OT – Where would you live if not in USA?

[Jazzman]

France is undoubtedly the best country in the world to live for its sheer beauty, variety, and life style. Home prices still represent unbelievable value in many parts of the country. Montecito/Rancho Santa Fe mansions for a fraction of the price, and they are the real thing, often surrounded by beautiful medieval towns and villages. The downside is tax and making a living. Wealth tax is possibly going to be abolished, which may bring back some richer nationals. The health care of course speaks for itself. Italy comes in a close second to France for culture and life style.

The UK has a climate that will deter many. Though not extreme, it can be depressing. It is Europe-lite, and offers a palatable alternative to the US, especially since language is not a barrier. The food now is actually very good, and London is far more varied, and international that LA. You won’t find burgers, and sandwiches on every menu there. Tax is favorable, and health care very good.

Most of Europe offers a very rich life style, but many Californians will relate better to Australia or possibly South Africa, the latter still having some security drawbacks, but better real estate values.

Thailand is over-run with cheap, tacky (sex) tourism and there are limitations on home ownership. Malaysia offers a better opportunity with it’s second home-ownership program, but is hot and humid. Panama is a favorite of expats for its developed banking and infrastructure, and doesn’t suffer the security malaise of Mexico or Costa Rica. Belize offer a retirement program. Dubai has tax advantages, but was developed quickly and around real estate, so is probably boring. Chile is a favorite, is Anglo Saxon friendly, is stable and has a strong economy. They say live in Chile, but have fun in Argentina.

First step is always residency visas. As for me, I’m 95% certain to leave CA, and will be heading to Maui and France. Doesn’t get better than that.

[Huckleberry]

Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/

[Huckleberry]

Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/

[Huckleberry]

Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/

[Huckleberry]

Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/

[Huckleberry]

Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/

[meadandale]

[quote=briansd1]I vote for:

1) France …[/quote]

I find it pretty funny that I opened this thread thinking “If Brian responded I bet he picked France.” You are as predictable as the sunrise.

[meadandale]

[quote=briansd1]I vote for:

1) France …[/quote]

I find it pretty funny that I opened this thread thinking “If Brian responded I bet he picked France.” You are as predictable as the sunrise.

[meadandale]

[quote=briansd1]I vote for:

1) France …[/quote]

I find it pretty funny that I opened this thread thinking “If Brian responded I bet he picked France.” You are as predictable as the sunrise.

[meadandale]

[quote=briansd1]I vote for:

1) France …[/quote]

I find it pretty funny that I opened this thread thinking “If Brian responded I bet he picked France.” You are as predictable as the sunrise.

[meadandale]

[quote=briansd1]I vote for:

1) France …[/quote]

I find it pretty funny that I opened this thread thinking “If Brian responded I bet he picked France.” You are as predictable as the sunrise.

[UCGal]

[quote=Huckleberry]Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/%5B/quote%5D

I’ve seriously looked at Costa Rica. Advantages: They allow legal residency with a fairly low asset level. (500k IIRC).
They are a democracy with freedoms we take for granted (speech, property rights, etc.)
They are non-militaristic – no army.

disadvantages – I’d need to learn spanish (not a deal breaker). The places I’d want to live (Pacific side) are more expensive and further from the main airport.

Other countries (new zealand, australia to name two) you have to either have sought after skills of serious $$. Australia was particularly difficult if you were above a certain age – even if you career/skillset was on their list.

Argentina has some great architecture.

[UCGal]

[quote=Huckleberry]Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/%5B/quote%5D

I’ve seriously looked at Costa Rica. Advantages: They allow legal residency with a fairly low asset level. (500k IIRC).
They are a democracy with freedoms we take for granted (speech, property rights, etc.)
They are non-militaristic – no army.

disadvantages – I’d need to learn spanish (not a deal breaker). The places I’d want to live (Pacific side) are more expensive and further from the main airport.

Other countries (new zealand, australia to name two) you have to either have sought after skills of serious $$. Australia was particularly difficult if you were above a certain age – even if you career/skillset was on their list.

Argentina has some great architecture.

[UCGal]

[quote=Huckleberry]Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/%5B/quote%5D

I’ve seriously looked at Costa Rica. Advantages: They allow legal residency with a fairly low asset level. (500k IIRC).
They are a democracy with freedoms we take for granted (speech, property rights, etc.)
They are non-militaristic – no army.

disadvantages – I’d need to learn spanish (not a deal breaker). The places I’d want to live (Pacific side) are more expensive and further from the main airport.

Other countries (new zealand, australia to name two) you have to either have sought after skills of serious $$. Australia was particularly difficult if you were above a certain age – even if you career/skillset was on their list.

Argentina has some great architecture.

[UCGal]

[quote=Huckleberry]Came across this AARP article that was recently published.

It states Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica and France as the top 4 places to retire abroad.

What are Piggs thoughts? Are the opinions and assessments correct?

Has anyone lived in any of these places?

What are some of the other tropical/Caribbean places that would compare to these, with fairly ideal standards of living?

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/best_places_to_retire_abroad/%5B/quote%5D

I’ve seriously looked at Costa Rica. Advantages: They allow legal residency with a fairly low asset level. (500k IIRC).
They are a democracy with freedoms we take for granted (speech, property rights, etc.)
They are non-militaristic – no army.

disadvantages – I’d need to learn spanish (not a deal breaker). The places I’d want to live (Pacific side) are more expensive and further from the main airport.

Other countries (new zealand, australia to name two) you have to either have sought after skills of serious $$. Australia was particularly difficult if you were above a certain age – even if you career/skillset was on their list.

Argentina has some great architecture.

[Author]

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