes one correspondent. For retirees, access to affordable medical care is key. That’s why the Index recalls that the World Health Organization ranks Colombia 22nd out of a total of 191 countries in terms of quality health systems, even ahead of countries like Canada and the United States.
Malaysia
The fifth place in the ranking is occupied by this Asian country. Malaysia has great infrastructure, low crime, no major natural disasters, low cost of living, affordable health care, and Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities to retire in. There is also low tax in terms of equities and capital gains.
Ecuador
Another favorite destination for retirees in Latin America is Ecuador. “Colonial cities full of history… peaceful mountain towns… relaxed coastal cities… cloud forests, hot spots full of nature… For those looking for variety in their ultimate destination, Ecuador has it all,” says Living International’s correspondent in that Andean country.
Two U.S. expatriates describe their lives as retirees as follows: “We love Ecuador because here we can really live in peace. Here we have received the gift of time and a tranquility that allows us to devote ourselves to our passions. That gift is priceless.
Panama
The bronze medal goes to this Central American country. While the Panamanian capital offers “fascinating food, beer, jazz, movies, golf, tennis and much more”, “Panama’s mountain villages with their exuberant nature are among the best places in the world to retire”, reads the Index, which also emphasizes the excellent health system and the benefits the government offers retirees.
Mexico
According to Living International’s experts, Mexico is a country where the lifestyle is close to that of the first world. In addition to offering a wide variety of climate zones, the health system is good to excellent. “But what I and most expats like most about Mexico is the vibrant life and culture,” writes Living International’s editor for Latin America.
Costa Rica
Topping our list of the best places to retire is another Latin American country. Costa Rica is considered a paradise, attracting retirees because of its tropical climate, low cost of living, excellent yet affordable health care, cheap real estate and natural beauty.
“In a world of growing insecurity, Costa Rica is a model of reliability… Quietly it has become a model country, which stands out in the region… Thanks to the low crime rate one can feel safe anywhere in the country, day or night,” says the Annual Global Retirement Index.
