Most Desirable Places To Retire To

The retirement years allow many people the chance to do something different in life. With the kids out of the house and their careers winding down, retirement means doing something for oneself.

Often, that means moving to a place that better suits their lifestyle and budget. Sometimes, it even means finding a place where there are opportunities for light, part-time work, good medical care, and plenty of things to do.

Deciding where to spend one’s retirement years is never as simple as it seems. With so many Baby Boomers moving into their golden years, retirement communities are popping up all over the world. With so many options, it might be worth figuring out one’s retirement plan before one actually retires. After all, there are a number of factors to consider, which don’t necessarily apply to everyone. Here are some great places to consider.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

When it comes to retiring, most people don’t immediately think about Michigan, but it is a beautiful state with lots of retirement communities. Kalamazoo is situated in the southwestern part of the state. It is particularly noted for being the home of the Western Michigan University and a liberal arts school called Kalamazoo College. The city’s other claim to fame is that the famous Gibson guitars were originally made there. It is also now an important part of the craft beer movement in the US. The area experiences long hot summers and some snowfall in the winter months.

Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the US and has a growing retired population. Its capital, Raleigh, is a fast-growing city in the center of the state and has made many “best of” lists in recent years. The temperate weather and prospering economy welcomes retirees looking for mild winters and the possibility for an encore career. However, because it is an urban area with a number of young families, it is best suited for retirees that are young at heart.

Coronado, Panama

The US isn’t the only great place to retire – many people have decided to spend their golden years in South America. Catering to foreign retirees like no other country, day-to-day living in Coronado, Panama is affordable and relaxing. In fact, Panama boasts one of the most generous tax incentive programs for retirees. Plus, the US dollar is used in Panama, so there’s no need to deal with exchange rates for US retirees. 

Languedoc, France

Not everyone wants to spend their retirement in the tropics or a developing nation, so why not consider Europe? Old World living with a new twist is a realistic goal for retirement in Languedoc, France. Rich with food, wine, culture, history, and architecture, this is one of the most colorful and eclectic areas in France. Furthermore, it’s affordable! 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Retirees that want to experience something totally different might consider Thailand, which also happens to be one of the least expensive places on the planet to live well. Chiang Mai, about 450 miles north of Bangkok, is situated in a fertile river valley surrounded by mountains. The temperate climate, rich culture and history, and easy access to excellent healthcare are appealing to many retirees.

Photo credit: chiang mai