Whether that move really makes a difference depends on from where you're coming. Even the cheapest city on the list is only paying 8.3% less than the national average on groceries.

If you're moving from San Francisco or another city with the most expensive groceries, the price difference at the store will be more dramatic. But if your current town is close to the national average already, you might hardly notice a change in your monthly spending.

With that in mind, I analyzed the latest grocery pricing data from the Council for Community and Economic Research to find the cities where people pay the least to feed their families.

I then compared those grocery budgets to median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-Year Data (2009-2023).

Take a look at which cities are spending the least to keep their fridges stocked.

Cheap groceries aren't always affordable groceries

Six of the 11 cities with the cheapest grocery prices are in Texas, meaning you'll spend less at the store just about anywhere you go in the Lonestar state. But cheap doesn't always mean affordable. With a wide variation in incomes from one Texas town to the next, groceries are a much bigger strain on the budget in some parts of the state than others.

That's because prices alone can't tell you how affordable groceries would be if you moved to one of these cities.

Financial experts typically suggest you keep your grocery budget at 15% or less of your take-home pay. When you factor in median household income, not one of the 11 cities below met that recommendation, despite paying less than the national average to put food on the table.

1. Grand Forks, North Dakota

• 8.3% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $72,369
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,143
• Grocery spend to income: 18.95%

Residents of Grand Forks are enjoying the lowest grocery bills in the United States. With a median household income of $72,369, groceries still take up more than 15% of their household income, despite being the cheapest in the country. However, food is more affordable here than it is in most other cities on this list.

2. Waco, Texas

• 7.2% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $56,548
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,156
• Grocery spend to income: 24.53%

In Waco, people pay 7.2% less than the national average to eat. But with a dramatically lower median household income compared with Grand Forks, groceries still strain the budget here. The typical household spends 24.53% of its income on food.

3. Minot, North Dakota

• 7% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $77,431
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,160
• Grocery spend to income: 17.98%

Minot might only rank third place when looking at the prices on store shelves, but the North Dakota city ranks first among the cities on this list for affordability.

With a median income of $77,431, the typical Minot household spends less than 18% of earnings on groceries. That's still higher than the 15% recommended cap — but it's a lot less strain on the wallet than many other cities on this list.

4. Harlingen, Texas

• 7% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $41,756
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,159
• Grocery spend to income: 33.31%

With a median household income of $41,756, Harlingen has the dubious distinction of being the least affordable place to buy groceries, despite having the fourth-lowest prices in the nation. A typical household here will spend more than 33% of their income just to put food on the table.

5. Lawton, Oklahoma

• 6.9% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $55,506
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,161
• Grocery spend to income: 25.09%

A typical household in Lawton earns $55,506 per year and spends a little more than 25% of that on groceries. Even with prices averaging about 6.9% below the national average, the lower median income still makes those prices unaffordable compared with areas with higher incomes.

Oklahoma had a 4.5% statewide grocery tax, but eliminated it in 2024, which state lawmakers said could save each family hundreds. However, shoppers can still face sales tax, including local taxes.

6. McAllen, Texas

• 6.9% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $60,907
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,160
• Grocery spend to income: 22.85%

McAllen residents pay slightly more than their Harlingen neighbors to the east but are also earning about $19,000 more per year. While they're still technically spending more of their income on groceries than experts recommend, they're not straining their budgets nearly as much as Harlingen residents.

7. San Marcos, Texas

• 6.7% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $48,091
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,163
• Grocery spend to income: 29.01%

McAllen's neighbors to the north are in a similar boat as Harlingen. Residents here pay 6.7% below average at the store. But with a median income of $48,091, those low prices still take up more than 29% of the typical household's income.

8. Temple, Texas

• 6.6% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $71,931
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,164
• Grocery spend to income: 19.42%

In Temple, residents enjoy grocery prices that are 6.6% cheaper than the rest of the country. With a median household income of $71,931, they also don't have to stretch their budgets thin to keep their families fed.

Of the six Texas cities on this list, Temple ranks first on affordability, with groceries taking up just 19.42% of income.

9. Ardmore, Oklahoma

• 6.5% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $52,954
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,166
• Grocery spend to income: 26.43%

Groceries in Ardmore are priced 6.5% below the national average, but the typical household still struggles to afford those lower prices. With a median income of $52,954 and an average monthly spend of $1,166, residents put more than 26% of their earnings toward food.

10. Corpus Christi, Texas

• 6.2% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $66,967
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,169
• Grocery spend to income: 20.95%

This coastal city pays 6.2% less than the rest of the United States to put food on table. With a median income of $66,967, groceries aren't exactly cheap, but the typical household here is still faring better than some other towns in Texas.

11. Joplin, Missouri

• 6.1% cheaper than national average
• Median household income: $51,154
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,171
• Grocery spend to income: 27.47%

Coming in at 11th place, Joplin pays 6.1% below the national average at the grocery store. On average, a typical household here will spend $14,052 per year to keep food in the pantry, which represents more than 27% of that household's income.

One other point to note is that Missouri is one of the 10 states that still taxes groceries, with a 1.225% food sales tax — and cities and counties can also charge their own tax rates. Joplin has a sales tax rate of 3.125%, although some areas of the city have lower rates due to special taxing districts.

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Here we highlight five wealthy small towns, along with their attributes, amenities, hospitals and access to major urban centers.

Retirees should conduct an honest self-evaluation of their physical strengths and limitations, as well as their tolerance for living in a relatively remote (as opposed to more accessible) corner of the country. Your neighbors may have private jets; you may not be as well-positioned.

1. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

The vibe. This sprawling, scenic island located south of Cape Cod has long been a magnet for the Clintons and the Obamas, but it’s not just a seasonal retreat for boldfaced names. In little more than a decade since 2010, the year-round population has doubled to more than 20,000 — but the summer crowds swell that number by a multiple of 10.

The widest sandy strands of this triangular land mass are in the south, where people wave to strangers from their beach towels (the Vineyard is known for its friendliness). The epicenter of the island’s activity and charm is historic Edgartown.

The island has a good share of historic sights, art galleries, cute general stores, indie shops (including bookstores, boutiques and ice cream parlors) and stunning coastal bluffs. Artists, writers and musicians abound, and concerts at the historic Tabernacle may include local talent or national acts.

Each town has its own character, from the mansions of West Chop to the cottages near the Menemsha fishing village. The historic village of Oak Bluffs, with its charming gingerbread homes, has long been the summer destination of the Black elite.

There is a strong commitment to environmental conservation on the island, resulting in ample hiking and biking trails and coastal protection.

Some areas of Martha's Vineyard, like Edgartown and other low-lying coastal areas, face a "major" flood risk.

Healthcare. Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is located in Oak Bluffs in the north of the 96-square-mile island. A medivan transports seniors and patients with disabilities from the Vineyard to Boston hospitals once a week for $40. For emergencies that the hospital can't handle, patients may be airlifted to hospitals in Boston.

Median home sale price. $1.48 million in October 2025, according to Redfin.

Access. Martha’s Vineyard Airport is served by major airlines such as Delta, American and JetBlue. You can reach Boston by taking a ferry (which can transport your car) and then driving for two hours. A passenger ferry can get you from New York City to the Vineyard in about five hours during the high season.

2. Saratoga Springs, New York

The vibe. A longtime retreat from New York City, Saratoga Springs has a population of more than 28,000 people. It attracts an interesting and eclectic crowd: Some visit for the city’s namesake mineral springs, while thoroughbred horse racing enthusiasts are drawn to the Saratoga Race Course. For the literary-minded, the famed artists’ and writers’ retreat, Yaddo, is an ideal destination. The well-regarded Skidmore College lends the historic city a college-town atmosphere, while offering readings and musical and visual arts events open to the public.

Though Saratoga Springs' town motto is "Health, History and Horses," you could add "great food" to the slogan, despite the lack of alliteration. As part of the Hudson Valley, the town is near many farms and breweries. In addition, the area is ideal for hiking and boating, and is about one hour from the Hudson River.

Healthcare. Saratoga Hospital is affiliated with Albany Med Health System.

Median home sale price. $759,900 in October 2025, according to Redfin.

Access. By car, Saratoga Springs is a 45-minute drive from Albany and more than three hours from Manhattan. By express train, Saratoga Springs is about four hours from Moynihan Train Hall (adjacent to Penn Station), New York. It's also on Amtrak's Adirondack Line, known for being one of the most beautiful train routes for fall foliage.

3. Telluride, Colorado

The vibe. Arguably the loveliest resort town in Colorado, Telluride is a haven for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. Still, summers are popular, with rafting, swimming, tubing, mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing available. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the town features a historic center listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If festivals are your thing, then Telluride could be a great fit. The annual Telluride Film Festival has been around for more than 50 years and has only grown in prestige. There are 14 festivals each year celebrating Bluegrass, Americana and Blues music, wine, yoga and more. The retiree-friendly town offers free bus and gondola services, reducing reliance on car travel.

The town has an extreme flood risk, so be sure to check risk maps before you purchase a property.

Healthcare. The nearly 50-year-old Telluride Medical Center offers 24-hour trauma and emergency services.

Median home sale price: $1.38 million in October 2025, according to Redfin.

Access. Telluride, with a population of around 2,500, is somewhat remote, though it contains a regional airport. Montrose Regional Airport (1.5 hours away) is the better, more equipped option in some cases. Denver is a six-hour drive away; even Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a bit closer. Retiring or relocating to Telluride is best for those who are fit and generally healthy. Very wealthy Telluride residents are opting for private planes.

4. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

The vibe. One of the most enchanting coastal spots on the Monterey Peninsula, the remote town of Carmel-by-the-Sea has a population of over 3,000. Human-scale Ocean Avenue counts as the main street, and it’s a beauty, dotted with alfresco restaurants and cottage hotels. Walking or driving along the roads that branch off from Ocean Avenue is a delight, with rises, falls and twists among the Spanish colonial and storybook homes.

At the end of Ocean, you’ll find stunning Carmel Sunset Beach, which is broad and gently sloping, a favorite for sunbathers, picnickers, and surfers. History and culture abound, and include the 18^th-century Carmel Mission Basilica, the Sunset Center for live entertainment, the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, and the Carmel Heritage Society. Nearby 17-Mile Drive ranks as one of the finest coastal routes in the country and the exalted Pebble Beach golf courses and resorts are just minutes away. The serpentine Pacific Coast Highway, which leads south to Big Sur, is renowned for its beauty, but be sure to check for road closures. Note that Carmel-by-the-Sea's wildfire risk is considered "major."

Health care. Nearby hospitals in and around the Monterey Peninsula include the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Pacific Grove Healthcare Center.

Median Home Sale Price. $2.481 million in October 2025, according to Redfin.

Access. Carmel is on the Central Coast of California, about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco and its international airport.

5. Palm Beach, Florida

The vibe. Palm Beach, positioned in the northern section of the tri-county region of Great Miami, is a tiny and very exclusive (9,000 year-round residents), beach community located on a sandy, pretty barrier island. Anchored by the legendarily ornate Breakers Palm Beach oceanfront resort, the town is rife with palatial homes and dozens of billionaires (and yes, Mar-a-Lago).

Local hotspots include bougainvillea-lined Worth Avenue, with its high-end boutiques (apparel and household goods), eateries, fountains and pedestrian vias. Swifty’s at the Colony Palm Beach hotel is one of the loveliest dining venues in town, but don’t miss Buccan, Bice, Renato’s and buzzy outposts of Manhattan favorites like Sant Ambroeus and La Goulue.

One major downside of Palm Beach is its climate risk. Over 90% of properties are at risk of flooding in the next 30 years, according to First Street.

Healthcare. Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center are across the bridge in the more bustling and commercial West Palm Beach.

Median home sale price. $5.5 million in October 2025, according to Redfin.

Access. In addition to the resources in West Palm, Palm Beach is a 2.5-hour drive to Miami, with Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale along the route. West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami are home to major international and executive airports. The Tri-Rail Line connects West Palm Beach to local airports and nearby towns.

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Off-season, most of them return to Manhattan, California or Palm Beach. But there has long been a thriving year-round community of everyone from artists and shop owners to fishermen (and the accompanying social tensions between the permanent residents and “the summer people”).

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted some well-heeled property owners to move full-time to the Hamptons to escape the density of New York. While that has made the area even more expensive and exclusive, it may still be a viable retirement spot for you.

Hamptons geography

The Hamptons, located in Suffolk County, comprise the South Fork of Long Island. “The East End” is a kind of shorthand for the Hamptons, which also contains the lands-end village of Montauk, which rests on the eastern tip of the South Fork and features scenic bluffs.

The Hamptons is made up of only two proper towns: East Hampton and Southampton. Each town is home to numerous villages and hamlets. East Hampton actually contains East Hampton Village, as well as Wainscott, Montauk and Amagansett, where Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller famously spent the summer of 1957.

For its part, Southampton encompasses double the number of villages and hamlets of East Hampton, including Southampton Village, Sagaponack, Quogue, Westhampton Beach, Water Mill and Bridgehampton. Only beloved Sag Harbor straddles both the ample towns of East Hampton and Southampton.

To capture the laid-back allure of Southampton, now would be an apt time to revisit the 2003 film Something’s Gotta Give, which gave the late Diane Keaton her final Academy Award nomination. The shingle-style home of Keaton’s successful playwright character is located at 576 Meadow Lane (though only the exterior was used in the movie). The beach scenes were shot in Water Mill. TV shows such as Royal Pains and The Affair were set in the Hamptons, and characters from Seinfeld to Sex and the City visited the exclusive refuge.

Money matters: real estate

Sure, in East Hampton, there’s currently an $85 million oceanfront home for sale (eight bedrooms, 12 baths), and a $28 million spread available on prestigious Georgica Road. But perfectly lovely homes (midway between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet), some with upgraded finishes, can be had for less than $2 million. So, East Hampton is feasible for retirees with a decent nest egg and who are on a fixed income. For example, a modest but carefully renovated two-bedroom saltbox is 1,500 square feet and is priced at $1.6 million.

Similarly, in highly coveted Montauk, you can find estates for more than $37 million (14 bedrooms), inventory in the $12 million to $17 million range, and homes on the market for under $5 million. Montauk has lots of shoreline — the Atlantic beaches off Old Montauk Highway, Fort Pond Bay on the town’s north shore, as well as the banks of Lake Montauk — but you’ll pay a premium for coastal access. A limited number of condos are available, from a tiny, 320-square-foot unit in a motel-like building, for $635,000 — but with a swimming pool overlooking the beach — to a beautifully renovated condo with three bedrooms and private outdoor space for over $1.5 million.

Southampton and Quogue are also at the pricier end of the scale, with Riverhead and Hampton Bays considered the most affordable.

A local view

Montauk resident Richie Winick, of the jewelry importer Manny Winick & Son, knows the Hamptons like the back of his hand and has never regretted choosing Montauk. His jewelry business was incorporated in 1954 and its main office is in Manhattan, but his kids go to school in Montauk — and Montauk is home. “This is a place for all ages,” he says, “but I am 65 years old, and this is where I will retire. I live six houses from the ocean, and I’m an avid surfer.”

Winick praises the village for its nature, its activities (sportfishing and horseback riding among them) and because “you don’t feel stuffed into a neighborhood.” He says the restaurants are “phenomenal,” citing The Harvest on Fort Pond, The Dock and Inlet Seafood. “Most everything is about a mile from each other,” he says. “It’s very convenient, very easy to navigate.” Winick says Montauk is undergoing “a real estate boom,” and is impressed by the number of hotels — such as the iconic Gurney’s Montauk Seawater Spa & Resort — that have undergone, or have plans to undergo, major facelifts, which only enhances residential property values.

“We’re 126 miles from New York, but you don’t feel like you’re living in suburbia,” he says. He analogizes East Hampton Village and Montauk to the difference between Manhattan and Brooklyn. “It’s a little bit edgier, a little bit cooler compared to the formality of East Hampton. Montauk is boho-chic.” (East Hampton’s famed Maidstone Club maintains its exclusive flavor — it did not accept Jews as members until the 1970s, turning down Groucho Marx and Diana Ross when they applied for membership.)

For prospective retirees and other homeowners considering the Hamptons, Winick likes Sag Harbor. “It’s a true fishing village,” he says. “I like the pop-and-pop shops, and I like that it’s not as pretentious as East Hampton. The biggest problem East Hampton has is that it sold out to major brands and it’s not accessible.”

Winick does, however, give kudos to East Hampton for opening the sorely needed Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department in 2025. It takes Winick 20 minutes to drive there from his home. For its part, Southampton is home to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

Takeaways

To orient yourself, immerse yourself in the East Hampton scene, taking in the fancy downtown and the beautiful homes on Georgica Pond. Then do a deep dive into Montauk, from the dock area on the north coast to the Atlantic in the south — it’s only a few miles to get from one to the other.

Don’t miss the charm of Sag Harbor, as well as popular Southampton Village, Sagaponack, Quogue, Westhampton Beach and Bridgehampton. Following Winick’s advice, if you want a casual atmosphere with stunning natural attributes, Montauk is for you. If you desire high society, check out East Hampton. Either way, be sure to book a table at East Hampton’s Nick & Tony’s, a local institution.

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Grocery prices are surging everywhere, but some cities have been hit harder than others. To figure out which places are feeling the pinch the most, I analyzed the latest grocery pricing data from the Council for Community and Economic Research to identify the 10 cities where residents are paying even more than the national average at the grocery store.

I also gathered data on median incomes for each city to estimate how much of a household's income was going toward putting food on the table. And the numbers may surprise you.

How high grocery costs stack up against expert recommendations

Financial experts typically recommend that you spend no more than 10% to 15% of your take home pay on groceries. That's your after-tax income.

Almost none of the cities below met that benchmark. Using pre-tax income data, eight out of 10 cities had average monthly grocery costs that exceeded 15% of household income — meaning the share of take-home pay going toward food is even higher.

The USDA’s monthly cost of food reports outline what a balanced, nutritious diet should cost nationwide. Based on the latest USDA food plan report, a 4-person household should spend between $926.90 and $1409.40 per month, depending on how thrifty they want to be.

But in eight of the 10 cities below, the average monthly grocery bill is higher than even the USDA’s “liberal plan,” the agency’s most generous estimate for a healthy monthly food budget.

See which cities made the list and how much residents are spending to keep their kitchens stocked.

Honolulu, HI

• 33.5% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,660
• Median household income: $102,382
• Grocery spend to income: 19.46%

Living full-time in paradise will cost you. Residents of Honolulu pay 33.5% more than the national average to eat.

On average, households earn $102,382 per year and spend $19,920 of that on groceries every year. That's 19.46% of income going toward food.

Juneau, AK

• 29.4%more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,613
• Median household income: $99,748
• Grocery spend to income: 19.40%

Three Alaskan cities made the list for most expensive groceries, but Juneau's food bill was the highest of the three. Residents here pay 29.4% more than the national average. A typical household brings home $99,748 before tax and spends $19,356 of that on groceries.

That puts it just below Honolulu in terms of affordability, with grocery spend accounting for 19.40% of a household's income.

Fairbanks, AK

• 26.4% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,575
• Median household income: $86,780
• Grocery spend to income: 21.78%

Fairbanks might only have the second-most-expensive groceries in Alaska, but income here is spread thinner than it is anywhere else in the state. With a median household income of $86,780 and an average annual grocery bill of $18,900, the typical household spends 21.78% of its earnings on food.

That makes this the least affordable city for groceries in Alaska and the third least affordable city on this list – outranked only by Brooklyn, NY and Oakland, CA.

Anchorage, AK

• 25.7% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,567
• Median household income: $93,881
• Grocery spend to income: 20.02%

Alaska's capital isn't faring much better than Fairbanks. With prices here 25.7% higher than the national average, Anchorage residents spend $18,804 per year on groceries on average. That's 20.02% of the median household income of $93,881.

San Francisco, CA

• 19.1% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,485
• Median household income: $125,456
• Grocery spend to income: 14.20%

San Francisco wouldn't be most people's first thought when it comes to "affordable." Indeed, it is one of the most expensive cities to live in.

But when you compare the average grocery spend to the median income in the city by the bay, the typical household spends just 14.20% of its income to keep the fridge stocked.

Manhattan, NY

• 18% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,469
• Median household income: $101,078
• Grocery spend to income: 17.43%

Like San Francisco, it probably comes as no surprise that Manhattan would have higher food prices than the rest of the country. But also like San Francisco, a higher than average median household income helps offset that somewhat.

Though, Mahattanites aren't faring quite as well as their west coast counterparts. Here, a typical household earns $101,078 per year and spends $17,628 of that on groceries. That's 17.43% of income going toward food — not as bad as many of the other cities on this list, but noticeably higher than San Francisco.

Oakland, CA

• 14.7% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,429
• Median household income: $73,200
• Grocery spend to income: 23.43%

San Francisco might stand out for the "affordability" of groceries, but its neighbor to the east tells a different story. At 14.7% above the national average, prices are technically cheaper in Oakland than they are in San Francisco.

But, when you factor in the significantly lower median household income of $73,200, the cost to keep a household fed takes up 23.43% of that income. In terms of relative affordability, then, Oakland residents rank lowest among the cities on this list – meaning groceries are the least affordable here.

Brooklyn, NY

• 14.5% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,425
• Median household income: $76,912
• Grocery spend to income: 22.23%

Brooklyn is in a similar position as Oakland. The New York borough technically enjoys slightly lower prices on food compared to Manhattan, it's wealthier neighbor.

But, the dramatic income difference makes groceries far less affordable in Brooklyn than they are just across the East River.

San Jose, CA

• 13% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,408
• Median household income: $153,202
• Grocery spend to income: 11.03%

While San Jose, CA faces grocery prices that are 13% higher than the national average, most residents can shrug those above average prices off.

With a median household income of $153,202 and an average grocery spend of $16,896, San Joseans earn the most and spend the least on food compared to every other city on this list. Groceries take up just 11.03% of a typical household's pre-tax income.

Queens, NY

• 13% more expensive
• Average monthly grocery spend: $1,407
• Median household income: $81,399
• Grocery spend to income: 20.76%

In Queens, households pay 13% more than the national average for groceries, spending $16,884 per year to put food on the table. That's almost the same as San Jose. But, with a median household income of $81,399, residents here earn about half as much as the typical San Josean household.

That means groceries take up 20.76% of a household's budget in Queens. Their wallets might not be quite as strained as their Brooklyn neighbors, but they're definitely feeling the pinch more than the typical Manhattan household.

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Located in Central Florida near Orlando and home to more than 150,000 residents (who call themselves "Villagers"), The Villages, a 55-plus community, bills itself as the number-one-rated master-planning community in the U.S..

"I work with many retirees who call The Villages home, and for a lot of them, making Florida their official residence just makes sense. You get the sunshine, the lifestyle and the tax breaks that come with it," says Rob Edwards, managing director at Edwards Asset Management in Naples, Florida.

“People love to talk about the 183-day rule, but it’s not a magic number," Edwards says. "What really matters is showing that your life is based here. And for a lot of people in The Villages, that’s already the case — they’ve put down roots, made friends, started working with Florida-based professionals, and built a life that clearly says, 'This is my home now.'"

What's life like living in The Villages?

Residents agree, noting the many amenities and opportunities for social engagement with their peers.

“Weekends here are absolutely wonderful and always full of activities,” says Carole Rader, who’s lived in The Villages with her husband for the past 13 years. “We often start with potluck gatherings at our community pool or at one of our many friends' homes throughout the neighborhood.”

Of all the perks and amenities offered at The Villages, Rader's pick is the free live entertainment every night from 5 to 9 pm in one of three town squares: Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing or Brownwood. "Each venue features different music styles and performers, so we can choose based on our mood for any given evening," she says.

Ask any Villager about the community’s lifestyle and you’ll hear a lot about jam-packed social calendars.

Take Karen and John Keeler, residents of the Village of Ashland, who like to start their weekends with Saturday morning golf at one of The Villages' executive courses.

"After golf, we always go to one of the Squares, where there are a variety of restaurants, and have lunch with our golf partners," Karen Keeler says. "After lunch, we come home and may take a dip in our pool, or read a book or do our Bible study."

If the Keelers aren’t golfing, they’ll hit the pickleball court at one of the recreation centers nearby.

"The Villages is known as the Pickleball Capital of the World because we have so many seniors playing on the hundreds of pickleball courts that are available in every village," she explains.

The Keelers say that because they have so many friends in the community, going to someone's house for cards and dinner, is a common occurrence. "The thing is," says Karen, "every day in The Villages seems like a weekend."

How do you buy a home in The Villages?

With more than 70,000 homes in The Villages, you have plenty of choices when it comes to buying a property.

"One of the great things about The Villages is that it has a variety of home price points," says Jennifer Beeston, executive vice president at mortgage lender Rate.com in Coral Springs, Florida. "Unlike a traditional neighborhood where most of the houses cost the same, in The Villages, you have homes ranging from $300,000 all the way above $1 million."

Beeston says she's worked with multiple clients who wanted to make the area their retirement destination. "Generally, they visited a friend there once, and once they did, they were hooked," she says. "I have yet to have a client who wants to move from The Villages. I think that for people who want some level of social activity and really want a community, it’s a tough place to beat."

In the past year, resale prices typically ranged from $250,000 to the low $600,000s, with newer builds commanding higher premiums.

"HOA-style fees, known as amenity fees, average around $189 per month,” says Leah Miller, a marketing strategist at Versys Media who regularly conducts studies on community-based living.

“Property taxes are modest compared to many coastal states," she notes, "but home insurance in Florida has become a major factor. Policies can run from $3,000 to $6,000 annually, especially with the increased hurricane risk and carrier exits.”

What taxes will you pay in The Villages?

The Villages' combined home sales tax rate is 7% in 2025, including state, county and city taxes. The Villages itself has no sales tax. Median annual tax bills are higher than in most U.S. states, reflecting higher home values. Dollar-wise, the yearly median tax bill in Sumter County (where The Villages is located) was $3,834 in 2024.

It’s generally beneficial for retirees to establish Florida residency. “Florida has no state income tax, no estate or inheritance taxes, and homestead protections,” Miller says.

“For retirees drawing from 401(k)s, pensions or Social Security, it can mean significant savings. That said, some may choose to retain primary residency in their home state for proximity to family, voting access, or tax reasons specific to their retirement income sources.”

The homestead tax exemption, only allowable for residents who declare Florida homes as a permanent residence, can reduce a property’s taxable value by up to $50,722 for the 2025 tax year, but the exemption will be recalculated each year based on the Consumer Price Index.

Some specific homestead exemptions for residents age 65 and older, with specific annual income limits, can also be granted in the state of Florida.

What health care is available in The Villages?

Residents have easy access to medical care, with primary, specialty care and care centers only a golf cart away. The community also offers high-end care at its UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital. Urgent care and telehealth services are also available through The Villages’ EZ-Care Services.

All the area’s health centers accept most private health care, along with Medicare and Medicaid. Same-day appointments are easy to get, according to The Villages' website.

What are the pros and cons of living in The Villages?

Before deciding to buy a place in The Villages, it’s advisable to visit first and explore the different properties and neighborhoods, which all have their own identities and vibes.

“We built a brand-new home in the Pine Hills neighborhood, and it's been the perfect place for this chapter of our lives,” said Paul Piubeni, resident of the Village of Pine Hills, The Villages, Florida. “The Villages has grown tremendously over the years and now spans three counties, but Pine Hills maintains that close-knit community feel that we were looking for.”

Rader says The Villages might actually be underrated by people who haven't experienced it firsthand. “I often describe it as 'Disneyland for Adults,' and I mean that in the most positive way possible,” she explains.

During the day, Rader and her husband make use of the numerous golf courses and pickleball courts distributed throughout the community.

“There are over 100 pickleball courts … 40-plus executive [golf courses] and about 13 to 14 championship golf courses, so there's never a shortage of places to play,” she says. “Sundays always include church services, which are an important part of our weekly routine and another way to connect with our neighbors.”

Beth Jones and her husband, Jeff, have owned three homes in The Villages since 2004 and currently split their time between the community and their Michigan residence.

“My mother lived here in The Villages in the early 2000s — and these days, not only do we live here, but my three sisters and their husbands also have homes in The Villages, and we all go back-and-forth to Michigan throughout the year,” she says.

Jones describes the experience as a continual “recess” or a giant college campus for retirees.

“It’s fun, keeps us active, and there is so much to do on any given day and any given hour. In our case, we love to golf and we dabble at pickleball,” she says. “We love music and dancing to live music on any of the town squares any day of the week, year-round. We love to socialize and enjoy all the options, clubs, classes and driveway parties in the Villages.”

At $300 each month, the Joneses’ amenity fee covers the following:

• All the basics (water, sewer, trash)
• Regular entertainment throughout The Villages
• Hundreds of pickleball courts and softball fields, plus thousands of niche clubs
• Access to all the pools and dozens of recreation centers
• Free golf on all the executive golf courses and the opportunity to play at the championship courses (for a surcharge)

As Jones sees it, a rare downside of The Villages is the massive size of the community.

“The con for some people would be that it’s too big, and during peak season, when all the snowbirds are here, the traffic and the wait time at restaurants can be a little longer than usual, but never so much that you wouldn’t still go out and enjoy everything,” she says. "You just have to have a little more patience.”

That’s a sentiment shared by other Villages residents, some of whom span two generations.

“My mother lives in an assisted living facility in The Villages, which makes it very convenient to live here and watch over her,” says Lori Duffy, a resident of Sabal Chase in The Villages. "On Saturdays, I work around the house and then pick up my mom and take her to church in the late afternoon, and usually, we enjoy going out to a nice restaurant for dinner.”

Duffy says retiring in The Villages offers a genuine quality of life: “There are so many activities to choose from that could keep you busy from morning until night.”

She also appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere in The Villages, which isn’t always the case with many retirement communities.

“One of the things I love about the town squares is that it is open to the public, which means we see young children and families,” she says. "Plus, medical clinics and our own hospital are within a golf cart ride, as well as shopping, groceries and churches. In fact, you can go most everywhere throughout the entire length of The Villages in a golf cart.”

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Answer: As of 2022, the typical 57-year-old had $185,000 in retirement savings, according to the Federal Reserve.

If you’re 57 with $4.1 million socked away for your later years, you’re in remarkably good shape. This holds true whether your intent is to retire abroad or not, as both have pros and cons from a financial perspective.

However, you might wonder if it pays to continue funding your 401(k) plan at this stage if you plan to retire abroad in a few years. You’ve probably got enough savings that if you were to work a bit longer and let your balance grow, you’d be well-positioned to retire in your early or mid-60s.

Halting those 401(k) contributions, meanwhile, means freeing more money to spend in the near term.

There are some big drawbacks to pulling the plug on 401(k) contributions, even with plenty of savings in your pocket. It’s important to weigh your options carefully.

Hitting stop on your savings means giving up benefits

It’s one thing to retire on $4.1 million at 57 and another thing to stop funding a retirement account at 57.

Although 57 isn’t such a young retirement age, it could mean having to stretch your nest egg further. If you’re thinking of retiring in your 60s and are simply looking to stop funding your 401(k) during your last few years of working, that’s a different story — and a lot less risky.

Still, Brett Bernstein, CEO and co-founder at XML Financial Group, says it’s important to recognize that there’s really no such thing as having too large a 401(k) balance.

“I believe one shouldn’t make a rash decision to pull the plug on contributions to a retirement plan based on their age or account value,” he says. “A well-thought-out, holistic financial plan should be created to determine if you need to continue contributing to a retirement plan to meet your retirement goals.”

Aaron Cirksena, founder & CEO of MDRN Capital, also cautions savers who have accumulated a lot of money at a certain point to consider the downside of halting retirement plan contributions.

“The real question is not ‘Can I stop?’ but ‘What do I lose if I do?’ ” he says. “Every extra [401(k)] dollar stowed away lowers your taxable income today and keeps more of your money working for you. If your employer is still offering a match, that is basically free money you would be missing out on.”

There’s also the fact that 401(k)s impose an early withdrawal penalty to think about. If you’re inclined to tap your savings before age 59½, then you might want to stop contributing to a 401(k) and focus instead on a taxable brokerage account with restrictions.

On the other hand, if you’re already 57 and are still planning to work a few more years, early withdrawal penalties might not be an issue. That makes the argument to continue funding a 401(k) at least up to the point of your employer match.

Retiring abroad changes things — for better and worse

Both Bernstein and Cirksena believe that retiring abroad should factor into the decision of whether to continue funding a 401(k).

As Bernstein says, “Retiring abroad requires some additional planning, including, but not limited to, currency conversions, fluctuations and tax considerations. Once those aspects are taken into consideration, the costs could be less.” However, he says, they might not be.

Cirksena says, “In countries with lower costs of living, your money will go further, and that can make the idea of stopping contributions feel even safer.”

