| Since retirement means different things to different | | | | culture. However, if you do choose any of these |
| people, and everybody has differing ideas and | | | | countries, making new friends and adapting to a |
| priorities about how they want to live during this | | | | different culture are things that you should be |
| stage of their life, there is no single ideal retirement | | | | prepared for. Central American countries are |
| destination that will suit everyone. However, there | | | | particularly popular with American retirees because |
| are a few common factors that most retirees look | | | | they are just a few hours flight away from their |
| for in a location they would consider relocating to, | | | | home country. Here are some tips to keep in mind if |
| such as plentiful and varied recreation, affordable | | | | you choose to retire overseas: |
| living costs, the availability of high quality health care | | | | |
| facilities, low crime rates, safety, community services, | | | | - See that your Medical Insurance is in order |
| good climate, beautiful landscapes, adequate | | | | - Find out about local markets that are cheap |
| transportation facilities, volunteer and work | | | | - If you do not want citizenship of the country, get a |
| opportunities. | | | | tourist visa |
| Although Arizona, Florida and Texas are still the most | | | | - If you do want citizenship, apply for it before you |
| popular choice, but an increasing number of retirees | | | | move |
| are opting for cooler climes or places where they can | | | | Irrespective of where you choose to retire, whether |
| experience all the seasons. According to surveys, | | | | within the country or abroad, here are some things |
| here are a few places in the U.S. that have come up | | | | you need to keep in mind and do before you decide: |
| as the topmost retirement destinations because of | | | | First, you need to decide whether you want to stay |
| the excellent health care, lots of cultural activities, and | | | | somewhere close to your current hometown or |
| plenty of greenery or scenery, among various other | | | | venture out to some other locale. |
| desirable factors: Holland, Michigan; Walla Walla, | | | | Decide on what you like. Would you prefer the |
| Washington; St. Simons Island, Georgia; Prescott, | | | | secure and structured environs of a retirement |
| Arizona; Boulder, Colorado; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; | | | | community, or would a town or city that has |
| San Luis Obispo, California; Williamsburg, Virginia; Boca | | | | different types of people, with a broader scope in |
| Raton, Florida; and Ithaca, New York. | | | | cultural and entertainment activities be a better |
| If you want a low-cost destination, there are many | | | | choice for you? |
| retirement locales that have good amenities and | | | | Find out everything you can about the places you |
| charming surroundings, and yet are within your | | | | are considering. Check out on the Internet, and refer |
| budget. By moving to a location where the living | | | | to magazines and books for information that will be |
| costs are lower compared to your current place of | | | | useful for you. |
| residence, you could probably even get a larger | | | | As you gather more information, start cutting down |
| house that costs less, which will enhance your net | | | | on your list of probable locations, until you are down |
| worth, while also enabling you to live a better retired | | | | to a manageable four or five, at the most. |
| life. | | | | Then get on the road. Go to every place on your list, |
| According to the topmost experts on retirement | | | | staying in each for three to four days, to check out |
| destinations, some of the best low-cost retirement | | | | the general feel of the location and its ambience. |
| locations are: the sun-drenched Melbourne Beach, | | | | Don't be in a hurry about anything. After all you are |
| Florida; the aridly beautiful Yucca Valley, California; the | | | | making an important decision about how you are |
| rurally fresh Sandpoint, Idaho, close to Canada; and | | | | going to be living for the rest of your life. So take |
| Kennebunk, Maine, which has lots of rocky beaches. | | | | your time, decide slowly and wisely, and not |
| Although not all of them might be out-and-out cheap, | | | | impulsively. |
| some being actually pretty expensive depending on | | | | Then, reduce your list to just two to three locations, |
| where you reside today, yet every one of them has | | | | and go and live in each for about two or three |
| one common factor: You get good value living in | | | | weeks. Examine the advantages and disadvantages |
| retirement in these places. | | | | of each carefully, such as the living costs, the climate, |
| However, many Americans are also looking to retire | | | | and also the kind of neighbors and friends you will |
| in other countries, such as Costa Rica, Panama, | | | | have. Meet real estate agents and check out if the |
| Mexico, Belize, Spain and New Zealand, mainly | | | | home you are considering is within your budget. |
| because living costs are comparatively cheaper, while | | | | There are real estate agents who designate |
| they also want to experience a different culture and | | | | themselves as Senior Real Estate Specialists. |
| landscape from what they have always known. In | | | | After you zero in on your choice, take some more |
| addition, since these places are already home to quite | | | | time. Get opinions and advice from family and friends. |
| a number of American retirees, hence they also have | | | | But bank on your instincts, for ultimately it will have |
| people who belong to the same age group and | | | | to be your choice. |