Retiring abroad is a common goal shared by many people. It is the adventure of a lifetime to spend their golden years in another country and enjoy the lifestyle they have always dreamed of after years of hard work. Below are 5 of the best places to retire abroad.
1. Alicante, Spain
If you’ve ever considered retiring in Alicante, Spain, you are making the best decision of your life. There are countless reasons why this province is the perfect place to spend your golden years. Alicante has a large number of retirees living there because they have discovered the idyllic life they have always dreamed of. The city has a unique charm providing amenities to its residents, making it a great place to retire.
The Casco Historico, Alicante’s old town near the sea, has shops, restaurants and winding roads. Located at the northern end of town is Sta Barbara Castle. Not far from the old town and the seaside are the trendiest districts with their modern apartment buildings and parks.
The Mercado Central, a covered market, is just a 10-minute walk from the seaside, where they sell everything from fruits and vegetables to seafood and pickles. They also offer a wide range of olives. A charming and clean city with beautiful beaches and great weather, Alicante offers its people a quality lifestyle. The locals are welcoming and warm and make foreigners feel right at home in this laid back city.
In addition, Alicante is connected by a rail system with other regions of Spain. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia can be reached via the country’s AVE trains. Alicante is not only a great destination for tourists, but one of the best places to retire abroad.
2. The beaches of Coco Costa Rica
Another favorite place for many expats to retire is Coco Beach in Costa Rica. Every year, foreigners choose to live in this seaside community because of its proximity to the United States and Canada, its beautiful weather, its diverse culture, and the various natural attractions it offers to residents and tourists.
Playas del Coco is indeed at the top of the list of the most idyllic places to retreat. The community is organized and self-sufficient with various restaurants and shopping centers, essential services such as hospitals with excellent medical care, pharmacies, banks, post office and other amenities like other towns.
Although this is primarily a seaside community, retirees can expect these amenities while leading stress-free lives. Sunny weather is perfect for beach lovers who enjoy other activities such as snorkeling, diving, sport fishing and many more.
The rainy season does not last long compared to other cities. The place shows the breathtaking scenery at its best. In addition, new residents will appreciate the warm and friendly disposition of the inhabitants who welcome their new neighbors with open arms.
3. Penang, Malaysia
Malaysian State of Penang is a small tropical island located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is a popular vacation destination. In 2008, it was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site due to its beautiful landscape and cultural sites. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, the island is known for its sandy beaches and excellent cuisine, making it the gastronomic capital of Malaysia. Former British colony, the inhabitants speak English, which greatly facilitates communication between foreigners.
Penang is a multicultural state with people of various nationalities living harmoniously. Thus, the food is also a mixture of several cultures and is known to be number one in Southeast Asia. For many years, Penang has been a popular destination for many expats, as it is not as crowded as Kuala Lumpur. Yet, it offers modern amenities for the comfort and convenience of its residents. The beaches are beautiful for those who love the sun and the sea.
Shopping is fun whether at the Queensbay Mall or the Gurney Plaza. There are high end stores, just like other cities that also have brand name products. While people here can enjoy a high standard of living, it is surprisingly inexpensive. Food is inexpensive even when dining in top class restaurants.
Penang also offers modern facilities such as excellent hospitals and health centers. There are universities and schools, entertainment centers and a good airport. Internet service is also readily available. Overall, this is a great place to retire.
4. Abruzzo, Italy
Abruzzo, located in the center of Italy, is a vast region of charming towns and magnificent landscapes, from its seaside to its castles and expertly decorated towns. It is also known as a wine country, producing one of Italy’s renowned vintages, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
It is home to three national parks where one can practice many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, skiing and paragliding in its mountain areas. There are excellent golf clubs for those who enjoy the game and theaters and art centers for those who enjoy culture.
In addition, Abruzzo has several universities and schools. Retirement here is attractive mainly because of the beauty of its towns. The stone buildings, the uncluttered alleys and the lively weekly markets contribute to the unique charm of the region. It is also a dream destination for retirement because, despite all its attractions, the cost of living is quite affordable.
Village houses or villas cost surprisingly little, and retirees can always find beautiful homes that fit their budget perfectly. Abruzzo is the perfect place to retire, with its beauty, friendly atmosphere and affordable price for those who want to get away from the busy tourist areas.
5. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a small island in Greece with around 100,000 inhabitants, located a few kilometers from the west coast of Greece. It is different from other Greek islands which are typically rocky because it is considered one of the greenest regions of the country. The city is surrounded by a picturesque harbor and is a hub of activity.
During the low season, however, there is a sense of peace and quiet as winter sets in. Shops are often closed and transport is less plentiful. For those who like a peaceful and quiet life, this is the place to be. The cobbled streets of the old town are full of colorful houses, shops and restaurants.
In another corner, you can dine al fresco in a sunny square shaded by beautiful bougainvillea. Fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance and freshly caught fish is always available. There is a lot to explore here, from the ruins of the old church to sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Being a British protectorate in the 1900s, Corfu is popular with British expats and English is a common language. Retiring in Corfu offers an easy life, which retirees are looking for.
These are 5 of the best places to retire abroad, where you can spend the rest of your life surrounded by beauty and all the comforts you have become accustomed to in your home away from home.
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