However, Cirksena cautions, "Retiring abroad is never as cheap and simple as it looks. You will most likely face surprise costs like visa requirements, foreign taxes, or you may need to keep some U.S. accounts open for some reason."

He also points out that retiring abroad could mean traveling back and forth to the U.S. frequently to see friends and family, which could result in a big financial strain. That’s why, Cirksena says, “keeping up contributions, even if at a reduced level, can still make sense.”

Bernstein also notes that life can throw retirees many curveballs, regardless of where they live. Home repairs, health issues and family obligations can all eat into retirees’ nest eggs, making the argument that continuing to contribute toward retirement to some degree is a pretty smart choice.

All told, for this situation, Bernstein says the key is to make a smart decision for the future, given the unknowns of retiring abroad (or retiring in general) without denying yourself too much in the near term.

“I believe someone should save as much as they can when they can to be there for the future, but don’t save so much that you cannot enjoy the journey along the way,” he says.

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Boracay, Palawan, El Nido — this is the stuff of sophisticated travelers’ dreams, for their endless sandy beaches, colorful reef diving, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, secret coves, and limestone towers called karsks that rise from the Sula Sea. However, the Philippines, a sprawling archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia and home to 110 million people — the 12th most populous country on the planet — is also an affordable place to retire, with relatively low barriers to entry.

True, this island nation is especially vulnerable to climate change, including sea level rise, typhoons, and flooding. And it’s on the other side of the world. Draw a straight line from Taiwan to Indonesia, and the Philippines is halfway between them. To the east, across the South China Sea, are Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

It takes about 15 hours on a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to arrive in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Philippine Airlines. Cathay Pacific’s connecting flights typically layover in Hong Kong before the final leg to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Recent searches showed round-trip fares for under $800; that’s a savings that can go toward Amanpulo, Aman Resorts’ uberlux property in Palawan. As a U.S. citizen, you can visit the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa. The best time to go is November to February (Christmas in Manila, anyone?), when the weather is driest and coolest, but you can expect temperatures in the 80s and 90s year-round.

The experts' take

YouTube personality Dan, of the Vagabond Awake YouTube Channel and VagabondBuddha.com, is candid about living in the Philippines. “I have been discovering the best places to retire for myself since about 2013,” he says. “I have been teaching about places and how to retire abroad since around 2019.”

His verdict, at least when it comes to tropical pulchritude: “The Philippines is unique in terms of natural beauty, such as white sand beaches, waterfalls and beautiful countryside.”

Expats abound

“There is a large, active expat population, especially Americans — around 220,000 people,” according to Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at the global intelligence unit of Global Citizens Solutions (GCS). Other expat groups are also represented, including numerous (estimated) Chinese (30,000), Japanese (18,000), Koreans (100,000), British (10,000), and Australians (10,000).

Where expats tend to live

Some popular expat hubs are Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete, Davao, and Subic Bay, Sartoretto says. Dan, the YouTube personality, cites Dumaguete as having the highest number of expatriates in the Philippines as a percentage of the population. Located on Negros Island, Dumaguete is known for its universities, cultural landmarks, and festivals. Vibrant Rizal Boulevard captures the lifestyle of Dumaguete, with its numerous coffee bars, hotels, food carts, and restaurants, plus a coastal promenade.

In Manila, wealthier expats gravitate to Forbes Park, a gated community dubbed the Beverly Hills of Manila. The Manila Polo Club and the Manila Golf and Country Club are located here. The ritzy life aside, living in the Philippines costs around 70% less than in the U.S.

Quality of life for expats

“The Philippines is ... ideal for English speakers because many locals
speak English,” Dan says. In a White Lotus-style aside, he adds that “the Philippines is also unique in that age-gap relationships are so common, as so many retired Western single men go there to find love in retirement.” If finding romance is your goal, be wary of catfishing schemes that target foreign men. Keep in mind that dating sites and "mail-order brides" may encourage trafficking of women. By some accounts, however, access to the internet has given rural Filipina women more control over whom they marry.

Dan notes a few hiccups on the road to modernity: “The Philippines struggles with infrastructure and medical care as compared to other parts of Southeast Asia.” The country is working to improve its limited rail system." (See the section on health care below.)

On the plus side, gay life and gender fluidity are part of the culture of the Philippines, which instituted protections against discrimination in 2017. There’s even a gay lingo called Swardspeak. Violating the rights of members of the LGBT community carries criminal penalties. Marriage equality remains elusive, but advocacy groups are working hard to move the needle.

The Philippines boasts a high literacy rate and almost 80% of the population is Catholic.

Finally, one of the gems of Filipino culture is its cuisine, which Gordon Ramsay called "the sleeping beauty of Asia." As a crossroads for migration and colonization in the region, Filipino cuisine has been influenced by Malay, Indonesian, Spanish, American and indigenous cooking.

Cost of living in the Philippines

The cost of living in the Philippines is  low to moderate by Western standards, Sartoretto says. Monthly living expenses for a couple can range from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on location and lifestyle. The World Health Organization classifies the Philippines as a lower-middle-income country, but it is considered to be a rapidly developing one.

Visa matters

Sartoretto refers to the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) as the country’s “flagship retirement visa,” which is issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) in Metro Manila. It is a multiple-entry, indefinite-stay visa designed for foreign nationals and former Filipinos who wish to settle or retire in the Philippines.

There is a menu of various SRRV visas, three of which are relevant to foreigners.

The SRRV Classic is geared for retirees aged 50 and over. Retirees must show a monthly pension of $800 for singles ($1,000 for couples), plus provide a bank deposit of $10,000 to $20,000, sums that reflect the low cost of living in the Philippines. If you have no pension, you can expect a bank deposit requirement on the higher end of that spectrum.

The SRRV Smile is for early retirees aged 35 and over: A $20,000 bank deposit (but no pension) is required.

The SRRV Human Touch visa is for retirees needing medical care. To qualify, you'll need to fork over a $10,000 deposit and prove health insurance.

That’s not all: “While the SRRV is the best-known path for retirees,” Sartoretto says, “the Foreign Investment Visa (FIV) is another route primarily intended for foreign investors,” whether they are retired or not.

This visa requires a qualifying investment (typically from $75,000 to $100,000, or more, depending on the industry sector), aimed at business owners or those investing in local enterprises. The FIV grants investors and their qualifying dependents legal residency in the Philippines by making an eligible investment.

Processing the FIV is brisk; that’s how eager the country is to absorb investment dollars into its economy. “The FIV application process is notably fast, typically approved within just five business days after submission of all required documents and proof of investment,” Sartoretto says.

Both visa options offer permanent residency, indefinite stays, and multiple re-entries; family inclusion for spouses and dependent children under 21; tax-free import of personal effects up to $7,000; and seamless travel in and out of the country. Finally, while the FIV allows for active business engagement, SRRV holders can start a business under certain conditions.

Health care and taxes

While public hospitals offer basic coverage (preventative and primary care) and lower costs, quality and capacity can vary widely, particularly outside major urban centers. In contrast, the private health care sector (especially in cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Makati) features internationally accredited hospitals and clinics, attracting most expats and retirees with superior care, English-speaking staff, and minimal wait times.

The National Health Insurance Program, PhilHealth, provides subsidized care to all citizens and registered foreign residents, including those on SRRVs, and, in some cases, FIVs.

While PhilHealth membership is required for resident expats and SRRV holders, “most retirees also opt for private health insurance — highly recommended — to ensure comprehensive access and financial protection for major medical needs,” Sartoretto says. Private care means greater comfort and shorter wait times.

The cost of annual private insurance varies greatly according to age, coverage, and provider, but some benchmarks are $600 to $2,000 (local insurance) and $2,000 to $6,000 or more for comprehensive, international plans.

Finally, the Philippines enjoys a territorial tax system in which foreign-sourced income (including pensions) is not taxed unless remitted to the Philippines and utilized for business/investment purposes. If you transfer your foreign pension or savings into the Philippines for personal living expenses, this amount is not taxed as income. Moreover, there is no estate or inheritance tax on foreign assets.

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Like many of the roughly 20% of older adults who move for retirement, my father relocated to Florida to spend his retirement soaking up the sun and playing golf.

Unfortunately, this means that, to date, he's been in Florida for at least five hurricanes — one of which necessitated calling a contractor in a panic to help clear out space in the garage for his vehicle when he was on the edge of the hurricane's path.

I'm far from the only one who spends hurricane season worrying about whether my aging parent will end up evacuating a severe storm, or worse, trapped in one.

It's not just Florida, and it's not just hurricanes. Ellen Kennedy, retirement editor at Kiplinger, faced similar yet different fears about her mother's exposure to weather events.

"We don't get too many hurricanes in the D.C. area, near my mother's house, but we do get the occasional winter storm that can dump a few feet of snow," Kennedy said. "While neighbors were wonderful, shoveling her walk and checking in on her, that wasn't a long-term solution. At times, my mother's house would also lose power in a storm, which left her vulnerable to dangerous heat waves in the summer."

For Kennedy and me — and millions of retirees trying to age in place safely or their adult children, who worry about them — the weather has become yet another cause of stress.

A growing body of research makes clear that extreme weather events are a safety concern that can disrupt plans to live independently and safely in the later years of retirement. Moreover, the annual rate of natural disasters are increasing, as the chart below shows.

Extreme weather can hit older adults hard — both physically and financially

Extreme weather is bad news for everyone, but for older adults, it can be a life-or-death matter. They're often the least equipped to cope with its consequences, to prepare for adverse weather events, and to withstand and rebuild from the damage. We've seen the devastating consequences of this time and again.

In July 2024, 75% of fatalities resulting from power outages after Hurricane Beryl in Texas were older adults who couldn't cool their homes or power in-home medical equipment. And, 73% of Lahain’a wildfire victims were elderly, with mobility challenges and economic vulnerability affecting their ability to leave. Adults 65 and over are also especially vulnerable to extreme heat.

Communities made up of older people can also take much longer to recover, putting survivors at risk even after the storm is over. Older displaced residents left coping with a lack of infrastructure in destroyed areas might face more isolation and have chronic conditions go untreated, further jeopardizing their health and safety.

Aging in place in the era of climate change

Many of the most popular retirement destinations are among those likely to be affected most adversely by climate change, with the AARP warning that the majority of metro areas with the fastest-growing 65-plus population are all in areas prone to extreme heat, hurricanes, or floods.

Retirement-friendly places are at risk

“People just generally are moving to places that are more prone to climate disasters,” Kaitlyn Trudeau, senior research associate for climate science at Climate Central, told AARP. “You’d think people would want to move away from disasters, but they’re moving toward them.”

This includes destinations in sunbelt states such as Florida and Arizona, which have traditionally been havens for older Americans looking to escape harsh winters. While some areas in these states might be bearable for the next decade, many areas may now be simply too hot.

But almost everyone wants to age in place

Whether older adults are already located in one of these high-risk areas or move to one after giving up work, it can be hard to convince them to rethink their retirement plans and live elsewhere — even for younger family members with concerns about their safety.

"Our mother was widowed at age 60, and she was ferociously capable and independent," Kennedy said. While her mother planned to remain at home, arranging for a friend to move in and adding a bathroom, things didn't work as expected. She began to slow down at 80, the friend who was supposed to move in died, and she started to need more help, but didn't want to move.

She wasn't alone. An estimated 90% of adults over 65 hope to remain in their current homes as they age, as they want to preserve independence and maintain connections to their community and past memories.

The burden on adult children

Unfortunately, when that becomes unsafe, it makes life very hard for younger relatives who might have to work to convince them that relocating is the only option — and who might have to make significant sacrifices until they help them to see this reality.

"This is probably the hardest conversation an adult child can have with a parent," Kennedy said, referring to talking with her mother about giving up her house. "She did not want to leave her home, but by the time she was 90, there was absolutely no way to keep her safe, given her age and more extreme weather."

How to age in place safely and make it work

Lean on family if you can

While Kennedy's mother found a retirement home she was happy with, my father is still living in Florida — a scenario made much easier by the fact that my family also relocated there for part of the year and purchased a home with an in-law apartment in which he now lives.

This isn't a solution that will work for everyone, of course, both because it's not always feasible for younger generations to offer this level of hands-on help and because not every retiree living in an area with extreme weather even has children or younger caregivers to turn to.

Be clear-eyed about your risk and your plan

If you're planning to age in place, you should assess your risk and develop a plan for resilience. It might involve new, reliable HVAC systems and a backup battery for the home, even if you don't have solar power.

If you're a younger relative or caregiver hoping to keep your older parent safe, you'll need to make contingency plans and put safeguards in place to respond quickly to weather issues.

"I made sure we had a car with all-wheel drive so we could reach her after a snowstorm," Kennedy said. "We had extra provisions for her, and for several years, the neighbors were a good backup in emergencies."

Plan for the extra help you'll likely need in the future

Kennedy also explained the best thing they did was to hire a companion and nurse, a solution that's an option only if you have the resources, knowledge and ability to make it happen — but that also remains an imperfect one when faced with the rising threat of climate change.

"The key to staying safe and happy when aging in place is finding a loving, trustworthy person to provide care when you need it, whether that's family or a nurse. But even with that assurance, a storm or flood could still put you and your home at risk. Our mother's retirement home has ample generators to handle blackouts. It's such a relief."

For those of us whose parents or older relatives aren't yet ready or willing to move to provide this peace of mind, though, watching weather reports closely and being ready to offer whatever help we can is about all we can do.

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Fiji is such a dream vacation destination — a place that seems so exotic and ephemeral — that it's difficult to imagine actually relocating there; but you can, and doing so is not particularly arduous.

The bar for demonstrating financial independence (which is mandatory to obtain a long-term visa) is low, and assuming you can meet it, this beach paradise that served as the location for both The Blue Lagoon and Survivor can be your new tropical home.

"Fiji offers a warm, English-speaking environment, a tropical lifestyle, and affordable living costs compared to Australia, New Zealand, or the U.S.," says Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at the global intelligence unit of Global Citizens Solutions (GCS).

According to GCS, Fiji’s population of nearly 900,000 includes a healthy number of expats from English-speaking countries, specifically Australia (around 5,000 people), New Zealand (around 3,500), the U.S. (around 3,000), Great Britain (around 1,500) and Canada (around 1,000). Those figures include both retirees and seasonal residents.

The country’s 330 islands, around a third of them inhabited, lie northeast of New Zealand and east of Australia. It takes three hours to fly from Auckland to Fiji’s Nadi International Airport, and five to fly from Sydney to Nadi.

From Los Angeles, the flight is around 10 or 11 hours, which is several hours longer than the trip from Los Angeles to the Pacific escapes of Hawaii or French Polynesia — that’s how far-flung Fiji is.

Fiji experiences a consistent, sunny, tropical climate throughout the year; the driest months are from May to October.

The vast majority of Fijians live on two islands: Viti Levu, where both Nadi and the capital of Suva are located; and Vanua Levu.

Though Suva has its own airport, Nadi’s airport is considered the international gateway. It takes 3.5 hours to drive from Nadi International Airport to Suva, along a southerly coastal route.

If you want to explore the lay of the land for possible relocation, Fiji’s Intercontinental Golf Resort & Spa offers the ultimate soft landing on its 35 beachfront acres; it’s designed to evoke a Fijian village, so it gives guests a sense of the traditional culture. The resort is less than an hour’s drive from Nadi’s airport.

The Fiji ethos

Kathy Koyamaibole, Tourism Fiji’s regional director for North America, says that "Fiji continues to be an ideal destination for those looking to retire in a place that offers not only serene natural surroundings, but also a deep sense of community and well-being.

"What sets Fiji apart is its warm and welcoming culture. Fijians are known for their hospitality, strong community values, and genuine sense of happiness that’s truly infectious. For retirees, Fiji offers a slower pace of life, vibrant expat communities, affordable real estate, and lots of coconuts to keep you hydrated."

Opportunities for beachcombing, snorkeling and scuba abound, along with cultural sites such as Nadi’s Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple.

A fresh, healthy cuisine — heavy on seafood and farm produce — awaits. The ceviche-like Kokada, whipped up from fish and coconut milk — is the national dish.

In terms of the comfort level for the LGBT community, Fiji is a mixed bag. Though Fiji decriminalized gay sex 15 years ago and has adopted laws banning employment discrimination and hate speech against LGBT people, marriage equality is not available in the country.

But like many Pacific island countries and states (including French Polynesia and Hawaii), Fijian society recognizes a third gender (men with female characteristics), here called vaka sa lewa lewa.

Where to retire in Fiji

A plurality of Fijians live in the capital of Suva, home to more than 185,000, if you include the coastal city’s greater metro area. Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital is the largest in Fiji.

But Koyamaibole encourages retirees to look beyond Suva. "Many U.S. expats choose to settle in areas such as Savusavu, Pacific Harbour or Nadi for their laid-back lifestyle, proximity to nature, and access to local amenities," she notes.

Savusavu, known for its hot springs, is in Vanua Levu, but you can get there from Nadi via a one-hour flight.

Pacific Harbour is in Viti Levu (about an hour’s drive from Suva), and offers the acclaimed Paradise Beach, as well as river tubing, fishing, surfing, ziplining, a marina and the Arts Village for shopping and dining.

Nadi is a center for Hindu culture, while its economy is heavily reliant on tourism. The city’s Pacific Specialist Healthcare is highly regarded.

Renting an apartment is extremely affordable: A one-bedroom in the city center will set you back only around $700, while a three-bedroom will cost double that.

As an island nation, Fiji is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and other climate impacts. Happily, the Government of Fiji has developed plans to improve the islands' resilience, some of which involve moving coastal villages further inland.

If you hope to settle right on the coast, you should research the potential vulnerability of each property you consider.

Visa, health care and tax matters in Fiji

The Fiji Assured Income Visa (AIV) is the primary retirement and passive income visa offered by this South Pacific nation.

"Designed for financially self-sufficient retirees and expats, the AIV grants renewable long-term residence to those who can demonstrate a secure, regular income or substantial assets," Sartoretto says.

To qualify for the AIV, applicants must be at least 45 years old, show evidence of accommodation (rented or owned), hold valid health insurance and pass a medical check.

Sartoretto explains that most expats and retirees use private clinics and hospitals, with international health insurance strongly recommended. "Medical standards in major cities such as Suva and Nadi are good, but limited in rural areas," she says.

In addition, the applicant must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency: A minimum annual income of 30,000 in Fijian dollars (called FJD) is required — that’s approximately $13,200 in U.S. dollars — from pensions, investments, annuities or other fixed-income sources. (A spouse and dependents under 18 are included.)

Alternatively, Sartoretto says, applicants can show "sufficient assets held in Fiji": a bank deposit of at least FJD 100,000 (around $44,000 USD). Applicants must agree not to seek work from a Fijian employer.

"The AIV is valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as financial requirements and good character are maintained," Sartoretto says (i.e., don’t run afoul of the law). AIV holders can own property (with some restrictions on land types) and participate in local community life.

"The program is especially popular among retirees from Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., the U.K., and Canada," she says. Citizenship is possible after five years of residence under the AIV.

Finally, Fiji operates a territorial tax system, meaning only income sourced within Fiji is taxed for residents — not an issue for AIV holders. Foreign pensions, offshore investments and overseas earnings are generally not taxed in Fiji for AIV holders.

More on Where to Retire Abroad

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• Retire in Malaysia for Affordable Luxury
• Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic Dream
• Retire in Ecuador for an Affordable, Rich Life
• Retire in Costa Rica for Expat Heaven
• Retire in the Canary Islands for Beaches and Natural Beauty
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• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
• Retire in New Zealand for Lush Landscapes and a Relaxed Vibe
• Retire in the UK for Culture, History and Location
• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand, Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
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As their retirement has drawn closer, though, another concern has come into play: The rise of extreme weather events across the U.S. “Climate has become an extra cloud looming over our plans,” says Kathy.

Being able to afford the coastal home of their dreams, with the requisite insurance coverage, is one question. But what if their new home was hit by a catastrophic storm? What if they were unable to use vital medical equipment or access medication they might need in the future? “The idea of putting our assets into a property that could then be destroyed by a flood — that would put a serious dent in our retirement,” says Chris. “And the health risks we’d face being older are also scary.”

Climate has always played a role in retirees’ plans, but typically in happier ways. It used to be that retirees could envision a certain quality of life in the warmth of the desert, deep in the woods or on the banks of a river.

The word climate has taken on a darker tinge. People may debate the science of global warming, but there’s no disputing that the number and severity of natural disasters continues to rise. Even locations that weren’t subject to hurricanes, floods, fires or extreme heat have become host to catastrophic events. And putting aside the dangers everyone is facing, studies now show that older adults are more at risk from these events than previously understood.

“Recent research has found that older adults are more vulnerable and experience more casualties after natural disasters compared to other age groups,” says Jennifer Pipa, vice president of disaster programs for the American Red Cross. Because older people tend to suffer cognitive and physical declines, as well as other chronic conditions, the need to help them prepare is even more critical, she notes.

The challenge for today’s retirees — and those headed toward retirement — is how to revisit certain assumptions and fortify long-term plans. While it’s impossible to predict where the next “thousand-year storm” will strike, understanding the relevant risk factors is essential, no matter where you live.

A new focus on resilience

Look no further than less than a year ago, when hurricanes Helene (in September) and Milton (October) plowed through the Southeast. The damage in Asheville, N.C., alone was devastating, partly because no one saw it coming to a place that was thought safe from extreme weather events. Record rainfall triggered flooding, mudslides and infrastructure damage on an epic scale — an estimated $60 billion and counting — and all in an area long cherished as an ideal destination for retirees.

“It’s definitely a paradox that Asheville has been marketed as a climate haven for so many years,” says Grace Barron-Martinez, a real estate agent with the Town and Mountain agency there. “People have flocked here to retire, believing it was safe. But as we’re seeing now, there isn’t any place that’s truly safe from these impacts.”

One way scientists are measuring the scale of these calamities is by the amount of damage they cause. Hence, the phrase “billion-dollar disaster” has entered the nomenclature. From 2020 to 2024, the U.S. suffered 23 billion-dollar disasters per year, on average, according to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. There were 27 such events with losses over $1 billion in 2024 alone.

Compare that to the 1980s, when there were only about three events per year that exceeded $1 billion in damage, adjusted for inflation.

“If you look at a storm like Hurricane Helene and the utter devastation it caused, it's clear that our society isn't well adapted to the climate we currently have,” says Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central, a scientific research organization that describes itself as a “policy-neutral nonprofit.” “I think there's a lot that we can do to improve the resilience of our communities given the types of extreme weather we’re seeing now.”

Physical vulnerabilities of being older

For retirees, preparing to recover from or avoid disasters should include more than housing and geographic considerations. One key factor is the scale of the over-65 population: In 2022, there were some 58 million people over age 65. That’s projected to grow to more than 78 million 15 years from now.

That is adding to the population density in retirement-friendly areas. And because many of those regions are more susceptible to natural disasters, this puts many older people directly in harm’s way.

Because they’re more likely to have mobility issues, chronic health conditions and to take medications, older people suffer more when disaster hits. Aging bodies also are more affected by dangerous weather. In extreme heat, for example, people over 60 are generally less able to regulate their own body temperature by sweating, which strains the cardiovascular system. Consequently, studies show, more than 80% of heat-related fatalities involve people over age 60.

During a fatal storm or other extreme conditions, risk factors for older adults can multiply. The inability to charge hearing aids can mean missing important alerts. Needing a walker or CPAP machine can hinder someone’s escape. In the Lahaina, Hawaii, wildfires of 2023, two-thirds of the fatalities were 60 and older. During the January wildfires in Los Angeles, all but two of the 30 people who died were over 60 or disabled; the average age was 77. Earlier this summer, a 10-day heatwave in Europe caused an estimated 2,300 deaths, with more than 80% estimated to be among those 65 and older.

Retirees moving to high-risk locations

Unfortunately, a corresponding factor has emerged that’s equally dire for retirees. Fires, floods, tornadoes and periods of extreme heat are not only happening more frequently — they tend to occur (and recur) in the regions where many older Americans live. The majority of counties in the state of Florida, for example, are considered very high or relatively high risk according to FEMA. And Florida’s population includes more than 4.7 million people over age 65.

Worse, despite the increase in natural disasters, signs are that retirees are not taking heed. Call it a triumph of hope over experience, or denial — some at-risk regions are seeing more retirees moving in, not out. For example, five states that are high-risk regions — Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, Texas and North Carolina — also saw the biggest net gain of people over 60 in 2023.

This data dovetails with what realtor Grace Barron-Martinez is seeing in Asheville. Despite the billions worth of damage wrought by last year’s hurricane, “Demand is still pretty strong,” she says. “What I’m seeing more is people paying closer attention to properties themselves. Like, the position of trees, drainage issues or how close the house is to a pond or a creek.”

Rather than viewing Asheville as risky, she says, retirees seem to be taking what happened in 2024 as a fluke, unlikely to recur soon. Or perhaps they’re willing to take on some risks in the name of a better quality of life.

“One of the first clients I met with after the hurricane was a couple looking to relocate from New Orleans,” Barron-Martinez says. “But they’d survived Katrina, so they weren’t particularly fazed.”

Why retirees may be more vulnerable

On top of these physical risk factors, there can be financial repercussions for living in a more vulnerable region. David Flegal, a financial adviser in Cleveland, notes that the cost-benefit analysis of moving into a desirable retirement area — often someplace warmer or coastal — is more complicated now. The demand for homes in these areas, particularly in today’s tight market, is driving up prices — and insurance rates have spiked in some areas as a result.

An analysis by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homeowners’ insurance premiums rose by 30% from 2020 to 2023 (that’s 13% adjusted for inflation). “This growth is associated with a stronger relationship between premiums and local disaster risk,” the report says. Meanwhile, many insurance companies across the country have stopped renewing policies on homes they deem too risky. A 2024 investigation by the Senate Budget Committee found that the number of non-renewals tripled in some 200 counties.

Flegal has a client who bought a home in Tampa for about $600,000 some years ago. It’s now worth nearly $1.5 million, and the cost of fully insuring the home is now prohibitive. Moving would be painful. “They like where they live, and it feels like home,” Flegal says.

They’d also take a financial hit. Even with the additional cash from the sale of their current property, finding another home could be challenging. Then there’s the tax on the gain from the sale: a likely 15% in long-term capital gains. Flegal notes that the capital gains exclusion for married couples on the sale of a primary residence is $500,000. In this case, even the $500,000 exclusion could leave his client with a $400,000 taxable gain.

The bottom line? “For now, he’s now living in a partially insured home on the Gulf Coast,” Flegal says.

A walk on the financial side

Practically speaking, is it worth factoring in climate- or weather-related risks as part of your retirement? After all, every retiree faces plenty of potential hiccups in the road ahead. Risks include prolonged or chronic illness, losing a spouse through death or divorce, an adult child or grandchild needing financial assistance, and outliving your assets. Not everything can be a line item in the budget.

Jen Mulder, the founder of Pathway Financial Services in Los Angeles, maintains that climate risks need to be part of a long-term financial plan. Thanks to the wildfires that ravaged Southern California last January, clients are more receptive to that conversation. “The wildfires were a wakeup call for a lot of people,” she says.

Still, Mulder says some clients are surprised when she tries to connect the dots to the financial side of their plan. “People don’t realize that certain factors could change — like taxes or inflation — because of these events. Businesses themselves may have more costs, or even liability issues that could impact returns.”

The resilient retiree

Lisa Hillegas, 62, is among those who want to cultivate resilience. In that sense, she’s emblematic of the next generation of retirees who are well aware of the increase in natural disasters and are factoring in those risks.

A lawyer in Ukiah, Calif., Hillegas and her husband moved into the house they hoped would be their forever home in late 2019, just before the pandemic. “We knew there was a fire danger up here,” she says, but they weren’t prepared to be affected by fires hundreds of miles away from their home just two hours north of San Francisco. The record-breaking wildfires in 2020 and 2021 burned millions of acres, generating so much smoke it made life unbearable. Going outside was impossible, and indoors wasn’t much better, Hillegas recalls. “We had air filters in every room. My husband was walking around with one of those filtration masks inside the house. It went on for weeks.”

Not only were all their outdoor activities off limits, Hillegas became deeply worried about the health risks of inhaling toxic pollutants. From her days practicing environmental law, Hillegas was sensitive to the risks of being exposed to chemicals. “With a wildfire, you just don’t know what’s burning — it’s not just trees, it’s appliances, cars, furniture. You're inhaling particles as well as smoke, and we don’t really know what the long-term health impacts are.”

Hillegas and her husband have reluctantly decided to leave California, and they’re now weighing a number of personal, health, climate and financial issues. They’ve considered Maine and Rhode Island — where they have friends or family — but that would put them on the opposite coast from their kids and her husband’s parents.

Making these choices — weighing the cost of living as well as quality of life — has never been an easy calculus. But the threat of natural disasters adds a new layer of complexity. “I consider myself a pragmatist,” Hillegas says. “I want to give myself the best shot at a long and satisfying retirement with my husband. Living in a place where we can’t breathe the air safely for weeks at a time is not the environment I want to grow old in.”

“Now we’re in the process of exploring Portland, Ore.,” she says. “It feels more palatable, because we’re still on the West Coast, and it’s a good city for aging in place.” But, she’s quick to point out, Portland has suffered episodes of extreme heat, as well as wildfires in 2020, albeit far less severe than in California. “All we can do is control what we can. There’s nowhere that’s 100% safe.”

Can you disaster-proof your financial plan?

Gaming out scenarios to come up with different portfolio projections is standard practice in the field of financial planning. Jen Mulder of Pathway Financial Services in Los Angeles has a few additions to that process that she uses to help clients consider the possible impact of different climate- and weather-related events.

Rethink the numbers. If the number of “billion-dollar disasters” continues at its current pace, governments and large companies could be contending with higher costs and bigger outlays. It’s worth running projections that factor in potentially lower returns as well as higher rates of inflation, Mulder says. “Depending on the outcomes, you may want to save more or think about working longer. The point is to give yourself options.”

Consider a Roth conversion. Could tax rates increase, given the burden on the government to help states recover from storms and other events? It’s hard to predict, “but if you believe you could be paying higher taxes down the road, it might be worth doing a Roth conversion on some of your tax-deferred assets now,” Mulder says.

Obviously, doing a rollover from a tax-deferred account like an IRA or 401(k) into a Roth account means you’ll owe tax on that amount at your current rate. But because there are no restrictions on the number of Roth conversions you can do (and no income cap when using this strategy, either), you could roll over a series of smaller amounts over a few years, pay less in tax — and enjoy tax-free withdrawals (once you’ve had the assets in the account for at least five years).

Invest in social capital. Given how vulnerable older people are in any kind of crisis, but especially in a deadly storm or fast-moving wildfire, knowing your neighbors could provide a critical lifeline, Mulder says. While this is true for many retirees, those who relocate need to be proactive about nurturing their social networks: “Let friends and neighbors know if you have hearing issues and might not hear an alarm or warning, or if you have mobility issues and need help getting out of your house.”

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report, our popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice that’s right on the money.

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Long gone are the days when Vietnam was solely associated with a prolonged war that embroiled the U.S., splitting it in two politically, and giving rise to the 1960s counterculture, an enduring mistrust of government, and the modern mass protest movement. With the U.S. taking the side of anti-communist South Vietnam against North Vietnam, the war that began in 1955 saw public opposition to U.S. involvement rise to 60% by 1970. The war ended with the humiliating spectacle of the fall of Saigon in 1975, but the country reunified the following year.

That dark time was more than half a century ago, and though the infamously controversial and destructive war has not been banished from the memories of the baby boomers and Gen Xers who lived through it, this demographic is now more likely to bring up the day they spent on a junk in Halong Bay while on a Seabourn cruise than the Tet Offensive of 1968.

Vietnam’s tourism has been on a tear for years, recently reporting 35.7% growth in international visitors; the U.S. is one of the country’s top five feeder markets. Flight bookings to the Vietnamese city of Nha Trang (actually Cam Ranh International Airport) between 2024 and 2025 place the country in the top 15 emerging summer destinations, beating out popular Iceland and Japan. Nha Trang is renowned for its white sand beaches and diving.

The days of Vietnam taking a backseat to perennial Asian favorites like Thailand are fading, so it makes sense that the country, which hugs the east coast of the Indochinese peninsula (and is bordered to the west by Laos and Cambodia), is primed to spark the imaginations of retirees looking to relocate. Their reasons are varied: exciting cities, serene beaches, dramatic scenery and biodiversity, adventure, culture, cuisine, and the enticing cost of living, which is approximately 59.3% lower than in the U.S., with rental prices about 78.5% lower.

