If you are looking for a perfect place to spend your long-awaited retirement years, then this list of most popular overseas retirement destinations for Americans may be helpful.
There are so many beautiful places on this planet that it is hard to choose only one country to live in. Many people will agree that monotony is one of the worst things most of us has to deal with. That’s why retired Americans like to change, not only a state, but the entire country. To sense another culture, listen to another language, feel the different spirit. To experience life.
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It is admiring to see older people wanting to try new things, to enjoy life still. It is very sad to see people just “waiting to die” after their working days are over. Drowned in the boundless circle called routine. If they only had the courage to take one leap, to jump from the circle, to break the routine in any way, to feel the rush once again, urge, passion, energy, I am sure they would never let themselves get caught in the sameness of everyday life.
If you are worried about money and thinking that you can’t afford to spend your retirement somewhere else, we have another list for you – cheapest places to retire abroad. But, still, moving overseas is not the only way to break the routine, just do something new that you’ve never done before – try some new food, a specialty from some exotic country, take tango dances, try painting, writing, learn to cook, to sue, anything you can think of. Dream. Let your imagination flow.
You can dream together with us as we go trough these amazing destinations that have attracted many people from all corners of the world, and especially from America. Let us inspire you with the breathtaking images in this slideshow below.
In order to find most popular overseas retirement destinations for Americans, we’ve used Bloomberg’s report in which are listed countries that had the most social security payments to retired Americans. According to this report, more and more people from the US, retire somewhere abroad every year. Let’s see where – let the magic begin!
30. Chile
We start our list with a beautiful country named Chile, which, according to one theory means “where the land ends”. Here, “at the end of the Earth”, you can see a plethora of incredible sights from the driest desert in the world, to the biggest swimming pool in the world.
29. India
If your main intention is to experience a completely different culture, then beauties of India may be the right choice for you.
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28. Panama
Here, and only here in Panama, you can enjoy the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. If this is not enough to attract you to retire in Panama, maybe some of these facts will: in Panama a currency is the dollar, Panamanians are known as being very friendly to Americans, living in Panama is not expensive.
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27. Austria
Why should you move to Austria? Because of Vienna. Yes, the answer is that simple. “The city of music”, also known as “the city of dreams” has inspired many great musicians, like Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, to name a few. Who knows, maybe life in Vienna will inspire you for some great achievements.
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26. Argentina
If you have always dreamed of learning tango, then moving to Argentina will help you make that dream come true. The best tango dancers and tango teachers are here. While learning how to dance tango, don’t miss all these best places to visit in Argentina before you die.
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25. Ecuador
In the 25th place on this list of most popular overseas retirement destinations for Americans, we have Ecuador. Alongside beautiful sights, this country is also known for producing the best cocoa in the world.
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24. South Korea
If you’re thinking of moving to South Korea, be sure to check out how people there look at the people with your blood type. Yes, blood type in South Korea is very important, and they think it defines your personality. This was just to show you how different and interesting culture South Koreans have. If you are looking something like this, something completely distinctive than you’ve got used to in America, then South Korea is where you should go.
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23. Colombia
If you are looking for a country that has amazing nature, great climate, fantastic and affordable healthcare, and overall cheap costs of living then search no more. Purchase your ticket to Colombia right away!
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22. Thailand
Thailand! A destination that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, with Bangkok, its capital, being the most visited city in the world. Thailand is definitely a destination worth exploring more if you wish to spend your retirement years the best way possible.
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21. Costa Rica
Small, beautiful country, with low cost of living, warm climate, many volcanoes, fantastic biodiversity… You retirement years can be anything but boring in Costa Rica.
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20. Netherlands
Land of bikes, windmills, and tulips – the Netherlands. This is a very vibrant country, fantastic for people of free spirit and for those who love cycling. If you are still fool of energy in your retirement days, consider the Netherlands as your retirement destination.
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19. Sweden
One of the countries with the highest standard of living, Sweden is also among the happiest countries in the world. What more is needed to attract you to one country than – happiness?
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18. Norway
Another Scandinavian country, also known for its fantastic standard of living and quality of life, but also for breathtaking landscapes, as represented by this image below.
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17. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is known for being friendly to foreign retirees, costs of living here are more than acceptable, and white sand beaches with palm trees speak for themselves.
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16. Switzerland
As you all know Switzerland is at the top of the list of countries with the highest standard of living. If your finances are sufficient to allow you to settle down comfortably in Switzerland, think no more. You’ve found a perfect place.
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15. Ireland
If you love beer, Ireland is the place where to move. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other things to do and see here.
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14. Israel
Many Americans with Jewish background feel the need to move or just visit Israel. But, you don’t have to be Jewish, or very religious, to enjoy the beauties and monuments in this country.
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13. Spain
Ah, the country of passion, fire, flamenco – the land of life. If you really urge for moving to a country that will excite you, inspire you, offer you everything from beautiful beaches and warm sea to the world-known cultural attractions and monuments, then this is your ideal destination. If you are looking more of a quite and peaceful place, skip Spain.
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12. Portugal
The land of fado music, art, and colors. Vibrant. Unique. Magical.
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11. Australia
Americans often pick Australia for their retirement destination, not only for its beauty, but also because of the language. Some people don’t like a big change, and the accent is the only thing they can tolerate. Kidding aside, Australia really has a lot to offer to its residents, especially to nature lovers, since most of its flora and fauna can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
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10. France
All you need to do to follow in love with this magnificent country is to visit it only once. OK, French people don’t like to speak English, but you will pretty soon forget that as you explore all the nature wonders this country is offering, and try some of its tasty cheese and exquisite wine.
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9. Greece
Think about for a moment how inspiring country Greece is, when all those great philosophical minds lived here and left us many words of wisdom in legacy. It all began here, in Greece. Medicine, mathematics, art. The question remains – where would this world be if it weren’t for the Greeks?
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8. Poland
Low cost of living and closeness to other great European destinations are the first two things that can intrigue you to move to Poland. But later own, you’ll surely fall in love with the country itself.
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7. Philippines
According to the Wall Street Journal, Philippines is one of the best places to retire in the world. They say that a picture is worth thousands of words; let this image below speak about the wonders of the Philippines.
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6. Italy
Who can resist the charms of Italy? Country of Renaissance, art, spirit, perfection. Italy just has it all – nature and culture. Amazingly big cities for culture lovers, and breathtaking mountains for those more nature-oriented. Whatever you are thirsty for in your retirement days, chances are you will find it in Italy
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5. United Kingdom
The fifth most popular overseas retirement destination for Americans is the United Kingdom. Maybe because of the language, maybe because of the culture, or maybe just due to the love for football.
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4. Germany
If you like everything perfect, every corner of the street clean, every loan equally cut, grass to be green and sky to be blue, if you like people who know how to drive and really respect the signs and regulations; if you like discipline and order, then you’ve found your future retirement destinations. Don’t worry, with an amazing standard of living, cultural sights and breathtaking nature, German is not that cold as it may seem at first.
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3. Mexico
People who have already moved to Mexico to spend their retirement years say that Mexicans are very friendly, that costs of living are very affordable here and that the healthcare is much better than in the US.
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2. Japan
Maybe those who move to Japan after they are retired, hope to live longer since Japanese people are known for long life expectancy – an amazing 84 years. Kidding aside, Japan really has an intriguing and unique culture.
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1. Canada
And, the most popular retirement destination for Americans is neighboring Canada. Surprised? Probably not. There are not that many and drastic cultural differences between America and Canada, and most of the Canadians speak English. For those who don’t like to move too far, this country is a good choice. In addition – it has breathtaking scenery.
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