WHERE TO RETIRE & LIVE...BEST CHOICE???

[RodandStaff]

I've been researching Costa Rica...Looks fabulous and it is on my bucket list to vacation there with the intent of possibly moving there

Been thinking of CR myself. They use the USD, many speak english, it is a nature lovers paradise... yup... wouldn't mind the warmer weather either! I don't think I would wanna live there full time though... I would miss my friends too much!

GO RV Already Baby!!!

[TPSprayduster]

Antayla, Turkey close to the beach all four season no snow though.

[umbertino]

I've been researching Costa Rica...Looks fabulous and it is on my bucket list to vacation there with the intent of possibly moving there

I have heard it's indeed fabulous... Lots of natural Parks ( Eco-Parks, bio-diversity, etc.) and you have the choice of 2 Oceans.

Spain is beautiful! My family is from Spain. Mother side, southern Spain (Malaganian). She was born there. Dad's side from the Pyrenees (Isaba). He's Basque. Been there a few times. Great food, Great people and beautiful landscape.

Really? That's wonderful, Dogmatic......Yes the Country is awesome indeed... Been there a few times but never in Basque land yet..... Visited the South , Andalucia a few times instead (Malaga Sevilla and Cordoba but missed beautiful Granada)... I love it all... And in the North... Barcelona ( incredible city) and Valencia and Zaragoza....All great places.

And of course La Capital , Madrid.

Note: Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas.

Edited December 12, 2011 by umbertino

[Luigi1]

Belize & Panama are retiree friendly & offer tax free living for US retirees. You can ship one new car, one time only tax free. Same with furniture & personal belongings.

Good restaurants, hospitals, shopping, night life & housing makes both places attactive as well as cheap cost of living if you avoid beachf ront property & tourist locations. The official language is English in Belize, former British Hondoras. It is still British influenced to this day. Nice scuba diving, beaches & mountain living if you are the outdoor type. Climate is tropical to cool as the elevation increases. No four seasons are the only downsides. Same time zone, no jet lag. Vacation there then look around before you decide. It's not for everyone. Worth looking in to.

[umbertino]

All great travel and stay selections... Friendly advice... Try to stay out of Honduras... It's getting more and more filled with Mexican Drug Lords and Gangs and its homicide rate is going through the roof....Right now it's one of the , I think, first 5 places in the world with highest murder rate ( compared to number of inhabitants)

Edited December 12, 2011 by umbertino

[Dogmatic1]

I have heard it's indeed fabulous... Lots of natural Parks ( Eco-Parks, bio-diversity, etc.) and you have the choice of 2 Oceans.

Really? That's wonderful, Dogmatic......Yes the Country is awesome indeed... Been there a few times but never in Basque land yet..... Visited the South , Andalucia a few times instead (Malaga Sevilla and Cordoba but missed beautiful Granada)... I love it all... And in the North... Barcelona ( incredible city) and Valencia and Zaragoza....All great places.

And of course La Capital , Madrid.

Note: Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas.

I knew about Pablo Picasso, but Antonio Banderas? He's a nice looking man...but a sell-out! I don't respect him, much But, I always wondered where he was from, his accent is Spanish...alot of "th's" ...if you know what I mean. The Spaniards, speak alot faster (at least in their native tongue).

Yes! Granada is beautiful and the palace Alhambra is quite amazing! I also liked Torremolinos, when I was there, many years ago, it reminded me of Greece. White homes, cobblestone roads, and donkeys! heehee! I don't remember the Basque country, I went when I was very young (sometime in the 60's-yikes, dating myself...there!). I could kick myself, though! I had a great opportunity to go back for a huge family reunion in August and couldn't go due to some unfortunate personal issues, I was experiencing at the time. I wish I had gone...probably, would of stayed there and took on sheep shearing or raising Iberian pigs for a living!

[Dogmatic1]

New Zealand is really nice...but...very expensive! Everything must be flown in or travelled by ocean. Groceries, gas, clothing, cars...every single thing...does not get a pass! Extremely, expensive! Even basic things are expensive! And not to mention...you might run into Tiffany(awful small island to escape this tigress from!) and if you do, I hope you were in agreement with everything she said! Just kidding...Tiff!

[smee2]

Oh ... oh ... oh ... hold the presses!

I remember where I want to live, and how. It takes a while sometimes for old farts like me to process the question and come up with the right answer.

Anyone remember the television show "Airworlf" starring the cute sort of blond actor who looks like my brother? Well, no you wouldn't remember that part. But if you remember the show you remember the fellow. Vincent something or something St. Vincent? It will come to me when it is of absolutely no use.

