Forbes has compiled its own list of the 10 best retirement havens, based on a wide variety of criteria ranging from safety to retiree-friendly visa requirements to medical care.
According to the study, Austria tops the list as the best retirement haven. Austria scores with high standards in lifestyle and medical service, elegant architecture, classical music and trams that run. Vienna offers the highest quality of life on the globe, according to Mercer, one of the sources for the top 10 list, and medical insurers say its private clinics are world-class. Salzburg, Graz and Kitzbühel and surrounding hamlets have much to offer those who love mountains and the outdoors. Look at Austria as a lower-cost Switzerland.
Thailand holds the second position for being the best place for retirees considering its comfortable warm climate and best quality health care at reasonable cost within Asia. Thailand is perfect for living on modest budgets. The uncertain politics is something to bear in mind.
Italy scores the third position. It scores high on quality of life, medical care, and even cost of living and climate for retirees residing in the Southern parts of the country. But its complicated taxes and bureaucracy require patience.
Panama has almost everything and takes 4th place. Well known for its low taxes, the country also offers year-round sun, massive discounts for seniors, quality private hospitals, a dollar economy and great accessibility from the US and Europe. Panama City is also considered safest of all Central American cities and last but not least it’s a great business centre in Central America not only because of the famous Panama Canal.
The list of the 10 Best Retirement Havens is continued by Ireland, Australia, France, Malaysia, Spain and Canada.
Cultural affinity, low taxes and many rebates for seniors make Ireland attractive and worth considering, now that Ireland’s overheated economy is correcting itself. World-class financial hub in Dublin, surrounded by stunning countryside and dramatic Atlantic coastline in the west.
Australia is the world’s best place to live, according to the Country Brand Index.The highest quality cities at the lowest cost, claims Mercer. From cosmopolitan cities like Sydney, to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, to the desert of the country’s interior, the famously friendly locals has created a first-world country with low Asian costs.
Along with the terrific food and urbane culture, France also offers the most affordable quality health care in the world.
Low costs and spectacular coastline make Malaysia a strong contender for the budget-conscious seeking a retreat, but also increasingly for the wealthy wanting an Asian tax haven.
Spain – The Florida of Europe – has long been a magnet for sun-starved Brits, so retirement infrastructure all in place. Seductive old-world culture of salted codfish and flamenco, updated and edgy with internationally acclaimed artists, fashion designers and film makers.
Cities from Vancouver to Montreal consistently score among the best in the world, both on quality-of-life and value-for-money benchmarks. Friendly policies toward retirees and affordable medical care are key points.
However, as Forbes points out, each country is unique – with assets and liabilities – and the key to successful retirement as an expat is carefully matching your own personal priorities and finances to the country that you consider.
View overseas retirement properties at International Luxury Real Estate.
