This year's Global Retirement Index reveals a tremendous variety of retirement solutions for somebody looking to live better for less overseas.
But, of course, there can be only one overall winner.
Sean Keenan, managing editor of
IL magazine, is the man behind the Index (
get your hands on the full Index here). Below, he shares the reasons our winner in 2018 made it to the enviable position of top of the Index.
Read on…
Declan Aylward
Managing Editor, IL Postcards
* * *
The Top Retirement Haven for 2018 is…
By Sean Keenan
The best place to retire in 2018 as determined by the
International Living 2018 Global Retirement Index is a land that has long been a favorite of expats…a land of laidback living, perfect weather, and beaches that are the envy of the world.
North Americans have been flocking here for more than 30 years, attracted by the tropical climate; low cost of living; top-notch, affordable medical care; bargain real estate; and natural beauty.
Tens of thousands of U.S. and Canadian expats already live here full- or part-time. And millions have traveled here over the years for beach-resort vacations, surfing, fishing, rain forest treks, and more. There's a comfort level in knowing you don't have to be a pioneer.
That's not to say it's too Americanized. It very much has its own rich culture and distinct way of life. This is expressed in a tradition of hospitality, which makes it very welcoming to expats. The locals value time with family and friends above all else. A strong sense of community exists and with it an emphasis on personal freedom, which appeals to many expats who feel hemmed in by the countless rules and regulations back home.
Good modern healthcare coverage, plus traditional and herbal medicine; natural foods, including abundant fresh fruits and vegetables—you can grow your own, thanks to the fertile soil—and a more active lifestyle (it never gets cold, so you can exercise outdoors year-round) combine to help many expats feel healthier than they have in years. Some have even found relief from chronic conditions.
It's not the cheapest country on our Index. But it offers excellent bang for your buck. It's possible for a retired couple to live very comfortably on $2,500 a month. On this budget, they might eschew the "fancy" grocery store with imported goods in favor of local markets, where they can fill the fridge for the week for $30. Instead of hitting up the tourist restaurants that charge a premium, they might go to local restaurants serving up hearty fare. But combine those cost-saving measures with the modest expenditures required on healthcare, rental homes, and utilities and you can see how a good life can come at a modest price.
Our top retirement haven of 2018 also packs a punch when it comes to variety of climates and landscape. You can kick your shoes off on white-sand beaches, hike through lush lowland jungle or mountain cloud forests, and bask in volcanic thermal springs. You'll find expats living in just about every type of desirable location you can imagine.
Indiana native Ed lives in a lush valley where he and his wife enjoy a simpler life growing their own healthy fare. "Our property has a small garden and a shared farming field behind the house, so we can grow our own tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and fennel," he says. "We can go into our backyard in the morning to pick fresh oranges and limes for juice, gather avocados and passionfruit from our front yard for afternoon snacks, and microwaving food is a thing of the past."
Former New Yorker Ellen lives in a popular beach town with great infrastructure including supermarkets, banks, cable, internet, pharmacies, more than 30 restaurants, tour companies, and shops. "I love getting up early and running on the beach," she says, "which lines a big bay where sport-fishing boats and catamarans that offer sunset snorkeling tours are moored. Usually, two or three nights a week I do yoga in town. The rest of the week, I enjoy a spectacular palette of colors as the sun sets over the ocean. Sunsets are an incredibly social time here, as people gather to bask in the last light and catch up on the day's news from other friends who have had relaxing days."
Whether you're looking for a quiet retirement in the mountains, a social life by the beach, or anything in between, you can find your ideal retirement destination in our top pick for 2018. The only question left is: what are you waiting for?
Editor's note: All you need to do to
discover the winner of our 2018 Global Retirement Index is put your name on our special readers list. Do that, and we'll give you full access for free. You'll find out everything you need to know about this idyllic retirement haven, broken down over 12 categories. You'll also get access to the full Index, detailing the 24 countries we think are the best places to retire overseas today…each one analyzed over the same 12 categories so you can compare and contrast to find the place that fits with what's important to you.
Get your free copy of our 2018 Global Retirement Index here.
No comments:
Post a Comment