20 Best Cities for American Retirees
20 Best Cities for American Retirees
More Americans are looking to retire abroad in this decade than any one before it. Their reasons for leaving America vary widely: adventure, less political division, better healthcare, lower cost of living, sunny beaches, slower pace, etc. Best of all, they’re finding all of these features and more on their expat journeys. From south of the border to the far side of the planet, here’s our 20 best cities for American retirees:
The Algarve, Portugal
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Expats from the UK have been flocking to the Algarve for decades, making this an easy transition for many American expats, too. Continue life’s adventures with golf, tennis, boating, horseback riding, and biking through the cobbled Portuguese streets. The seafood-heavy cuisine and ample sunshine will surely treat you well. Expatsi is hosting a scouting trip to Portugal in March.
➤ Learn more about moving to Portugal
Lyon, France
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If you’re looking for French charm without the Parisian prices, consider Lyon for your retirement spot. It’s got the food, art, and transportation systems of that larger city without the high costs of living. For the authentic Lyon experience, veteran expats insist you eat traditional French food in a bouchon, a tavern-style restaurant that served silk workers in the 16th and 17th centuries.
➤ Learn more about moving to France
Cork, Ireland
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Future expats ask us all the time about how they can retire to the UK. You can’t without a major investment, but spending time in Cork will make you forget all about those Brits. PGA Senior Tour hopefuls can hit the links at Mahon Golf course or Old Head Golf Links, while gourmet pubs bring plenty of options to keep foodies coming back.
➤ Learn more about moving to Ireland
Rhodes, Greece
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Live the Greek life in mostly English-speaking Rhodes. You can anticipate 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, a diet known for bestowing longevity, and welcoming community groups dedicated to helping you acclimate to life on the Mediterranean Sea.
➤ Learn more about moving to Greece
Munich, Germany
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The old Bavarian capital of Germany bursts with culture, planting you firmly near the Alps and the heart of European activity. Munich is known for its safety, clean streets, and conservative values. Cultural commitment towards the middle class and high-quality healthcare for all seals the deal here. You’ll have easy access by plane, train and automobile to the rest of the EU while you’re here, too.
➤ Learn more about moving to Germany
Ljubljana, Slovenia
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We at Expatsi believe that Slovenia is the sleeper hit of Eastern Europe. This capital city transformed itself into a pedestrian-centric space, freeing residents to interact with neighbors instead of staying locked away in cars. Numerous international schools and a thriving tech sector attract expat families from across the continent. You’re sure to make new friends in your Balkan community.
➤ Learn more about moving to Slovenia
San Miguel de Allende, México
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Boomers and elder Gen Xers love the eternal spring weather found in San Miguel de Allende. It’s safer than many U.S. cities, offers a lower cost of living, and is exceptionally friendly to its thriving expat community. Add in the vibrant Mexican culture and delicious cuisine, and you just might find your new perfect home.
➤ Learn more about moving to Mexico
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
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Located on the Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Tamarindo offers universal healthcare to enhance the Tico plant-based cuisine. The whole Nicoya peninsula, in fact, is a Blue Zone—a region where people live exceptionally long lives. Live long and prosper in Tamarindo!
➤ Learn more about moving to Costa Rica
Coronado, Panama
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This Panama city just might have everything a retiring Baby Boomer could want. White Pacific beaches, ample golf courses, pensionado discounts, and a sizable expat population (about 30% of the city) make this a home away from home. It’s also an hour from Panama City’s Johns Hopkins hospital, offering the best healthcare in Central America.
➤ Learn more about moving to Panama
Montevideo, Uruguay
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More Americans than ever are warming up to this South American capital city. It’s easy to see why: affordable healthcare, low crime rates, mild climate, and stunning beaches keep retirees here for the long haul. Uruguay’s also a socially progressive country, welcoming queer and straight expats alike.
➤ Learn more about moving to Uruguay
Bridgetown, Barbados
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Maybe it’s the Jimmy Buffet life for you, relaxing away the days on a tropical island somewhere as you soak up the sun. As Barbados’ only city, Bridgetown gives you the urban life alongside the surfing and scuba diving you’ve been missing out on. You’ll use Barbados’ universal healthcare, free of charge, once you’re a citizen.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
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Belize’s most popular expat destination also offers the Caribbean island experience for less than you spend in the U.S. One in five residents is an expat here, embracing the laid-back island vibes. As a bonus, Belize speaks English, uses the U.S. dollar, and offers easy travel to Mexico and the U.S. for medical care.
