retirement spots

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Since so many from different areas and well traveled people here thought it might be intersting to get views on what their top retirement haven would be outside U.S. and why.
On the why--think it would be beneficial to note maybe- cost of living/housing-taxes-ect--also list drawbacks if any.

 

[redsfann]

One word for you, DTB...

BELIZE!!

1. Land is dirt-cheap--although has been rising lately; my brother and I are starting to get serious about buying 5-10 acres soon.
2. Stable government--has been independent now for 20 years and has 3rd strongest economy in Central America behind Costa Rica and Panama
3. No Language barriers. English is the official language as Belize is a former English colony. There are Spanish speakers and other Mayan dialects spoken, but everyone speaks English as well.
4. A large, established ex-pat community. Many Americans and Canadians have decided to make Belize their homes.
5. Weather is nice all year long; however hurricanes are a threat. Most of the ex-pats live inland in and around a town called St Ignacio, where it would have to be the storm of a century to cause any damage.

Drawbacks:

While Belize might be the 3rd best economy in Central America, its still a very poor and rural place. If you had any type of major health emergency, you would probably have to travel to Mexico or the states for the proper treatment.
While Belize has enjoyed a stable economy/government for many years, the neighboring countries of Guatamala and Honduras haven't been so lucky. Near the border with Guatamala there have been minor problems with rebels robbing people on the highway.

 

[danmurphy jr]

Do they have an Arby's there and if so, can I drive there?

 

[IntenseOperator]

Do they have an Arby's there and if so, can I drive there?

:mj07:

Mr Murphy throwing down some rare humor

 

[blgstocks]

One word for you, DTB...

BELIZE!!

1. Land is dirt-cheap--although has been rising lately; my brother and I are starting to get serious about buying 5-10 acres soon.
2. Stable government--has been independent now for 20 years and has 3rd strongest economy in Central America behind Costa Rica and Panama
3. No Language barriers. English is the official language as Belize is a former English colony. There are Spanish speakers and other Mayan dialects spoken, but everyone speaks English as well.
4. A large, established ex-pat community. Many Americans and Canadians have decided to make Belize their homes.
5. Weather is nice all year long; however hurricanes are a threat. Most of the ex-pats live inland in and around a town called St Ignacio, where it would have to be the storm of a century to cause any damage.

Drawbacks:

While Belize might be the 3rd best economy in Central America, its still a very poor and rural place. If you had any type of major health emergency, you would probably have to travel to Mexico or the states for the proper treatment.
While Belize has enjoyed a stable economy/government for many years, the neighboring countries of Guatamala and Honduras haven't been so lucky. Near the border with Guatamala there have been minor problems with rebels robbing people on the highway.

Beat me to the punch Redsfann, for the money and my preferences, from what I have read, Belize is great for Americans with familiar tax laws/language yet dirt cheap and very exotic
http://www.tranquilitycaye.com/ check these guys out, very good info about Belize, super nice people too.

 

[THE KOD]

I was thinking more like South Beach.

Sleep under a pier and lay in the sun all day.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Quite intersting Redsfann--Thank you

English speaking is a biggie.

Have always liked island of Hainan in south China Sea--but language barrier is turn off--have experience not being able to communicate for week or more and it wears on you.However of late China has made english mandatory in schools as 2nd language in most provinces.

This island lies on same latitude as Hawaii. Absolutley georgeous--real estate dirt cheap for now and pay property tax once at time of buying.
Cost of living--very low--could live like king for under $1000 USD and month. Don't need vehicle as can get cab for entire day for bout $8.

downfalls --communications and hurricane which they refer to as typhoons.

Have heard Costa Rica has several good points.

 

[THE KOD]

English speaking is a biggie.

.................................................

Dogs

Forget South Beach then.

