Well, International Living has ranked the 19 top places for 2012 and no surprise, Panama is number 2. Of course, Panama should really be number 1 as moving to Ecuador makes as much sense and moving to Nicaragua, sorry Mr Ortega. And really, how could Mexico be on anyone’s radar other than the Zeta Gang or some other fun group. I have been to Malaysia and while it is beautiful, too much unrest there as well and the travel time is days not hours so if you have kids or relatives who want to visit you, forget seeing them.
When you look over the list ask yourself one thing, do I want to move to somewhere remote, backward, with a struggling economy just so I can deal with a group of extremists? HMMMM?
In the U.S. today, the discussion about retirement orbits around how much less of it we’re all going to have. As the cost of everything from health care to food swells, incomes, pensions and nest eggs erode, leaving baby boomers fewer and fewer options for retirement in this country.
But if you look at the right places beyond our borders today, you’ll find you have more good choices than ever for a comfortable — even pampered – retirement. In any one of our top 19 havens for 2012, a lifestyle well beyond your reach in the United States could be yours for pennies on the dollar.
In this, our annual Global Retirement Index, we bring you the top choices available on the planet today. From beachfront hideaways to arts-rich colonial cities, from cosmopolitan capitals to small highland villages, there’s an overseas haven to fit your fantasy — and your budget.
We measure only the very best havens against one another. So the country last on our list is still the 19th best in the world.
The top 19 (in order) are, for varying reasons, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Malaysia, Colombia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Spain, Thailand, Honduras, Uruguay, Italy, Brazil, Ireland, France, Costa Rica, Belize, Chile and the Dominican Republic. Read on to find out what makes each of them special.
Tom,
While I agree that Panama is a stellar place to retire and live, your comment on Mexico was like what our media is doing to Mexico on the major TV networks in the US. Sure, Mexico has a problem and everyone knows it but 99% of Mexico is totally safe and if you avoid those areas (some of the border towns, a few hot spot areas in Sinaloa and Guerro, which no tourists go), your fine. Mexico, much like Panama, is enjoying a robust economy and although it’s working on cleaning up it’s Cartel mess, it’s still the #1 vacation destination for the USA. I like both places as we live in both and I get tired of people, without firsthand knowledge, condemning it. The media is constantly telling the American population that Mexico (blanket statement) is dangerous, don’t go there and if you do don’t wander off more than 2 blocks from your hotel! What a bunch of BS, this is one of the easiest places to live and enjoy freedom, diversity and a very friendly culture. I know you love Panama but it’s not the only place my friend. Still love your work, just be fair on your statements.