Retirees flock to Latin America to live an upper-class lifestyle on $1,500 a month

Willie99 · Jun 3, 2017

To casual visitors, this colonial town in southern Ecuador looks like it was torn from the pages of history. With its cobbled streets, soaring cathedrals and bustling markets, it exudes a lazy, old world charm.
But Cuenca is also on the cutting edge of a very modern trend: providing a safe haven for U.S. retirees who have found themselves unwilling — or unable — to live out their golden years at home.
The growing wave of ex-pat seniors is not only upending notions about retirement in the hemisphere but reshaping the face of communities throughout the Americas. And the trend is expected to grow as waves of baby boomers exit the workforce ill-prepared for retirement.
There’s no accurate way to measure the phenomenon, but the Social Security Administration was sending payments to 380,000 retired U.S. workers living abroad in 2014 — up 50 percent from a decade ago.
In the Americas, records show that seniors are flocking to Canada, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/world/article154209369.html#fmp

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I know one thing, retirees are sure NOT flocking to my state

Maybe I'll move too, I know Huskygal loves the tropics

Betallsports · Jun 3, 2017

Thinking of Colombia myself

Coldweather · Jun 3, 2017

I live in FL. and Ma. Love both! cheersgif

rolltide · Jun 3, 2017

CRC, ECU, PAN, NIC, and CHILE on my list of possibilities ....

I didn't know Cuenca was rocking...I knew about Guayaquil as a solid retirement spot for Americanos

festeringZit · Jun 3, 2017

This thread has lots of potential.

JudgeWapner · Jun 3, 2017

Costa Rica is not cheap anymore. Here very good things about Ecuador and Medellin, Colombia. I loved Chile. Beautiful place. Santiago is a great city.

pocketrockets · Jun 3, 2017

Judge Wapner said:
Costa Rica is not cheap anymore. Here very good things about Ecuador and Medellin, Colombia. I loved Chile. Beautiful place. Santiago is a great city.

Sad but true

SgtLanquel · Jun 3, 2017

Colombia likely doing as well as any with sensible progress to 21st century lifestyles.

We have some nice connections there, so I am bullish about it being a potential secondary residence in next 10 years or less

festeringZit · Jun 3, 2017

<header class="aarpe-article-header" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Top Spots to Retire

Stretch your nest egg in these 10 lovely countries

by Shelley Emling, AARP, January 31, 2017|Comments: 0

</header>

1140-tops-spots-to-retire.imgcache.rev9aa0e279a6e958255100420f6088a7d6.jpg

ALAMY
More than 550,000 Americans receive their Social Security benefits overseas.

Forget Florida and Arizona. If you're hoping to make your dollars stretch further in your golden years, you may want to consider joining the growing number of Americans who are opting to relocate abroad. More than 550,000 Americans now receive their Social Security benefits overseas, an increase from the nearly 400,000 reported in 2000, according to the Social Security Administration.
But which place is best? While everyone has an opinion when it comes to the ideal retirement spot, the experts at International Living (IL), an authority on global retirement opportunities, has done a lot of legwork to help you make a decision.

In its Annual Global Retirement Index, released in January 2017, IL named Mexico the best country in the world to retire, followed by Panama and Ecuador. The yearly index is designed to help whittle down a retiree’s choices by ranking countries based on factors such as cost of living, retiree benefits, climate, crime and health care.
With its low costs and friendly locals, Mexico is no stranger to the index, consistently ranking in the top 10 over the past 14 years. And in 2017 — for the fifth time — it nabs the top spot.

To see the complete list and to find out what makes these places worthy of your attention, scroll through the countries below.
1. Mexico
The country offers a wide variety of options for seaside living as well as established expat communities in many areas. (The colonial town of San Miguel de Allende is home to thousands of Americans.) Affordability is another magnet, with many expats living well on as little as $1,200 a month. The dollar’s strong position against the Mexican peso means the cost of living provides an even better than normal value.
2. Panama
Besides being close to the U.S. (making travel easy), Panama uses the American dollar, so you'll have no worries about currency fluctuations. What’s more, Panama offers a wide range of options for becoming a legal resident, and its top-notch medical care is highly regarded. The best hospital, Punta Pacifica, is affiliated with Johns Hopkins and is known for performing cardio surgery, neurosurgery and a variety of complex procedures.
3. Ecuador
Beyond its fabulous weather, Ecuador is a standout when it comes to affordability and the availability of real estate to buy or rent. It’s actually not difficult for a couple to live on $1,500 a month. There’s also no shortage of retiree perks. Those over 65 get discounts on flights originating in Ecuador as well as up to 50 percent off public transportation and entry to movies and sporting events.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled beaches have long fueled this country’s popularity among travelers. For retirees, a highly regarded health care system, with costs just a fraction of what you might pay in the U.S., is also a huge draw. And getting residency status couldn’t be more straightforward. Retirees just need an income of $1,000 per month from Social Security, a pension, disability or another similar source. That covers the applicant and a dependent spouse, offering a nice solution for long-term living in Costa Rica.
5. Colombia
Once rejected as a possible retirement haven because of its reputation for conflict and drug cartels, Colombia has shed its dark past and stepped into the spotlight as an attractive place for those seeking excellent health care, a temperate climate and a low cost of living. This country at the northern tip of South America offers lush green coffee plantations, beautiful beaches and quaint colonial towns — something for everyone.