In addition, the country boasts both sultry tropical regions (southern and central Vietnam) — and temperate areas (in the north) that experience the four seasons. That’s quite a lot to recommend this 1,000-mile-long, exotic S-shaped country. If you want to consider Vietnam for your golden years, a tourist visa affords you three months to look around. If you think Vietnam is for you and you need more time to nail things down, you can apply for an extension during those 90 days — the short-term goal is to obtain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

Note that Vietnam, which self-designates as socialist (with increasingly capitalistic tendencies), is essentially a communist state. On the plus side, though Vietnam is still part of the developing world, poverty has decreased and urbanization, economic growth and diversification, and investment in high-tech industry have all increased.

Visa matters

Vietnam doesn’t offer a designated retirement visa, but there are other ways to plant your beach chair here, specifically through business investment. “Vietnam’s DT Investor Visa has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most structured pathways for foreign entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish a presence in the country’s dynamic economy,” says Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at the global intelligence unit of Global Citizens Solutions. “A major advantage of the DT Investor Visa is its alignment with Vietnam’s broader strategy to foster high-value economic development.”

Sartoretto explains that Vietnam’s DT visa system offers “a graduated series of options,” which includes the very reasonable DT3 and DT4 types:

• DT1: Investment: approximately $4 million — for a duration of up to 5 years
• DT2: Investment: approximately $2 million — up to 5 years
• DT3: Investment: approximately $120,000 — up to 3 years
• DT4: Investment: approximately $120,000 — up to 12 months

Foreigners can obtain these visas by establishing a new company, investing in an existing Vietnamese enterprise, or contributing to sectors identified as strategically important. “Beyond business ownership,” Sartoretto explains, “the DT visa enables holders to participate actively in their own enterprise, granting legal work authorization linked directly to their investment activity.”

The other qualifications are pretty basic: You must be officially retired in your home country, you must hold valid health insurance, you are required to be financially independent and can support yourself and your family during your allowed stay in Vietnam, and you must not have any criminal charges or sentencing for serious crimes.

Finally, “investors are permitted to sponsor their spouses and dependent children for residence in Vietnam, ensuring that families can relocate together,” Sartoretto says.

Health care and taxes

According to Sartoretto, Vietnam’s healthcare system ranks 63rd out of 191 countries in the WHO’s overall health system performance assessment. “Vietnam offers a blend of public and private health care,” she explains, “with the public system providing widespread basic care and an expanding network of modern, internationally accredited private hospitals in major cities catering to expats and those seeking higher-quality, English-speaking medical services.”

For expats and retirees, she adds, “annual private health insurance in Vietnam typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 per year, depending on age, health status, and coverage level; this investment grants access to top-tier private hospitals, shorter wait times, and comprehensive services that meet or exceed Western standards, mainly in big cities.”

Good news, tax-wise: “Although Vietnam is a worldwide tax system, in practice, foreign pension income that is remitted to Vietnam by foreign retirees is rarely taxed,” Sartoretto says. “This is due to the absence of explicit provisions regarding the taxation of overseas pensions for foreign retirees. Most retirees report that their pension income from abroad is not subject to Vietnamese tax, as long as it is simply remitted for personal living expenses.”

Where to retire in Vietnam

Sartoretto says that the largest expat communities are found in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi and the central coastal city of Da Nang. “In these cities, expats can rent a modern, furnished one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $350 to $650 per month, or $200 to $400 in less central neighborhoods,” she says. In terms of “buying” property, because only long-term leaseholds are available in Vietnam, expats may shy away from trying to own their homes.

The southerly Ho Chi Minh City, with its selection of Chinese and French colonial architecture, is the financial and economic nerve center of Vietnam. The country’s most populous city contains a wealth of public parks, and tourists and locals are drawn to the restaurants, bars, coffee shops and general street life of Bui Vien Walking Street. Ho Chi Minh City is also home to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam’s largest airport. It takes roughly six hours to drive from the city to Nha Trang’s stunning beaches, but note that Vietnam’s well-regarded train system shoots up and down the coast.

As dense and popular as Ho Chi Minh City is, Hanoi, in the north, receives even more visitors. Like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is an economic powerhouse that is rapidly modernizing, with a dazzling skyline and Western businesses in evidence. With 1,000 years of history, Hanoi is filled with cultural sites and boasts a night market and a walkable Old Quarter. It takes less than three hours to drive from Hanoi to the wondrous limestone rock formations that dot Halong Bay.

Finally, Da Nang, located on the central coast, is another modern city, but one that offers access to mountains and caves to explore, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Non Nuoc Beach is lined with resorts, from a pricey (for Vietnam) Marriott composed of 122 villas featuring private pools to local boutique hotels that offer sleek rooms and amenities for less than $100/night (e.g. TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach). InterContinental, Hyatt, and Novotel are also represented in Da Nang.

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If you’re contemplating a post-retirement move, you’re not alone. Roughly one-third of retirement savers don’t think it makes financial sense to stay put once they say goodbye to their job, and about one in six say they’ll be forced to relocate to a more affordable place, according to a recent survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute. While costs are a critical factor, you’ll also need to think about access to quality health care and the availability of activities you love, just to name a couple of considerations.

States such as Florida, Arizona, South Carolina and Texas are go-to spots for new retirees. These sunny locations have offered a relatively affordable cost of living and friendly tax environment, as well as plenty of opportunities to hike, golf and swim.

But while the warm regions of the South and Southwest may make sense for some retirees, they have their downsides, too — especially as wildfires, droughts and other natural disasters become more widespread and occur at greater frequencies than they did in the past.

That may be good reason to look beyond the most popular destinations. The decision involves not only weighing the pros and cons of the locations you’re considering but also your personal preferences.

Is it important to you to be able to pop into a big city to catch a theater performance? Are you a foodie? Do you like to experience some snowfall? How close do you want to be to an international airport? If your children live far away, you may want to move closer to them. If you have a furry friend or are planning to get one, you may want a yard.

“Location will determine a lot of aspects of your well-being in retirement,” says Mo Wang, University Distinguished Professor at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, where he studies retirement. As you evaluate your choices, investigate the following areas.

Local tax rates

Taxes can take a significant bite out of your retirement income, so it makes sense to consider which states are tax-friendly for retirees. For instance, there are 13 states that don’t tax traditional retirement income such as Social Security benefits and distributions from retirement savings accounts or pensions, including Nevada, Florida and Illinois. And if you find yourself in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas or Wyoming, you won’t pay any state income tax at all.

You’ll also want to account for property taxes, which can vary widely by state. A Tax Foundation analysis of property taxes paid as a percentage of housing values — also called effective tax rates — found that while effective tax rates were as high as 1.83% in Illinois and 1.77% in New Jersey in 2023, they were just 0.32% in Hawaii and 0.36% in Alabama. (Those rates can vary greatly from county to county within a state, too: Jefferson County in Alabama had an effective property tax rate of roughly 0.6% as of 2023, while Choctaw County, in the same state, had one closer to 0.18%.)

For retirees hoping to pass down money or property to their children or other heirs, estate taxes are also part of the equation. Currently, federal estate taxes don’t affect most people; in 2025, federal taxes kick in on estates worth $13.99 million or more for individuals, or $27.98 million for married couples. (Recently, these thresholds, which the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act put into place, were set to expire at the end of this year and fall to about half their current level in 2026. But in a tax bill Congress was contemplating at press time, the higher exemption levels would be made permanent.)

Twelve states plus Washington, D.C., however, have their own estate taxes, and six states impose inheritance taxes, according to the Tax Foundation. Marylanders face both an estate and an inheritance tax. (Estate tax is paid by your estate based on the total value of all your assets when you die, while inheritance tax is paid by the heirs who receive an inheritance from you, based on the amount they get.)

In many cases, these states have lower exemption levels than the federal government. Oregon, for example, taxes assets worth more than $1 million. Arizona, Colorado and Georgia are among the majority of states that don’t have the so-called death tax.

And don’t forget about sales taxes. While some states — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon — don’t have a sales tax, others will take a large chunk when you make a purchase. Local governments (cities and counties) can also impose their own sales taxes. Louisiana and Tennessee have the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates at 9.56% and 9.55%, respectively, according to the Tax Foundation.

So while a state may look attractive for low tax rates in one area, it could be collecting a hefty sum in another, explains Charles Sachs, a financial adviser and chief investment officer at Imperio Wealth Advisors in Miami. You can look at our list of the most tax-friendly states for retirees, based on which ones don’t tax retirement benefits and, of those, which had the lowest median property taxes. Mississippi, Tennessee, Wyoming, Nevada and Florida snagged the top five spots.

Health care

Be sure to evaluate health care options. Start by identifying the nearest large medical facility and researching its services to make sure it has what you need.

This is especially important if you use a Medicare Advantage plan, because these private plans typically require beneficiaries to use in-network physicians and hospitals. To learn more about the plan’s network, you can typically check its website or call customer service. Or contact health providers you want to use to ask whether they accept your plan.

If you expect to spend only part of the year in your new retirement location, it’s worth considering a multi-location plan that will cover you in more than one state. Original Medicare provides coverage anywhere in the U.S. as long as the provider accepts it.

Don’t forget to assess the quality of care at local facilities, too. With Medicare’s compare tool, you can look up hospital ratings on a five-star scale, scoring how well facilities perform in areas such as treatment of heart attacks and safety of care. You can also see patient-survey ratings. The tool can help you find doctors, nursing homes, home health services and more in a geographic area, too.

When deciding where to call home next, it’s also essential to think about something that isn’t necessarily top of mind now but could become important later: long-term care, including proximity to assisted-living facilities.

Choosing a location that wouldn’t require you to make another big move should you need this type of care will save you time, money and stress down the road, says Melissa Caro, a financial planner based in New York City and founder of My Retirement Network, a free digital media platform focused on financial literacy and retirement topics.

Lifestyle suitability

Try to envision the place that embodies your dream retirement. If you love the hustle and bustle of a city full of theaters, museums and shops, you’ll probably want to make sure you’re in — or at least close to — a major metropolitan area with solid public transportation. But if you feel more at home living on a quiet street and hopping in a car for all your errands, a suburban or rural neighborhood probably makes more sense.

Visit any potential retirement destination that interests you at least a few times — and during different seasons. “It’s always wise to spend extended time in a new area rather than just visiting for a week or so,” Sachs says. “Many issues will present themselves after you’ve been exposed to a new area over time.”

For example, you may find that you don’t feel safe walking around a neighborhood at night, or there may be a lack of restaurants that serve your favorite type of cuisine.

Especially if you plan to travel frequently, check how close you’ll be to an international airport and/or train stations. Consider your proximity to loved ones. If all your family is on the West Coast but you’re thinking about moving to a southern state because it’s cheaper, not only will you see less of your relatives, but the costs may also even out once you factor in the price of flights back for visits.

And as you age, you may need assistance in ways you don’t right now, so it’s worth thinking about whether you’ll choose a location that’s close to your family.

Climate risks

It’s no surprise that many retirees ditch snow and cold weather for a warmer year-round climate once they have the flexibility to do so. Places such as Florida, Arizona and southern California have become in-demand retirement locations in part because they provide an escape from harsh winters.

But as appealing as those locations are, they also face growing threats related to climate change. In Florida, for instance, residents experience six months of hurricane season. Last year, Hurricane Milton ripped across the Sunshine State, causing floods and leaving more than 3 million homes and businesses without power. Meanwhile, California had already experienced roughly 1,300 wildfires in 2025 as of mid May, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Natural disasters are costly, and those costs are only rising: The five-year average disaster cost per capita was around $150 per U.S. resident in the early 2000s when adjusted for inflation, but it jumped to more than $400 per person in the late 2010s and has increased since then, data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows.

Protecting your home against these disasters is getting more costly, too — especially in coastal areas. Traditional retirement hotspots such as Florida, coastal South Carolina and parts of California are facing escalating insurance costs and reduced availability, says Caro.

Not only are premiums increasing, but in many areas, private insurers are exiting the space entirely, leaving retirees with limited, expensive state-run options or none at all. A 2024 report from the Congressional Budget Office, for example, said that in recent years, homeowners have found coverage costly or difficult to obtain in California’s wildfire-prone areas.

“I would argue that insurance risk has become just as important a consideration as taxes when choosing where to relocate,” Caro says. “In some cases, it may be the deciding factor.” Having some flexibility on where you choose to live within a city or region may help you lower the risk. An inland home may be less likely to suffer damage in a disaster than one directly on the water, for instance.

Caro says that one of the most effective ways to gauge insurance costs and availability is to speak with a local insurance broker in the area you’re considering. Or start with a home insurance calculator. With NerdWallet’s calculator, for instance, you can enter a location’s zip code to see local average rates for homeowners insurance.

Sense of community

When searching for your dream retirement location, you also want to consider the feel of the place. Does it have what you’ll need to be happy as you age?

The first step is to think about how you plan to spend your time in retirement. Will you seek out part-time work or opportunities to pitch in at local charities? Would you like to have a schedule of social activities? Wang, of the University of Florida, says a lot of preretirees plan to spend their retirement traveling but forget that eventually they have to come back and settle into a daily routine.

“When people retire, they lose structure for the day,” Wang says. “If you’re working, you know when you will get up, what routes you’ll take and what you’ll do during the day. When you retire, all those structures need to be resettled, and that often becomes a hurdle for a lot of people.”

So consider who you’ll spend your time with and what you’ll do together. If a location has excellent health care but no farmer’s markets, walking clubs, libraries or other spaces that give it a sense of community, it may not be the best spot for someone who wants to be socially active. If you enjoy regular lunches out with friends but you have to drive an hour to find desirable restaurants, or you love to golf but there aren’t courses in the area, you probably want to look elsewhere.

Wang says people tend to enjoy a higher level of psychological well-being when they volunteer at their church or in another part of their community, so considering whether you’ll be able to do so in your new home before you move there is vital.

In short, get a sense of what your schedule would be. Knowing what you’ll do when you move will remove uncertainty from your life and help ensure you’re not one of the 34% of adults ages 50 to 80 who, according to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, report feeling isolated from others.

Factor all these activities and social events into your financial planning and budgeting for retirement, and make sure you’ll be able to maintain your schedule for the long term.

“You can find a really nice place to live, but if you can only afford to stay for five years, then what happens afterward?” Wang says. “Financial planning is very important, and we see peoples’ psychological well-being drop very quickly if they encounter financial issues in retirement.”

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the island-nation of Cyprus is a European member state, though not a Schengen member, which allows for easy passage between European countries. Cyprus's outsider status is a lonely distinction that it shares only with Ireland. One need only look at the country on a map to see that things become more interesting, as Cyprus is tucked into such a far easterly corner of the Mediterranean that it lies to the south of Türkiye (Turkey), southeast of Greece, west of Syria, and north of Egypt. Thus, it is at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

To further complicate matters, Cyprus encompasses disputed territory between Greece and Türkiye. Though it became an independent nation in 1960, Cyprus has a recent history that includes a coup by Greek Cypriots, an invasion by Türkiye (both in 1974), and the latter’s insistence (in 1983) that a separate region in the island’s north — the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus — belongs to it. A U.N. buffer zone occupies the border between “Turkish” Cyprus and the remaining two-thirds of the island (the Republic of Cyprus).

Nicosia, the last divided capital of Europe (and the world), is part of the buffer zone. While it is considered safe to visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, living there is not recommended. No other country, aside from Türkiye, recognizes the disputed region as legal or legitimate.

Despite this geopolitical tension, Cyprus is a peaceable nation, earning a strong Freedom House score of 92 out of 100 for free elections, press and other good governance indicators. By contrast, the U.S. score is only 84.

Cyprus is also a beautiful destination with a rich history and culture, a high standard of living, a solid economy and a Mediterranean climate that beckons vacationers, digital nomads, and retirees to its cities and beaches. With stunning turquoise waters and a famed coastline that ranges from calm and sandy to rocky and dramatic, Cyprus may bring to mind Sicily, Malta, or any number of Greek islands. The gastronomy of Cyprus is heavily in the Greek tradition (think meze).

Marios Konstantinou is a lawyer and partner at the George K. Konstantinou Law Firm in Limassol, Cyprus, which is a go-to resource for relocation and expat retirement guidance. “It’s part of our culture to welcome guests, to welcome foreigners,” he says, also noting the country’s safety and “300 days of sun.” Though Greek is the official EU language, English is widely spoken, he says; the currency is the euro.

Where to retire in Cyprus

Cyprus is small and easy to navigate: You can drive it from end to end in two hours (around 150 miles) via the coastal route. Driving is on the left, U.K.-style, and though the bus system is considered by some to be efficient, the verdict from Konstantinou is different: “Not very good. You need a car in Cyprus.” With wheels of your own, it shouldn’t be difficult or especially time-consuming to explore and decide where to live.

Konstantinou recommends living in coastal cities such as Limassol, Larnaca, or Paphos, citing the first two as the most walkable, while the city of Paphos has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its history and ancient architecture. Larnarca and Paphos are home to busy international airports.

Limassol, where Konstantinou lives, has around 200,000 inhabitants and is located in the south. Konstantinou describes it as “developed” and the most likely place for expats to land.

Limassol is a modern city, but it features an evocative Old Town and a lively coastal tourist area from the Old Port to the Amathus area — the last is a long-lived settlement, dating from 1100 B.C., which contains the Temple of Aphrodite. Limassol is known for its calendar of public events, including a popular wine festival, which attests to Cyprus’s robust viniculture industry. The city boasts numerous beaches that carry a Blue Flag designation, denoting cleanliness and good environmental management. (The country as a whole has 76 Blue Flag beaches.)

Konstantinou says that a two-bedroom apartment in Limassol starts at around $1,200 a month, but a place in a building with a pool and other amenities will set you back around $2,000, or more. To see listings for sale or rent, check out DevelopersCyprus.

Visa and money matters in Cyprus

Americans understand the term “pink slip” as slang for getting fired, or a document that proves car ownership, but in Cyprus, the Pink Slip can be your gateway to retirement. The country has no formal retirement visa (or so-called golden visa), but once you’re in Cyprus, you can apply for a one-year Pink Slip: a temporary residence permit.

As a European member nation, Cyprus permits U.S. nationals to visit the country without a visa for 90 days within a 180-day period; you can exceed the 90 days once your Pink Slip application is in play. But Konstantinou says that his firm can complete the process in a month or 45 days, as long as the applicant is proactive: “It’s good to start collecting your documents — for example, birth certificates — before you come to Cyprus,” he says.

The Pink Slip can be renewed annually for five years, at which point you can apply for long-term resident status. After a total of eight years in-country, you can apply for citizenship. Therefore, even though the name of the visa sounds less secure than “retirement visa,” Cyprus is more open to citizenship — the ultimate badge of security — than many other countries.

In order to gain a Pink Slip, the expat retire must show annual foreign income of 24,000 euros a year (after taxes). That sum gives you an indication of the affordability of Cyprus; a single person might not even spend that much to live well in the country. A spouse bumps up the requirement to 28,800 euros; a child brings the total to 32,400 euros. The funds must be transferred to a traditional brick-and-mortar bank in Cyprus.

Note that the visa holder cannot work in Cyprus and cannot leave the country for more than three months continuously to remain in good standing. The good news is that Cyprus does allow the visa holder to work remotely for other countries, unlike Spain, for example. So those inspired to relocate to Cyprus can show either passive or active income, or a combination of the two.

Other requirements and visa types

In addition, the visa applicant must demonstrate proof of housing — either a rental contract or the purchase of a home — and private international or Cyprus health insurance (the latter costs around $200 a month) is mandatory. However, somewhat disconcertingly, you must meet the country’s definition of “health”: Once in-country, you must show, by blood test or chest X-ray, the absence of hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

If you think that the Pink Slip can apply to remote freelance workers who are not even contemplating retirement, you would be correct. That said, for retirees who wish to show relocate solely through passive income — a pension, other retirement account(s), and rental income are on the menu — the Category F Visa is a popular option. An annual income of around $11,000 is the price of entry — that’s a far easier bar to clear than the Pink Slip income requirement.

Cyprus levies a 5% tax on passive income; dividends carry a lower tax, Konstantinou says. A portion of Social Security income is exempt, but it may not be possible to completely avoid double taxation on Social Security. That’s why it is advisable to use a Cyprus-based law firm that has expertise in such matters.

Finally, on the other (pricier) end of the spectrum is a residency by investment visa, which is attainable for a 300,000-euro stake in property or shares — plus a showing of an annual income of 50,000 euros. That’s a six-month process. For this visa, “you are not allowed to work as an employee,” Konstantinou says, but it is permissible to open your own business.

Retiring in Cyprus: The Takeaway

Health, longevity, education, affordability: Cyprus ranks highly in the combined criteria that matter to the analysts who come up with the Human Development Index. It even notches one position higher than Greece, the country it so resembles.

Notwithstanding the invasive medical hurdles one must surmount in order to relocate in Cyprus, the country is welcoming, as demonstrated by the range of visas and reasonable requirements of residence there. And being an EU member state carries a litany of advantages, from a stable currency and sense of security, to an increasingly comfortable environment for the LGBT community — if it’s not exactly in line with wider European attitudes and civil rights, it’s come a long way.

For example, Cyprus offers civil unions (not gay marriage) and a ban on discrimination in employment, if not in other areas. Still, Cyprus codified employment protections on the basis of sexual orientation a full decade before the U.S. did. The country seems to be evolving quickly in terms of such matters: Conversion therapy has been banned since 2023.

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First things first: Spain routinely polls as one of the most desirable countries for U.S. citizens to retire. For general information about retiring in the country, check out our article, “Retire in Spain for Rich Culture, Cuisine and Coastal Bliss.”

However, the Canary Islands are distinct.

The Spanish archipelago with seven main islands is one of those rare southern European destinations that Americans either know a lot about (LGBT folks can’t get enough of Gran Canaria) or nothing (“Is that, like, in Africa?”).

Tourists are far more familiar with the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, which are plopped down in the Mediterranean off the country’s east coast, than the Canaries.

Part of that is location: Ibiza is just a 75-minute flight from Madrid. It takes more than twice as long to make it from Madrid to Tenerife, the largest Canary Island; the other major islands are Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

With the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic located off the African coast, they're much closer to Marrakesh than to Madrid.

Federica Grazi, who specializes in retirement relocations to Europe, says that interest in the scenic and sultry Canary Islands is on the rise.

“The Canaries are extremely open and open-minded,” she says, noting that people don’t dress to impress — and sometimes don’t dress at all. Nudity is common on the islands’ beaches. English is widely spoken.

Top two Canary Islands

Somewhat surprisingly, despite their relative remoteness, the Canary Islands are well-populated — at least, Gran Canaria and Tenerife are. More than 80% of the archipelago’s residents live on these two islands.

Grazi says that Gran Canaria and Tenerife “are the most common retirement places for expats, because they are quite beautiful and laid-back,” and though they are popular with tourists, they have proper cities where locals live and work. Grazi praises both the public transportation (buses) and the roads.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife; Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of Gran Canaria. Together, they are the co-capitals of the island group.

“These islands are more developed, and they offer more access, in terms of infrastructure,” Grazi says. “This is especially important for retirees.”

Happily, the cost of living in the Canary Islands is lower than on the Spanish mainland; in the cities, apartments containing more than one bedroom start at around $1,100/month.

“Everything is lower,” Grazi says, “from housing to dining out. Dinner can cost $25 per person. It’s really affordable.”

“In the north of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is very nice,” she says. “It has a beach, cultural events and festivals — it’s very vibrant and urbanized.”

The city boasts Playa las Canteras, a great long stretch of sand. El Mercado del Puerto is a big draw for its food stalls, and Vegueta, the historic section, oozes with history and charm.

Las Palmas Cathedral is a spectacular site, and though its interior is Gothic-style, it’s not austere: The rib vaults are meant to suggest palm trees. That captures the joyous, nature-loving flavor of Gran Canaria.

One main hospital is in the city’s south: Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria.

“The south of the island has a more village vibe with a lot of tourists and hotels, relaxing 24/7,” Grazi says. Gran Canaria’s resort town of Maspalomas is a major LGBT destination, particularly the Yumbo Center in Playa del Inglés.

Although Maspalomas is a planned resort development, it has abundant natural beauty — it is known for its palm groves and breathtaking sand dunes.

Hospitales San Roque is a major health center in Maspalomas.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the most populous city in the islands, has a population of more than 200,000 — that’s bigger than Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and around the size of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or Glendale, California. It boasts a modern skyline and significant architectural landmarks like Santiago Calatrava’s Auditorium of Tenerife and a Herzog & de Meuron-designed, lake-like fountain in Plaza de España.

The human touch is readily apparent: Puerto de la Cruz Market is beloved for its produce (it also carries clothing and ceramics), while Los Cristianos Street Market offers handcrafted goods, textiles and second-hand goods. Foodies shouldn’t miss La Recova Market.

One exotic aspect of the markets of the Canary Islands in general is that they display the cultural influence and products of the nearby African continent.

Eight hospitals dot the city, including the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria.

For a change of scene from the two main islands, Lanzarote retains a kind of mystique. While it offers family budget vacations, it is becoming increasingly known for its celebrities and other high-net-worth people who holiday in luxury hotels or buy property there. The entire island, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Climate considerations

Location equals climate. Because of their southerly location, the Canary Islands are a warm, year-round destination. (If you choose to retire there, expect friends and family to line up to stay with you.) You’ll experience temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s even in the depths of winter.

“I go there quite often in January and February,” Grazi says. “You might need a jean jacket in the evenings.” Brave swimmers jump in the ocean in winter.

Note that climate change has been brutal to Spain, with sweltering summers in such places as Barcelona, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re thinking of retiring in the Canary Islands, as well. Yes, the winters are sunny and glorious (beach weather, really), but the summers in these subtropical islands can be boiling — yet variable due to the ocean breezes coming from all sides.

A single random July week could experience daytime temperatures in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with nighttime temperatures a manageable 70 degrees. It might be cooler in the Canary Islands than in Madrid or Barcelona on a given summer week; of course, you’ll want to be near the coast.

Visa matters

Spain made headlines when it discontinued its golden visa program earlier this year, so for most retirees, the non-lucrative visa is the way to go. Grazi confirms that there are no special visa hoops to jump through if you want to retire in the Canary Islands: Spain is Spain.

It’s not especially arduous to meet the income threshold: The basis for your qualification is passive income, about $32,000 annually, or $2,600 per month. If you want to relocate with family members (spouse, parents, and children), that will cost you nearly $8,000 more per person per year, or around $650 a month.

If you’re a young retiree, be prepared to prove termination, resignation or sabbatical from your last job (always a fun conversation to have with the boss or former boss). That’s the only requirement that might lead to an awkward moment.

Everything else is easy, Grazi says. You don’t even have to show a cadenced monthly income; a healthy checking or savings account will satisfy the passive income requirement.

Gather your financial documents to demonstrate your solvency and your ability to provide for yourself — think retirement account statements, bank statements and tax returns.

The catch: You can’t work when you hold a non-lucrative visa, even remotely. If you want to helm your own business in retirement, you can explore converting to a self-employment visa.

Grazi says that if you end up going that route, there are “regional” taxation differences in Spain when it comes to work (not necessarily relevant to passive retirement income), so it’s best to secure a local tax adviser. She works with several.

The first hurdle is to gain a one-year residency card. Once that year ends, you can apply for another two years, then a final two. At that point, you can apply for permanent residency in your island paradise.

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Are you dreaming of retiring in Ireland? Can you picture yourself exploring the rugged landscapes of Connemara, strolling along a quiet beach in Donegal, or enjoying a pint of Guinness in your local pub?

Who could blame you? With so much to offer retirees, Ireland is an excellent choice for your golden years.

But before you can start soaking it all in, there are a few practicalities that you need to take care of first. From visa requirements to health care and taxes, careful preparation will help make your retirement as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Retire in Ireland: Visa and residency requirements

As a U.S. citizen thinking about retirement in Ireland, it’s important to understand the visa and residency rules that will affect your legal right to live in Ireland, access health care and more.

Since the U.S. isn’t part of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), U.S. retirees must apply for a specific type of permission to live in Ireland: Stamp 0 (sometimes called an Irish retirement visa).

Regulations for Stamp 0

• Steady income: You need an income of at least €50,000 ($58,733) a year after expenses, coming from reliable sources, such as a pension, investments, or rental income
• Lump sum savings: You should have access to a lump sum of money for unexpected big expenses (the amount of savings required may vary)
• Dependents: Stamp 0 usually does not allow dependents (spouse or children) to join you. They’ll need their own visa to live in Ireland
• No work allowed: You cannot work or run a business while on Stamp 0
• Continuous residence: You should live in Ireland most of the time (short holidays away are generally okay)

What you need to do to get Stamp 0

• Financial verification: Ask an Irish accountant to check your financial documents (such as bank statements and pension papers) and convert the amounts to euros so Irish authorities can understand them
• Private health insurance: Get private health insurance that fully covers your medical care and hospital stays in Ireland
• Police clearance: Provide police clearance certificates from your home country and any other countries where you’ve lived for a long time
• Health certificate: Get a certificate from your doctor that confirms you’re generally healthy
• Valid passport: Make sure your passport is current and has clear copies of all its pages
• Proof of accommodation: Show evidence of where you’ll live in Ireland, such as a rental agreement or proof that you own a property

Applying for Stamp 0 (Irish retirement visa)
The application process for Stamp 0 takes place through the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country. It’s a good idea to start this process well in advance of when you want to move, as gathering all the required documents (and getting approval) takes time.

Once approved, Stamp 0 is granted for one year. If you want to continue living in Ireland, you’ll need to renew it every year.

Your financial options when retiring in Ireland

One of the biggest questions you’re likely to have about your retirement in Ireland is: How will I access my retirement income here? Whether your income comes from Ireland, your home country, or a mix of both, you’ll want to avoid any issues in receiving your payments.

Irish state pension
This pension isn’t limited to Irish citizens. If you’ve worked in Ireland and paid social insurance (PRSI), you may qualify for this pension once you reach retirement age (currently 66, but this can change).

How much you receive depends on how many years you contributed and the type of contribution rate (or Class) made. Even if you don’t have enough years for the full pension, you might still be entitled to a partial payment.

Apart from the pension itself, qualifying for the Irish state pension also gives you access to benefits, including a monthly bus pass and other support that can help with everyday living costs.

Income from the U.S.
You might have Social Security benefits or a private pension from a previous employer. It’s important to check with the Social Security Administration and your pension provider about how living abroad, specifically in Ireland, might affect your payments. Luckily, the U.S. and Ireland have a tax treaty that helps avoid double taxation on your retirement income.

401(k)s, IRAs, and workplace pensions
401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement savings have specific rules about when and how you can access the funds, so be sure you understand the requirements before you start withdrawing money.

How retirement income is taxed

Understanding how taxes work in Ireland is an important part of your retirement planning — especially if your income comes from abroad.

Tax residency in Ireland
You may become an Irish tax resident depending on how long you stay in the country. You are considered a tax resident if you:

• Spend 183 days or more in Ireland in a single calendar year, or
• Spend 280 days over two consecutive years, with at least 30 days in the second year

If you're living in Ireland on a Stamp 0, you may still become a tax resident based on how many days you spend in the country — even though Stamp 0 itself doesn't automatically make you one under non-tax residency conditions.

Domicile and the remittance basis of taxation
On top of your residency status, your domicile also affects how you're taxed in Ireland. Domicile is a bit different from residency — it's where you consider your true, long-term home to be. And once you have a domicile (usually the country you were born in), it's not easy to change.

Why is this important? If you’re living in Ireland and count as a tax resident, but your domicile is still in the U.S., you might qualify for what’s called the remittance basis of taxation. In simple terms, this means:

• You’re taxed on all income from Irish sources
• You’re only taxed on foreign income, such as pensions, investments, or rental income, if you bring that money into Ireland (this is called remittance)
• If you leave your foreign income outside Ireland and don’t use it here, it’s not subject to Irish tax

This can offer major tax planning opportunities — especially if you have substantial foreign income or assets that you don’t need to access right away in Ireland.

Tax on foreign income
If you live in Ireland and are considered a tax resident, Ireland will tax your income from all over the world. This means Ireland could tax your U.S. retirement savings, Social Security, investments, or rental income.

However, Ireland and the U.S. have a special agreement to make sure you don’t pay tax twice on the same money. The Ireland-U.S. double taxation agreement decides which country has the right to tax different types of income, such as retirement savings withdrawals, pensions, Social Security benefits, investments, and rental income.

Because tax rules can be tricky depending on your situation, it’s a good idea to talk to a tax expert who knows both U.S. and Irish tax laws to make sure you’re covered.

Health care costs and accessibility

Health care is a big part of your retirement planning in Ireland. Especially as you get older, it’s even more important to make sure you have the right coverage and access to care.

U.S. retirees don’t automatically qualify for Ireland’s public health-care system. This means you won’t have the same easy access to free or low-cost care that Irish residents or EU citizens might get.

