Where to Retire Cheap

Get creative, be adventerous and retire in style

Retiring cheap doesn’t mean that you have to give up the things you like to do. It means that you need to PRIORITIZE your needs and wants. Make a list. Is climate the most important item on your list? Health care facilities and costs? Do you have an online business or other reasons that make tele-communications and the internet rank highest on your list? Are you primarily concerned with safety? How about accessibility to friends and family (and the US in general)?

Years ago I didn‘t think I‘d ever consider living outside the U.S., but now I realize that there are other places that have great communities with hundreds and thousands of Americans, mostly retired already there. And many of these places have most of the things we offer here at a fraction of the price. Consider instead places like Honduras, Ecuador, Brazil, Panama Mexico and other countries south of the border.

If you’re more adventurous think Thailand, where $20 a day will cover rent, entertainment, health care, food and a maid. Thailand is another destination where the cost of top-notch healthcare is half--or less--than what you’d expect to pay for comparable care Stateside. Bumrungrad Hospital in the center of Bangkok, for instance, treats a million patients a year--400,000 of them are from overseas. They come seeking everything from allergy to fertility to orthopedic care. And the doctors and staff make it a soup-to-desert pampering experience for the patient.

Yes Virginia, you can retire cheap after all. If you are one of the thousands of Americans who want to have everything you’re accustomed to without the high cost consider relocating to other communities where kindred spirits who have already taken the plunge will welcome you.

Panama- A Pacific Paradise awaits…More to Come

Ecuador- Excellent Health Care at a fraction of the U.S. price is just one of the benefits that await …More to Come

Nicaragua- 1-11-09 UPDATE ALERT- I just talked with a realtor in Central America and they are not recommending retirement in Nicaragua for awhile because of the uprisings so stay tuned...In the meantime, a full time maid for less than $120 a month is just the beginning. Nicaragua is not only safe and affordable it’s also one of the most beautiful countries in the Americas.

Honduras- If you have $1500 a month the Honduran Govt. will grant you…More to Come

Costa Rica- Considered to be one of the best places to retire for several years, this country has become ...Read More

Cheaper U.S. Cities to Retire

While San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Napa Vallely and San Francisco are out of the question in California there are some smaller cities in Southern California that should be considered, especiallly if you are looking to purchase a home. Victorville and other high desert communities are a lot more affordable. These communities now have many of the amenities most of us expect when chosing a place to live, like big box stores, malls, restaurants and more.

NEVADA has no tax on income. Many choose Las Vegas as their retirement choice. It is a mecca for anyone who wants visits from friends and family....and housing is a steal. Although hot in the summer and sometimes cold in the winter (snow is very unlikely), there are tons of things to do, many indoors. Some casinos offer locals some great deals on dining, gaming, and shows Plenty of golf courses, Lake Meade for summer water sports and relaxing, and Red Rock Parks for hiking and pic-nics. Tons of shopping.

Smaller cities in midwestern states are more affordable than coastal states. Idaho has warm summers, snow in the winter but less than other places and is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, lakes, streams and even sand dunes for the outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, the Boise real estate market hasn't seen much of a real estate decline like other places which is a good indication of the economy in that region.

.Arizona has been gathering retirees looking for a cheap place to retire that is more climate friendly in the winter. Many of them rent or live in mobile homes and return to their more summer climate-friendly permanent homes in the summer. But many are staying year-round now too. A bit off the beaten path, there is still plenty to do in AZ for the average retirement income person. Phoenix is a large city with many self-contained suburbs that offer a great family feel. Tucson, even more removed is loved by many retirees for its isolation and peaceful surroundings.

Croatia...Read More

Italy...to come

Spain...to come

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