If you would like to spend your golden years in Europe and discover its rich history and culture keep on reading because we bring you the best places to retire in Poland.
As one would expect from such a large country, Poland has plenty to show. Baltic Sea coast, Tatra Mountains, and Masurian Lake District, containing more than 2000 lakes, are only some of the more popular locations among tourists. But what truly makes Poland unique is beyond its landscapes. A world-known Polish mathematician, Nicolaus Copernicus, became famous for claiming that all the planets of our system revolve around the Sun. In a very similar way, the majority of European history has been revolving around Poland. Ever since its creation in the 10th century, this country has served as a bridge between the west and the east. In times of peace, that made them a trading hub. In times of war, however – a battlefield.
Mark_and_Anna_Wilson/Shutterstock.com
Having walked such a difficult road, Poland we know today is first and foremost a land of history and culture, and one like no other. It is a place where the west meets the east – a melting pot of cultures, customs, ideologies, and even mentalities. The dark ages that once had their hold over Europe may be gone, but the stories will forever remain, and many such can be heard in this proud country, often told through countless monuments, castles, fortified monasteries and other historical buildings. And it is, after all, a good story that makes tourism flourish.
Joining the European Union in 2004 made Poland more accessible for potential visitors, and soon their cities and the Baltic coast found their place among the most popular destinations in this part of Europe. However, retirees as well are showing more interest in this country by the year. One of the main reasons may be the prices. In short, Poland is cheap. As cheap as an EU country can be. Speaking of which, you can look into other affordable options in our list of the Cheapest places to retire abroad.
Foreigners who wish to continue their life in Poland will also discover that getting residence visa is not so complicated – one is only required to buy a home there and apply. Government-funded health insurance is also simple to obtain in such case. One of the drawbacks is the overall quality of healthcare, which is not on the level of Germany, Italy, or France, but still far from alarming.
For the purpose of this article we have looked into the details regarding not only healthcare, but also crime rate statistics and costs of living and real estate, consulting various sources including Numbeo, Inside Poland, and Foreigners in Poland, among others. We have focused on those places for which sufficient accurate data could be found, setting out the best among them. The final index for each city is calculated as the average score of all parameters, with bonus points being given for exceeding the national average or negative points for failing to meet those standards. For future reference, the national average healthcare index of Poland is 60.4, whereas crime rate index is 32.5.
Now, moving on to our list of the best places to retire in Poland
10. Wroclaw
Healthcare index: 55.5
Crime rate index: 45.1
Real-estate price: $166/sqft
Monthly food costs: $138
Total index: 50.2
Wroclaw is an ancient city, founded at the start of 10th century. Nowadays it is not only one of the main industrial and banking centers of Poland, but also European Capital of Culture for 2016. It features magnificent historic city center, beautiful architecture, picturesque islands, and is praised for the high quality of life and relaxed liberal culture.
9. Poznan
Healthcare index: 56.2
Crime rate index: 45.3
Real-estate price: $152/sqft
Monthly food costs: $145
Total index: 50.5
Next in line on our list of best places to retire in Poland is Poznan which lies on river Warta, in west-central Poland. It is one of the oldest and largest Polish cities, nationally famous for Renaissancesance city center and Ostrow Tumski Cathedral. It is also home to several theaters, museums, art galleries, and numerous historical monuments, giving one plenty to learn and discover.
8. Katowice
Healthcare index: 50.9
Crime rate index: 58
Real-estate price: $105/sqft
Monthly food costs: $130
Total index: 51.5
Up next on our list of best places to retire in Poland is Katowice, which started off as a small German settlement and was incorporated into Polish territory after the World War II. This working-class city has been rapidly developing over the past few years, gaining more cultural and economic significance. It hosts the largest cathedral in Poland, and several museums including the Historical Museum of Katowice which is one of the best in the country.
7. Warsaw
Healthcare index: 60.5
Crime rate index: 30.3
Real-estate price: $245/sqft
Monthly food costs: $141
Total index: 55.1
There is no better place than Warsaw, the capital of Poland, to discover the history of this country. Merely a glimpse at this city’s varied architecture is enough to tell the story of its long and turbulent history. Many times ruined and many times rebuilt, Warsaw is now a modern, dynamic, and comfortable place, bravely walking forward.
In Green/Shutterstock.com
6. Krakow
Healthcare index: 63.4
Crime rate index: 36.9
Real-estate price: $212/sqft
Monthly food costs: $136
Total index: 58.3
Much like Warsaw, Krakow is not among the cheapest places to live. However, it offers good quality of life for the price, and what’s equally important – it is magnificent. Medieval markets, imposing spires, numberless monuments, and a breathtaking castle overlooking a river are some of the attractions this city offers, several of which belong to UNESCO World Heritage List. More than enough to make Krakow one of the best places to retire in Poland.
5. Lublin
Healthcare index: 51.8
Crime rate index: 28.2
Real-estate price: $131/sqft
Monthly food costs: $121
Total index: 61.8
We are continuing our list of best places to retire in Poland with Lublin, which is known for being very international and multi-cultural, making it a warm, welcoming place for any foreigner. It is a city of art and culture that has endured much, and many medieval buildings and monuments can testify of its journey through the ages. Nowadays the city is famous for various festivals, museums, theaters, and the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University Botanical Gardens with over 6000 different species of plants.
4. Gdansk
Healthcare index: 64.7
Crime rate index: 27.7
Real-estate price: $186/sqft
Monthly food costs: $134
Total index: 63.5
Home to different cultures and ethnical groups, Gdansk which ranks 4th on our list of best places to retire in Poland is filled with the air of tolerance and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Polish cities. This Baltic port is lovely to behold, with its well-preserved 14th-century architecture in the form of churches, fountains, and monuments. Gdansk is also the birthplace of the first Independent Trade Union “Solidarity”, triggering series of events that led to the downfall of the communist regime in Europe.
3. Szczecin
Healthcare index: 67.5
Crime rate index: 35
Real-estate price: $109/sqft
Monthly food costs: $135
Total index: 71.2
We are continuing our list of best places to retire in Poland with Szczecin, which is an ideal place for those who like to stay active. The city itself is filled with history, and one can learn much here about World War II and the Cold War. But what really makes it great are the surroundings. Apart from Odra river, several miles away from the city center, one can visit Bukowe Hills and admire the untamed beauty of the wilds. Another great option is Gubalowka ski resort, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
2. Lodz
Healthcare index: 64.8
Crime rate index: 30.7
Real-estate price: $105/sqft
Monthly food costs: $127
Total index: 72
Once known as a textile industry empire, Lodz, the number two on our list of best places to retire in Poland, has grown out of its industrial character. It is now a modern, dynamic, and fast-growing city, attracting people with low prices and good life standard. Lodz is one of the centers for design, fashion, film, and other forms of art in Poland. It is ideal for those who love nature as it hosts over 30 parks as well as Lagiewniki – the largest urban forest in Europe.
1. Bialystok
Healthcare index: 61
Crime rate index: 18.8
Real-estate price: $120/sqft
Monthly food costs: $130
Total index: 75.1
Often overlooked, this small city in north-eastern Poland has caught our attention. It is the safest city in the country and quite affordable to begin with. Bialystok is home to diverse nations, cultures, and traditions, making it a colorful and interesting place to explore. Named after Biala River and surrounded by Bialowieza Primeval Forest, it offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Coupled with a friendly atmosphere and affordable prices, all of this pushes Bialystok to the top of our list of the best places to retire in Poland.