He was a helicopter pilot and lived in a place where I would suppose everything had to be airlifted in. The landing pad was the water, or ice in the winter, off the end of a large wooden dock. Gee, maybe there was a landing area on the end of the large dock. The dock was in front of a large log home type of place ... and absolutely gorgeous. He had a hawk or an eagle that came and saluted him in the solitude of the place.

There was another place like it featured in the Sean Commery movie "Russia House?" I think that was the name, a movie he shared with what's her name, blond, nice smile and I think she does the voice for the mate of Shrek.

Can you see what it is like getting old and losing your mind? Everything becomes related to everything else and you just can't remember and for me anyway it is a journey through all the connecting bits to find the piece I want.

Michelle Pfeiffer ... I knew it would come to me. Yeah, she and Connery star in Russia House and there is a top level spy meeting in a place like the Airwolf place, big log cabin resort type of place, lots of brightness with lots of windows, but lots of solitude, limited access, peaceful living.

Many years ago, when the Airwolf show was on, I made the decision that if I ever got to whewre I could afford it, that was where I wanted to live. So, the hunt is now on. I wonder how hard it would be to find a place like that, or build one. *sigh*

Yup a project to take on. hahahahahaha

I know, why the ramble? Well, I am half way through a sleep session ... my sleeping not always being done at night, and have to use up a bit of the thought streaming process that happens in my head before I can get back to bed. I surely cannot be the only one who has to use up those thoughts before rest is possible again.

Well, maybe I am

thanks for being here ... *hysterical laughter* ... *scaring the cats behaviour* hahahahaha

smee2

New Zealand is really nice...but...very expensive! Everything must be flown in or travelled by ocean. Groceries, gas, clothing, cars...every single thing...does not get a pass! Extremely, expensive! Even basic things are expensive! And not to mention...you might run into Tiffany(awful small island to escape this tigress from!) and if you do, I hope you were in agreement with everything she said! Just kidding...Tiff!

Had a neighbour go to ... and return from of course ... New Zealand this past year. She times it so that she was there long enough for the autumn, winter and spring. According to her stories I had assumed that if there was anything there of reasonable price it would be lamb chops, raw wool, micro beer, and the scenery.

She wants to go back and as her daughter is going to be living there for a few years it is most likely that she will. I sort of envy Tiff her chance to live there

My husbands family, the part we hardly ever see or touch bases with, lives in Australia, the land of my father-in-law's birth. After a day of being with him I am talking with his accent and my mother-in-law is ready to turf me out of the house. Yes, I think if I ever get it into my head to actually work at overcoming the obstacles that exist for disable travelling, "down under" is one of the first places I would like to go.

[429]

Anyone remember the television show "Airworlf" starring the cute sort of blond actor who looks like my brother? Well, no you wouldn't remember that part. But if you remember the show you remember the fellow. Vincent something or something St. Vincent? It will come to me when it is of absolutely no use.

Jan Michael Vincent

[mcdinarut]

So where are you that's great all 4 seasons? And before anyone starts making crazy comments, I'm not asking for GPS coordinates!

I live by the lake in central Texas and I absolutely love it. I would stay exactly where I am forever but the summers are like living on the surface of the sun. This past summer was a record heat year and it was relentless!

Northern Utah. Higher mountain valley. Summers are warm, but not too hot-mid 90's is a HOT day. We are close to some beautiful lakes and enjoy boating. Winter- we get quite a bit of snow- but our temps aren't terrible. Usually above 0. We do a lot of snowmobiling. Fall- is gorgeous with the trees and the changing colors and mild temperatures are great for camping and 4-wheeling.

[gymrat76541]

Philippines!

Cheap cost of living. Hot & cold beautiful young ladies. Generally good weather.

[umbertino]

I knew about Pablo Picasso, but Antonio Banderas? He's a nice looking man...but a sell-out! I don't respect him, much But, I always wondered where he was from, his accent is Spanish...alot of "th's" ...if you know what I mean. The Spaniards, speak alot faster (at least in their native tongue).

Yes! Granada is beautiful and the palace Alhambra is quite amazing! I also liked Torremolinos, when I was there, many years ago, it reminded me of Greece. White homes, cobblestone roads, and donkeys! heehee! I don't remember the Basque country, I went when I was very young (sometime in the 60's-yikes, dating myself...there!). I could kick myself, though! I had a great opportunity to go back for a huge family reunion in August and couldn't go due to some unfortunate personal issues, I was experiencing at the time. I wish I had gone...probably, would of stayed there and took on sheep shearing or raising Iberian pigs for a living!

Yes .. Antonio is indeed Spanish and Malagueian......