For U.S. retirees on Stamp 0 permission — or anyone coming from outside the EU/EEA — private health insurance is essential. Comprehensive private medical insurance that covers full private care in any hospital is a mandatory requirement for your Stamp 0 permission to be granted and renewed.

Important to know

• Your private health insurance should cover hospital stays, visits to specialists, and emergencies to help avoid big bills
• It’s a good idea to get your private insurance established before you move to Ireland, so you don’t have to wait to access certain health services
• Even if you don’t have Stamp 0 but plan to live in Ireland long-term, private insurance is still a smart choice, as public health care access can be limited
• Some private health plans also cover extras like dental and eye care, depending on what you need

Where to live if you retire in Ireland

Finding the right location for your lifestyle can shape your entire retirement experience. Thankfully, Ireland offers something for everyone:

Cities: Dublin and other cities, such as Cork and Galway, are great for those who want cultural activities, a variety of shopping and dining options, convenient public transport, and easy access to hospitals and other services.

Smaller towns and rural areas: If you like a slower pace of living with beautiful natural surroundings, a location like Killarney, Westport, Waterford, or coastal Donegal might be right for you.

Climate and lifestyle: Keep in mind the West Coast is scenic but wet and windy a lot of the year. The East Coast tends to be milder and drier.

Cost of living
The cost of living varies across Ireland. Cities — especially Dublin — tend to be expensive, with higher housing prices and everyday costs. Rural areas and smaller towns usually offer more affordable housing and lower daily expenses.

Health care access
Because you’ll have private health insurance as a U.S. retiree, it’s important to think about how close you’ll be to doctors and hospitals. In cities, you’ll find more hospitals and specialist clinics. But if you choose to live in a rural area, there might be fewer health care options, meaning you may have to travel farther for regular check-ups or ongoing care.

The takeaway on retiring in Ireland

Retiring in Ireland is a great chance to enjoy nature, rich history, and a relaxed lifestyle. But before you make the move, it’s important to plan ahead, including visas, health care, pensions and taxes.

Take the time to understand your options, get your paperwork in order and ask for expert help if you need it. Before long, you could be enjoying retired life in Ireland.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or immigration advice. While the author is an Irish expatriate tax adviser with Expat Taxes, the content is not a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your circumstances.

More on where to retire abroad

• Retire in Japan: It Ain’t Easy, Unless You’re Special
• Retire in Spain for Culture, Cuisine and Coastal Bliss
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• Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic Dream
• Retire in Ecuador for an Affordable, Rich Life
• Retire in Costa Rica for Expat Heaven
• Retire in Belize for Stunning Natural Beauty and Culture
• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
• Retire in New Zealand for Lush Landscapes and a Relaxed Vibe
• Retire in the UK for Culture, History and Location
• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
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• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico

The United Kingdom has long been a close ally of the United States, and the many ties between the two countries make it hard to imagine the enmity between them during the Revolutionary War.

These days, a typical American looks at the U.K. not as a foe, but as a favored trade, economic, political and cultural partner. The country consistently makes the list of best landing spots for U.S retirees.

“The U.K. is a wonderful retirement destination for U.S. retirees if you value culture, history and a slower pace of life mixed with vibrant towns,” said Mac Steer, owner at Simify, a travel communications services company.

“We’ve heard countless stories from customers who have extended their visits after falling in love with the U.K.”

Steer recalls a recent visit to The Cotswolds, a region in South Central England known for its rolling hills and honey-hued limestone buildings.

“One morning, I wandered through one of the region’s village streets to grab a fresh loaf from the bakery,” he said. “Struck by how friendly the locals were, I ended up chatting with the shop owner for nearly an hour about the best nearby walking trails. Every moment felt like stepping into a storybook.”

Combine that rural ambience with not one, but four vibrant, multicultural capital cities (Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London), charming coastal towns that dot the perimeter of the British Isles, and easy access to the rest of Europe, and it’s easy to see why a U.S. retiree might decide to call the country home during their golden years.

If that sounds like your cup of tea, here’s a rundown of what matters when retiring to the U.K.

Retiring in the U.K: Getting a visa

Elaine Warren, a travel expert and founder and CEO of The Family Cruise Companion, has visited more than 60 countries and counts the U.K. among her favorites.

“For U.S. retirees, the U.K. offers a beautiful mix of culture, history and convenience — especially for those who want an English-speaking country without giving up the chance to explore somewhere new,” she said. “But retiring here isn’t as simple as booking a one-way ticket.”

Exhibit A on that front is getting certified to remain in the U.K.

“The visa process is strict, and unless you have family ties or significant income — usually around $25,000 a year — you’ll need to plan well in advance,” Warren noted. “Securing a visa can take time and often requires legal guidance.”

Americans visiting the U.K. for six months or less don’t require a visa (although you will need an electronic travel authorization or ETA).

If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need the proper paperwork. As Warren notes, family connections, owning a home in the country or maintaining business connections in the U.K. will help you get to the front of the line.

Applying for a U.K. visa is similar to applying for a visa in any developed country, with these qualifications in mind.

• You'll need two color photographs taken in the past six months
• A valid U.S. passport is required
• Proof of adequate finances is needed, too, primarily to demonstrate you have the means to live on your own while in the country
• Proof of accommodation is required, as well. That could be a private home, a hotel or even a hostel, as long as you have documented proof of where you’re staying
• Expect to fill out a travel itinerary while in the U.K., including dates, lodging and transport paperwork, and transport means
• You’ll need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs
• Proof you’ve paid your U.K. visa application fees will be expected. A receipt showing the application was paid will suffice

“Remember, visa rules evolve in the U.K., so speaking with a qualified adviser before booking movers can keep unwelcome surprises to a minimum,” said Fiona Spinks, a solo adventurer and founder of the travel website Following Fiona.

Cost of living in the UK

The cost of living in the U.K., which encompasses England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, was comparable to the U.S. in 2025.

According to Numbeo’s cost-of-living aggregator, lifestyle costs in London (the largest city in the U.K., with an estimated population of around 8.9 million) break down as follows (in U.S. dollars):

• Estimated monthly cost of living for a family of four (not including rent): $5,065
• Estimated monthly cost for a single person (not including rent): $1,437
• London’s total average cost of living is 16% less than New York City's
• Compared with New York City, rental costs in London are 28.3% lower

Cost-wise, things can get expensive fast, though, depending on where you land.

“A two-bedroom home in a city like Manchester might cost around $300,000, while rent can run up to $1,400 a month,” Warren said. “Cities like Glasgow or Birmingham are in a similar range, though London and the Southeast are much higher.”

On top of that, you might need to pay "stamp duty" when buying a home; the tax is levied on properties in England and Wales that cost more than £125,000 ($170,659), but the system is different for properties in Scotland and Wales.

In England, Wales and Scotland you'll need to budget for council tax — the annual charge for local services, such as waste collection. The cost depends on where you live and the size of your home, but the average council tax set by local authorities in England for 2025-26 will be £2,280 ($3,112). (Northern Ireland has its own system of "rates".)

Average gas and electricity costs (for a medium-size house) are about $195 a month, while the average water bill is about $600 annually.

Broadband internet costs about $35 a month on average. Unless you only watch TV on streaming services, you'll need to pay for a TV license. (Those eligible for pension credit might get this free.)

Groceries for two people cost about $100 per week, depending on your habits, while the cost of dining out varies considerably.

"Dinner for two [two mains and two soft drinks] at a casual place can cost around £40 in UK currency,” Warren said.

Like anywhere, your budget will depend on where you choose to live, but it’s essential to be realistic from the start. “Rural areas and smaller towns are often more affordable, with the added bonus of lower crime and a stronger sense of community,” Warren added.

Tax and retiring in the UK

Taxes can be a complicated issue for U.S. retirees living in the U.K., and some downside risks are definitely in play.

First up is the U.S., which taxes citizens on their worldwide income, regardless of where they reside. That means England-bound retirees need to file U.S. tax returns and might end up owing U.K. taxes if they work and invest there.

The U.S.-U.K. tax treaty helps avoid being taxed twice, but to ensure you’re getting a fair deal, consult with a seasoned tax professional familiar with tax laws in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Failing to do so might result in adverse tax consequences.

“The biggest shock for my clients considering U.K. retirement is the tax complexity,” said Marc Egort, a certified public accountant and owner at Marc Egort CPA, P.A.

“Unlike other expat destinations, the U.K. has a 'deemed domicile' rule that can subject U.S. retirees to U.K. inheritance tax on worldwide assets after 15 years of residence. I've seen retirees face unexpected tax bills exceeding $200,000 on U.S. retirement accounts they thought were protected.”

On the upside, the U.K.-U.S. tax treaty helps avoid double taxation, but U.S. citizens must still file IRS returns.

“There are no exclusive tax benefit packages for Americans,” said Dat Ngo, a licensed CPA and personal finance professional based in Easton, Pennsylvania. “However, pension-friendly rules and no wealth tax provide advantages if planned correctly.”

Once settled, the most significant adjustment for U.S. retirees with tax concerns is the April-to-April tax year and filing duties in two countries, despite the treaty between Washington and London preventing double taxation. That’s why it’s critical to plan out not only your tax obligations, but your savings and investments, too.

“Many newcomers keep retirement income in a United States account and then transfer monthly spending money, while others open a sterling (U.K.) account for convenience,” Spinks said. “Either approach works once you engage an accountant who understands both systems.”

Access to health care in the UK

The National Health Service (NHS) is the taxpayer-funded health-care system in the UK. It's much loved, but after decades of underinvestment, it's facing increasing pressure.

Most services are still free at the point of delivery (you won't get a surprise bill for a hospital stay), but waiting lists for treatment can be lengthy. For expats, access to the system is tied to residency and visa status.

“Most expats must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge annually or get private international health insurance,” said Bill Reim, a retirement and international planning specialist at the Tom Reim Agency in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Warren added: “Getting that private health insurance is a must. It’s important to research plans ahead of time, especially to make sure your medications and any pre-existing conditions are covered.”

Where to retire in the U.K.

Choosing a place to live in the U.K. is complicated, but in a good way, as each region offers unique benefits.

“For example, Bath has stunning Georgian architecture and walkability, while Edinburgh offers culture and history,” Reim said. “Most U.K. cities offer a combination of safety, amenities and access to transportation, which are all important for aging well abroad.”

Warren favors more amenity-laden English locales, such as Exeter in Devon, or Richmond-upon-Thames, a leafy (and expensive) enclave in Southwest London.

“They’re beautiful, walkable and well connected to the rest of the country,” she said. “Dorset’s coastal towns are lovely and relaxed. For a mix of city energy and access to health care, places like Manchester and Birmingham are great choices.”

The ideal locale for Steer was the region where he spent most of his time in the UK.

“In The Cotswolds, I remember visiting … Chipping Campden during a weekend getaway,” he said. “The air felt different; soft, refreshing and calm. The golden stone cottages, lush rolling hills and the friendly locals created a serenity I hadn’t found anywhere else.”

The Cotswolds could appeal to U.S. retirees for the balance it offers. “You get a peaceful countryside lifestyle with easy access to bigger cities like Bath and Oxford for culture, shopping or medical facilities,” Steer noted.

“Plus, the sense of community in the smaller towns is heartwarming. I often recommend it to travelers looking for a slower pace of life without losing touch with modern conveniences.”

“I’d absolutely retire there myself,” he added.

Safety-wise, the U.K. feels reassuringly calm. Rural areas have lower crime rates than cities, which in turn are "safer than many in the U.S.,” Warren noted.

LGBTQ+ retirees will receive a warm welcome, and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association calls England "one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in the world." London is home to the U.K.'s first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community at Tonic@Bankhouse, and there are plans for a similar project in Manchester.

Wherever you live, a great way to meet new people is by joining your local U3A — a group in which retirees get together, try new activities and have fun, whether that means art or fitness classes, language lessons, theater trips or something more adventurous, such as whitewater rafting on the former Olympic course.

After all that, if you have time to travel back to the States, flights between the U.S. and major U.K. cities are frequent, direct and easily accessible.

“Numerous direct flights operate daily to London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Manchester and Edinburgh from cities like New York, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles,” Reim said. “This accessibility is key for retirees who plan to visit family or return periodically.”

Retiring in the UK: The takeaway

The U.K. offers wanderlust-minded retirees a wealth of lifestyle options that blend history, scenery and modern culture with a healthy dose of traditional British charm.

“I’ve been to The Cotswolds in spring, had tea in Devon and walked the hills of Scotland with my kids,” Warren said. “Each trip reminded me why this country continues to attract retirees who are looking for something more than just sunshine.

“The lifestyle adjustment is real, but so are the rewards,” she noted.

To gain the maximum benefits of the U.K. experience, retirees thinking about moving there should start with a clear plan.

“Make sure to understand the visa process, make room in your budget for health care and housing, and take all the time you need to find a place that fits your lifestyle,” Warren advised.

More on where to retire abroad

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• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
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• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
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• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
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• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
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Spain is one of those seductive Mediterranean countries that became a victim of its own success, in terms of its allure for expats. A decade ago, as the country tried to recover from the global financial crisis, it welcomed expats through its golden visa program. Recent flush years have brought throngs of tourists to Madrid, Majorca, and especially Barcelona.

However, the golden visa program is no more, and Spaniards have pushed back against both conspicuous overtourism and home-buying expats who they say have priced locals out of the housing market.

That said, Spain is still Spain, and it continues to be a draw for tourists and retirees, even if you risk getting squirted by a water gun while enjoying your Ibérico ham and manchego cheese at a sidewalk café. This country of 50 million boasts world-class cities; enchanting regional differences; palpable history and a deep-rooted arts scene; long, sandy beaches; and clusters of idyllic islands to suit everyone from partiers to quiet nature lovers.

The non-lucrative visa is the perfect way for retirees to live their golden years in a vibrant culture with a glass of the country’s famous wine in their hand.

Where to retire in Spain: best places to live

Many potential retirees are bound to start with Madrid, which is the kind of traditional Spanish city that most people recall when they think of Spain (e.g. Plaza Mayor). Another clear choice is the more casual Barcelona, which is more international and eclectic, with its fanciful Gaudi architecture, incomparable Boqueria market, and a beachfront location that brings to mind Miami or Tel Aviv. Madrid is located in the center of the country, with Barcelona on the northeast coast.

Federica Grazi, who specializes in retirement relocations to Europe, urges clients to look beyond Spain’s major cities for affordability and quality of life. “The Southern part of Spain is quite interesting because it has Valencia, which has a good community of expats, but there’s also Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca,” Grazi says. “They are a bit less expensive than the big cities, and overall, a bit warmer.”

On the high-speed train, it takes under three hours to get from Barcelona to Valencia, due south. Continue south to reach Alicante and the Costa Blanca, which features 120 miles of Mediterranean coastline. As you round the southern tip of the country toward Gibraltar, you encounter the Costa del Sol, in Andalusia, a key tourist attraction. The city of Málaga and the resort town of Marbella are its major population centers. Note, however, that southern Spain is experiencing increasingly severe heatwaves and overall warming. Many Spaniards flee hotter cities for the mountains or cooler locales in the summer.

As far as Spain’s famed and gorgeous Balearic archipelago — Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, etc. — Grazi notes that expensive Majorca and Ibiza are year-round as opposed to seasonal, but she still favors the mainland coast as a home base for retirees. “Anyone considering an island should go in January to see the vibe in the winter,” she cautions.

The sweet life in Spain

Moving to Europe had always been the plan for Robert Webber and his husband, Dennis Johnson, who lived in Los Angeles. However, they accelerated their retirement dream when they found themselves unemployed in 2018. By May of that year, Webber said, “Why are we waiting?” and they took advantage of the golden visa, which was available at the time.

“We found a place to live, and we got a vacation place to rent out for additional income,” Webber says. The couple settled in the gay-friendly coastal resort town of Sitges and opened the chocolate shop Sweet Sitges, speaking enough Spanish “to get by.” (“Almost everyone here speaks English,” he says.) Webber says he loves Prague, Amsterdam, and Berlin, but cold winters were a no-go. “Sitges’s microclimate is like LA’s,” he says.

He and Johnson, who’ve lived in several big American cities, felt Madrid was too much at this point in their lives, and that Sitges is right-sized for them. And yet: “There’s always something going on, like festivals and heritage events.” Plus, Webber notes that the town’s population of 32,000 swells to the hundreds of thousands in the summer.

Webber praises his Barcelona-based immigration attorney, Laura Fusté Lleixà, for facilitating the process, helping them convert their golden visa to a self-employed visa to better suit their situation (a few hoops to jump through there). Johnson teaches English online. Retirement turned out be busier than the couple had expected. And more welcoming.

“We have never felt unwelcome as U.S. expats,” Webber says. “Sitges has expats from all over the world. I think the best thing someone can do, as an expat, is to learn at least a little Spanish and learn the local customs and way of life. Don’t try to impose your own way of thinking or doing things on the locals.” His practical recommendation: “Become a regular at a small bar and get to know the locals and new home, and you will be welcomed. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.”

Visa matters

When countries discontinue their golden visas, as Spain did in April, many retirees and soon-to-be retirees have that sinking feeling of options dwindling, that they’ve missed their window. However, many countries offer non-lucrative visas designed for retirees, and Spain’s version is relatively painless. “It’s not very complex,” Grazi says, “and the thresholds are not particularly high.”

One major difference between the now-defunct golden visa and the non-lucrative visa is flexibility: You can’t work when you have Spain’s version of the non-lucrative visa — at all, not even remotely, and you must present a notarized affidavit to promise you won’t work. Here, retirement means retirement. That’s a huge life change, and a likely dealbreaker for many U.S. citizens, who increasingly desire a more gradual path to doing nothing but pleasure-seeking and rest. (Though Webber’s and Johnson’s story demonstrates that it is possible to change your circumstances and enjoy an entrepreneurial “retirement.”)

The basis for your qualification is passive income, about $32,000 annually, or $2,600 per month. If you want to bring family members (spouse, parents, and children), that will cost you nearly $8,000 more per person per year, or around $650 a month. Because those numbers are tied to the Spanish minimum wage, you have to keep your eye on legislative increases.

However, if you have at least some liquidity, you need not start calculating your Social Security benefits, fixed income numbers, or other investment windfalls. Simple savings can satisfy the passive income requirement. As in other countries, you have to get your financial documents in order to demonstrate passive income — if not retirement account statements, then bank statements and tax returns.

If you’re too young to be collecting Social Security or other retirement benefits, be prepared to prove termination, resignation, or sabbatical from your last job. Financial matters are always more complicated for the self-employed, or contractors; that’s why it’s important to work with a financial advisor, regardless of your former work status. Grazi suggests using a tax expert, whether you need an hour consultation or more extensive advice (for ultra-high-net-worth individuals). She partners with several advisers.

Grazi says that you can begin the non-lucrative visa process in the U.S., the initial goal is to gain a one-year residency card. After a year has elapsed, then you can renew it for two years. At the end of those two years, you can apply for an additional two years. “After five years, you can apply for permanent residency,” Grazi says.

Instead, if you want to become a digital nomad in your golden years, then go for Spain’s digital nomad visa, because the non-lucrative visa is not for you. But note that you must put in the hours to qualify for the digital nomad visa, earning at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, which is more than $3,000 a month in active income. When you’re hustling for remote contract work, that could eat up a third of your time, give or take.

Health care and taxes

Spain is rated as one of Europe’s top 15 countries for health care quality. Private health care insurance is compulsory for visa holders for up to around $200 per month, with public health care available once you attain permanent residency. However, if you have pre-existing conditions, you will need to shop around for private insurance. That can mean the difference between paying out-of-pocket for some medications (typically not expensive), or finding it more difficult to secure insurance coverage for certain treatments if you have a chronic, serious condition, like cancer.

Regarding taxation, once you have stayed in residence for the mandatory six months, you become a tax resident and are required to file in both the U.S. and Spain. But you can avoid double taxation: “It’s best to file first in Spain,” Grazi says, “then you get the tax credit for the U.S. You don’t need to pay twice.” The tax rate for most forms of passive income — including Social Security, pensions, and investment accounts — starts at 19% and escalates to 47% in a tiered, progressive scheme, as in the U.S.

Grazi also notes that as you age in Spain, you receive a higher tax deduction; reductions in the tax burden are triggered at ages 65 and 75. “There is a bit of a tax-free amount” as you age, she says.

Living in Spain: The takeaway

Spain is a large and diverse country, and since U.S. tourists can stay for 90 days, potential retirees may need all that time to figure out if they want to settle in a thriving city or a coastal tourist destination. Both types of places are magnets for expats.

With different visas on offer, you must think long and hard about whether you want to work not at all, part-time, or go the business-visa route, though the possibility to convert your visa type is there, at least for now.

Ultimately, Spain is open to different lifestyles; it is one of the most accepting places in the world for LGBT folks. Marriage equality became the law of the land in 2005, a decade before the right was federalized in the U.S., and trans rights are among the most progressive anywhere. Madrid, Barcelona, and Sitges are especially gay-friendly, as are the Canary Islands. (Watch this space for an upcoming piece on retirement in the Canaries.)

In Spain, life may not always be a Pedro Almodóvar movie, but in some places, it can feel pretty close.

More on where to retire abroad

• Retire in Japan: It Ain’t Easy, Unless You’re Special
• Retire in Belize for Stunning Natural Beauty and Culture
• Retire in Malaysia for Affordable Luxury
• Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic Dream
• Retire in Ecuador for an Affordable, Rich Life
• Retire in Costa Rica for Expat Heaven
• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
• Retire in New Zealand for Lush Landscapes and a Relaxed Vibe
• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
• Where to Retire: Living in Panama Offers Stability and Charm
• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico

But overall, property taxes in the Old Dominion State are below the national average.

This can be advantageous for Virginia residents, particularly since property tax rates nationally are on the rise. If you’re looking to relocate somewhere cheaper, or are searching for more scenic living, here are Virginia’s top 10 cheapest places to live.

Related: Virginia Tax Rebates 2025: What You Need to Know

Cheapest places to live in Virginia

After ranking property tax bills from highest to lowest per county in Virginia, one thing’s for certain: Rural places prevailed. You’ll typically find more affordable living in the countryside than, say, Virginia Beach or the capital city of Richmond.

But if you’d like a more relaxed pace of life, panoramic mountaintop views and a close-knit community feel, check out these places.

Note: Kiplinger used 2025 data presented by the Tax Foundation (sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau) to find the cheapest counties in Virginia to live.

Brunswick County

Median property tax bill: $718

Median home price: $132,700

Brunswick County is home to some pretty cheap property tax bills, with a median of $718. Home prices are typically around $132,700, according to the latest data from the Tax Foundation.

Although Brunswick is located along the North Carolina border, it’s in a passionate debate with Brunswick County, Georgia, about who created the classic Southern dish, “Brunswick Stew.” Each year, Brunswick, Virginia, has a festival claiming to be the birthplace of the meal’s origin. But the county is more than just food.

Brunswick also has National Treasures in the two Rosenwald Schools, which were built to serve African-American students in the early 1900s. Other historic sites in the county include Lake Gaston and the Meherrin River, where residents can enjoy fishing, boating and other water activities.

If you want to be a part of rich cultural heritage — and maybe a friendly competition over stew — Brunswick might be the perfect place for you and your wallet.

Tazewell County

Median property tax bill: $718

Median home price: $116,100

Tazewell technically ties with Brunswick in the median property tax bill, but claims a slightly higher rank on this list due to its lower median property prices, at $116,100 (per U.S. Census Bureau data).

Tazewell is well-suited for outdoor recreationalists, as its nickname, “Scenic Gateway to the Heart of the Appalachians,” implies. The county boasts the highest valley in Virginia, Burke’s Garden, as well as the Clinch River, home to the world’s largest collection of rare freshwater species.

Residents can also enjoy breathtaking views on a popular motorcycle route dubbed the “Back of the Dragon” and explore the local lake in Cavitt’s Creek Park.

Come for the adventure in Tazewell, but stay for the cheap property taxes.

Wise County

Median property tax bill: $658

Median home price: $116,500

Home prices in Wise sit comfortably at $116,500 while median property tax bills are just under $660, according to the Tax Foundation. However, Wise’s property taxes can be slightly more expensive than several adjacent counties in Virginia and Kentucky.

Don’t let that scare you off. While slightly pricier than other counties on this list, Wise makes up for it with educational opportunities and parks.

Home to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise), the county offers beautiful Appalachian Mountain scenery and rich history. Residents can explore parts of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and drive about an hour out to see Breaks Interstate Park — locally known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.”

If you’re looking for a beautiful (and inexpensive) college town in the mountains, Wise might be the move for you.

Russell County

Median property tax bill: $644

Median home price: $119,600

Home prices are relatively low in Russell, as the median price tag on single and multifamily homes is $119,600.

While not the cheapest on this list, it certainly isn’t the most expensive. The median property tax bill is also affordable at less than $650, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Russell County has lots of local charm. Towns such as Lebanon, Rosedale and Castlewood offer cozy cafes and attractive scenery. Festivals in Russell are common, too, with the Russell County Fair and Horse Show being the most popular.

Residents can also enjoy typical Virginia amenities, such as visits to waterfalls and hikes through picturesque mountain trails.

If you’re digging a “small town vibe” in the mountains, Russell might be a great place to save on property tax.

Lunenburg County

Median property tax bill: $635

Median home price: $145,500

Boasting the highest median home price on this list, at $145,500, is Lunenburg County. While housing prices are relatively “high” compared with the rest of the rankings, median property tax bills in the county aren’t, at just $635.

Lunenburg is home to rustic flair. You might enjoy relocating to the county if you like camping, canoeing or horseback riding. In addition to state park access, the area is about a 40-minute drive from a local winery and a distillery. Residents enjoy tasting a wide variety of drinks while also learning about the winemaking process and touring the grounds in these areas.

Foodies who want to enjoy the outdoors or those seeking a slower pace of life might find a home for a reasonable price in Lunenburg County.

Covington City

Median property tax bill: $629

Median home price: $80,200

Although not a “county,” Covington City is included on this list because it's a self-governing entity. It has the lowest median housing price on our list at $80,200, while property taxes are just shy of $630, per the Tax Foundation housing data.

Covington City is the second-least populous city in Virginia, but its uncrowded vibe could be perfect for remote workers. Such activities as kayaking, tubing and rafting are not uncommon on the scenic Jackson River, and the area also offers lake access and an impressive 80-foot waterfall, named “Falling Spring Falls.”

If you’re looking for some downtime on the cheap, you might make Covington City your next destination.

Henry County

Median property tax bill: $604

Median home price: $120,300

Henry County property taxes are generally less expensive than all surrounding counties, and it’s no wonder. The median property tax bill is barely above $600, while home prices are around $120,300, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Steeped in a rich history of textiles and furniture making, Henry County's seat has a prominent NASCAR track. Race weekends can attract tens of thousands of fans for events.

Outside of racing, the county is known for being one of the last engagements in the Civil War. History buffs can also learn more about local geological features and wildlife at the Commonwealth’s Museum of Natural History.

Move to Henry County if you’d like to pay low property taxes, enjoy the track on the weekends and want a chance to live in a historic town.

Lee County

Median property tax bill: $586

Median home price: $98,700

As the westernmost county in Virginia, Lee ranks third in the cheapest places to live, due to median property tax bills being just under $590. House prices, too, can be relatively cheap, at barely below $99,000 per the Tax Foundation.

Part of the allure of Lee is its natural beauty. A portion of the Cumberland Gap is in the county. There, residents can go on a ranger-guided tour of Gap Cave, check out a 20th-century settlement, and take plenty of photos of waterfalls.

Lee is also famous for a relaxed atmosphere, with such crafts as quilting, which has been passed down through families for generations and preserved in guilds and other associations in the area. However, the county is “partially dry,” meaning you can't buy distilled spirits at a retail store.

Artists who want to take stunning photographs, work in textiles and save on taxes might fall in love with Lee County.

Dickenson County

Median property tax bill: $503

Median home price: $101,100

Right on the Kentucky border is Dickenson County, with property taxes around $500. Median home prices are also relatively low, barely above $101,000, according to Tax Foundation data.

Dickenson residents are nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, so they can explore numerous ATV trails and check out stunning vistas.

For example, a clear day on the Birch Knob Observation Tower can allow you to see parts of Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, even Ohio.

The county also celebrates the folklore and culture of Appalachia through multiple live events and mountain music festivals.

If you’re ready to experience a strong connection to the region’s local heritage and want to save a buck or two, Dickenson might be the place for you.

Buchanan County

Median property tax bill: $404

Median home price: $91,400

Buchanan is the cheapest place to live in Virginia per the U.S. Census Bureau, with home prices around $91,400 and median property tax bills just over $400.

Not only does Buchanan have the lowest property taxes on this list, but the county also boasts the lowest effective property tax rate, at 0.44% — very cheap, considering the national average is about .90%!

Apart from being affordable, it's the only Virginia county to border both West Virginia and Kentucky in a very rural area. Consequently, the county has a wildlife-centered focus, promoting itself as “The Elk Capital of Virginia.”

A 45-minute drive takes you to Breaks Interstate Park, which offers guided tours of elk, wild turkeys, and black bears. Residents can also enjoy fishing, canoeing and hiking.

Like Lee County, Buchanan County prohibits the retail sale of distilled spirits.

Come to Buchanan for the cheap property taxes, and stay for the wildlife explorations.

More Cheap Places

• Ten Cheapest Places to Live in Texas
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• Places to Live in New York — For Cheap
• The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee

You moved from Las Vegas to Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2010 and now run a website with guidance for expat retirees. Based on your ex­perience, what’s driving more Americans to retire abroad?

Edd: Many people are reaching retirement age with insufficient savings and want more affordable solutions. Moving abroad can lower your living costs, raise your living standard and preserve your nest egg. It was scary for people to do this when we moved 15 years ago. Today, a lot more information is available, including online communities where you can learn from expats.

Why did you leave the U.S.?

Cynthia: We were casualties of the 2008–09 recession. We lost our careers and most of our financial security. We had to come up with a Plan B. Edd suggested moving someplace where the cost of living was lower. I said, “We’re not moving someplace just because it’s cheap.” So we made a wish list and tried to check off as many of the boxes as possible.

Edd: We wanted temperate weather and access to health care, cultural activities and good public transportation, as well as proximity to our children on the East Coast. I stumbled upon Cuenca while doing an internet search.

What key financial issues should retirees consider before moving?

Cynthia: Talk to your accountant or financial adviser about U.S. taxes. If you’re mainly living on Social Security, your obligation could be minimal.

Edd: For health care, you can pay out of pocket, sign up for the national health care plan after becoming a resident, or buy private or international coverage. If you’re eligible for Medicare, we advise that you don’t opt out of coverage. The penalties are severe if you change your mind later, and many people return to the U.S., often due to medical issues.

You can have Social Security benefits deposited in your bank in your new country if the country allows it. Or keep the money in a U.S. account and access it through ATMs.

What should people know about applying for residency?

Cynthia: We hired an attorney to help us navigate the legal nuances. You need documents such as your birth certificate and marriage certificate, plus a police report and, depending on the type of visa, proof of guaranteed income or funds invested in a local certificate of deposit or real estate. Applying for residency is not a do-it-yourself project for most people.

Any other advice for those consid­ering an international move?

Cynthia: We recommend a scouting trip of at least two weeks, and up to three months if possible. Live like a local. Shop at the grocery store and ride public transit.

If you move, you’ll need a good amount of money up front for costs like paying rent and a security deposit, shipping belongings from the U.S., and buying new things. You’ll also want an emergency fund. Yet, in the long run, you can also spend less. We can go from one end of the town to another in a taxi for $3 and pay $3.50 for a lunch out that includes juice, soup, an entrée and a small dessert.

Where can people go for more in­formation about retiring abroad?

Cynthia: The homepage of our website, www.eddandcynthia.com, has a report titled “10 Great Reasons to Think About Living Abroad.” It answers a lot of questions.

Edd: International Living and Live and Invest Overseas are great resources.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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In the hilarious and harrowing 2013 film August: Osage County, Juliette Lewis, who plays Meryl Streep’s dreamy youngest daughter, is willing to overlook her fiancé’s considerable transgressions as long as he fulfills his promise to take her to … Belize. There’s little to suggest that she knows much about the sliver of this Central American country. Still, her stated ambition elicits knowing laughter, because for many, Belize represents nirvana — the ultimate place to escape the rat race and enjoy a barefoot, beautiful life.

Belize lies enviably on the Caribbean coast, just south of Mexico, an advantageous neighbor (more on that later), and to the east of Guatemala, which has its own convenient charms. Belize enjoys a subtropical climate, with the dry season from November to April. With around 400,000 people tucked into fewer than 9,000 square miles, the country punches above its weight for both travelers and those from the U.S. considering retirement abroad.

