Where would you retire?

[Mexico Resident]

I’ve already raised this question before. Saying latin america (or mexico) is corrupt and dangerous is a little bit like saying the USA is clean and safe. Both would not be accurate. One thing you are missing in Panama (I believe for sure in the large cities) is the large population of indiginous peoples who speak pre-columbian languages. I continue to be fascinated by it. It’s a place with a lot of soul.

[The-Shoveler]

Nor_LA-Temcu-SD-Guy

Don’t know if I would buy a place south of the border (anyplace south of the border). But I may rent for awhile, try a few different locals.

SomePlace with a beach in walking distance and the ability to fish for dinner (I am a simple guy).

[aguho]

We already own a beautiful house(no mtg.) in Metro Manila, Philippines. I love The Philippines and it’s also where my wife’s family is based.Our house here in Chula Vista will be paid off in less than 5 years. When this part of the real estate cycle bottoms out in 5 years or so, we will be looking to buy a house in Dana Point, Newport Beach, or San Clemente. Ultimately, our plan is to divide our time between Metro Manila and coastal Orange County. The best of both worlds !!!

aguho
88 SNDVL

[Anonymous]

Helsinki, Finland

Why?

1) Its a safe, clean, progessive and functional country.
2) Excellent social system.
3) Excellent medical system.
4) Low property and real estate costs.
5) No property taxes.
6) Because its getting warmer in the lower latitudes.

[Diego Mamani]

Dangerous?

The statement is not supported by the data given in your post. People migrate mostly because of the wage differential. In fact, a study done on L.A.-area immigrants found out that a sizeable percentage of migrants plan to return to their home countries once they have saved enough.

[Andrast]

Why would you want to live out of the states? I know different areas of the world are cheaper, but I feel this is the best country in the world. I have not travelled everywhere, but have been to many places. I would not trade the USA for anywhere.

San Diego is my choice for retirement locale. The wheather is just too good here.

[surveyor]

philippines

We already own a beautiful house(no mtg.) in Metro Manila, Philippines. I love The Philippines and it’s also where my wife’s family is based.

The Philippines is absurdly cheap and you can live like a rock star there on a social security stipend, but i’ve heard too many horror stories about philippines to really want to retire there.

Besides the idea of having every relative my wife or I could possibly be related to in a line outside my door asking for a handout, the ability and frequency of my relatives or any other person there willing to screw me over is just too much.

[PerryChase]

Interesting that the Philippines was an American colony and is modeled on American democracy. It’s a country incredibly rich in natural resources but corruption has taken it down the tube. After WWII it was the richest and best educated country in Asia. In the mean time, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore have become rich countries while the PI stagnated. Even Thailand, Malaysia, Communist China and Communist Vietnam are surpasing the PI in terms of growth and development.

The PI has incredible natural beauty and warm weather. I can see the attraction to move there, if you know how to deal with the downside.

[InCarmelValley]

I know some Americans retire in Philipines or Thailand and are pretty happy.

For me, China. I purchased a condo there a year ago for my retirement.

[little lady]

I know and have heard stories about how cheap it is in the Phillipines to live, everyone has a maid and you can live on your retirement and all. If it is so great, why do SO many Phillipino’s move to America?

[Diego Mamani]

Little lady: the PI is an OK place to live only if you have money. Most local/native people have no money, low skills, and jobs are very scarce. That’s why they move to the US, for the jobs and the higher wages.

On the other hand, if you already have money, then the PI is desirable for its low costs, cheap labor (think maids, gardeners, etc.), and warm weather. Of course, poverty and corruption result in a number of problems that any prospective expatriate should consider along with the positives.

[Diego Mamani]

(Duplicate post)

[PerryChase]

InCarmelValley, are you Chinese American retiring in China or a non-ethnic Chinese retiring in China? I was just curious if China is attracting non ethnic Chinese retirees.

I’m not Chinese but I love exploring China. It’s a fascinating country full of diversity and history and not at all how we perceive it in the West. One of my Chinese friend’s parents sold their house in LA and moved to Beijing where their son is working.

[little lady]

“On the other hand, if you already have money, then the PI is desirable for its low costs, cheap labor (think maids, gardeners, etc.), and warm weather. Of course, poverty and corruption result in a number of problems that any prospective expatriate should consider along with the positives.”

My point exactly, it isn’t so great. Infact, it seems down right scarey. Plus living off the backs of the impoverished seems evil, and that you would likely be singled out for being a greedy, rich American.

Though I am sure it is lush and green, the beaches and more rural parts a tropical paradise.

[little lady]

duplicate post

[Author]

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