I heard of Torremolinos....Near Malaga you have great sea resorts such as posh ( somehow) Marbella whose harbor is full of yachts and ( much less posh, I was there cos I could afford it) Estepona along with other seaside towns....

PS.. I hope the next time I go to be able to finally see Granada the Beautiful and the Alhambra of course.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olsrewWETRA

Philippines!

Cheap cost of living. Hot & cold beautiful young ladies. Generally good weather.

But they have lots of hurricanes and typhoons, no?

LOL...Hot and cold?

Edited December 12, 2011 by umbertino

[win1mich]

Newfoundland is a mysterious, beautiful place with the friendliest and most generous people you'll ever meet. Visited a couple of times; I miss the friends I made there. I'd love to own some property in the outport where my father's ancestors once lived, on Trinity Bay.

Virginia, the land of my mother, is also beautiful, especially near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Madison County would be my first choice, but Keswick horse country is another great place, but super-expensive.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is wild and remote, I'd like to buy a large tract of land with a trout stream up there. All kinds of wildlife.

Maybe southwest England, along the coast, which is another place of my ancestors, but I've never been there...so I'd have to check it out first!

[umbertino]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSIzl-k4VfE&feature=related

Havana, Cuba... Beautiful City... Great People.

Italian video about Cuba

Edited December 12, 2011 by umbertino

[Luigi1]

Philippines!

Cheap cost of living. Hot & cold beautiful young ladies. Generally good weather.

I concidered Baguio as a retirement destination. I have several buddies there. Many retired US military live there. Good restaurants, hospitals & entertainment. Waterfalls & mountains are everwhere, Less than one hr to the beach.The high altitude weather is mild to cool & cost of living depends all on your lifestyle. There are casinos & nightlife there & other distractions. I call it the Poor Man's Riviera. Money can slip through your hands quickly.

[umbertino]

Salvador, Brazil

Carnival in Salvador

[Dogmatic1]

Umbertino!

Thank you for the walk down memory lane! Marbella (Mar-vay-ya) is gorgeous! I've never been there. Spain is beautiful. I know that southern Spain, the weather is quite moderate. Similiar to that of California.

Hey, I saw an article of perhaps interest, to you. If this dinar thing doesn't go the way, that will benefit all of us, immensely, I found a back-up plan for you. See this;

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/12/italy-rich-cat-tommaso_n_1143022.html. Maybe, you should make friends with Tommaso the cat, or better yet, make friends with the nurse who is taking care of the cat , since Italy doesn't allow for animals to inherit the wealth of the rich!

Take a look at San Sebastian, Spain (seaside town and epicenter to the Basque Country). For those who like the thought of growing their own "weed", this may be a viable option for you! It is much colder, there! Mountains and ocean mixed into one! Enjoy! This was a great idea, Umbertino!

Salvador, Brazil

Carnival in Salvador

Wow! Beautiful!

Thank you!

[Dogmatic1]

Had a neighbour go to ... and return from of course ... New Zealand this past year. She times it so that she was there long enough for the autumn, winter and spring. According to her stories I had assumed that if there was anything there of reasonable price it would be lamb chops, raw wool, micro beer, and the scenery.

She wants to go back and as her daughter is going to be living there for a few years it is most likely that she will. I sort of envy Tiff her chance to live there

My husbands family, the part we hardly ever see or touch bases with, lives in Australia, the land of my father-in-law's birth. After a day of being with him I am talking with his accent and my mother-in-law is ready to turf me out of the house. Yes, I think if I ever get it into my head to actually work at overcoming the obstacles that exist for disable travelling, "down under" is one of the first places I would like to go.

Read more: http://dinarvets.com/forums/index.php?/topic/94933-where-to-retire-livebest-choice/page__st__20#ixzz1gLplG900

I don't know why, I'm having such difficulty-but this is the 3rd, time trying to respond to your post. I'll try this again!

Yes, you are correct, lamb and wool, etc., somewhat reasonable. There are lots of sheep on that island, just take a look at my photo gallery, I have proof! There is a wonderful fish Market in Auckland, too! But, alas seafood is never inexpensive, even if it's local. My sister lives in New Zealand. The island is rife of beauty and the water is clean and pristine. The Kiwi's must be very proud of their land, because they take very good care of the land. No trash, bottles, debris of any sort can be found on the ground (I'm sure in Auckland, they probably have a tougher time, keeping things picked up-it still looked clean, when I visited, though!).

