The Best Places to Retire to Live Out Your Golden Years

Are you among the 67 % of employees with an attractive retirement package? If so, you have plenty of options for your well-earned rest.

It’s never too early to start planning for some well-deserved R&R after your career, so let’s get started. Check out these options for the best places to retire worldwide.

Places to Retire in the US

The US has an abundance of welcoming, affordable destinations for retirees, with an excellent infrastructure that values its senior citizens. If you’d rather deal with the familiarity of home, choosing a domestic retirement destination is a good option for you.

These are the top spots to lay your hat when you lay down your tools at last.

Fabulous Florida

Florida’s well-known as a destination par excellence for retirees. Arizona senior apartments This warm, vibrant state is affordable thanks to exceptionally low taxes, and the weather’s simply wonderful almost year-round.

Some of the top places to retire in Florida include:

• Fort Myers
• Sarasota
• Naples
• Port St Lucie

These places boast plenty of recreation, pleasant downtown areas, and huge communities of retirees. Beautiful neighborhoods, friendly people, and incredible natural assets add to the appeal of Florida.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s famous for its exciting music scene and fine theaters. It’s also an affordable city with no state income tax.

There are over 100 parks, plenty of museums, and excellent restaurants around town too. The city boasts four distinct seasons with a mild climate all year.

There are many hiking, biking, and dog walking trails available in natural areas around the city, and a variety of retirement communities to serve your every need. 

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center is among America’s top-rated medical facilities, and local colleges offer plenty of courses to keep your mind active as you age.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Researchers rate Ann Arbor as one of the top ten places to retire in the US. It’s a place of abundant outdoor activities for every season, and a favorite of those who enjoy varied amusements year-round.

In Ann Arbor, winter is the time for snowshoeing and skiing, while summer offers activities in the form of kayaking and biking. Less energetic folks can indulge in bookstore browsing, craft breweries, and shopping. 

In the warmer months, the city comes alive with a range of festivals, including the intriguing Ann Arbor Street Art Fair.

The University of Michigan offers some of the finest medical care in the country, and the city boasts an affordable cost of living, despite expensive housing costs.  

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’d like to enjoy a bustling vacation vibe and mild weather during your retirement, Myrtle Beach is a good choice for you.

This popular destination is awash with golf courses, festivals, entertainment venues, natural treasures, and restaurants.

South Carolina is a tax-friendly state for retirees, offering exemptions for homeowners, several tax benefits for residents over 65, and low property taxes. 

The city offers an abundance of premier healthcare options and an excellent infrastructure. There are plenty of retirement communities to choose from offering tailor-made facilities for elderly residents. 

Places to Retire Outside of the US

If you’re an adventurous soul with ample funding, there’s no need to limit yourself to a domestic destination. There are some of the most attractive retirement places outside the US.

Guanacaste Coast, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is among the favorite retirement destinations for US citizens. It’s ideally located between North and South America, so it’s not too far for a visit from your grandchildren.

Modern-day Costa Rica boasts a low cost of living, affordable medical care, and fantastic real estate options. Stunning natural scenery and welcoming locals are the cherries on the top.

Known as the Switzerland of Central America’, Costa Rica is a peaceful destination. It’s internationally acclaimed for its neutrality and commitment to environmental conservation. 

Marbella, Spain

Marbella is one of the best places to retire in Spain if you love the finer things in life. This glamorous place promises a fast-paced, appealing lifestyle that’s bound to keep you young and on your toes.

It’s ideally located against the Sierra Mountain range, with 16 miles of glorious Mediterranean beaches at its feet. Marbella’s Golden Mile takes you to Puerto Banus, Here, you can put your feet up on a yacht, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, or trawl the old quarter for a taste of history.

This secure, safe destination is a peaceful haven for ex-pats looking to discover the true meaning of the term, Golden Years.

The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve boasts an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a top destination for both retirees and tourists. You’ll find the Portuguese people courteous and hospitable and the food is simply glorious, and healthy too.

Portugal is one of the world’s safest countries with an active, outgoing ex-pat community to share exciting activities with. There are dozens of golf courses to choose from on the Algarve, excellent opportunities to enjoy nature, and wonderful beaches to enjoy.

You’ll find no shortage of familiar shops, as well as markets peddling the best fresh produce, scattered across the Algarve.

Lake Chapala, Mexico

Ajijic is among the best retirement cities for Americans, with thousands of ex-pats living nearby. Lake Chapala has a thriving community of retirees and boasts a lifestyle that’s similar to the American way of doing things. 

This city is safe, exotic, beautiful, extremely affordable, and welcoming to foreign residents. It has a well-developed, modern infrastructure with plenty of options for recreation. 

Lake Chapala boasts a theater, a casino, movie theaters, world-class healthcare nearby, and excellent restaurants. There’s always a community event of some sort on the go, and two golf courses to choose from. 

Make Your Golden Years Great 

When considering places to retire, healthcare and affordability are top considerations. Yet, you should also make sure you choose a destination that will keep you active and engaged for as long as possible.

You’ve worked hard all your life, now’s the time to live it up a little!