Where would you retire?

[scubasamm]

so this covid business has got me thinking of what its like to retire - and I kinda like it.
I cant see myself in the lower mainland as the cost is going through the roof...

55 now and in 10 years would love to retire...If you had a small pension that you could get, where would you go for cost of living...mexico? Phillipines? Thailand?
There is a website called numbeo.com that does cost of living comparisons...but doesnt have pooning cost comparisons..?‍♂

Be interested to hear your thoughts.

 

[Ray]

Retirement due to getting older means one would be at an age where access to quality health care will start to be a concern. Developing countries would be out of the question for that reason. There are places in this country where it is far more affordable to live, outside of the major cities.

 

[uncleg]

Cuba.....................

 

[Lo-ki]

Venus......

 

[87112]

More than likely in the Southwest, I rather face a long hot summer than a cold, rainy long winter. Within driving distance of " services" in Mexico. Ideally I would retire in San Diego but thats a pipe dream unless I hit the lottery.

 

[Andrew69913]

Well, I was born and grew up far north in Manitoba. like end of the highway far lol. You can buy a house there now for $5000 and fix it up like a damn mansion. If the world ever goes to shit, worse than now I mean lol, that is where I would go.

 

[Andrew69913]

Well, I was born and grew up far north in Manitoba. like end of the highway far lol. You can buy a house there now for $5000 and fix it up like a damn mansion. If the world ever goes to shit, worse than now I mean lol, that is where I would go.

....still might be where I retire if I can convince someone to come with me haha.

 

[PierreCoeur]

Ontario. I own 24 acres of land and prescription medicines are free to people over 65. If I didn't have a benefit plan where I work the meds would cost about $5000 a year in BC

 

[MissingOne]

Retirement due to getting older means one would be at an age where access to quality health care will start to be a concern. Developing countries would be out of the question for that reason. There are places in this country where it is far more affordable to live, outside of the major cities.

If you have a modest, middle-class North American income you can get decent medical care in many of what we consider "developing" countries. Private clinics and hospitals, while too expensive for most of the locals, can be relatively inexpensive for expats with decent pensions or savings.

But for me, Canada, and BC specifically, is my country. I was born here and it has always been home. I have travelled and worked in many parts of the world, but I would be dismayed if economics forced me to end my days living somewhere else. I still like to travel and experience other places, but my home is here.

 

[EuroSZabina]

so this covid business has got me thinking of what its like to retire - and I kinda like it.
I cant see myself in the lower mainland as the cost is going through the roof...

55 now and in 10 years would love to retire...If you had a small pension that you could get, where would you go for cost of living...mexico? Phillipines? Thailand?
There is a website called numbeo.com that does cost of living comparisons...but doesnt have pooning cost comparisons..?‍♂

Be interested to hear your thoughts.

Even if you do that you can only leave your h

More than likely in the Southwest, I rather face a long hot summer than a cold, rainy long winter. Within driving distance of " services" in Mexico. Ideally I would retire in San Diego but thats a pipe dream unless I hit the lottery.

since I will be a snowbird too, been thinking where I should retire for my 6 month. In the past I visited so many countries and cities my fav was San Diego but as you said it is pricy just like Vancouver.

 

[Amerix]

Portugal, Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, Malaysia, all are considered relatively cheap and safe places to retire.

And, believe it or not, most countries have decent medical care available if you have some money.

 

[g eazy]

As long as I can afford it, and I don't have reason to believe otherwise, I'd love to retire in Vancouver. It's funny to see this because I would think Vancouver is a top-tier retirement destination. Another funny thing is people complaining about the cost of living in Vancouver while they (on these forums) dole out $200-$500 an hour to see SPs...

 

[Newb808]

Weather and costs of living and pooning are very enticing elsewhere, but these places are more susceptible to political instability, natural disasters and other factors like, oh yeah global pandemics. With that in mind, I wouldn’t give up my condo or care card no matter how much fun I’m having at any price. Not sure what the specifics are, but I believe one must reside within their home province for six months a year to retain access to healthcare. Don’t know any Thais, but the semi/full retired Mexican and Filipino Canadians I know, a few of whom have significant means by western standards, do the six month turnaround for this very reason.
If I couldn’t afford to keep my place here and just wanted a retirement of pooning/living cost effective debauchery, Angeles City, Philippines would be my choice.
If I had no place here and wanted a more well rounded balance of nice weather(not too hot), access to amenities and services(first rate SPs for Mexican prices in nearby Guadalajara) as well as fellow retirees including non sexpats, I’d consider Lake Chapala, Mexico.
Definitely would rather maintain a residence, even if not in the lower mainland, here and just spend winters in different regions instead of settling anywhere else.

 

[westwoody]

Needs change as one ages.
Pooning might not be so important in your retirement.
We have a nice cottage on the Gulf Islands, close enough to Van/Vic. Being an island only accessible by ferry means it’s damn peaceful.

If I desperately need to get something Seair is always around.

 

[Oldfart]

Most likely SE Asia. I love my life over there, my health improves the moment I step off the plane, there is top notch medical care and natural health centres everywhere, it's incredibly safe for (foreign) women, it's easy to get by with english, I can buy a mansion on the beach with an infinity pool for the price of a crappy box in the sky in Vancouver and I have friends both local and foreign in almost every country in the region. Plus, you can be in a new country or jump from tropical beach to big city life in the matter of an hour or two. Nothing beats my way of life when I am "home" over there. If not that then maybe Australia, this girl needs sunshine and warm weather 365 days a year. Canada has never felt like home although I know I am one of the extremely privileged to be born here. I'm also a sucker for Mexico

Where, specifically in SE Asia or Australia? Kuala Lumpur? Brisbane?

 

[steverino]

I am on a graduated retirement option (phase out over 3 years) and currently spend 5 weeks in Arizona (lots of friends there) and have spent a month in Australia each of the past few years. Plan to carry that model on for the first few years of retirement but still keep BC as my home base.

 

[westwoody]

Australia is very hard to get into right now.

I know a guy in London UK who is Australian but took a temp contract in London. He is having a hell of a time getting back.

 

[Newb808]

Australia is very hard to get into right now.

I know a guy in London UK who is Australian but took a temp contract in London. He is having a hell of a time getting back.

Hard to get out of too.
https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia

 

[vanblue]

If I had a choice I'd move to Costa Rica....been there a few times, great people and beautiful women (but no match for the vancouver hot SP's).

 

[maxic]

Been to Thailand many times before Covid 19 to me looks as good prospect for near future retirement or second next Philippines , hopefully this Pandemic blows over at some point soon ...