 

[redsfann]

blgstocks-

Have you visited Belize? I have been twice and can't wait to go back--hell, can't wait for retirement to plant my a#$ down there and never come back! :mj07:

The cayes are off the coast near Belize City (the only international airport in the tiny country) and they run north towards the Mexican border. Much of the real estate on the coast north of Belize City is already quite expensive, as its not too far to drive to Northern Belize from Cancun, Mexico. Many Americans and Canadians have found Southern Mexico to be too crowded for them and have migrated a bit farther South to Belize. You could easily spend a million or more for a compound on the water in these areas of Belize.
Haven't done as much leg-work on what the Belizian government requires for residency, but I did see where you only need to have 1000 US dollars a month transfered to an account in Belize to meet their 'net worth' requirements. You also only have to be 45 years old--I'm 42, so I've got 2.5 years to talk the little lady into ditching it all and move to Belize...
After getting a house built and buying a small, beat up car for transportation, you could probably live like a king on 25 dollars a day....
One more thing, the exchange rate is set at 1 USD = 2 Belizian dollars and wherever you are they will gladly take your greenbacks...

 

[Chadman]

Dogs, don't profess to know much about Costa Rica other than our weeklong trip there this spring. Quick impressions:

English spoken most everywhere. The people there take very good care of their homes and land, and themselves. I was extremely impressed with the way people dressed and presented themselves in public. This was the case throughout our travels there, and we hit three different areas of the country.

The government is pretty stable, and they have a government sponsored medical setup and the care is pretty good, from what I was told. Seemed to be a very welcoming and peaceful country, although travel around the country was absolutely horrible due to the roads in many areas. I heard that crime around San Jose is bad, but there is much to appreciate there, as well.

Some beautiful areas, and land is being bought up by people from many countries.

I would say it sounds like a possibility that could be explored and enjoyed, but again, I only know from asking a lot of questions of people when I was there.

 

[blgstocks]

blgstocks-

Have you visited Belize? I have been twice and can't wait to go back--hell, can't wait for retirement to plant my a#$ down there and never come back! :mj07:

The cayes are off the coast near Belize City (the only international airport in the tiny country) and they run north towards the Mexican border. Much of the real estate on the coast north of Belize City is already quite expensive, as its not too far to drive to Northern Belize from Cancun, Mexico. Many Americans and Canadians have found Southern Mexico to be too crowded for them and have migrated a bit farther South to Belize. You could easily spend a million or more for a compound on the water in these areas of Belize.
Haven't done as much leg-work on what the Belizian government requires for residency, but I did see where you only need to have 1000 US dollars a month transfered to an account in Belize to meet their 'net worth' requirements. You also only have to be 45 years old--I'm 42, so I've got 2.5 years to talk the little lady into ditching it all and move to Belize...
After getting a house built and buying a small, beat up car for transportation, you could probably live like a king on 25 dollars a day....
One more thing, the exchange rate is set at 1 USD = 2 Belizian dollars and wherever you are they will gladly take your greenbacks...

Reddsfan - unfortunately i have never been to belize but rank it up there very hgihly on places to visit next. From talking to the owners of that island they said that their land has gone up so much(i forget but i think it was over 100%) since they first bought it, and i would imagine the prices will keep going up. If you would, email those guys on the site for any info on Belize, they sell real esate in Belize as well as in California, so they are pretty knowledgeable on the subject.

The reason why I found Belize is I research islands. Mostly just small private islands from around the world that are for sale. I knew quite a bit about about Belize investing climate before talking to tranquility's owners as well. I find foriegn real estate very interesting, especially the opportunities it presents with tax shelters, diversification, and culture - among many other wealths.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Thanks Chad--Have accountant that echos your sentiments.

I'll have to scratch Belize--

"Although Belize isn't especially known for its golf courses, vacationers can still hit the greens while visiting this beautiful little tropical paradise. The only 18-hole golf course that you'll find in Belize isn't located on the country's mainland, but on one of the tiny islets just off shore. "

--and $200 to play a round :scared

 

[blgstocks]

DTB look into Panama

I think they have a couple golf courses and similiar tax situation as Belize, and I am pretty sure English is the #1 spoken or at least spoken by the majority there.