Chalk that up to its white-sand beaches, a scattering of islands (called cayes), rustic-luxurious spas nestled in the forest, and cinematic hotels developed and owned by legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. “You have a great mix of inland experiences and island lifestyles,” says Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations Anthony Mahler. “Belize is small, yet big enough that you don’t get claustrophobic.” In addition, there’s the ease of travel. You can fly to Belize City from Atlanta in a little more than three hours, and the flight from Miami is just a tad more than two. The drive to increasingly popular Tulum, Mexico, takes less than six hours.

Belize is a former British colony, and English is widely spoken. “Not only do we speak English, but our laws are based on English common law, so it’s easier to cut through the red tape, compared to our neighbors in the region,” says Ryan Wrobel, principal of Wrobel & Co. in Belize City. Wrobel, a New York transplant and dual citizen of the U.S. and Belize, has practiced law in Belize for 16 years. He handles various practice areas in addition to immigration, and he says that the range comes in handy when expats need assistance in settling down in Belize, from real estate transactions to importing goods (which is tax-free during the first year of residency).

Where to retire in Belize

Mahler says that Placencia, the beachfront village at the tip of a peninsula in southern Belize, remains a draw for expats. Travelers who haven’t visited in years will be suitably impressed by how spiffed up it is. “There’s been an explosion of really high-value homes, more restaurants, and the road has been vastly improved,” Mahler says. “It’s well organized in terms of tourism and retirement infrastructure.” He says that a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house or condo would cost from $1,000 to $1,500 for a monthly rental. For purchase, “I saw one the other day for about $375,000, with a pool.”

Condo development in San Pedro, a town located on popular Ambergris Caye, also attracts expats. “It has nightclubs and restaurants, scuba diving and snorkeling, flyfishing and deep-sea fishing — everything you want in terms of sun and sand and sea,” Wrobel says. He also recommends the San Ignacio area for more of a jungle wildlife experience — toucans and jaguar spotting.

Corozal, located just nine miles from the Mexican border, also has its expat fans who flock to the Consejo Shores development, Mahler points out. Across the border you’ll find the hedonistic pleasures of Cancun, the archeological sites of Tulum, and advanced medical treatment. Wrobel says Belize provides good basic care — getting stitches, setting broken bones — but for specialized care and chronic conditions, crossing the border into Chetumal, Mexico, is the way to go.

Belize, being a low-lying coastal country, is highly vulnerable to climate-related risks, such as hurricanes and sea level rise. Ensure you understand the risks associated with a given location before buying or renting a property.

Visa and money matters: so simple

Wrobel notes that the Belize Tourism Board governs the expat retirement program. Compared to just about any other country, expat retirement in Belize is simple and straightforward. There’s no golden-this or investment-that. There is only the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP). “I started this program 25 years ago,” Mahler says. “It was one of my babies.”

QRP visa basics

You must be 40 or older, and you can bring your spouse and children under 18 as dependents. In addition, you must pass a security clearance check carried out by the Ministry of National Security in Belize. The residency requirement is not particularly arduous: You must remain in Belize for a minimum of 30 consecutive days annually.

QRP financial requirements

You must show that you can support yourself, with a monthly passive or retirement income of $2,000 a month, or $24,000 a year. Those numbers can be met by a pension, annuity, Social Security, investment income, IRA, reverse mortgage, inheritance, or personal savings, as long as the equivalent of the required funds is deposited into a financial institution in Belize. (For example, your Social Security checks need not be electronically or physically deposited into a Belizean bank; the $2,000 per month can be deposited from any source listed above, including a transfer from your U.S. bank account.)

“A QRP member is legally not required to surpass the $24,000 threshold [but] they are entitled to if they so choose,” says Romy Rancharan, a QRP specialist from the Belize Tourism Board. “They are also not required to close their international bank accounts or transfer all their money and investments into a Belize Bank account. A QRP member can hold both international and domestic accounts. Additionally, the Belize Tourism Board does not monitor or regulate how the money deposited into a Belize Bank account is spent. It is the member’s money and is solely for their personal use.”

Moreover, according to Mahler, purchasing a home for at least $24,000 will also satisfy the financial requirement.

Making it easy

If you’re thinking that Belize is avidly seeking expats, you would be right. When Mahler saw Costa Rica and Panama becoming magnets for expats, he was inspired to do the same for Belize. A litany of retirees from around the world are offered the same deal as U.S. expats, so you might find yourself in a multicultural scene, mixing with people from the European Union, Asia-Pacific, and South America. The not-especially-rigorous qualifications are enumerated on the country’s tourism website. The whole QRP process can take as little as two or three months.

Currency: Belizean or U.S. dollars

In terms of currency, the Belizean dollar is pegged to the U.S. greenback: one U.S. dollar equals two Belizean dollars. And U.S. dollars are widely accepted. In addition, Mahler says, “We also changed the legislation last year to allow retires to invest, but not work [in-country]. You can invest in a hotel, but you can’t work in the hotel. And you can volunteer.”

Health insurance

Wrobel says that local health insurance costs about $4,500 a year for a family of three, and that you can use that insurance in another country if Belize does not provide a particular treatment.

Remote workers and digital nomads are free to type away, without tax penalties: “QRP is the only legislation in Belize that specifically exempts foreign-source income in Belize,” Wrobel says, “so if you are a QRP, and the service you’re providing is for a non-resident of Belize and the origin of your income is coming from outside Belize, that is not taxed in Belize.”

Status symbol

“QRP members are classified as Retiree Residents,” Rancharan explains. Something else Rancharan says to keep in mind: “The QRP Program is not linked to the Permanent Residency Program. The Belize Permanent Residency Program is a separately legislated residency visa program, managed and regulated directly by the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department under the Belize Immigration Act. Should a QRP member wish to pursue permanent residency at any point in time, they are legally required to first revoke their membership under the QRP Program.”

Living in Belize: The takeaway

Belize is exotic and subtropical, yet close to the U.S. in terms of geography and culture (i.e., currency and language). The scenery is lush and varied, and those who are physically fit will get the most out of inland excursions. On the other hand, Belize draws a conspicuous population of those who just want to soak up the sun and sea with a cocktail in hand. Nothing wrong with that.

Those with delicate constitutions and health issues will want to think carefully about whether Belize is the right choice, and if so, gravitating toward the Mexican border as a place to live would be prudent.

LGBT singles and couples should note that while Belize decriminalized same-sex activity in 2016, and antigay discrimination is unlawful, same-sex marriages are not legal in Belize. At the same time, San Pedro has long been a popular LGBT tourism destination, and polls show that Belize is one of the most accepting Caribbean countries of the community.

More on where to retire abroad

• Retire in Japan: It Ain’t Easy, Unless You’re Special
• Retire in Malaysia for Affordable Luxury
• Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic Dream
• Retire in Ecuador for an Affordable, Rich Life
• Retire in Costa Rica for Expat Heaven
• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
• Retire in New Zealand for Lush Landscapes and a Relaxed Vibe
• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
• Where to Retire: Living in Panama Offers Stability and Charm
• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico

But have you ever considered making your summer destination a daily reality?

According to the World Migration Report, the Bahamas has around 64,000 international migrants, which is relatively high considering its small population size. And with all the income perks that come with the island nation, it’s no wonder.

The Bahamas has one of the highest GDP per capita in the Caribbean. Combined with tax benefits like no capital gains or inheritance taxes, high-net-worth individuals may substantially build their nest eggs and pass on more wealth to their children.

But at the same time, you may need to prepare for added costs like stamp fees, import duties, and value-added tax, which might hike your daily living expenses.

Sound interesting? Well, buckle your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff for three tax benefits that might make you want to retire in the Bahamas.

Retiring in the Bahamas: Is it a good idea?

There are several steps for U.S. citizens to retire in the Bahamas. Below is a suggested list:

• First, you’ll need to apply for and obtain a single-entry visa. Typically, these aren’t considered difficult to obtain.
• Once you’ve had three successful trips to the Bahamas with single-entry visas, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa, which will allow you to stay for a period longer than 90 days.

But things get pricey if you’re looking to establish a permanent residency in the Bahamas as a U.S. retiree.

One of the primary ways to establish permanent residence involves purchasing property worth at least $1,000,000 and holding it for at least ten years.

Because of this high bar of entry, you might want to maintain a Bahamas “residence permit” instead (or while you’re waiting for your ten years to finish). This annual permit has multiple initial requirements, including:

• Proof that you can support yourself, typically from your bank or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Medical, marriage, and birth certificates.
• Two character references.

Unlike the visa perks that come with Panama retirement tax benefits, retiring in the Bahamas does not get you special discounts on utility bills, transportation, or medicines. However, the Bahamas do offer something Panama doesn’t for U.S. retirees: No capital gains tax.

Bahamas capital gains tax

Bahamian citizens and resident aliens aren’t levied capital gains tax on assets like stock or real estate in the Bahamas.

This can be good news for U.S. investors who pay a federal tax between 10% and 37% on capital gains plus state taxes.

Although you’ll still be subject to federal taxes in the Bahamas, you may not have to pay state taxes on capital gains.

This is particularly true if you sell a non-U.S. asset and the state you’re leaving uses the following factors when determining your resident tax status:

• Time spent within state lines.
• Property ownership, voter registration, or a driver’s license.
• Mailing address or family and business ties in the state.

But it’s important to note that each state determines your “tax residency” a little differently. Be sure to check out your state’s Department of Revenue site for specific guidelines before you move.

Bahamas tax rate on retirement income

Another benefit of retiring in the Bahamas is that there is no tax on retirement income. Instead, residents are taxed on other types of transactions (more on those later).

Like with capital gains, you’ll likely still need to pay federal income tax rates as a U.S. retiree. But you may be able to exclude a certain amount of income with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). Requirements include:

• Having foreign-earned income that was earned while in the Bahamas.
• Establishing your tax home in the Bahamas, and
• Living in the Bahamas for an entire calendar year, OR
• Being physically present in the Bahamas for at least 330 full days for 12 consecutive months.

If you’re eligible for the FEIE, you may exclude up to $130,000 of foreign-earned income in 2025. This includes any freelance work conducted on the side, commissions, or salary income.

However, it does not include Social Security or other retirement benefits like annuities or pensions.

For more information, check out Kiplinger’s report on Living Abroad Tax Breaks.

The Bahamas has no inheritance, estate, wealth, or gift taxes

As reported by Kiplinger, at least three countries for retirement have no inheritance tax.

But the Bahamas sweetens the pot by not levying estate, wealth, or gift taxes either. This can be major, considering popular retirement countries like France or Germany can levy some of the highest inheritance taxes in the world.

Plus, unlike one of the tax reasons not to retire in Portugal, there isn’t a “forced heirship” in the Bahamas. This means you have more control over who receives your assets and how much you’d like to give.

Of course, as with other taxes on this list, you may still have to pay U.S. federal tax on inheritances. And there may be some taxes you haven’t paid before when planning a move to the Bahamas.

What are the tax disadvantages of living in the Bahamas?

Although the Bahamas have very low taxes in a few areas, other tax rates might be relatively high compared to what you’re currently paying. For instance:

• Import Duties. Because the Bahamas are an island nation, it relies heavily on imported goods. Levied duties can range significantly, with the highest being 220%. Comparatively, mainland U.S. import duties can peak at 37.5% (though tariffs may impact prices in the future).
• Value Added Tax (VAT). Similar to a sales tax, Bahamian VAT is about 10% for most goods and services (exceptions may include food and medical services). Depending on where you live in the U.S., your state may have low sales taxes.
• Stamp duty. Akin to a real estate transfer tax, Bahamian properties purchased for over $100,000 levy a 10% duty on the buyer (2.5% on purchases lower than that amount). By comparison, states in the U.S. typically levy up to a 4% tax, per Property Shark.

Talking to a trusted tax professional for guidance on your financial situation may be the best way to understand how much you and your family could be affected by taxes in the Bahamas. But despite your specific circumstances, almost every U.S. retiree could be impacted by higher costs on certain goods and housing.

Bahamas cost of living

Unfortunately, the Bahamas have a higher national average cost of living than many places in the U.S. due to import fees and duties.

Online database Numbeo, as of June 2025, shows how the average retiree living in the Bahamas may pay higher costs:

• While 1-bedroom rent prices in the Bahamas can be up to 24% cheaper than in the U.S., 3-bedroom apartments are typically about 25% to 42% more expensive than their American counterparts.
• Clothing like jeans, dresses, or running shoes may be up to 26% more costly than in the U.S.
• Groceries are typically pricier in the Bahamas. For example, milk can cost 299.5% more than in the U.S., while tomatoes and eggs are 45% to 80% more expensive.

Overall, consumer prices in the Bahamas are 8.8% higher than the U.S. nationally. Be sure to talk to your tax advisor and explain your financial circumstances before relocating to the Bahamas.

Retire Abroad

• Are you Living Abroad? Don’t Miss These Tax Breaks
• Three Tax Reasons to Retire in Panama
• Countries Without Inheritance Tax in Retirement Abroad
• Say ‘Yes’ to Retirement in Costa Rica with These Tax Benefits

Ecuador, a mushroom-shaped country located toward the top of South America, tucked between Colombia and Peru, is known to expats for two things: its abundance of nature (including the Galapagos Islands) and the ease of its visa process. As European countries clamp down on relocation opportunities, and golden visas grow ever more expensive (e.g., Greece), retirees and soon-to-be retirees are taking a good look at Latin America.

It’s true that short nonstop flights between the U.S. and Ecuador aren’t easy to come by — the four-plus-hour flights from South Florida (Miami and Fort Lauderdale) are the quickest options, but there are also direct flights from Houston and Atlanta. But once you’ve landed in your new home in Ecuador, popular destinations such as Cartagena, Colombia; Lima, Peru; and Costa Rica are right in the neighborhood, so to speak. Ecuador’s charming capital is Quito, and its largest city is Guayaquil. Located 40 miles from the Pacific, frenetic Guayaquil is not a top choice due to safety concerns.

“The big appeal in Ecuador, overall, is the weather,” says Esteban Rivera, principal of Rivera Law Firm, which is located in Minneapolis, Iowa City, and Quito, Ecuador. “We don’t have extreme weather. Even on the coast, it is warm but not over 90 degrees.” He also cites the cost of living — “much cheaper than in the U.S.” — and the warmth and friendliness of the people: “People are very kind to tourists and foreigners.”

“Ecuador is about the size of Colorado, and within that area, it’s a megadiverse country (one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world). You drive for two hours, and you’re in a completely different landscape,” Rivera says. "We have snow-capped mountains, the jungle, and the Amazon River starts in Ecuador. We have beautiful beaches, primary forests and kelp forests. In terms of nature, it is amazing.” Birders will have lots to look at, as Ecuador ranks as number five worldwide in the number of species; a two-and-a-half-hour flight gets you from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago that is legendary for its exotic wildlife, like red-footed boobies.

Where to land: best places to live in Ecuador

Like several other Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, certain Ecuadorian towns are known for their vibrant U.S. expat communities. Rivera immediately mentions Cuenca, and indeed, the highlighted testimonial on the firm’s website was provided by a U.S. expat living in Cuenca. “It’s a city in the highlands, the third-largest city in Ecuador, and it is beautiful,” Rivera says. The city of roughly 600,000 people “has really nice weather,” Rivera adds, along with a robust cultural and social scene of cafes, movie theaters, and museums. Rivera says that a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Cuenca will set you back around $100,000 to $200,000, depending on how luxurious the building is, and whether it has amenities such as a swimming pool.

Since 1978, Quito has been on UNESCO’s list of World Cultural Heritage Sites, due to its painstakingly preserved historic center. Several of its churches, such as the Basilica of San Francisco and the Church of Santo Domingo, are gorgeously ornate. The Museo de la Ciudad is dedicated to the city’s history, and Quito contains several other notable museums, including the national Museum of Ecuador, one museum housing pre-colonial art, and another focusing on contemporary art. Quito also boasts the largest urban park in South America: Parque Metropolitano Guanguiltagua. The wealthiest expats gravitate to the neighborhoods of Cumbaya and Tumbaco, but the historic center and the modern República del Salvador are also highly desirable.

Rivera says that beachcombers will find everything they need in terms of amenities — movie theaters, restaurants, shopping malls — if they want to settle on the Pacific coastline, but that there isn’t one particular town that stands out as an expat magnet.

Visa and money matters

The range of visa types on offer can be, at first glance, somewhat dizzying, but a retiree can quickly home in on a few appropriate options. Visas based on such financial resources, such as pensions, Social Security income, lump sums, investments — there’s really something for everyone.

Rentista visa

For many retirees, the Rentista visa will be the most suitable option. An individual must demonstrate income from a pension or Social Security of $1,410 a month, which is equal to three times the current minimum wage in Ecuador. That minimum is called the Salario Básico Unificado: $470 per month, but note that the minimum wage is subject to small annual increases (we are citing 2025 numbers). The U.S. dollar is the country’s national currency, so there are no annoying conversions. Given the fact that the average monthly Social Security check is around $2,000, Ecuador earns its reputation as a soft landing for U.S. retiree expats.

Lump sum visa deals

However, for those who are not collecting a pension, or are deferring Social Security, yet still want to retire in Ecuador, the country offers several lump sum deals. These deals are all based on a minimum handover of 100 times the current minimum wage, for a total of $47,000.

For the Fideicomiso en Efectivo program, an individual must deposit a minimum of $47,000 in cash into a trust, in an Ecuadorian bank. Similarly, for the Inversionista en póliza visa, the person must invest a minimum of $47,000 in an annuity contract.

For the Inversionista en bien raiz visa, an expat must invest a minimum of $47,000 in a real estate asset. Those who have researched golden visas in Europe will be familiar with this requirement: Purchase a home, and you’ve fulfilled the requirement. “If they buy a house or a condo,” Rivera says, “usually the price will be enough” to fulfill the requirement.

Other visa options

A less utilized path — Inversionista en acciones — involves investing $47,000 in shares of a corporation. Other options involve visas afforded to religious workers and permanent employees of an Ecuadorean company — paths not especially relevant to retirees; Familia visas for those who have an Ecuadorian citizen parent, child, sibling, or common law marriage partner; and one surprising path, for people who simply hold a college degree, called a Profesional visa.

“Most people who apply for these visas provide a Social Security letter, showing that they collect at least $1,410 a month,” Rivera says. But barring that, “the most common thing that my clients do, if they have a college degree, is the 'Profesional' visa, but if they don’t have a college degree, they do a real estate investment or the trust investment.” There is no funding, deposit, or proof of income required to secure a Professional visa, but one must have their documents in order: a diploma, transcripts, and proof that the degree was earned in person and not online.

How to get started

One need not be in Ecuador to apply for a visa, and of all the options, Rivera says that the Rentista visa will probably be processed the quickest. He says that for those who want to explore the country, the country’s 90-day tourist visa offers plenty of time to lock things in: “Usually within those 90 days, I can obtain the visa. I have a bilingual team in Ecuador, and they will process everything.” After 21 months in-country, you can apply for a Permanent Residency Visa (PRV).

Finally, Rivera says that private health care in Ecuador is of high quality, and he mentions that both of his parents are doctors who work in an excellent hospital. Health insurance is mandatory in Ecuador, and Rivera says that one of his clients, a 65-year-old man, pays around $150 per month.

Living in Ecuador: The takeaway

Ecuador boasts colonial charm, but with modern conveniences. That said, you’re never far from the splendor of diverse natural ecosystems.

Established expat communities, particularly in Cuenca and Quito, help to make relocation seamless, as does the low cost of living, and the menu of visa options for retirees, which seems created to accommodate nearly every preference and financial situation.

More on where to retire abroad

• Retire in Japan: It Ain’t Easy, Unless You’re Special
• Retire in Malaysia for Affordable Luxury
• Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic Dream
• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
• Retire in New Zealand for Lush Landscapes and a Relaxed Vibe
• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
• Where to Retire: Living in Panama Offers Stability and Charm
• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico

That includes finances, aging and retirement. The loss of so many gay men from the AIDS crisis robbed the community, and the world, of so much, including role models and examples of how to manage the social, financial and physical effects of aging.

Many Gen Xers who were born during the Stonewall era are just now contemplating what retirement will mean for them, and the roadmap barely exists.

Many of the boomers who came before them not only couldn’t live openly as they were, but for most of their lives, they lacked many of the legal protections and opportunities — in employment, housing, survivorship, marriage, children — that can facilitate a less stressful retirement.

The fact that marriage equality and gay couples raising children are such new phenomena — witness the high-profile novelty of former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten marrying, then adopting and raising twins — only underscores the fact that the later chapters of life for the LGBTQ community are often full of ambiguity and anxieties that are unique to this population.

The organization SAGE advocates on behalf of LGBTQ+ seniors, and in 2023, it trained more than 46,000 staff at 576 organizations around the country, according to the Associated Press. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared with what LGBTQ seniors need.

“We have a long way to go in terms of getting to the point where nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care providers are prepared for and ready to provide appropriate and welcoming care to trans elders,” Michael Adams, SAGE’s CEO, told the AP. That observation applies to the LGBTQ elder community landscape in general.

“There’s a huge demand, but there aren’t that many [LGBTQ communities],” says Bonnie J. McGowan, the founder of Birds of a Feather in New Mexico. “I get inquiries all the time.”

She remembers attending a SAGE meeting in New York in 1995, the purpose of which was to gauge interest in developing LGBTQ retirement communities.

“Only two of us ever created what our vision was,” McGowan says. She was one. The other founder’s community, Rainbow Vision, went bankrupt during the Great Recession, a sad example (one of many) of how difficult it is to make a go of an LGBTQ retirement community.

Nevertheless, over-55 communities catering to LGBTQ people — whether exclusively LGBTQ or LGBTQ-friendly — do exist, though they're relatively rare nationwide. (The Fair Housing Act states that you can’t legally exclude straight people, and some communities are home to allies and mixed LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ households).

LGBTQ elders want the same things that younger members of the community desire — acceptance, safety and to be relieved of the burden of coming out all over again.

Here are some safe havens.

Stonewall Gardens, Palm Springs, California

“We are truly the only LGBT-focused assisted living facility that’s currently running in the country,” says Brian Trout, the marketing director who also works in resident support at Stonewall Gardens. (He notes that other such facilities have gone “mainstream” to survive).

Trout says that Stonewall Gardens offers 24-hour care (for those needing help dressing, walking and showering, for example), in addition to independent living residents who don’t have any care needs at present, but want to age in place.

“Our resident pool is predominantly gay male, but we welcome everybody,” Trout says.

Though Palm Springs has a large gay population, Trout notes that Stonewall Gardens was the first local retirement community to fly the rainbow flag — then he noticed that others were following.

“They know what side their bread is buttered on,” he says.

In addition to the converted midcentury hotel property where the 27 residents live, Stonewall Gardens features a café, walking paths and manicured gardens, and it offers a social life located near downtown Palm Springs.

“It feels like a resort,” Trout says. “We usually maintain a waitlist, and we draw people from all over the country.”

Village Hearth Cohousing, Durham, North Carolina

“It was self-interest,” says Pat McAulay of being an original member and homeowner at Village Hearth Cohousing, “because we didn’t want to end up in a nursing home and have to go back into the closet.”

McAulay moved into Village Hearth, a new build that contains seven buildings in groups of four, five years ago. (The largest units are on the ends, with wraparound porches.)

“As far as senior cohousing communities go, we are the only LGBT-focused community in the U.S. that we're aware of,” she says. “It's a very niche market, of course. Cohousing itself — maybe there are as many as 200 in the country, and as far as senior cohousing, maybe around 20.”

The cohousing concept carries a non-hierarchical whiff of the Sixties: McAulay describes the category as “an intentional community where people come together to be good neighbors. We make decisions together, and everybody is on the board, which isn’t always the case [in a cohousing facility], but it is in our case. We listen to everyone’s voice and everyone’s opinion, and we do things for the benefit of the community rather than for the individual.”

The independent living community welcomes both the LGBTQ community and its allies, and features a large gourmet kitchen, a multipurpose dining room, office, laundry, exercise room, even a dog park.

Birds of a Feather Community, Pecos, New Mexico

“When I was younger, many, many years ago,” recalls Birds of a Feather founder Bonnie J. McGowan, “it was kind of a common theme at parties for lesbians to say, ‘What are we going to do when we get old, and where are we are going to live?’”

One friend of McGowan’s was preoccupied with the subject, even in her early thirties. The friend died young, but she’d planted the seed in McGowan.

Birds of a Feather broke ground in 2004, becoming one of the first gay, lesbian and trans communities in the country, with a mix of singles and couples. With financing hard to come by, “I self-funded,” McGowan says, “which I think contributed to its success.”

Birds of a Feather contains 44 lots, from a quarter-acre to three-plus acres; the last one sold three years ago. Several homes are currently under construction.

A big draw is proximity to Santa Fe, which is a 30-minute drive away. Hiking and fly fishing are popular outdoor pursuits.

Other LGBTQ-focused communities to explore

• Fountaingrove Lodge, Santa Rosa, California
• A Place for Us, Cleveland, Ohio
• Palms of Manasota, Palmetto, Florida
• Rainbow Vista, Gresham, Oregon
• The Resort on Carefree Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida

Related content

• How to Find the Best Retirement Community for You
• Niche Retirement Communities Are Growing — Are They Right for You?
• The Best Places for LGBTQ People to Retire in the US

Yet, today, a “triple whammy” of rising homeowners' association (HOA) assessments, soaring property taxes and spiking insurance premiums is forcing prospective buyers — and their financial advisers — to rethink whether a second home still fits within their risk tolerance and retirement income plans.

The triple whammy: HOA fees, taxes and insurance

In many resort-style communities, annual HOA fee hikes of 10% or more are commonplace.

At the same time, hurricane and wildfire insurance premiums — once an afterthought for lock-and-leave investors — have become alarmingly volatile.

According to Insurify, the average homeowner will pay an extra $261 in insurance premiums by year’s end; Florida remains the most expensive state, with average annual premiums projected to reach $15,460 in 2025.

Property taxes, too, continue to apply upward pressure on ownership costs. Although Florida legislators have debated property-tax reform, including outright elimination, relief remains elusive.

As a result, combined carrying costs increasingly outweigh vacation-home cash flows, especially when investors consider opportunity costs in today’s 4%-plus money-market environment.

Florida’s insurance crisis and its ripple effects

No state illustrates this perfect storm better than Florida.

In 2024, the Sunshine State’s frequent hurricanes — Helene and Milton (PDF) alone inflicted more than $100 billion in damages — sent homeowners’ premiums through the roof.

Nearly 458,000 hurricane claims were filed statewide last year, and climate disasters since 2020 have cost Florida roughly $237 billion, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Faced with mounting losses, 16 insurers have exited Florida’s market since 2017, and another 16 have become insolvent. As of early 2025, 34 of the state’s 67 counties remain at “very high” or “relatively high” risk of hurricane damage, according to FEMA.

To prop up the market, lawmakers have loosened requirements for insurers, but many carriers still balk at the elevated risk, leaving homeowners to shoulder higher premiums and limited coverage options.

HOA fees surge: Coastal and sunbelt metro areas lead the pack

In 2024, median HOA fees jumped more sharply in Florida than in any other major U.S. market. According to The Capitolist:

• Tampa: Up 17.2% to $614 per month (among the 43 largest metro areas)
• Orlando: Up 16.7%
• Fort Lauderdale: Up 16.2%
• Miami: Up 5.7% (median $835 per month)

These fee increases reflect rising maintenance costs, deferred reserve funding and new safety mandates resulting from regulatory reforms.

For prospective buyers, sticker shock is setting in — especially in beachfront and high-rise communities where special assessments can run into six figures, and it could cost $30,000 upfront to join the waiting list.

Regulatory reforms after Surfside: Tall buildings, big bills

In June 2021, the catastrophic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, killed 98 residents and revealed glaring gaps in condo-association inspections and maintenance.

Since then, Florida has passed a series of laws to tighten inspection cadences, mandate structural integrity reserve studies and update hurricane-protection requirements.

As real-estate attorney Jordan Lulich of Lulich & Attorneys, P.A. in Vero Beach, Florida, explains, “Older high-rise condos must now complete milestone inspections, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Developers sometimes buy out troubled buildings to fund necessary repairs, but resale activity remains weak compared to single-family homes.”

From 2022 through 2025, Florida lawmakers have:

• Mandated milestone inspections for buildings 25 years and older
• Required structural integrity reserve studies every 10 years (for high-rises) and five years (for midrises)
• Expanded emergency powers for condo associations, allowing quicker action on unsafe conditions
• Updated building code and maintenance requirements, including stricter hurricane retrofits
• Imposed local agency reporting deadlines (by October 1, 2025) for unsafe or deteriorating structures

The upshot: Some owners have already faced assessments near $200,000 to shore up structural reserves, and lenders have tightened borrowing guidelines for condo purchases.

In Indian River County — Lulich’s home market — single-family home sales are up 12.9% year-to-date, while condo sales have plunged 17.8%. Cash buyers dominate transactions: 133 of 176 condo closings in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 involved all-cash deals.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. “In our market, despite the increase in Canadian sellers, foreclosure rates have remained low compared to previous recessions, and the overall real estate market remains strong, thanks to Vero Beach’s small-town feel and low property taxes,” says Lulich.

Coping strategies: What savvy HOAs are doing

Across the country, boards and developers are scrambling to manage rising costs. In Scottsdale, Arizona, realtor and Compass Arizona co-founder David Newcombe (who also chairs his 217-member HOA board) highlights several best practices:

Transparent, incremental fee increases. Rather than surprise members with a 20% bump, boards aim for smaller, predictable annual rises (3% to 5%). Homeowners prefer consistency over volatility.

Regular reserve study “desk reviews” and on-site inspections every four to five years. Newcombe cites a recent $1 million roadway repair that might have been partially budgeted with better long-range planning.

Master-subordinate HOA structures. In master-planned communities such as 100 Hills at McDowell Mountain Ranch, where Newcombe resides, homeowners pay a one-time joining fee (1% of the purchase price) that helps maintain lower monthly dues. Turnover fees — collected when homes change hands — often generate income for reserves.

Prudent reserve fund investing. Instead of chasing yield, boards seek a balance between liquidity, tax efficiency and capital preservation. Reserves are for major replacements, not day-to-day operations.

Insurance optimization. While desert communities haven’t yet seen Firewise discounts, boards are pursuing community wildfire mitigation plans to qualify for future rate reductions. Nearby, Phoenix-area homeowners pay $300 to $500 per month in HOA dues; some communities even collect one-time “buy-in” assessments.

The “third leg”: Insurance costs on condos and townhomes

Florida condo-insurance premiums jumped 40% on average in 2023, according to a report from Naples, Florida-based realtor Ed DiMarco. Since 2020, some association-level policies have more than doubled. In 2024, average annual condo insurance runs $2,500 to $3,500 vs just $1,000 three years ago.

Drivers include:

• New inspection requirements that elevate perceived risk
• Frequent litigation over storm-damage repairs, spurring carriers to raise rates or exit
• Unpredictable weather events (hurricane remnant floods, high winds, tornado spawn)

Some owners have sold rather than shoulder the escalating tab. For investors, negative cash flow on a vacation property — driven by HOA dues, insurance and taxes — often wipes out any rental income or tax benefit.

Is a vacation home still worth it?

“Every dollar you tie up in a second home could earn 4% or more in a money-market fund,” observes Ross Levin, founder of Accredited Investors Wealth Management.

If you pay cash, factor in 1% to 2% per year for upkeep, plus insurance, property taxes and utilities (roughly 1% of home value). With a 20% down payment and a 6% mortgage, annual carrying costs can exceed 7.5% of the purchase price.

Example: A $400,000 vacation home could cost more than $30,000 a year to maintain — before furnishings, landscaping, repairs or “toys” such as ATVs or boats. Levin asks: Would you rather spend that budget on renting or family travel?

Five action steps for prospective HOA condo or homeowners

Request and review the reserve study

• Obtain the most recent reserve study report (and any supplemental “desk reviews”)
• Confirm the community has funded at least 70% of its long-term reserve requirements
• Look for planned near-term capital projects — roofs, elevators, roadways — and ask whether special assessments are anticipated

Understand fee-increase policies and caps

• Ask the board or management company to share the HOA’s fee-increase history for the past five years
• Determine whether dues increases are capped by a fixed percentage or approved by homeowner vote
• Clarify how expense overruns are handled: Will the board levy a special assessment or tap other reserves?