➤ Learn more about moving to Belize
Moka, Mauritius
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Found off Africa’s southeastern coast, Mauritius is another hotspot for retiring expats from around the world. Along with housing the island’s largest private hospital, Moka offers temperate climates in the heart of the island, clear of the coast’s heat and the plateau’s cold. You’ll also find plenty of shopping and strong internet connections to stay in touch with the grandkids.
Kigali, Rwanda
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For those thinking about retiring to Africa, Rwanda’s capital city sets a high bar for your expectations. Kigali boasts clean streets, low crime rates, and gender equality; it’s also the pilot program to become Africa’s first Green City, focused on sustainable urban living. This interview with a Jamaican expat helps to illustrate the city’s beauty.
➤ Learn more about moving to Rwanda
Abu Dhabi, UAE
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From its gleaming skyscrapers to tax-free income, Abu Dhabi offers much to the retiree who still plans on making waves. Retirement visas are available at age 55, with a diverse expat population enjoying retirement communities in this traditional Arabian city.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Siem Reap, Cambodia gives retirees the chance to explore ancient history among a welcoming community. It’s got everything you could want in a new city: walkability, loads of culture (like the Angkor Wat temple), and respect for elders. You can even buy Mexican food here with the U.S. dollar!
Dumaguete, Philippines
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Expats love this “City of Gentle People” for the friendly locals, breathtaking natural scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. A 90-minute flight from capital Manila, Dumaguete keeps you immersed in Filipino culture without rushing around with the tourists. The cost of living is pretty great, too: according to Expatistan, it’s half the cost of living as our hometown in Birmingham, AL.
➤ Learn more about moving to the Philippines
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Chiang Mai is a great destination for expats retiring on a budget while still living an active life. Life is affordable here, from cheap public transportation to stellar food and medical care. You’re sure to find accessible housing for your needs, too, whether it’s a modern condo or full-service retirement community.
➤ Learn more about moving to Thailand
Limassol, Cyprus
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Launch your journey to European citizenship when you retire to Cyprus. Expats from three continents flock to this Mediterranean island each year to experience its cozy cafes and historic old town charms. Choirs and drama clubs serve to brighten any senior’s life once they embrace this beach retreat. The favorable tax breaks for foreigners certainly sweeten the deal.
Durrës, Albania
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Albania’s coastal city of Durrës truly comes alive during the summer months. Venues like Cinco Cavalli Summer Club offer concerts from European musicians, while people-watchers get their fill as they stroll the city’s western coastline. An ancient Roman amphitheater helps to convey the sense of history common to this part of Europe.
➤ Learn more about moving to Albania
10 Countries Where You Can Retire With $2,000/Month (One Will Make You Say Ooh La La!)
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Are you looking forward to retirement? Do you imagine peaceful days spent socializing with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, and catching up on things you put off during a long career with limited time off?
While we all long for those days, you may look at your bank account and bills and wonder if they’ll ever come. If retiring in the U.S. feels unattainable, there are options for moving abroad that may be within your budget.
➤ 10 Countries Where You Can Retire With $2,000/Month
The High Cost of Living in the US: You Won’t Believe How Much Cheaper it is Abroad
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If you’re an Americans who wants to move abroad, you might have have an exaggerated view of how much it costs to live in cities around the world. Countries like Monaco, Switzerland, Australia, and Singapore can be extremely pricy, but you’ll find that the cost of living anywhere you go is less than you’ll pay in an average U.S. city.
➤ The High Cost of Living in the US: You Won’t Believe How Much Cheaper it is Abroad
Best Places to Retire in the World: 15 Countries for American Retirees
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While US citizens have traditionally lagged behind other countries in moving abroad, the trend seems to be shifting. As they reach retirement age, Americans seek to stretch their monthly pension and social security. They want to find affordable countries with high quality medical care that won’t bankrupt them. Retirees want to embrace local culture or find retirement destinations that aren’t so politically divided.
➤ Best Places to Retire in the World: 15 Countries for American Retirees
Brett Andrews is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that helps expats discover how to leave the U.S. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves watching comic book movies and reading unusual books.
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Brett Andrews is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that helps expats discover how to leave the U.S. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves watching comic book movies and reading unusual books.