6. Malaysia
Clean and modern, Malaysian cities boast an unrivaled public transportation system as well as some of the friendliest people in Asia. The country also straddles the tourism market, managing to offer both memorable budget holidays and first-class luxury vacations. Its multicultural society tolerates all religions, and it’s this fusion of cultures that, for many, makes Malaysia so special.
7. Spain
In Europe, Spain stands out because of its superior infrastructure, world-class health care system and laid-back lifestyle. And for retirees on a budget, the low cost of living and real estate is appealing. Indeed, a couple can live comfortably in a smaller city for as little as $1,900 a month, including rent. Small one- and two-bedroom apartments can be rented for a mere $500 a month and purchased for $70,000 and up. Another plus: the Mediterranean diet, which is both good and good for you.
8. Nicaragua
Until recently, the largest nation in Central America has been generally sidestepped in favor of its more popular neighbors, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Not anymore. Although Nicaragua remains poor, there have been major infrastructure improvements during the past few years, including an expansion of the international airport in Managua. To top it off, there’s great health care, little traffic, warm people and a low cost of living. A couple on a budget can be comfortable on $1,500 a month —not bad.
9. Portugal
Another inexpensive country, Portugal also entices retirees with its low cost of living and real estate. A couple can do well on just $1,700 a month in many smaller cities; in Lisbon, the capital, about $2,200 a month or more is needed. Other big draws are the usually mild climate and the country’s superior red and white wines. (The seafood is excellent, too.) The laid-back atmosphere means less stress, and the western coast, lined with beaches, offers plenty of recreational opportunities.
10. Malta
On a map, this tiny island chain between the coasts of Sicily and North Africa is easy to miss. But this Mediterranean destination has been enchanting countless visitors for decades, thanks to its centuries-old cities, sapphire blue waters, and 300 days a year of sun and warm weather. For retirees, the cost of living is remarkably reasonable; a couple can live here for under $2,700 a month. And if you ever find yourself getting island fever, you can simply take a three-hour ferry ride over to Sicily or hop on an inexpensive flight to Paris.

joebatters · Jun 3, 2017

I get these emails all the time..wasn't sure if they were legit or not. Looks like it is...seems like a good idea.

RenoChazz · Jun 4, 2017

Judge Wapner said:
Costa Rica is not cheap anymore. Here very good things about Ecuador and Medellin, Colombia. I loved Chile. Beautiful place. Santiago is a great city.

Damn I did not want to hear that. It's what I've been planning on.

Recon792 · Jun 4, 2017

looks like a lot of great places outside of the USA to get your bang for your buck in retirement.

bertex · Jun 4, 2017

i am retired and have been living in medellin,colombia for 10 years. i like living here for many reasons but like any other place it also has its minuses to go with the positives. i would not pay much attention to the retirement articles as these people dont cover the negatives of places.
they are invested in pitching overpriced real estate.
i would be glad to answer any questions and if anyone comes to visit colombia i would be glad to show you around.

Willie99 · Jun 4, 2017

Good advice and nice offer

is it weird living in the Southern Hemisphere? where does that start having a significant change in the seasons?

Obviously not Central America, but where in South America does it start getting cold in like July? (looks like mild winters until Bolivia and points south)

joebatters · Jun 4, 2017

bertex said:
i am retired and have been living in medellin,colombia for 10 years. i like living here for many reasons but like any other place it also has its minuses to go with the positives. i would not pay much attention to the retirement articles as these people dont cover the negatives of places.
they are invested in pitching overpriced real estate.
i would be glad to answer any questions and if anyone comes to visit colombia i would be glad to show you around.

That's awesome..I sent you a pm..thanks for your help/ insight.

bertex · Jun 4, 2017

as to the climate colombia is close to the equator so the sun rises and sets at around the same time year round. the weather depends on the elevation the higher the colder the lower the hotter and this is constant year round.
medellin is about a mile high and has a great climate year round. the rest of the country can be hotter as in the coastal and amazon areas or colder in the higher elevations.
if you go further south say chile or argentina they will have the change of seasons .

pocketrockets · Jun 4, 2017

bertex said:
i am retired and have been living in medellin,colombia for 10 years. i like living here for many reasons but like any other place it also has its minuses to go with the positives. i would not pay much attention to the retirement articles as these people dont cover the negatives of places.
they are invested in pitching overpriced real estate.
i would be glad to answer any questions and if anyone comes to visit colombia i would be glad to show you around.

good fuckin news, awesome man

I wanna marry a Colombiana, not kidding

Kev · Jun 4, 2017

Bertex - Are your initials H.S.? If so, you are an old pal
I lost touch with from back in the UC days. Would love to hear from you and more about your life in Columbia! Whichbeach@hotmail.com

Michelangelo · Jun 4, 2017

pocketrockets said:
good fuckin news, awesome man

I wanna marry a Colombiana, not kidding

Went to my nephew's (close) wedding last night. He married a girl from Columbia. Never saw him so happy. He's been with her for about two years now. They are always happy together.

They officially got married about a month ago, Big assed party in Colombia. Those people know how to party. And it's cheap there, too.

pocketrockets · Jun 4, 2017

Michelangelo said:
Went to my nephew's (close) wedding last night. He married a girl from Columbia. Never saw him so happy. He's been with her for about two years now. They are always happy together.

They officially got married about a month ago, Big assed party in Colombia. Those people know how to party. And it's cheap there, too.

their women and people in general are a goldmine

Retirees flock to Latin America to live an upper-class lifestyle on $1,500 a month

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