Scrutinize insurance coverage and costs

• Obtain a copy of the master policy declaration page and confirm deductibles and limits
• Ask how often the association rebids or renews its insurance and whether umbrella coverage is in place
• Determine which perils are excluded — flood, earthquake, or sinkhole — and estimate your out-of-pocket risk

Evaluate local regulatory environment

• If considering a Florida condo, confirm compliance with post-Surfside inspection laws (milestone inspections for buildings age 25 and older, structural integrity reserve studies)
• In wildfire-prone areas, ask whether the HOA participates in Firewise or other risk-mitigation programs
• Research recent special legislation (e.g., new building-code requirements, hurricane retrofits) that might trigger additional assessments

Conduct a thorough financial and market analysis

• Calculate total carrying costs: HOA fees plus insurance plus property taxes plus utilities plus maintenance (1% to 2% of home value annually)
• Compare projected carrying costs against potential rental income or personal‐use benefits
• Factor in opportunity cost: If you invest your down payment elsewhere (e.g., a 4% money-market fund), could you net a comparable or better return?

By following these five steps — reviewing reserve studies, clarifying fee policies, vetting insurance, checking regulatory obligations and running a comprehensive financial analysis — prospective buyers can make a more informed decision about whether an HOA condo or townhome still fits their retirement or investment goals.

Pro tip from David Newcombe
Prospective buyers need to obtain and thoroughly read the community's Governing Documents. These include the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions), Rules and Regulations, and Architectural Guidelines.

Residents must live by these rules (which will also include a limit on how much the HOA fees can rise yearly).

If you don't like the rules, don't buy. For example, you might not be able to park your car in a driveway overnight or put up a garden swing set for your kids.

States with the highest insurance premiums

According to Insurify, these 10 states are projected to have the largest insurance premiums in 2025, showing the projected average premium, projected increase and percentage increase:

• Florida $15,460, $1,320, 9%
• Louisiana $13,937, $2,974, 27%
• Oklahoma $8,369, $607, 8%
• Colorado $6,630, $646, 11%
• Texas $6,522, $516, 9%
• Alabama $5,831, $386, 7%
• Nebraska $5,203, $478, 10%
• Mississippi $5,198, $389, 8%
• Arkansas $5,077, $588, 13%
• Kansas $4,782, $226, 5%

Is now a good time to buy a second home?

Rising HOA assessments, property taxes and insurance premiums have combined to make owning a second home, especially in Florida and other high-risk markets, more expensive and unpredictable than ever.

Stringent post-Surfside inspection laws and inflationary pressures on maintenance and contractor costs have driven annual HOA dues up by double digits in many communities.

Meanwhile, climate-related disasters keep insurance rates elevated or push carriers out of state markets altogether.

As a result, would-be vacation-home buyers face higher monthly dues, larger special assessments and limited coverage options. Investors and retirees must re-evaluate whether a second home still makes financial sense in today’s volatile environment.

Related content

• States With the Lowest Property Tax
• 10 Things For Retirees To Know About Buying A Second Home
• 5 Great Places to Buy a Vacation Home
• Thinking About Buying a Boat? 10 Things to Know First

Malaysia, which occupies parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, is an exceptional retirement destination, according to Jean-Francois Harvey, a foreign-registered lawyer who is the founder and managing partner of Harvey Law Group. “The country offers a cost of living approximately 51.56% lower than in the U.S.,” he says, “enabling retirees to enjoy a high quality of life on a modest budget — $1,500 per month for a single retiree. Its tropical climate, breathtaking landscapes — from Penang’s beaches to Sabah’s jungles — create a vibrant lifestyle.”

Malaysia’s upper-middle-income economy is growing and diversifying at a fast clip, with a GDP surpassing that of Denmark. English is widely spoken, and the country’s modern infrastructure, including world-class health care, leads to fairly seamless integration — for those who favor a tropical climate. There’s little temperature variation throughout the year, and rain showers are frequent. The dry and wet seasons depend on your location, but the capital, Kuala Lumpur, is driest from May to September. “Thriving expat communities, alongside low crime rates and political stability, foster a safe, welcoming environment,” Harvey says.

In addition, Malaysia’s enviable geographic position means that you can access Singapore by car, fly to Bangkok in a little over two hours, and get to Bali in a bit more than three.

Retire in Malaysia: where to land

Harvey is quick to narrow down his top three places to live: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. “Each offers vibrant communities and modern amenities for retirees,” he says. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city, a federal territory, and a brand in itself, known the world over by its initials, KL. The largest city in the country, with technically more than two million people, KL is thought of as being far bigger, due to its wider, sprawling metro population of 8.8 million.

“Kuala Lumpur has urban conveniences, world-class hospitals like Gleneagles, and a diverse expat community,” Harvey says. The city also echoes the glitz of other highly developed Asian cities, such as Shanghai and Hong Kong, because of its famed skyline. Tube-like and tapered and connected by a skybridge, the famed Petronas Twin Towers, designed by the acclaimed Argentine architect César Pelli, managed to hold onto their title as the world’s tallest skyscrapers for an impressive eight years (1996 to 2004), no small feat during the golden age of skyscraper development in Asia. (Their successor, Taipei 101, held the No. 1 spot for a mere five years.)

At its base, the 50-acre KLCC Park offers walking and jogging paths, and even a wading pool, so it’s cool to run laps below the world’s tallest dual towers.

The Kuala Lumpur Tower, another supertall building, is reminiscent of Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower. The city’s Merdeka 118 building is the tallest skyscraper in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, ranking as the second-tallest building in the world, behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

Life below the skyline earns top marks. The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked KL as second only to Singapore in terms of livability among cities in Southeast Asia. The high score is attributed to such factors as the city’s superior infrastructure, culture, and health care. Its museums, theaters, sports stadiums, and recreational spaces all contribute to making KL a world-class city, in addition to its culinary scene, which is heavily represented by Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisine — though Marini’s on 57 is acclaimed for its Italian fare and sleek rooftop bar. You can get quality food of every ethnicity in such a large and sophisticated city, from Greek meze to American-style burgers.

Renting an apartment is not expensive, even in the city center, where you can snag a furnished one- or two-bedroom for under $1,000 a month. One Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) equates to approximately 25 cents.

Harvey notes that Penang, the “Pearl of the Orient,” a highly urbanized state (the capital is George Town), is renowned for its affordable living and quality health care via public and private hospitals. Penang is known for its cultural festivals and celebrations — even imported holidays like St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest.

Island getaways are plentiful. For example, the Four Seasons brand found Langkawi gorgeous enough to stick a top-rated resort there in 2005. Idyllic Tioman, Perhentian, and Redang are also worth visiting.

Visa and money matters

“The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa is highly appealing for American retirees due to its flexibility and long-term residency options,” Harvey advises.

This renewable visa permits indefinite stays in Malaysia and exempts foreign-sourced income, like pensions, from local taxes. Coupled with Malaysia’s low cost of living, MM2H provides a financially attractive retirement option. “However,” Harvey notes, “its suitability hinges on financial resources, as requirements include substantial fixed deposits and property investments,” which may not be feasible for lower-income retirees. “But for affluent retirees seeking stability and a high-quality lifestyle,” Harvey says, “MM2H is a compelling choice, though individual circumstances should guide the decision.”

“The MM2H program enhances its appeal with a renewable 5- to 20-year visa, tax-exempt offshore income, and property ownership opportunities,” Harvey says. The five-year Silver tier visa requires a property investment of $140,000, plus a fixed deposit of $150,000; the 15-year Gold tier visa requires a property investment of $235,000, plus a fixed deposit of $500,000; and the Platinum visa (20 years) calls for a $470,000 property investment and a $1 million fixed deposit. The MM2H visa approval typically takes 2 to 4 months, depending on the completeness of the application and processing times.

Expats can obtain private health care insurance for under $50 a month, the same private plan available to Malaysian nationals. The nation’s increased reputation for medical tourism means that providers typically speak English, and wait times are short.

Living in Malaysia: The takeaway

Retirees drawn to dynamic Asian cities with Western creature comforts and access to scenic beaches and other desirable destinations — from Vietnam and Cambodia to Indonesia and Thailand — should seriously consider Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur.

The country’s low cost of living and affordable, highly rated private health care system are deal sweeteners that largely offset the high price of entry exemplified by visa costs beyond the Silver tier.

More on where to retire abroad

• Retire in Japan: It Ain’t Easy, Unless You’re Special
• Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic Dream
• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
• Retire in New Zealand for Lush Landscapes and a Relaxed Vibe
• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
• Where to Retire: Living in Panama Offers Stability and Charm
• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico

Whether it’s relaxing by one of its 187,000 lakes, soaking in one of its two million spas, or enjoying the midnight sun in Utsjoki, Finland offers a unique landing spot for American retirees.

Yes, you’ll be venturing farther north than you likely ever imagined, but living your golden years under the Northern Lights can be a soul-stirring experience you’ll never forget.

“The quality of life is high in Finland,” said Paula Gaston, a Finnish native who splits her calendar year between California and Finland and founded the travel website Gone with the Gastons. “Finnish people trust their government and gladly pay higher taxes to get free healthcare, free education for their kids, social services and a functioning society. It is one of the least corrupt countries in the world.”

“Finland also has an excellent public transportation system, and many people don’t own a car, especially in the capital city, " Gaston noted.

The biggest change for most US retirees unfamiliar with Finland is getting used to the long winters.

“The winter months here can be cold, and the days are very short,” Gaston said. “At the shortest periods, there’ll be only a few hours of daylight. That can be very tiring or even depressing to many people. On the other hand, in the summer months, it’s the opposite. During the summer solstice, one can enjoy the midnight sun, and in June and July, it won’t get dark.”

Finland also embodies the principles of “Nordic exceptionalism” — a unique blend of robust public services, low crime, world-class healthcare, and a culture deeply rooted in balance and nature. “Unlike the U.S., where rising inequality and high healthcare costs dominate, Finland offers retirees a secure, peaceful lifestyle centered around trust, equity, and well-being, said Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions in Madrid, Spain.

Citing the 2024 Global Passport Index, Sartoretto said Finland ranks second globally for quality of life, offering universal healthcare, top-tier public services, and the lowest crime rate in the world (first out of 163 in the Global Peace Index). “It's social trust, environmental quality, and equitable welfare system further elevate its appeal,” she added.

Retire in Finland: is it for you?

Could Finland be the ideal retirement home for you? Let’s dig deeper and see what this Scandinavian jewel has to offer.

Residency requirements

While there is no retirement-specific visa, U.S. citizens can apply for a residence permit based on sufficient private income (typically 1,00 euros per month, or about $1,134 in US dollars).

“Applicants must also show proof of private health insurance and financial independence,” Madrid Sartoretto noted. “Other routes include permits through family ties or self-employment. Americans can stay visa-free for up to 90 days but must obtain a permit for long-term residency via the Finnish Immigration Service.”

US retirees with sufficient savings can apply for a residence permit under the ‘residence permit on other grounds’ category.

“This level is intended for a range of applicants, including but not limited to unmarried couples, artists and cultural workers, people with strong humanitarian or compassionate grounds, and individuals with strong personal ties to Finland,” said Audrey Morew, director at the global law firm Fragomen in Frankfurt, Germany. “While it is not specifically designed for retirees, they may still apply.”

Citizenship success for retirees depends heavily on demonstrating strong personal ties to Finland, sufficient financial independence, and private health insurance that covers their healthcare needs. “Applicants must show they can fully support themselves without relying on Finnish social assistance,” Morew noted.

Personal funds must also be held in the applicant’s bank account, as authorities generally don’t accept sponsorship from relatives, friends, or employers. “This is not a traditional retirement visa, and approval is not straightforward; the process can take six to twelve months if granted,” Morew said.

Finance and taxes

Retiring in Finland won’t end your tax obligations in the US.

“As an American, you’re taxed on your worldwide income even while living abroad,” said Huntly Mayo-Malasky, CEO at Taxes for Expats in New York, N.Y. “You’ll also likely have to file Finnish taxes. There’s a tax treaty between the US and Finland; it helps prevent double taxation, but the treaty benefits aren’t automatic.

There are some caveats.

For example, Distributions from IRAs or 401(k)s are no longer taxed by the US once you become a Finnish resident, but Finland will tax them as pension income. “There, rates are progressive and include a municipal tax,” Mayo-Malasky added. “Finland does not tax US Social Security benefits for residents of Finland.”

Additionally, investment income may be taxed by both countries.

“The US offers a foreign tax credit to offset taxes paid to Finland, but the credit is capped at the amount of US tax owed on that income,” Mayo-Malasky said. “Finland’s tax on investment income is generally higher than US rates, so you may not be able to fully offset what you pay in Finland. Smart asset placement is essential before making the move.”

Cost of living

While expenses are generally higher than in many European countries, Finland’s cost of living is significantly lower than that of major U.S. cities.

Here’s what to expect for basic living expenses.

Housing costs (2-bedroom):

• Helsinki (central): $1,500–$2,000/month
• Outside city center: $970–$1,400/month
• Home purchase (central Helsinki): $320,000–$440,000

“Contrast those figures with New York City, where rents routinely go for $4,500 and many purchased apartments cost more than $1 million,” Madrid Sartoretto said.

Depending on need and preferences, groceries cost between $300 and $600 monthly for two people. “Staples like dairy and produce are affordable, while imported goods are more expensive,” she added.

Dining out for two at a mid-range eatery in Helsinki can cost between $50 and $100, while lunches can easily be had for $15 per diner. “If you live in smaller cities and towns, costs drop to about $50 for dinner,” Madrid Sartoretto added. “Alcohol and certain imports carry high taxes, making them more expensive than in the U.S.”

Healthcare

Healthcare may be Finland's strongest point. The public system is of high quality, and expats can register for services once they become residents.

“Many doctors and nurses speak English, especially in bigger cities, which reduces some of the worry about communication,” said Elaine Warren, a travel expert and the founder and CEO of The Family Cruise Companion website. “Some expats also choose private insurance for faster access to specialists, but overall, care is dependable.”

To access public health services, retirees must become residents and gain acceptance into Kela, Finland's social security system, which does not come automatically with residency.

“Access to the public healthcare system is limited without Kela,” said Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance in Boston, Mass. “This is why international health insurance remains paramount, particularly during the waiting period or for those ineligible for Kela. Additionally, many non-EU retirees opt for private healthcare during their initial years due to the greater availability of English-speaking staff, particularly in urban centers.”

Where to live

Helsinki is the obvious choice for most US expats seeking to settle in Finland.

“It’s the capital, and it has everything — cultural events, hospitals, great restaurants, and easy transport,” Warren said. “But Tampere and Turku are also worth looking at. Both are smaller, a bit more relaxed, and still have excellent services.”

If you are looking for a vibrant environment with many services, then the capital city area, Helsinki, Turku, or Tampere, are great options, but they are more expensive.

“Yet there are many idyllic, smaller towns in Finland,” Gaston said. “Finland has over 187,000 lakes and many forests, so many peaceful and beautiful areas exist. For those who want to be in a remote area and the middle of nature, Lapland could be an option. Just note that the winters are harsh and long above the Arctic Circle.”

Getting to Finland is easier than many think — direct flights to Helsinki run from New York, Chicago, and other major US cities. “The Helsinki airport is efficient, and getting into the city from there is quick and easy,” Warren added. “That kind of access matters if you plan to travel back and forth or have family visiting.”

By and large, crime will either be low or non-existent anywhere you land in Finland.

“Finland is generally very safe,” Gaston said. “The crime rate is low, and violent crimes are uncommon. Like in any other big city, it’s advisable to be alert if you walk around in cities like Helsinki or Tampere at night, but there are no actual areas to avoid.”

The takeaway on retiring in Finland

Finland might not be the first place that comes to mind for US retirees, but the scenic and serene vibe sticks with you.

“The balance between nature, structure, and quiet living is hard to find,” Warren said. “Retirement doesn’t have to mean staying still. For some of us, it’s the perfect time to choose a new adventure.”

More on where to retire abroad

• Retire in Japan: It Ain’t Easy, Unless You’re Special
• Retire in Malta for Quiet Coastal Perfection
• Retire in New Zealand for Lush Landscapes and a Relaxed Vibe
• Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
• Where to Retire: Living in Panama Offers Stability and Charm
• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico

Fewer people may be aware of a role reversal in home headcounts, as more parents are moving in with their adult sons and daughters. Sociologists are already calling this trend the “reverse boomerang effect,” and it’s more prevalent than you might think. The data on the topic is sparse, but 9% of multi-generational U.S. homes were owned by a 25-to-34-year-old, according to the Pew Research Center. That’s up from 6% in 2001.

Why are retired moms and/or dads increasingly bunking with their adult children? And is it something you might want to consider?

Experts point to some obvious and some less obvious reasons.

“The single largest cost for most people is housing, and the rising cost of housing has become prohibitive for many retirees,” said Cheryl L. Evans, director of lifetime financial security at the Milken Institute. “This is particularly significant for those living in major metropolitan areas.”

Consequently, retired parents who don’t own a home will pay much higher rents, even adjusted for inflation, than those from several decades ago. “Many of those older parents who own a home haven’t paid off their mortgage in their early-to-mid-60s,” Evans said. “Thus, both groups face high housing costs and lower income, and moving in with relatives may be necessary or a choice that decreases their financial stress.”

There’s another reason why parents may move in with their adult kids.

“Retirees who move in with their children also benefit from social and emotional support that often contributes to their overall well-being, since loneliness becomes a big issue in retirement,” Evans added.

How to make living with adult children work for everyone

In most cases, parents and adult children agree to live under the same roof and plan out the particulars.

“Most of the cases I have seen work well have separate or semi-separate living spaces, with the older adult typically having a private space that connects to the main house, or maybe a floor of the house,” said Frances Toler, CEO at Tolar Financial Group, in Silver Spring, Md.

“More often, a typical single-family home comes with a separate apartment in the basement, or to the side,” Tolar said. He noted that this is the option most of his clients have taken. “In most cases, the homes each had were unsuitable for this shared purpose, so they pooled resources and bought a home with an existing apartment.”

Ultimately, the living arrangements are based on three familiar factors — money, square footage, and family civility.

“If the retirees get along well with the adult kids, they can take a bedroom downstairs and be more integrated with the younger family,” said Roland Chow, partner at Optura Advisors in Burlingame, California.

If both parties mutually would like more privacy, funds can be combined to construct a so-called "granny pod" or accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which could be a living unit in the backyard, an extension of the house, or even a converted garage.

“Typically, taking a loan from the existing house to improve or extend the house is a smart move because the interest rate on the loan can be deducted,” Vhow said. “The retiree can help by contributing to the cost, and it becomes a win-win for everyone, and the two or more households become a community.”

Granny pods can be limited in space, but usually have more privacy for the retiree. However, not every property can accommodate this kind of setup.

The pros and cons of living in your adult children's homes

In most cases, parents opting to move into their adult children's home is not the first choice for anyone. But once a decision has been made and the move is in the works, both parties should factor in the upsides and downsides.

The pros of parents living in their adult children’s homes

Retirees get a good deal by moving in with an adult son or daughter

“They’ll likely have more social and family contact, more help as their abilities decline, and the ability to have a yard and garden without full responsibility,” Toler said. “Retirees can also play a big role in their grandchildren's lives, possibly having a nicer home than they can afford.”

The adult children gain advantages, too

Adult children will benefit, too, Toler said. “They’ll have the emotional support of a parent nearby and have financial help with bills."

The adult children will also have practical support from a parent to handle complex time management issues when working, such as staying home with a sick child, having the plumber come, or walking the dog midday.

Additionally, Grandparents living under the same roof (or at least on the same property) can act as built-in babysitters and easily watch the grandkids, giving mom and dad some time flexibility.

“If the adult kids have children of their own and they need babysitting help, the retiree parents would be a great resource,” Chow said.

Income flexibility for retirees

Another good option for retirees is the ability to plan for a second career or to obtain a less stressful or less time-consuming job in retirement.

“Some retirees might get a fun job, like working in a museum or park,” Evans said. “Many Americans are moving towards having multiple income streams, as the gig economy has expanded, and tech and AI are creating more online jobs. This may be enough to prevent a retiree from feeling they have no choice but to move in with someone else.”

The cons of parents living in their adult children’s homes

Family conflict

Conflict may arrive sooner rather than later for families with a history of not getting along well.

“Any family with high conflict and poor communication will suffer more in close confines,” Tolar said. “It’s easy to imagine this going poorly if one party is difficult in some way. Luckily, I have not seen this yet, but have counseled clients not to proceed if they foresee lots of conflict ahead.”

That’s especially true when parents move in with their married son or daughter, who bring in-laws into the equation. Quarreling between parents and in-law spouses can easily be a deal breaker in any generational shared household scenario.

Communications and guideline issues

Live-in generational family realities can quickly erode thoughts of cozy brunches and family movie nights.

“There can be tension around boundaries, space, privacy, and generational differences,” said Lynn Toomey, founder of Her Retirement and Retired Solved, two digital retirement planning advisory platforms. “If expectations aren't spelled out from the beginning, such as financial contributions, caregiving roles, and household responsibilities, it can certainly lead to issues.”

Additionally, caregivers, often adult daughters and daughters-in-law, may carry more of the burden, which can lead to burnout. “That’s a situation I’ve personally witnessed,” Toomey noted. “That’s why it’s so important to have a long-term plan, such as when the parent or parents need care.”

A lack of proper planning

One of the biggest mistakes financial experts see when commingling adult families in one setting is not getting good financial planning advice ahead of the move-in date.

“People who fail to consult with an experienced elder law attorney who can guide them could be courting trouble,” said Evan H. Farr, principal attorney at Farr Law Firm, P.C. in Fairfax, Va.

A good specialist can walk family members through the process of titling the property to avoid potential disasters when it comes time to file for Medicaid, for example.

“If a parent contributes money to the acquisition of a new multi-family property, or towards building an addition onto an existing property owned by their children, the parents should generally acquire an ownership interest on the deed equivalent to the value of the money they are contributing,” Farr noted.

He said that this often does not happen. As a result, the money the parents contribute is considered a gift legally by most state Medicaid agencies. This is a problem when it comes time to file for Medicaid if nursing home-level care is needed.

Live-in alternatives

Another good living option for cash-strapped retirees is moving near their family, possibly in a less expensive home.

“We see this happening more over the past decade,” Evans said. “This way, the retiree retains their independence, connects with and sees their children and grandchildren frequently, and decreases costs from having nearby family support.”

Ultimately, each situation is unique, and all retirees must carefully analyze their financial situation before any move-in dates are set.

“That analysis should focus on all sources of income, such as retirement savings and home equity, project their Social Security benefits and pensions out over time, and estimate medical costs and other expenses in retirement,” Evans said. “This is not an exact science, as life can and will bring unexpected changes and challenges.”

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Japan, with the world’s fourth-largest GDP after the U.S., China, and Germany (though if California were a country, it would beat out Japan for the No. 4 spot), is a highly developed nation with ultra-modern cities and excellent infrastructure. More than 60,000 U.S. expats live in Japan as of 2024, which represents nearly 2% of the country’s expat population. Japan appeals to retirees due to its relative affordability, as well as the world’s best sushi and fine dining restaurants.

In addition, “Japan is renowned for being a safe country and the reputation is well-founded and well-earned,” says Martin D. King, a U.S.-registered financial planner working in Tokyo. King is one of the founders and managing partners of Tyton Capital Advisors, an 11-year-old company based in Tokyo, specializing in internationally focused financial planning, investment, and insurance.

If Japan seems an unlikely place to retire given its geographical distance from the U.S., the country’s modern cultural and commercial ties are close. Vast numbers of American professionals have enjoyed careers in the States, Asia, and Europe working for Japanese corporations that are household names, with Toyota topping the list (by far), followed by such entities as Mitsubishi, Sony, and Nintendo. Compared to other U.S. citizens, these professionals would find it easiest and most natural to make the leap to relocating to Japan.

Moreover, many white-collar professionals who have never directly worked for a Japanese company are familiar with the country’s exalted Japanese management and production principles, such as kaizen: the concept of continuous improvement strongly associated with Toyota and its global success story.

And then there are widely traveled Americans who have visited Japan numerous times and simply fell in love with its civilized atmosphere, distinctive aesthetics, and age-old history. As evidenced by the popularity of the acclaimed Shōgun, one of the most heavily streamed TV shows of 2024, Japan continues to fascinate.

The country that drew the U.S. into World War II by attacking Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor in 1941 now enjoys a level of respect in American society that would have been unfathomable to members of The Greatest Generation in their youth. Japan’s peaceability, technological achievements, capitalistic triumphs, and popular products represent some of the keys to that esteem, even reverence. After all, Toyota’s Lexus RX crossover is the most popular luxury vehicle in the U.S., the Toyota Camry is all but synonymous with well-to-do retirees, and Americans get behind the wheel of Acura, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda and Infiniti vehicles every day.

Where to land

With over 14 million people, Tokyo, one of the world’s biggest metros, is an obvious choice. The humid subtropical climate means that the city experiences fewer temperature extremes than a typical Northeastern U.S. city, with winters that rarely drop below 40 degrees and summers that rarely exceed 80 degrees. Tokyo is packed with diversions, from zoos (think pandas), theaters and concert halls, and a slew of acclaimed museums, including the Le Corbusier-designed National Museum of Western Art.

As of 2025, Tokyo boasts 170 Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any other city in the world. A one-star Michelin restaurant can cost as little as $67 per person, but a three-star might command Paris-like prices.

“Tokyo is usually the Japan gateway drug,” King says, “but due to the high cost of living relative to rural Japan, a lot of people will retire in adjoining prefectures like Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.” Okinawa is also a natural destination for U.S. expats, due to the American milieu derived from the presence of the U.S. military base. “Depending on what part of Okinawa you find yourself in, you might find it hard to believe that you are not actually somewhere in America,” King says. “There are strong expat communities everywhere, but you can expect the biggest communities to be based in the metropolitan cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.”

Visa and money matters

Japan doesn’t make relocation easy for foreigners, to put a fine point on it. “In short, there is no simple retirement visa option for foreigners in Japan,” King says. “Most must qualify through work, family, or special skills.” Japan has no so-called Golden Visa and no passive investment scheme through real estate.

“Japan does not offer a direct citizenship or residency by investment program like those in Portugal, Spain, or Greece,” King confirms. “While there is an Investor/Business Manager Visa category, it is not a passive investment route; you must actively manage or establish a business, with a minimum investment of ¥5 million (about $34,000), and meet operational requirements such as hiring employees and maintaining a physical office.”

So, in general, in order to emigrate to Japan, it’s not going to be a carefree life of tuna rolls and sake. You have to run a little business. “This makes sense when you consider that Japan has a well-publicized demographic problem,” King says, referring to the country’s aging population. One in 10 Japanese is aged 80 and over, according to the World Economic Forum. “They're not falling over themselves to import more old people,” King says, bluntly.

“As Japan does not have a dedicated retirement visa for foreigners to stay long-term, most people must live in Japan for at least 10 years — at least five of those years on a work or family visa — before they can apply for permanent residency,” King explains.

There are some exceptions: highly skilled professionals can qualify for permanent residency in as little as one to three years if they meet certain criteria, and spouses of Japanese nationals may also qualify sooner. “The Long-Term Resident Visa is generally reserved for people with special family or humanitarian circumstances,” King says, citing a (highly specific) example of someone who is divorced from a Japanese national, but their kids have Japanese passports and live in Japan.

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required for most long-term visas, but there is no COE or visa specifically for retirement. King says that you can fill out your visa applications at no cost, or pay an immigration lawyer to do it for you, “which is generally accepted to yield better results than self-directed applications.”

Once you jump through all these hoops, a two-bedroom apartment can fetch as little as $1,000 a month. Moreover, says King, “In Japan, healthcare costs cannot and will not bankrupt you, and the standard of care is high.”

Living in Japan: The takeaway

Retirees or anyone else desiring to live in Japan must look carefully to see if they can possibly qualify for one of the extremely limited categories that confer long-term residency. Either you must have the luck of a familial connection or special circumstance, offer a special skill, or be prepared to launch a business in your golden years.

Those who have cultivated connections to Japan throughout their careers will be best positioned to have contacts — and hear success stories — to help guide their way.

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New Zealand may be the wanderlust capital of the world, and it may not even be close.

Think about it. Stunning vistas and landscapes, pristine coastal views, thriving metropolitan areas that offer abundant cultural opportunities, and friendly locales (it’s okay to call them Kiwis — everyone else does) are all on the table for adventure-minded US retirees.

Many retire in New Zealand for the high quality of life

New Zealand has a highly educated populace and a modern, consumer-focused healthcare system; it’s no wonder the country has one of the highest life satisfaction scores, according to the latest OECD Better Life Index.

Just ask Isheeta Borkar, co-founder (along with her husband) of the travel services company Travelicious Couple.

“New Zealand is on our list as one of the best places to retire for those seeking a peaceful, scenic lifestyle,” Borkar said. “When we visited New Zealand for three months, we could feel the country’s relaxed pace and high quality of life. It just makes the country an attractive destination for retirees.”

Make no mistake, New Zealand is a vastly different lifestyle from the US. But that’s a major plus, according to Borkar. “We found that New Zealand offers a much-needed change of pace from the hustle and bustle of life in the US,” she said. “It offers opportunities to explore nature, enjoy low pollution levels, and enjoy an active lifestyle.”

In New Zealand, the great outdoor experiences are especially abundant.

“Retirees can explore the picturesque vineyards of the Gibbston Valley or spend weekends in the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps,” Borkar said. “The cost of living, although higher than some parts of the US, was offset by the country’s exceptional quality of life and healthcare. Even as tourists, we had to end up going to the hospital for an injury, and were treated at an 80% discount.”

What does New Zealand offer US retirees looking for an exotic landing spot in their golden years? Here’s what travel and retirement experts have to say, along with tips for becoming a Kiwi.

Immigration and visa issues

In general, there are three official paths for US citizens to retire in New Zealand, and the first two are expensive.

A temporary retirement visa. American retirees should expect to clear some hurdles to gain the temporary visa.

“Applicants must be 66 years or older, invest NZD 750,000 (New Zealand currency) over years, show a further 500,000 is available for self-support, and must be able to demonstrate an ongoing income (for example from pension, investment returns, business profit, and rental returns) of at least NZD 60,000 annually,” said James Hall, founder of ANZ Migrate, a migration services firm that specializes in Australia and New Zealand permanent residencies. (As of May 5, 2025, $100 US dollars is worth 167 New Zealand dollars; the NZD 750,000 initial investment is about $450,000 US).

The visa is only approvable for applicants and their spouses, with no children included.

The visa can be renewed every two years by maintaining the applicant's NZD 750k investment. “Investment options are quite broad and include bonds, funds, property (with some restrictions under residential), and investment shares,” Hall said. “This is not a pathway to permanent residence and can only remain in NZ while maintaining the visa and investment.”

Going permanent. New Zealand also has permanent residence for life with no age limit. “This option starts with a $5 million investment funded for three years,” Hall said. “During the three years, a 21-day minimum stay is required. At the end of the three years, the applicant, spouse, and dependent children (up to age 24) get permanent residence visas in New Zealand for life without further requirements.”

Residing with children. Hall noted there are various options for parents with children who are residents of New Zealand, “either as permanent residents or citizens.” Americans considering retiring in New Zealand should consult with a trusted financial adviser, especially on tax and investment issues. Consulting with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer can also unlock some great residence ideas.

Cost of living

Like most sizable foreign destinations, the cost of living in New Zealand varies depending on where a visitor sets roots.

Housing. Buying a two-bedroom home can range from NZD 450,000 to NZD 800,000, depending on location. “Renting a two-bedroom home typically costs between NZD 1,500 and NZD 2,500 per month, with Auckland and Wellington being on the higher end of the spectrum,” Borkar said. “Utilities will likely cost NZD 150 per month.”

Borkar said she rented a “decent place” in Auckland for NZD 2,100 monthly. “The real estate market can be competitive, especially in popular regions, so retirees should plan accordingly,” she said.

Groceries and dining out. Grocery costs can be higher than in many US cities, with typical expenses for a couple’s weekly grocery run averaging NZD 150-250.

“Dining out is relatively affordable, with a dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costing between NZD 50-80,” Borkar said. “For a casual meal, you can expect to spend NZD 15-30 per person.”

Overall, the cost of living can be manageable if retirees plan for these expenses. “That’s particularly the case in smaller cities or rural areas where housing costs are lower,” Borkar said. “It also depends on what kind of savings you take from the US to New Zealand.

Healthcare

Stuart Nash, a former New Zealand government minister and founder of Nash Kelly Global, a concierge relocation service that helps individuals move to the country, says that New Zealand health insurance is “first world”. That said, Nash advises that anyone coming to New Zealand have medical insurance and that anyone living in New Zealand also have health insurance.

“We have a very well-funded public health system, which is very good,” Nash said. “If you have a heart attack, you will be rushed and treated expertly and won’t be charged for treatment. That’s due to the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), which means there's a no-fault system for personal injuries, whether you’re a resident or visitor.”

