Would you like to spend your retirement years overseas, instead of settling down in Palm Springs or Phoenix?
While acknowledging that it is impossible to select one place that is the ideal retirement spot for everyone, Live and Invest Overseas, an information resource for living, investing and retiring abroad, ranked the best places outside the United States based on a number of criteria.
Such things as climate and cost of living were considered, but also included were the environmental conditions, the expat community, residency options, taxes and safety.
Live and Invest Overseas came up with a variety of places, from exotic beaches, to historical gems, to lively cities that include some surprises. Following are the top 10 in reverse order.
No. 10 El Valle, Panama
El Valle is the top rated retirement city in Central America and Caribbean, built high in the picturesque mountains of Panama on a volcano floor.
No. 9 Cuenca, Ecuador
A charming and lively city, rich in history and architecture that is walkable.
No. 8 Chaing Mai, Thailand
A city in the mountains of northern Thailand with a laid-back pace and international accoutrements.
No. 7 Hua Hin, Thailand
A palm-fringed beach city that has become a favorite for Bangkok’s elite.
No. 6 Medellin, Columbia
The second largest city in Columbia, Medellin is located in the central region of the Andes.
No. 5 Abuzzo, Italy
Like Tuscany with its charm and history, but at half the cost.
No. 4 Languedoc, France
French country living at its best and most affordable.
No. 3 Cayo, Belize
Cayo gives residents the opportunity to leave the world behind and embrace a simple life in this off-grid paradise.
No. 2 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Developed, luxury-level Pacific Ocean resort town with history and charm.
No. 1 Algarve region of Portugal
For the second year running, Algarve, Portugal, takes top honors, thanks to its low cost of living, low cost of real estate, great weather, established expat community, new retiree residency program and endless options for how to meaningfully fill the days and evenings. Also, you can get by speaking only English and the coast is one of the safest places on earth right now.