I had to chuckle at the thought of you picking up an Aussie accent! I do that kind of thing, too! Just don't get stuck with people from Massachusets-that long"a", can drive a person batty, and you'll never say "chowder", again. You'll say "chow-dah" . As for Australia and New Zealand, albeit their neighbors, I think the two islands are vastly different. More desert in Australia whereas NZ is a bit more tropical.

As for your mental thing about traveling...get over it! You are too wonderful a person to let your disablility affect your life. I know it's easy for me to say, since I don't live in your shoes, but, you have one life to live - LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST!

[umbertino]

Umbertino!

Thank you for the walk down memory lane! Marbella (Mar-vay-ya) is gorgeous! I've never been there. Spain is beautiful. I know that southern Spain, the weather is quite moderate. Similiar to that of California.

Hey, I saw an article of perhaps interest, to you. If this dinar thing doesn't go the way, that will benefit all of us, immensely, I found a back-up plan for you. See this;

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/12/italy-rich-cat-tommaso_n_1143022.html. Maybe, you should make friends with Tommaso the cat, or better yet, make friends with the nurse who is taking care of the cat , since Italy doesn't allow for animals to inherit the wealth of the rich!

Take a look at San Sebastian, Spain (seaside town and epicenter to the Basque Country). For those who like the thought of growing their own "weed", this may be a viable option for you! It is much colder, there! Mountains and ocean mixed into one! Enjoy! This was a great idea, Umbertino!

Wow! Beautiful!

Thank you!

Thank you my Friend... Will check everything.

[Caye98]

Belize & Panama are retiree friendly & offer tax free living for US retirees. You can ship one new car, one time only tax free. Same with furniture & personal belongings.

Good restaurants, hospitals, shopping, night life & housing makes both places attactive as well as cheap cost of living if you avoid beach front property & tourist locations. The official language is English in Belize, former British Hondoras. It is still British influenced to this day. Nice scuba diving, beaches & mountain living if you are the outdoor type. Climate is tropical to cool as the elevation increases. No four seasons are the only downsides. Same time zone, no jet lag. Vacation there then look around before you decide. It's not for everyone. Worth looking in to.

I agree about Belize...custom built oceanfront home for under $150K. I will have oceanfront, a beautiful view, dock and boat, golf cart (preferred island transportation), and small uncomfortable guest room/cabana for company!

Great year-round climate. "No four seasons are the only downsides" ??? I can fly to snow if I ever miss it, and travel a lot.

A couple can live well on $20K year, though $25K a year required to be deposited in a bank by April each year (does not have to be spent, just prove financial support) to maintain "retirement" status, and attain at least 45 years of age. NO TAXES other than the 8% sales tax on everything (other than some food and medical). You only need to reside 30 days a year to keep your resident status.

Stable government!

Nice second/primary home.

Plan on visiting very soon...

[umbertino]

I agree about Belize...custom built oceanfront home for under $150K. I will have oceanfront, a beautiful view, dock and boat, golf cart (preferred island transportation), and small uncomfortable guest room/cabana for company!

Great year-round climate. "No four seasons are the only downsides" ??? I can fly to snow if I ever miss it, and travel a lot.

A couple can live well on $20K year, though $25K a year required to be deposited in a bank by April each year (does not have to be spent, just prove financial support) to maintain "retirement" status, and attain at least 45 years of age. NO TAXES other than the 8% sales tax on everything (other than some food and medical). You only need to reside 30 days a year to keep your resident status.

Stable government!

Nice second/primary home.

Plan on visiting very soon...

Interesting. Thanks.

[elmstreet61]

I'll just stay in gorgeous and isolated Australia, thank you very much!! It'll be one of the last places on earth to be affected by the troubles to come....Greece would be the last place I'd go....just sayin'

Lot of talk about Belize....too close to the poisoned Gulf of Mexico for my liking...that whole region has been irreparably poisoned and spoiled....fishing cannot be good or healthy there. Aussie is still good to go!

[Markinsa]

I want to spend my time going places I've never been. Then spend a few months on the Diners, Drive-in's, and Dives Road Trip. Except, Flying instead of driving.

-

[jimmycat]

Me I still believe in december of 2012 that the earth is going to change. I would not want to live on a small island in any ocean or beach property. some where on the warm side of the colorado mountains. With tons of food. of course that is just me go rvrvrv

[WorkerBee]

As for your mental thing about traveling...get over it! You are too wonderful a person to let your disablility affect your life. I know it's easy for me to say, since I don't live in your shoes, but, you have one life to live - LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST!

Smee, I thought the same thing as Dogmatic when I read your post, where there's a will, there's a way. You're too smart not to find a way. If this goes down like we want it to, you'll be traveling in luxury and having the time of your life. That's my wish for you.