For more basic healthcare services, Nash advises taking out private health insurance as the private health market in New Zealand is very well-funded and resourced. “If you're retired and fall off a bike and wrench your knee and you're not ‘urgent,’ then in the public system, it'll take you a while to get seen,” Nash added. “In the private system, you're sorted out pretty much straight away.”

Best places to retire in New Zealand

New Zealand is approximately a 13-hour plane ride from San Francisco and about 17 hours from New York City (multiple direct flights are available from Los Angeles and San Francisco). So it’s not easy to visit the country on a test run. Still, doing so makes sense if you’re considering living in New Zealand.

When you go, in-country experts have a few ideas for you.

“Head to Queenstown if you're really into your high-end outdoor activity,” Nash said. “It's got world-class golf courses, amazing cycle trails, skiing, camping, and tramping.”

The east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, where Nash resides, is worth a look, too.

“We've got one of Julian Robinson's golf courses, and we have a fantastic lifestyle with friendly people and an amazing climate,” he noted. “About $1-2 million in US dollars will buy you one of the nicest houses in Napier.”

Hawke’s Bay, also on the east coast of the North Island, is one of Borkar’s favorites.

“If you prefer a warmer climate and a relaxed lifestyle, Hawke’s Bay is an excellent choice,” she said. “It’s known for its wineries, art deco architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. It offers a great lifestyle with lower living costs than major cities like Auckland.”

Wellington offers a choice lifestyle, too, balancing urban and rural experiences. “The capital city offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transportation, and plenty of amenities,” Borkar said. “Wellington is a perfect spot for those who enjoy a bustling city lifestyle but don’t want to sacrifice access to nature. Maybe it was the time we visited, but it was a tranquil city, which we loved.”

Don’t be reluctant to rent a vehicle and see the country yourself; many Americans do.

“We’re a safe country,” Nash said. “We see many US retirees hiring a camper van. They'll start in Auckland, go up north, and then return and spend three or four months traveling. They may park up the camper van for winter and then go and do another summer trip.”

Assimilating into the Kiwi culture

The most pressing issue is networking in your local community, and one of the best ways to do this is to start meeting people.

“Joining a club is helpful,” Nash said. “For example, we have the most amazing cycleways here called the National Cycle Trails, which are great for active retirees.”

The prevalence of electric mountain bikes has changed the nature of New Zealand’s outdoor activity, making it easy to join a bike club. “We see so many retired people jump on an electric bike and go on a five-day cycle trail in various parts of the country,” Nash added.

Nash said he’s currently dealing with a very high net worth family from Europe who are looking for social connections.

“The family’s father came to us and said, ‘How do I network?’ So we put him in touch with different clubs and now he's finally found his tribe, so to speak.”

Assimilating in New Zealand is not going to happen overnight. “Don't expect to turn up on the Saturday, and then people invite you around for a Sunday roast. It'll take a while.”

Yet a little effort goes a long way in getting comfortable in New Zealand.

“We've introduced one of our clients’ wives to a pottery group, and actually, she's found that 75% of people in that group are expats,” Nash added. “In Queenstown, one of the world's leading health spas is down there. You can go and do your yoga.”

“You don’t give up the luxuries of life when you come to New Zealand,” he added.

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• Retire in Greece for Relaxed Living With a Cinematic Backdrop
• Retire in Thailand Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Retire in Mexico: Get a Lower Cost of Living Near the US
• Where to Retire: Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
• Where to Retire: Living in Panama Offers Stability and Charm
• Where to Retire: Living in Brazil Is More Than Carnival, Coffee and Copacabana
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico

If you want to audition Costa Rica, you can settle there on a tourist visa for a year. The only catch is that after the first 180 days, you have to exit the country — make a border run — for at least one day before you can return for another 180 days. If you need to dash home, Juan Santamaría International Airport, located in San Jose, the country’s centrally located capital, offers three-hour flights to Miami, while you can be in Los Angeles in under six hours.

At less than 20,000 square miles, Costa Rica is around the size of West Virginia. But within that modest area, there is considerable lifestyle variety: You can live a city, suburban, rural life, a beach-bum surfer’s life, a verdant valley life, or a jungle life.

If you hear more about the Pacific coast than the Caribbean coast, that’s because the east coast is rather rainy year-round, while the west coast and Central Valley enjoy a dry season from September to April. Temperatures are sultry, ranging from the 70s to the 90s during both seasons, so if you’re averse to heat, you’ll have to adapt to a midday siesta lifestyle — or seek out the higher elevations, which offer cooler weather.

Costa Rica has been an expat magnet for decades, with an estimated 70,000 Americans residing in a country of more than five million people. In addition to its other attributes, Costa Rica offers a high quality of life, inexpensively: A single person can live comfortably on around $1,500 a month, while a couple can be happy on as little as $2,500.

The country earns high marks not only for its lush beauty and affordability, but also for its stable democracy and salubrious, sustainable living.

Ana Brenes, an investment, real estate and relocation specialist with Costa Rica Investments, suggests that potential expats make “an intentional visit,” adding, “that’s what we try to help with.” She says that a real estate scouting tour should take into consideration “your lifestyle, your budget, and your needs. We need to find that sweet spot where all those elements come together. On the day of the tour, we visit those communities.” If clients are having trouble deciding, Brenes suggests renting, short- or long-term, in order to experience different communities.

Pacific paradise

Located in the northwest region of Guanacaste and easily accessible via Liberia Airport (aka Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport), Peninsula Papagayo became known to high-net-worth travelers once the Four Seasons Resort planted its flag there in 2004. The upscale Andaz Costa Rica Resort followed nearly a decade later. Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, debuted in early 2025, solidifying the exclusive coastal enclave as a draw for expats.

Retirees who want to experience living in a freestanding house might want to base themselves in the opulent, beachfront Villa Avellana. This property can accommodate intergenerational families or groups of friends looking to explore the area for a possible relocation.

Most of Costa Rica’s touristic hotspots, transit hubs, and expat communities rest between Peninsula Papagayo and San Jose, including Puntarenas to the south (beaches plus a busy cruise terminal) and Tabacon to the east (famed for its thermal hot springs and access to fantastic hiking at the foot of Arenal Volcano).

For those who want to live within striking distance of San Jose, Brenes notes that Atenas — “the oldest expat community” — was once publicized as having the best weather in the world. “It’s one of those expat communities where you don’t just see Americans and Canadians; there are Europeans and Asians, as well — a little bit of everything,” she says. “This is a really close-knit community that is also intertwined with the locals, which I love.” Brenes also praises the rapidly growing but still charming Santa Ana, which is a 20-minute drive from San Jose, and the more remote Ojochal for its fine restaurants and stupendous landscape.

Brenes says that a car is all but essential for living in Costa Rica, even in a walkable town such as Atenas, noting that it would be typical to take a 10-minute drive to see a friend in a nearby community. But for those who want to give up driving, Brenes says that enlisting a driver, a taxi, or an Uber is no problem, as are other services, like housekeeping and gardening. “It’s the custom here,” she says. “Domestic help is very affordable” — $600 a month for a full-time cook and housekeeper, for example.

Visa and money matters

To put a fine point on it, Costa Rica has some of the most accessible visa programs of any desirable destination in the world. “You can actually apply for a visa while still living in the U.S.,” Brenes says. “There is no [in-country] requirement.” Brenes allows that U.S. politics have impacted the time it takes to process any type of visa. While she says that immigration officials are working as fast as they can, the 2024 election of President Trump caused visa demand to spike — and then it rose again in the spring of 2025.

Pensioners' visa: To start with the least arduous route, the Pensionado Visa is a type of temporary residence visa designed for retirees who depend on a fixed income through a retirement fund, annuity, or social security. The income threshold is quite low and easy to meet: $1,000 a month. After three years, the Pensionado Visa can become permanent. And after seven years in total (temporary plus permanent visas), you can apply for citizenship. Immediate family members (spouses and children) can be included in the same plan, along with the primary visa holder.

Visa holders have access to Costa Rica’s excellent public health care system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. To take advantage of it, “You must enroll in Social Security,” Brenes says. “This is true with any type of visa.” The cost is based on a sliding scale reflective of the pensioner’s income. “If you are applying with a $1,000-per-month income,” Brenes notes, “the payment is going to be quite low, probably around $150 a month.” Income derived from outside Costa Rica is not taxed.

Renters' visa: The Rentista Visa is a good option for those who aren’t on a fixed income, so it’s appropriate for early retirees who haven’t yet opted for early social security and haven’t begun to draw from their IRAs or 401(k)s. (Required minimum distributions become mandatory at age 72 or 73, depending on your date of birth, but you can opt to withdraw funds starting at age 59½, which means the oldest Gen Xers—born in December 1965—will hit that age in June 2025. How’s that for a wakeup call?)

The income threshold for the Rentista Visa — $2,500 per month — is higher than the Pensionado Visa’s minimum. If you have $60,000 to deposit into a Costa Rican bank, that will also fulfill the requirement. In most other respects, from health insurance to permanent status to citizenship, the Rentista Visa mirrors the Pensionado.

Digital Nomad visa: For expat retirees who expect to do a reasonable amount of remote work, the Digital Nomad Visa might be the ticket. Though it requires a monthly income of $3,000 (for an individual), the process is much faster and easier than that of the above visas — you can score this type of visa in a few months rather than wait a year or so. Though the stereotype of a digital nomad is a 25-year-old with dreadlocks, you can be a digital nomad in Costa Rica at any age. Note that the Digital Nomad Visa lasts for one year, with a one-year option to renew up to five years.

There is something for everyone in terms of Costa Rican visa options. In addition to the choices above, one might choose the Inversionista Visa (Investor's Visa) by investing in real estate or a business for a minimum of $150,000.

Costa Rica has a high quality of life

If you think Costa Rica is an undeveloped country, you'll be surprised to learn that it surpasses or equals the U.S. in several areas. Here are some examples.

In addition to its efforts around literacy and public health, the Costa Rican government has prioritized environmental sustainability, in part because its wildlife, forests, and pristine beaches are a key draw for tourists. Over 25% of its land is protected, and thanks to zoning laws, when you head to the beach, you won't see high rises or billboards right by the water.

On the other hand, Costa Rica struggles economically, with 25.5% of its population living in poverty, compared to 18% in the U.S., according to 2024 World Bank data.

Living in Costa Rica: The takeaway

“Costa Rica brings you back to basics in terms of the things that are really valuable,” Brenes says, and she describes the kind of environment where long-lasting relationships are struck at the farmer’s market. People live a comfortable, even affluent life, yet have a strong sense of community.

So, if you’re looking for natural physical beauty, ease of relocation, and affordability — within an established expat atmosphere that overlaps with local conviviality — Costa Rica might be the perfect place for you.

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Note that the LGBTQ population of all the recommended states below exceeds 5%, though not all state surveys are as up-to-date as the 2024 Gallup poll, which showed LGBTQ identification in the U.S. at 9.3%. According to the same Gallup survey, the LGBTQ cohort in Gen X — born from 1965 to 1980, that’s the group nearing retirement — clocks in at 5.1%.

Of course, some cities, towns, and neighborhoods have a proud history of gay liberation, acceptance, and safety. Still, LGBTQ people are increasingly visible and accepted in suburban pockets and small villages to an extent that would have been unthinkable a generation ago.

And then there’s the question of how gay do you want your new hometown to be — a heterogeneous environment where people don’t bat an eye to see an LGBTQ couple strolling hand-in-hand, or an iconic gay bubble where you appear to be in the majority?

Finally, the desirable coastal states and cities where LGBTQ people are most visible represent some of the most expensive places to live in the nation. So, managing your income scheme — i.e. waiting to retire until your income drops significantly to avoid high state income taxes in California (13.3%), New York (10.9%), and Hawaii (11%) — is paramount.

California

The country’s largest state was just crowned the fourth-biggest economy in the world (surpassing Japan), and its gay-friendly cities, towns, and neighborhoods could fill a book. The state decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 1976, while it took until 2003 for the U.S. to take this step. Likewise, while employment discrimination based on sexual orientation was legal federally until 2020, California has protected its citizens based on sexual orientation and gender identity since 2003. The state also gets high marks for housing policies that impact LGBTQ people.

Those who wish to retire in an epicenter of LGBTQ culture flock to San Francisco, and the Castro neighborhood, in particular. Arguably the nation’s most scenic city, “SF,” as the locals call it, enjoys peerless social services for the LGBTQ community — as well as world-class medical facilities. Sonoma County, just north of the city, is a noted — and notably beautiful — gay-friendly destination, home of the Russian River Valley (especially the town of Guerneville) a legendary gay resort area.

In Los Angeles County, walkable West Hollywood would fall into the “gay bubble” category, with bars, nightclubs, boutiques, and restaurants geared to the community, though beachfront Santa Monica and Venice have a sizable gay presence. Hillcrest, known for its diverse ethnic food scene, is San Diego’s “gay-borhood.” Meanwhile, the desert lures gay retirees to Palm Springs and its surrounding towns due to its reasonably priced real estate, stimulating midcentury architecture, and thriving gay scene, as depicted in the new Matt Bomer TV show, “Mid-Century Modern.”

It's no secret that wildfire risk is high for some California property owners. You can look up any property for sale on Realtor.com and under the "environmental risk" tab, look up the fire, flood, heat and other risks.

Massachusetts

The Bay State has long been one of the safest refuges for the LGBTQ community in the world (Boston’s South End neighborhood is especially popular with gays). The Commonwealth of Massachusetts holds the distinction of being the first state in the U.S. to grant same-sex marriage licenses, in 2004.

If you say “gay” and “Massachusetts,” chances are that the next word will be Provincetown (or “Ptown”). Located at the tip of Cape Cod, sui generis Ptown is historic, walkable, and bikeable, filled with singles and families of all stripes, as well as drag performers promoting their evening shows on Commercial Street. The summer population swells to around 60,000, but the year-round crew of around 4,000 is slowly adding couples who settle there permanently. Cottage-dotted, adjacent North Truro, also on the sea but with less expensive real estate than Ptown (where a 375-square-foot oceanfront unit can command more than a million dollars), is gaining allure among gay retirees. The art and culinary scenes on this part of the Cape are world-class.

“I always knew I wanted to end up in Ptown,” says hairstylist Joe Bruno, the owner of Bruno’s Chop Shop in Provincetown. He and his husband Gerry Buncher left Los Angeles in 2020 to settle into their newly built home in North Truro. For Buncher, it was finally time to retire. “I had never been to Provincetown until I met Joe, and I fell in love with it the first time I was here,” he recalls. After a high-stress career as a social worker, it was time for a simpler life. “I was the executive director of two Jewish community centers, and I had a lot of responsibility, a lot of pressure,” he says. Now he keeps himself busy with summer seasonal jobs as a personal trainer and working the box office at the Crown & Anchor, a wildly popular hotel, restaurant, cabaret, and beach club. “There's so much that you can make out of this place — or so little,” Buncher says. “You can be as immersed into the community as you wish.”

New York

Like California, New York State is full of LGBTQ enclaves, from downtown Manhattan to upstate. Of course, the more you venture away from New York City, the more that easy walkability will be an issue, so it’s important to be honest with yourself about your fitness level — and whether you are primarily a driver or a walker. That said, most LGBTQ folks are drawn to areas where services, shops, and restaurants are located within a few blocks — from the historically gay neighborhoods of Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and the West Village (the site of the Stonewall Inn, the National Historic Landmark that’s synonymous with the modern gay rights movement), to the charming and more demographically mixed Brooklyn hoods of Cobble Hill, Park Slope, and Brooklyn Heights.

One lovely thing about New York City is that it is democratically diverse in terms of age, which is not necessarily true in other LGBTQ magnets. You’ll find elderly singles and couples, gay and straight people wheeling strollers, and dog owners of all ages — an egalitarian cross-section. New York’s cultural opportunities for retirees — museums, theater, bookstores — are unparalleled, even if the snowy winters are somewhat punishing.

Upstate New York is known for its LGBTQ-friendly cities and towns, from Troy and Woodstock to Saratoga Springs and New Paltz (where gay marriages were performed in 2004, seven years before marriage equality became state law).

Florida

Due to its political climate, the Sunshine State may represent a conundrum for LGBTQ retirees. The rights to same-sex sexual activity, marriage equality, and freedom from workplace discrimination did not become legal in Florida until the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in to federalize these rights, and the state has shown antipathy toward transgender rights under the governorship of Ron DeSantis, though his efforts to roll back LGBTQ rights were thwarted for the most part.

And yet, 5% of the state’s workforce is LGBTQ, as last measured. Axios puts the LGBTQ population (5.4%) as higher than California’s (5.1%), with substantial gay populations in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, as well as in Orlando. The gay community helped revitalize tourism in South Beach (at the southern tip of Miami Beach) in the 1990s after decades of stagnation, and even if South Beach isn’t exactly the gay mecca that it was during the Clinton years, the LGBTQ community is still extremely visible.

“There are people from Manhattan who have dreamed of moving to Miami,” says real estate advisor Brian Rokicki. “I have a couple of clients who’ve sold their places in New York and are looking to retire, mainly in South Beach. They want the walkability and the vacation lifestyle.” Retirees typically gravitate toward the full-service high-rises on the bay (west) side of South Beach, which is primarily residential and away from the hubbub of Ocean Drive. Rokicki notes that the condo market in the $2 million range “is still very strong”; below that price, it’s more of a buyer’s market.

To the north, Wilton Manors, in Greater Fort Lauderdale, is a gay bubble filled with clubs, restaurants, and boutiques that cater to the community. Regardless of the political winds, that doesn’t seem likely to change. “Greater Fort Lauderdale has been and will continue to be the most welcoming and inclusive destination in the State of Florida,” says Stacy Ritter, the president and CEO at Visit Lauderdale. “We embrace and celebrate you regardless of how you identify, how you worship (if at all), and who you love.”

Before putting down a deposit, buyers should consider the risks of buying a Florida condo. And even if many retirees might prefer a full-service building with a pool, there's something to be said for considering a pied-à-terre in a small one- to three-story art deco building — namely, less chance of an overwhelming assessment down the line. For example, the Florida Condominium Act requires older condo associations to hold enough funds in reserve to cover major upgrades.

For any Florida real estate search, do a quick check on the flood risk. In some cases, there may be a high risk but the local government may be taking steps to adapt, as is the case in Miami. Be sure to include the cost of insurance; a recent Bankrate study found Florida has the second-highest average home insurance premiums in the country, at $5,409 per year.

Hawaii

The Aloha State holds a special place in the history of gay rights, as the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was a fundamental right back in 1993, though it took until 2013 for the right to be codified into law. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Hawaii since 1973, and the state has one of the highest percentages of transgender people in the nation, reflecting the acceptance of gender fluidity in Polynesian culture in general. In pre-colonial Hawaii, there was no stigma attached to partners of the same gender, called aikāne, while māhū (the term refers to people with both male and female spirits) were also accepted, even revered, in pre-colonization times. Those tolerant attitudes reawakened as the Christian missionary influence faded.

Hawaii is an expensive place to live, but for those who can afford it, it’s nirvana. Not only is the weather conducive for healthy living, but the state is ranked No. 1 in healthcare access, second in quality, and third in public health. Oahu is the state’s most populous island, and its legendary Waikiki Beach is an epicenter of gay life that features iconic watering holes like Bacchus Waikiki and Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand. Maui, the state’s second-largest island, is also considered to be gay-friendly, with the bohemian Little Beach attracting gay and straight nudists, fire dancers, and drummers to create a one-of-a-kind time machine back to 1968.

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In this edition of Kiplinger's "Listed," where we take a look at real estate listings around the world following a certain theme, we highlight equestrian estates for sale across the United States. The homes range from cowboy living out West to a modern compound outside Manhattan.

This edition is special to me: I grew up around stables in the Midwest and some of my fondest childhood memories were made riding the show horses at my classmate's barn. Imagine you could give your children or grandchildren that idyllic experience growing up with joy and responsibility.

1. Start your own equestrian center in Washington

This 158-acre site in Washington has huge business potential. Horse riding can take place in the indoor arena, while a separate house provides guest accommodation away from the main property. And if you want to make hay, quite literally, 143 acres are leased for hay production (with subdivision potential).

Address: 5500 Weaver Road, Ellensburg, Washington (listed by Tayna Lorella, Compass)
Price: $2,495,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 3 baths; 4,543 sq. ft. / 158 acres

Home highlights:

• Secluded main house with update primary suite
• Two-bedroom, one-bath guest house
• Indoor and outdoor riding areas, tack room
• Commercial barn (600-ton capacity), a hay barn and a 3-bay garage

2. Down on the farm in North Carolina

With its classic red barn and stone farmhouse, this North Carolina property ticks all the boxes if you want traditional American style with a side of luxury. The four-bedroom home is immaculate, and horses will be very well catered for in their barn, with five stalls, a tack room and a heated wash stall. Outside there are 12 acres of land, fenced pastures, a large, lighted riding area and plenty of practical outbuildings.

Address: 3417 Pea Ridge Road, New Hill, North Carolina (listed by Linda Trevor, Linda Trevor & Co, Compass)
Price: $1,500,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 3 baths; 2,715 sq. ft. / 12.34 acres

Home highlights:

• Pristine interiors, cathedral ceilings and hardwood floors
• Stone family-room fireplace
• Chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops
• Owner's suite with two walk-in closets and spa-style en-suite bath
• 5-bay tractor shed, chicken coop and heated workshop
• Secure gated entrance

3. Mountain air in Wyoming

One of my favorite horse-riding experiences was a trail ride outside Jackson Hole, and this home in Alta gives you the opportunity to live that dream. The property includes a recently remodeled main home that's over 3,000 square feet as well as a log cabin and a barn with an apartment.

Address: 1905 Beaver Drive, Alta, Wyoming (listed by Fall Line Realty at Compass)
Price: $2,950,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 4 baths; 3,896 sq. ft. / 3.62 acres

Home highlights:

• Views of the Tetons, Grand Targhee and Big Hole Mountains
• 12-foot swim spa in dedicated room
• Whole home generator
• Firepit, fenced pastures, stocked spring-fed pond

4. Grand ranch near Houston

Located outside Houston, this property gives you the best of both worlds with a modern luxury ranch to live in and a six-stall horse barn with tack room and wash bay, as well as a horse arena.

Address: 1980 County Road 220, Angleton, Texas (listed by Mark Miller & Marc Zachrau at Compass)
Price: $2,999,999 | Specs: 4 beds / 4 baths; 4,800 sq. ft. / 30 acres

Home highlights:

• Saltwater pool and hot tub
• Stocked pond, gun range, workshop and horse barn
• Separate 2,246 square-foot office on property
• Gourmet kitchen

5. Texas Hill Country estate

This property literally on "Lone Rider Trail" offers plenty of space for a crowd. The main home was recently renovated with two primary suites and the home is amid an equestrian community with trail paths.

Address: 13824 Lone Rider Trail, Austin, Texas (listed by Asher Flynn at Compass)
Price: $5,995,000 | Specs: 7 beds / 8 baths; 7,097 sq. ft. / 7 acres

Home highlights:

• Part of Meadowfox Estates, 30 minutes from downtown Austin, fronting Little Barton Creek
• Pool and screened-in porch
• In-line generator and Tesla charger
• Room for three horses

6. Immaculate estate in Tennessee

Fifty-six acres to call your own in a fully renovated home south of Nashville in Franklin. This property has a full equestrian facility with a professional riding arena. No expense was spared in the renovation, from a spa room with an infrared sauna and cold plunge to EQ-80 footing for the riding arena.

Address: 426 Cotton Lane, Franklin, Tennessee (listed by Megan Jernigan at Compass)
Price: $11,90,000 | Specs: 6 beds / 5 baths; 7,397 sq. ft. / 56 acres

Home highlights:

• European oak hardwood floring and Cle Zellige Moroccan sea salt shower in primary suite
• Home theater, private gym, spa room with infrafred sauna and cold plunge
• Pastures, pond and more grounds

7. Mid-century modern in Sleepy Hollow

The historic Winterburn Farm is located in Westchester's Pocantico Hills, just north of New York City. The home was designed for Rodman Rockefeller by Richard P. Donahue and includes a 14-stall stable with indoor and outdoor riding arenas.

Address: 48 Raafenberg Road, Sleepy Hollow, New York (listed by David Turner at Compass)
Price: $12,00,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 6 baths; 7,538 sq. ft. / 42 acres

Highlights:

• 42-acre compound with main residence, stable, manager's house, greenhouse, carriage barn and equipment garage
• Direct access to 55-mile carriage trail network of Rockefeller State Park
• Great room in main home with 20-foot ceilings and walls of glass with views of the Hudson River

This is part of Kiplinger's series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.

Is there a particular home feature or location you want to see listings for? Email the author at alexandra.svokos@futurenet.com.

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“Over the past 12 months, we have witnessed a 30% increase in interest for Greek residency programs,” says Adalberto Pucca, head of sales and business development at Global Citizen Solutions, which assists clients with Greece’s visa programs, as well as visa programs in Europe generally, and in the Caribbean. (Global Citizen Solutions has local representation in Athens and on the island of Corfu.) “Following the U.S. elections,” Pucca adds, “this interest has surged by over 85%.”

Retire in Greece for movie star beauty

Even frequent visitors to the country soon realize that once they’ve enjoyed the capital of Athens — climbing up to the Acropolis to marvel at the 5^th-century B.C. Parthenon — and island-hopped the Cyclades, from the whitewashed cave houses of Santorini to the waterside taverns and bars of Mykonos, they’ve only scratched the surface.

So much of the country is cinematically beautiful: Mamma Mia! (2008) was shot in the lush and colorful Skopelos and Skiathos, in the Sporades archipelago; the acclaimed Olivia Coleman vehicle The Lost Daughter (2021) unfolds in the chill, car-less island of Spetses, in the Saronic island group, southwest of Athens; and Ethan Hawke continues to romance Julie Delphy — this time in southern Greece — in the third installment of the Before trilogy. Atypically, Before Midnight (2013) is set in the spectacularly scenic Peloponnese, which feels island-like, but is actually composed of peninsulas extending from peninsulas.

The range of films shot in such divergent areas of Greece amply demonstrates that the country is far more than the dreamy cliffs and sunsets of Santorini as depicted in Summer Lovers (1982), which was, for many a Gen Xer and Baby Boomer, their first exposure to the country.

Visa and money matters

Golden visas. Americans considering retirement in Mediterranean climes have noted that while Greece still offers its golden visa (residency in exchange for a property investment in the country), the cost of the transaction has spiked and spiked again. That’s how popular this sun-splashed country, which is dotted with antiquities, remains.

“For those who can afford the golden visa, it’s an interesting opportunity,” says Federica Grazi, founder and managing director of Mitos Relocation Solutions, which focuses on retirement in Greece. “Greece has one of the only golden visas left in Europe that allows you to obtain residency by investment in real estate.”

When Greece debuted its golden visa program in 2014, you could obtain a visa by purchasing property worth 250,000 euros. But as in other coveted European countries, when foreign ownership began to price locals out of the housing market, pushback followed.

Since 2024, with the implementation of a dual-tiered system, the cost to attain a golden visa in Greece’s most sought-after locales has been pegged at 800,000 euros. This top tier includes Athens and its environs (known as Attica); Thessaloniki, the second-largest city; and the iconic Cycladic islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Lesser-known, less densely populated parts of the country command a golden visa investment of 400,000 euros.

FIP visas. In addition to the golden visa, retirees may look into the FIP (Financially Independent Person) visa. Though no substantial investment is required for the FIP, applicants must show they can support themselves through a monthly income of 3,500 euros. FIP visa holders must remain in Greece for 183 days a year, and although working for Greece-based companies is forbidden, remote work for overseas employers is permitted. Pucca says the FIP “is ideal for those with passive income, while the golden visa provides more flexibility, as it has no minimum stay requirements.”

Grazi notes that the FIP visa must be renewed every three years, while the golden visa, because it is dependent on holding property, has a more automatic renewal process. “It has more certainty,” she says.

Ancestry visas. Pucca points out that an ancestry visa is an option for a select few, but that means you must prove, through municipal documents (such as birth or marriage certificates), that a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was, or is, a Greek citizen. “Processing times vary, depending on the consulate handling the application,” he notes. “On average, it takes 12 to 18 months, though this timeframe may be longer if the sourcing of required documents proves challenging.”

Taxes. Finally, American retirees in Greece are generally not double-taxed, including on Social Security. But, as any expat will tell you, it’s smart to enlist a tax accountant, in one or both countries, who is conversant in the tax implications of moving to Greece and keeps track of any changes in tax law. Tax advantages may be influenced by the amount of time you spend annually in Greece, as well as where your income (including passive income) is derived from.

City or island?

“While Athens remains a top choice,” Pucca says, “many retirees are now exploring alternative locations across Greece. Crete and Corfu are particularly popular due to their high quality of life, lower living costs, and widespread English proficiency. These destinations offer a perfect mix of authentic Greek culture, modern amenities, and accessibility for expats. Their Mediterranean climate, rich history, and welcoming communities make them excellent alternatives to the capital, providing retirees with both comfort and adventure.”

Because it is Greece’s largest island, Crete is a year-round destination that is generating a lot of interest. “It’s a very balanced option,” Grazi says. “You can drive almost everywhere within an hour, and yet it has frequent flights to the mainland and a lot of diversity in terms of the cultural scene.” Grazi also praises the relatively populous Syros for its year-round activities, as it is the administrative center of the Cyclades — and notes that it doesn’t carry the price tag of its more illustrious neighbors.

Daniel Rentillo, a New Yorker who used to work in fashion, chose to retire in Greece four years ago on a golden visa, which has accorded him permanent residency — as long as he doesn’t sell his properties. “It was easy, and no one was really doing it back then,” he recalls.

Rentillo made an unconventional, sort of spur-of-the-moment choice: He retired in Symi, a small island off the Turkish coast, known for its fine beaches and its multicolored harbor. The island has a year-round population of around 2,500 (which swells during the summer tourist season). He’d enjoyed Symi on a previous visit, and the thought of touring dozens of other islands for comparison was overwhelming. “You can spend your whole life trying to figure out where to live in Greece,” he says, “because there are so many places, and they’re all different. You have to find one that works for you.”

Once he found a house, the decision was made. “I didn’t know a soul,” he says. “The only other person I knew was my real estate agent, but little by little, I got to know a lot of people.” Symi, he says, has a “laid-back” quality and thriving international population, and benefits from being a short ferry ride away from the much larger Rhodes.

Also, he says, it helps to be “fit” to settle in Symi — there’s a lot of walking. The same can be said of virtually every Greek island, and some islands, like Spetses and Hydra, don’t permit private automobiles at all. Therefore, people who favor car-centric lives might be more comfortable in Athens, its suburbs, and the mainland in general. But note: Even in Athens, the Plaka, the city’s old town in the shadow of the Acropolis, is a pedestrian neighborhood that’s full of stairs, as well as shops and tavernas.

Living in Greece: The takeaway

Beyond its physical and sybaritic attributes, Greece is a developed country with the 52^nd largest economy in the world. It offers a fantastic quality of life without being costly: Everything from buying property to health care to meals out is relatively inexpensive compared to the U.S., even if the dollar, relative to the euro, isn't as strong as it was earlier in 2025. 

As other marquee European countries reassess and even discontinue their long-term visa policies, Greece is looking more and more like a feasible paradise for retirees.

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A life imbued with history and charm could be yours in a historic home. Philadelphia is renowned for its history, and these homes hold it proudly in their bones, which have withstood generations and demonstrate cleverness in their architecture. Over the years, they've had renovations, too, making them ideal for a modern life built on the shoulders of giants.

For this week's "Listed," I sourced these breathtaking historic homes from top real estate companies. There are some real gems in here, including a jaw-dropping home on Rittenhouse Square, each featuring exquisite details and charming features pointing to its past.

1. Lavish renovation, Delancey Street

Who wants the hassle of renovating a historic home? All the work has been done for you in this vast 1863 residence on one of the best blocks in the city — and no expense has been spared. That means exquisite interiors, bespoke finishes and ingenious touches throughout, such as a glazed butler's pantry, a secret office and motorized drapery.

Address: 2041 Delancey St, Philadelphia (listed by Lavinia Smerconish, Compass)
Price: $8,400,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 6 baths; 7,500 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Featured on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
• State-of-the-art kitchen appliances including a La Cornue range cooker
• Huge primary bedroom suite with dressing room and spa bathroom
• Modern practicalities including laundry room, mudroom and elevator
• Fenced courtyard and off-street parking for one vehicle

2. The Cadwalader Mansion, Spruce Street

For a home steeped in local history, it's hard to beat this five-story mansion built as a wedding gift for a prominent Philadelphia family. Every inch of the house has been respectfully preserved, from its unique limestone front façade to the original moldings, Tiffany chandeliers and marble fireplaces. As you'd expect from the price, it's also been fitted with 21st-century luxuries.

Address: 2102 Spruce St, Philadelphia (listed by Mary Genovese Colvin and Margaux Pelegrin, Compass)
Price: $4,325,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 8 baths; 5,752 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Unique historic features, including marble entryway, original safe and elevator
• Five bedrooms, each with an en suite
• Modern living space on fourth floor with a kitchen and media room
• Multiple laundry rooms, wine cellar, catering kitchen and bar
• Landscaped garden, sundeck and a two-car garage

3. Industrial architecture, Longshore Avenue, Tacony

To find a more affordable property, head to the Tacony Disston District. This epic red-brick building once housed the Tacony Saving Fund And Trust Company. It's now a cool loft-style home, with plenty of cosy nooks inside the vast living spaces across three floors, not to mention a full recording studio and musician's quarters.

Address: 4900 Longshore Avenue, Philadelphia (listed by Kristin McFeely, Compass)
Price: $1,070,000 | Specs: 3 beds / 3 baths; 9,300 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Loft-like open spaces with turn-of-the-century industrial features
• Patinaed hardwood floors, tin ceilings, original vault and freight elevator
• Statement arched windows
• Side garden and on-street parking

4. Luxury meets functionality, Delancey Place

Back on Philadelphia's most coveted block, this townhouse has been sympathetically restored after an earlier renovation stripped out its original features. Aside from the elegant interiors, that means new kitchens and bathrooms, multi-zone heating and cooling, dimmable lighting, integrated speakers, an elevator and a three-car garage.

Address: 1808 Delancey Place, Philadelphia (listed by Mary Genovese Colvin and Margaux Pelegrin, Compass)
Price: $4,180,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 6 baths; 5,034 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Historically accurate renovation with all mod-cons
• Custom cabinetry in kitchen and bathrooms
• Family room with surround sound system and motorized shades
• Self-contained guest suite with kitchenette on fourth floor
• Two decks, panoramic views of Philadelphia’s skyline

5. The best address in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square

And finally, your chance to own an iconic home on Rittenhouse Square itself. This palatial property covers the entire third floor of a magnificent beaux-arts building and can be separated into two separate units. It has to be seen to be believed, but highlights include floor-to-ceiling arched windows, park views, a former ballroom, and a walk-in closet even Carrie Bradshaw would move to Philadelphia for.

Address: Unit 3AB, 1830 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia (listed by Alon Seltzer, Compass)
Price: $6,780,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 5 baths; 5,650 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Full-service luxury condominium
• Two-bed main residence, with a den, library and great room
• Juliet balconies overlooking Rittenhouse Square
• Boutique-inspired closet, with doors crafted from antique windows
• Two-bed, two-bath back residence
• Private foyer and internal hallway that can combine the two units

This is part of Kiplinger's series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.

Is there a particular home feature or location you want to see listings for? Email the author at alexandra.svokos@futurenet.com.

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Now, what if you could step outside your house and see that beautiful game any day of the week?

As part of Kiplinger's "Listed" series, I gathered several gorgeous homes for sale now that are all right by a golf course. Just imagine watching the Heritage Classic from your backyard pool knowing you can walk over and get in a round any time you want.

1. Austin home by Falconhead Golf Club

This imposing five-bed home backs onto the rolling greens of Falconhead Golf Club, in Texas Hill Country. Although the course is public, the house sits within a private gated area. That means plenty of quiet outside of tee times. It also has its own putting green in the backyard.

Address: 4008 Sugarloaf Drive, Austin, Texas (listed by Sarah McAloon, Compass)
Price: $1,625,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 4 baths; 5,149 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Impressive outdoor space with multi-level pool, spa, outdoor fireplace and grilling area
• Study with its own exterior entrance — ideal for a home office
• Games room and a media room with wet bar
• Three-car garage

2. Boulder Country Club home in Colorado

There's nothing quaint about this ranch-style home backing onto the exclusive Boulder Country Club and its 18-hole championship golf course. Inside is all clean minimalism and luxury finishes. Tall windows and doors let in huge amounts of natural light and make the most of views across the green to Colorado's Front Range.

Address: 7323 Old Post Road, Boulder, Colorado (listed by Kristin Kalush, Compass)
Price: $3,395,000 | Specs: 3 beds / 4 baths; 3,143 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Plank oak floors and custom cabinetry throughout
• Primary bedroom with walk-in closet and marble spa bathroom
• Top-of-the range kitchen with Thermador wine cooler
• Additional outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, sink and bar fridge
• Central courtyard with lounging spaces and mature Japanese maple tree

3. Trophy of a home in the Dallas area

Back in Texas for a golf enthusiast's dream house. The outdoor space, overlooking the championship Whitworth Course at Trophy Club, has its own custom putting green. And when you're done practicing, you can fire up the outdoor grill and green egg barbecue, or relax in the spa and the self-cleaning pool.

Address: 425 Ramsey Trail, Trophy Club, Texas (listed by Tommy Pistana, Compass)
Price: $1,560,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 6 baths; 4,978 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Heated patio with electric sliding screens
• A large primary suite and four other bedrooms each with an en-suite
• An upstairs games room and media room/gym
• A new Generac generator for the entire home

4. Live like royalty in Houston

You'd be forgiven for mistaking this lavish home for a hotel, thanks to its chandeliers, marble and sweeping staircases. It's also designed to make the most of its position on the signature (16th) hole of the Royal Oaks golf course — there are sensational views from every angle, including the vast primary suite on the first floor and the wrap-around balcony upstairs.

Address: 11907 Louvre Court, Houston, Texas (listed by Laura Sweeney and Marc Zachrau, Compass)
Price: $2,200,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 7 baths; 6,168 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Stained-glass entryway with high ceilings
• Open concept living/dining room and kitchen on first floor
• Four bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor
• A theatre/media room (with a hidden room behind a bookshelf), plus a wet bar
• A pool/hot tub, and a three-car garage

Bonus: California estate for sale by golf course

And finally, if you'd like to unleash your competitive spirit, you should snap up the Bella Diablo Vista gated estate in California. This extraordinary, Tuscan-inspired villa has indoor and outdoor kitchens, olive and fruit trees, a vineyard — and state-of-the-art security systems. Meanwhile, a spouse with time on their hands will appreciate the nearby Blackhawk Country Club and its two 18-hole golf courses.

Address: 940 Eagle Ridge Drive, Danville, California (listed by Joujou Chawla, Compass)
Price: $12,300,000 | Specs: 6 beds / 8 baths; 10,521 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Custom craftsmanship throughout, including Venetian plaster walls, quarried travertine floors, coffered ceilings and ironwork
• State-of-the-art movie theater and an executive office
• Climate controlled 1200-bottle wine room, dog-washing room
• Detached guesthouse in the grounds, plus infinity-edged pool and spa
• Two staircases, an elevator and a five-car garage

This is part of Kiplinger's series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.

Is there a particular home feature or location you want to see listings for? Email the author at alexandra.svokos@futurenet.com.

Get More Listed

• Luxury Waterfront Homes for Sale Around the US
• Houses for Sale in Napa, California for Wine Lovers
• Homes for Sale With Basketball Courts
• Listed: Homes to Buy in Hawaii

Waterfront properties like the ones in this week's "Listed" are in a league of their own when it comes to entertaining. They all have amazing outdoor spaces for hosting — one even has a grand total of six guest accommodations. But the great thing about living close to water is the peace and tranquility it affords (when the crowds have departed).

With that in mind, we asked top real estate companies to share some of the best waterfront properties they have for sale around the country now. Here are their top picks close to lakes, bayous and beyond.

1. Stunning new construction on Lake Norman, North Carolina

Be the first to own this stylish new build, tucked away in a private 1.45-acre haven on the banks of Lake Norman, 30 minutes north of Charlotte. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room make the most of the stunning views from inside, while outside you have your own dock and infinity pool (with swim-up bar) for recreation and entertaining.

Address: 2536 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, North Carolina (listed by Heather Gibbs and Josh Tucker at Corcoran)
Price: $9,250,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 7 baths; 6,859 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Luxurious primary suite with flex office, plus three guest suites
• Gym and theater with private powder room
• Open floor plan with 10" white oak hardwood flooring throughout
• Chef’s kitchen with an oversized Taj Mahal quartzite island
• Infinity pool and swim-up bar with 100-inch TV
• Dual-gated entrance with garage for three cars

2. Outdoor living in Lake County, California

This lakeside home near Lucerne, California, is perfect for those who love the outdoor life. Its recently refurbished dock includes a boat lift and jet ski lifts. And the house sits within a gated community with its own pickleball court. There are plenty of hiking trails locally — and acres of vineyards, of course. Perfect for stocking up on wine to enjoy on your balcony after a day in the sun.

Address: 8403 Paradise Lagoon Drive, Lucerne, California (listed by Craig Burnett and Stephanie Conner, Corcoran)
Price: $1,375,000 | Specs: 3 beds / 4 baths; 3,180 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Updated kitchen with brand new appliances and a large walk-in pantry
• Open family room with lake views, fireplace and bar
• Three bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom
• Patio and pergola, with lawned area and outside kitchen
• Community facilities include tennis and pickleball courts, a park and a separate boat launch ramp

3. A modern sanctuary, Radnor Lake Nature Preserve, Tennessee

Dip into modern luxury amid the tranquility of the Radnor Lake Nature Preserve. This coolly designed home has a lot to offer, with beauty both inside and outside.

Address: 5308 Lancelot Road, Brentwood, Tennessee (listed with Aaron Joyce of Corcoran Reverie)
Price: $2,850,000 | Specs: 7 beds / 6.5 baths; 8,870 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Smartly designed by architect Michael Goorevich with tons of exquisite details
• Glass walls to open up to the nature outside
• Gas fireplace and cathedral ceilings
• Private elevator and two laundry rooms

4. Southern charm and freshwater views in Florida

This enormous Southern-style home is perched on its very own peninsula, surrounded by freshwater River Pond. Inside there's ample space for entertaining family and friends, and the wrap-around porches on all levels ensure everyone gets to enjoy the private waterside views.

Address: 15702 FL-77, Southport, Florida (listed by Carly Sostheim, Corcoran Reverie)
Price: $2,000,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 7 baths; 7,200 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Private 32-acre estate
• Luxury chef's kitchen plus screened-in summer kitchen and home theater
• Self-contained mother-in-law suite
• Vast basement and heated/cooled storage
• Full-size elevator giving access to all floors

5. An artist's paradise, Louisiana

It's the first time on the market for this artist's home on the edge of Bayou Bonfoucal. Glass walls flood the home with light and afford inspirational views across water and gardens full of magnolia and lilies, while two additional dwellings within the grounds can be used as art studios or guest houses.

Address: 350 Faciane Lane, Slidell, Louisiana (listed by Alice McNeely and Mat S. Berenson, Latter & Blum | Compass)
Price: $2,850,000 | Specs: 2 beds / 3 baths; 2,183 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Tall ceilings and windows maximize views and light
• Main residence has two bedroom suites, living room, kitchen and wet bar
• Two additional dwellings, one with a kitchenette and a loft-style bed and bath
• Stunning terrace with vanishing edge pool
• Mature gardens with native cypress, wild irises, lilies, magnolias and oaks

Bonus: Colorado dream house

And finally, if you've ever dreamed of being lord or lady of the manor, now's your chance. The historic Greystone Estate estate above Upper Bear Creek in the Rockies comprises a manor house, six additional residences and 54 acres of alpine land. It can be yours for a cool $16.75 million.

Address: 222 Greystone Rd, Evergreen, Colorado (listed by Jessica Northrop, Compass)
Price: $16,750,000 | Specs: 7 beds / 8 baths; 12,086 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• 25-room manor house, including a library, wine cellar, bar and gym
• Six other properties on the estate: the Guest House, the Carriage House, the Historic Log Cabin, the Stone Cottage, the Pool House and the Pavilion
• Tennis courts, outdoor pool and spa/hot tub
• Within an hour of Colorado's ski resorts

This is part of Kiplinger's series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.

Is there a particular home feature or location you want to see listings for? Email the author at alexandra.svokos@futurenet.com.

Get More Listed

• Houses for Sale in Napa, California for Wine Lovers
• Homes for Sale With Basketball Courts
• Listed: Homes to Buy in Hawaii
• Fabulous Homes to Retire in Portugal

Florida has also served as a haven for tax refugees: according to TurboTax, it has the fifth-lowest overall tax burden in the nation, owing, in large part, to the absence of a state income tax. (Read our Florida State Tax Guide).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, those realities were just some of the reasons for the so-called Great Migration, when hundreds of thousands of people — including a posse of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — headed south from colder, higher-tax states, and marquee businesses relocated or expanded their operations in the Sunshine State.

Florida’s burst of growth and activity has made it even more enticing to retirees, whether you crave the Atlantic or the Gulf Coast, an urban lifestyle or a chill vibe.

1. Miami Beach, best for sand, sea, and sightseeing

• Population: 82,890 [Census]
• Cost of living: 50% higher than the U.S. average [ERI]
• Average single-family home price: $513,208 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $3,350 [Zillow]

There is a common misconception that Miami Beach is a neighborhood within the city of Miami proper, but this coastal resort icon is actually a city in itself, located on one main barrier island — and some small, highly exclusive manmade isles that dot Biscayne Bay.

Miami Beach’s shoreline inarguably counts as one of the world’s finest urban beaches, with miles of powdery white sands; clear, turquoise waters, a winding biking and walking path, and numerous outdoor workout stations.

The most famous and picturesque part of Miami Beach is South Beach, which is human-scale and home to one of the highest concentrations of art deco and midcentury buildings on the planet. The so-called Art Deco District was the first 20th-century neighborhood to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Miami Beach teems with nightlife and dining options.

2. Coral Gables, best for an affluent environment with top-tier shopping and recreation

• Population: 49,248 [Census]
• Cost of living: 53% higher than the U.S. average [ERI]
• Average single-family home price: $1,491,894 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $3,600 [Zillow]

Miami-Dade County’s expertly planned community, known for its ubiquitous Mediterranean Revival architecture and some of the nation’s wealthiest zip codes, is home to several significant landmarks, including the highly rated University of Miami; the century-old Biltmore Hotel, which features an 18-hole golf course and one of the country’s biggest swimming pools; and the quirky Venetian Pool, a whimsical marvel filled with grottos and waterfalls.

But Coral Gables is more than a residential enclave; it is rapidly diversifying and drawing businesses to its lush streets. Miracle Mile functions as the city’s main drag, replete with dining, entertainment, and shopping, while the Shops at Merrick Park boasts such luxury brands as Gucci, Neiman Marcus, and David Yurman. Several condo-hotels, such as Cassia Residences and The Avenue, are in progress and within walking distance of this chic indoor-outdoor mall.

3. Naples, best for showing off your Ferrari, hitting the links, and retiring in style

• Population: 19,704 [Census]
• Cost of living: 34% higher than the U.S. average [ERI]
• Average single-family home price: $576,169 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $5,900 [Zillow]

For those drawn to Florida’s Gulf Coast, Naples is synonymous with wealth and the good life, and with an ample population of retirees. Parks, golf courses, and pickleball courts abound, not to mention the enduring attraction of its beaches, with their soft sands, calm waters, and spectacular sunsets.

As evidenced by its annual Cars on 5^th Concours, which is sponsored by the Naples Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America, the city is an epicenter for luxury auto enthusiasts. But when the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches roar away, Fifth Avenue — which counts as the city’s main street — returns to walkable normalcy, and is rife with cafes, bars, and more than a dozen art galleries.

4. Palm Beach, best for hobnobbing with the rich and famous

• Population: 9,258 [Census]
• Cost of living: 434.4% higher than the U.S. average [Bestplaces]
• Average single-family home price: $2,127,973 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $13,000 [Zillow]

Known as one of the most exclusive resort destinations in the world, Palm Beach, located on a barrier island across from West Palm Beach, is anchored by the Breakers Palm Beach. The owners insist upon the full name — The Breakers Palm Beach — because the brand is more than a historic hotel featuring four swimming pools and a half-dozen dining venues: the company has also invested mightily in adjacent real estate, spreading the wealth to revitalize Royal Poinciana Way, with its charming boutiques and eateries.

The locals who drink and dine at Buccan, La Goulue, and Sant Ambroeus (a popular offshoot of the New York-based chain) live in pricey condos — or mansions valued in the tens of millions, whether they front the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway.

The most well-heeled homeowners and visitors stay for the cooler months of “the season,” then flee the summer humidity for the Hamptons or to make jaunts to Europe.

5. Key West, a laidback island that encourages creativity and eccentricity

• Population: 25,103 [Census]
• Cost of living: 80% higher than the U.S. average [ERI]
• Average single-family home price: $1,061,463 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $5,000 [Zillow]

After conquering the Overseas Highway, a roughly four-hour drive from Miami (five, if you stop for steamers at Lazy Days), you’ve arrived at an end-of-the-world kind of place, with its own eccentric customs and rituals. The nation’s southernmost city proved a draw for Ernest Hemingway (his former home is a museum and National Historic Landmark that bears his name), Tennessee Williams (who also inspired an eponymous museum), and President Harry S. Truman, who maintained a winter White House here that you can also visit.

Most of the island’s business happens on the 1.25-mile-long Duval Street, which is packed with seafood eateries and shops. The strand passes near the vibrant waterfront setting of Mallory Square, with its outdoor entertainers, sunset views, trolley tours, and cruise ship docking.

People visit and settle down in Key West for its Caribbean flavor and its arty, come-as-you-are vibe — and it remains one of Florida’s most distinctive places to retire.

6. St. Petersburg, best for a thriving arts scene as well as a suntan

• Population: 263,553 [Census]
• Cost of living: 17% higher than the U.S. average [ERI]
• Average single-family home price: $360,584 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $2,200 [Zillow]

Located in the Tampa Bay area and known for its sunny weather and namesake pier (which is full of attractions), St. Pete’s is also a heavy hitter in terms of culture. The city is home to one of the world’s few museums devoted to surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, in addition to the encyclopedic Museum of Fine Arts, the Palladium Theater (which features concerts, dance, and Broadway-style shows), and the Morean Arts Center (offering exhibits and classes), which boasts a permanent collection of the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. If the pieces by Chihuly leave you wanting more, the Imagine Museum is devoted to glass art from around the world.

Unlike some other Florida cities, St. Pete’s boasts an acclaimed downtown. Colorful Central Ave. is loaded with boutiques, vintage shops, restaurants, and bars, so if you want access to all that downtown offers, note that some of the city’s loveliest homes (including historic houses), dot nearby Beach Drive, which extends in a northeasterly diagonal past a series of waterfront parks.

Related content

• Florida Tax Guide
• Why Do People Retire in Florida? 9 Things You Must Know
• 10 Reasons You Don't Want to Retire in Florida

You might be tempted to retire in Mexico, especially given rising U.S. economic uncertainty. Mexico is no stranger to people north of the border living in the country — 1.6 million U.S. citizens do, according to the U.S. State Department. With 2,000 miles of shared borders, it’s no secret why so many Americans call Mexico home. But should U.S. retirees make a similar move?

Yes, travel and lifestyle experts say, but you’ll need to balance out the warm climate, scenic aquamarine beaches, and lower cost of living with some complex realities before heading to popular landing spots such as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende, among others.

“Mexico is the most popular international destination for U.S. retirees by a wide margin,” said Tim Leffel, editor at travel publications company Al Centro Media, who’s lived in Guanajuato, Mexico, full-time since 2018. “That's partly because of proximity and great flight connections, but also because this is a big country with a lot of different climate options and style-of-living choices.”

Many American ex-pats struggle with the move for the same reasons. “They make decisions too quickly without doing any kind of trial run and without investing the time to check out different locations,” Leffel said. “Others want a place that's just like the USA but cheaper, and that's a destructive attitude that often leads to disappointment.”

Cultural challenges can also thwart a move south of the border. “Things move slower here, work is not the top priority, and there's a much more fluid attitude about time and punctuality that Type A personalities have trouble adjusting to,” Leffel added.

What “to do” list items do you need to check off before retiring in Mexico as a U.S. citizen? The good news is the list isn’t that long, but every step needs to be covered thoroughly. Here’s a closer look.

Retire in Mexico for a lower cost of living

In Leffel’s hometown of Guanajuato City, you can buy a two-bedroom home for under $150,000, but more money goes a long way.

“$250,000 is a healthier budget for a prime area in or near the historic city center,” Leffel said. “It's hard to find anything listed for more than a million dollars still, though it's a very different story down the road in popular San Miguel de Allende, where the 12,000 or more foreigners have driven up prices.”

Rentals in Guanajuato City fall in the $600 to $1,400 range for a two-bedroom apartment or house.

Elsewhere, the numbers are relatively similar.

In Mazatlán, a choice spot on Mexico’s Pacific coast with more than 10 miles of sandy beaches and a 5-mile boardwalk, purchases and rentals are significantly lower than in beach towns in the U.S.

“Rent costs vary, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $800 to $2,000 monthly, so real estate is a great investment in Mazatlán,” said Lee Harrison, senior editor at Live and Invest Overseas, a living abroad advisory platform. “You can buy a nice ocean-view condo for around $200,000.”

Lifestyle costs beyond home accommodations are also relatively low.

“Everything from food and entertainment to housing and utilities costs less here than in the States or Canada ... but it also costs less than comparable Mexican resort cities, like Puerto Vallarta,” Harrison noted.

Figure on a monthly budget of around $2,000 for a couple living comfortably here, Harrison advised.

Rules for obtaining temporary or permanent residency or an investor visa have been in flux. You may need to demonstrate substantial monthly income, so check the rules before applying. And surprisingly, U.S. consulates have different amounts of required monthly income to establish residency.

The health care experience

Health care is highly affordable, too.

“You can sign up for one of Mexico's national health care systems if you hold a temporary or permanent resident visa,” said I. Murat Coskun, managing partner at Get Golden Visa, a residence and citizenship advisory services firm. “The cost of joining IMSS is very affordable and covers prescription drugs; it ranges from roughly $348 per year for kids and teenagers to about $850 per year for people in their 80s or older.”

Alternatively, the national health care system, INSABI, is free if you're a legal resident. “Depending on your plan, having private health insurance can increase your annual expenses by several thousand dollars,” Coskun said.

Even without insurance, medical care in Mexico can be very affordable. “Most hospitals are modern, well-equipped and clean,” Coskun noted. “Many medical professionals in Mexico have at least a basic understanding of English, and many of them completed all or part of their training in the United States, Canada, or Europe.”

Medical care expenses pale in comparison with those in the United States.

“You can spend between $50 and $75 to see a specialist if you decide to pay for your medical treatment privately,” he added. “Follow-up visits, if necessary, are often covered by that sum. Most pharmacies also provide a ‘consulatorio’ where you can see a doctor for less than $5 if your demands are straightforward.”

Taxes as an expat in Mexico

Generally, foreigners are only subject to Mexican taxes on income sourced from within Mexico unless they're considered tax residents.

“This implies that a U.S. retiree residing in Mexico who doesn’t work or have an income within Mexico is exempt from taxes on their U.S. retirement income,” Coskun said. “The U.S.-Mexico tax compact, which attempts to avoid double taxation and ensures that both nations do not tax the same income simultaneously, is another contributing factor.”

However, a person will be liable for Mexican income tax if they receive local income in Mexico. “That includes earnings from a local business or rental income from a Mexican property,” Coskun noted.

Additionally, Social Security income is not taxed in Mexico.

“There are also huge discounts on property taxes for retirees if they pay their property taxes a few months early,” said Mariana Lange, owner of the Mexico Relocation Guide in Austin, Texas. “Property taxes are already crazy low. Most people don't pay more than $400 yearly on property taxes.”

Lange noted that Mexico also offers discounts to those 60 and older on medications, wills, bus passes and sometimes airfare, depending on the airline.

Where to retire in Mexico: best places to live

The list of potential landing spots in Mexico is long, featuring some names Americans likely know and some they won’t.

“There are so many great places to retire in Mexico,” Lange said. “It just depends on whether the retiree wants a warm or temperate climate, a large or small city/town, close to an airport, and those kinds of things.”

Lange’s top destinations include Lake Chapala (Ajijic and Chapala), San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Mérida, Quéretaro, Guadalajara, and Mexico City, among others.

“Honestly, retirees are moving all over Mexico nowadays,” Lange said. “Sometimes, I hear about clients moving to a rural town in the middle of nowhere — and they love it."

Where you live in Mexico ultimately depends on climate preferences and the size of the foreign community you want around you.

“Mexico is about as wide as the USA and has almost as much geographical variety, so this is a very personal experience,” Leffel said. “The most popular places for foreigners are the tourist beach locations like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos, with a few smaller ones like Mazatlán, Loreto, and Zihuatanejo also having a sizable number of foreigners.”

In the interior, Mexico City (called "el D.F.," short for "Distrito Federal"), San Miguel de Allende, and Lake Chapala are the most popular areas, but you'll also find plenty of expats in Oaxaca, Guanajuato, and Querétaro. “Then again, there are plenty more scattered around in smaller numbers in other cities.”

There are abundant direct flights from the U.S. to major cities in Mexico.

“Mexico has more flight connections with the USA than any other country, by a wide margin,” Leffel said. “Even from my Leon/Guanajuato airport (Guanajuato International Airport), we can fly to the USA on six different airlines daily. If it's not direct, the beach resort areas and Mexico City have flights to almost anywhere in the States with just one hub connection.”

Safety concerns

Lange believes that crime reports in Mexico are overblown, and safety issues are no riskier than in other foreign locales.

“Yes, there is crime in Mexico like there is crime in any other country,” she said. “However, the cartel issues have been overly sensationalized in the media for the past 10 years.”

While cartels exist, most people never encounter them and have never been a victim of crime by cartels in their entire lives in Mexico.

“Having said that, it is also important for American retirees not to leave their common sense at the border,” Lange noted. “They should still practice being aware of their surroundings as they should be anywhere. It is also very important for them to understand that things work differently in Mexico, and unfortunately, there are bad apples who prey on the newcomers who don't know what they don't know and scam them.”

Those scams are particularly likely to target U.S. newcomers, so be prepared.

“It's important for people to do their due diligence when hiring a realtor, hiring an immigration expert, buying a home, or making any big purchases,” Lange advised. “We give all of our customers a complete directory of vetted contacts across Mexico that can help them with their residency visas, find rentals, drive them to Mexico, move their household goods, help them with health care insurance, help them buy a house, give clients a private relocation tour and more.”

If crime is a big issue for retirees, head toward well-policed locales. Safe and attractive areas for retirees include Mérida (Yucatán), Lake Chapala/Ajijic (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco), San Miguel de Allende (Guanajuato), Querétaro (central), La Paz (Baja California Sur).

“These regions are characterized by low crime rates and strong community structures,” Coskun said. “In addition, there are places like Ensenada (Baja California), Mazatlán (the safe coastal part of Sinaloa), and Huatulco (Oaxaca), which we are starting to hear about more and more often, and which are considered safe.”

No matter where you live, it is essential to take basic safety measures.

“Don’t carry valuables in the open, avoid deserted places at night, be careful when using ATMs and opt for registered taxi apps (think Uber and Didi),” Coskun said. “When traveling by car, it is also advisable to use toll highways, ensure home security, and keep abreast of local safety advisories and developments.”

Finally, consider the local environment when deciding where to settle. Some areas have poor air quality or polluted bodies of water (such as Lake Chapala) that might limit your enjoyment of the outdoors.

The takeaway on retiring in Mexico

Mexico remains a leading country for retirees from the U.S. and Canada for various reasons.

“Many people have vacationed in Mexico, so they're already familiar with some level of the culture,” Lange said. “We are next-door neighbors, which makes it easy to get back home or have family members visit easily.”

Perhaps most important, a U.S. retiree’s retirement savings and Social Security can go much further in Mexico. “Plus, the health care system and level of care is many times better and more affordable than anything in the U.S.,” Lange said.

Like most foreign countries, Mexico will take some getting used to.

Although English is widely spoken there, Harrison said that lack of Spanish is one of the primary sources of expat inconvenience. “This shows up when dealing with utility workers, internet service technicians, car mechanics, or workers who typically don’t speak English,” he added.

However, “due to Mexico’s ease of access, widespread use of English, and 180-day visitor stays, there aren’t many issues to tackle,” Harrison said. “If you’d rather be a resident from the start, Mexico is the only country I know of that allows you to qualify with savings, such as a 401(k), instead of retirement income.”

More on Where to Retire Abroad

• Living in Portugal as a US Retiree
• Living in Panama Provides Stability and Charm
• Retire in Thailand, Where 'The White Lotus' Was Filmed
• Where to Retire: Living in the Dominican Republic
• Where to Retire 2025: Puerto Rico
• Return to Your Home Country to Retire: Repatriation Retirement
• How to Manage Retirement Savings When Living Abroad

They already know that the state is lightly populated, with fewer than 600,000 people who call it home. But that number doesn’t mean much unless you consider density, and indeed, Wyoming is the least densely populated state in the continental U.S. In a state-by-state contest, you’d have to go to Alaska to be more alone.

Wyoming is called the Equality State because it was the first state to extend women the right to vote, hold public office and serve on juries, but not many women — or men — live amid its spectacular natural beauty or enjoy its low taxes.

Wyoming carries the second-lowest tax burden in the country (there is no state income tax). In this case, too, it’s second only to snowy Alaska. (See our Wyoming Tax Guide).

Wyoming boasts scenery so impressive — in many ways, it’s incomparable among the 50 states — that many Americans have skied, hiked, and simply marveled in this rather remote, landlocked state, despite its tiny population.

Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the enigmatic Devils Tower National Monument (made famous by its repeated mystical appearances in the sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind) are all here. Top-notch skiing draws the winter crowds, and come July, Wyoming is a premier summer resort destination.

If you want the closest thing to a big city, try Cheyenne

• Population: 65,132 [Census]
• Cost of living: 4% lower than the U.S. average [RentCafe]
• Average single-family home price: $367,236 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $1,375 [Zillow]

With around 65,000 people, Wyoming’s state capital contains a population comparable with that of Santa Cruz, Calif., Daytona Beach, Fla., and Alpharetta, Ga. — so you’re unlikely to die of loneliness.

Cheyenne's downtown includes a 7-block-long historic district anchored by the Depot Museum and Plaza, which functions as a kind of town square and cultural hub. The museum displays the history of the city, and the plaza is the site of free summer concerts every Friday, an annual brewers’ festival and educational tours.

Pubs, cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance of downtown, but most homes are at least a few miles away. Three- and four-bedroom houses are older and typically cost from $400,000 to $500,000, but keep your eyes peeled for newly constructed or renovated townhouses and condos.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the convenient hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, and fishing holes, from Lions Park in the center of the city to Curt Gowdy State Park, a 30-minute drive from Depot Plaza.

If you want a world-class resort destination, try Jackson Hole

• Population: 10,639 [Census]
• Cost of living: 39% higher than the U.S. average [Economic Research Institute (ERI)]
• Average single-family home price: $1,968,484 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $6,125 [Zillow]

If you’ve ever visited Wyoming, chances are you’ve been to Jackson, which is why the recorded population of this resort town — 10,000-plus — feels quite low.

With its famous town square featuring entrances made of elk antlers fashioned into arches, the eminently walkable Jackson is filled with bars, cafes, galleries, boutiques, and a century-old playhouse. Breakfasts are especially indulgent events (check out the Bunnery and Persephone).

Friendly and charming as the cowboy town is, Jackson’s real calling card is its access to some of the nation’s most iconic scenery, wildlife viewing, and recreational offerings. Teton Village, which surrounds Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is 12 miles to the north and is a hub of activity for its winter sports and luxury hotels; the Four Seasons chain planted its flag here in 2003.

Keep driving to reach Grand Teton National Park and Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park; on the way, the road in the shadow of the mountains (the “hole” refers to the valley of Jackson Hole) is dotted with lodges, alpine lakes, and chuckwagon dinner spots.

Unsurprisingly, as one of the country’s most elite resort enclaves, Jackson Hole has more than its share of multimillion-dollar houses, condos, and townhomes.

If you want the flavor of the Old West, try Cody

• Population: 10,028 [Census]
• Cost of living: 16% lower than the U.S. average [ERI]
• Average single-family home price: $493,473 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $1,825 [Zillow]

As the crow flies, Cody doesn’t seem far from Jackson, just due northeast, but given that the mountainous terrain requires a roundabout route, it can take four hours or more to reach this town near the Montana border. It takes almost as long to drive from Cody to Yellowstone.

Founded by Old West legend Buffalo Bill Cody, the town — the county seat of Park County — has its own attractions.

Surrounded by mountain ranges, Cody is picturesque, epitomizing the Old West, complete with a seasonally open ghost town called Old Trail Town, which features preserved frontier buildings from the 1890s.

Peak season begins in May and brings with it rodeos, horseback rides, and ATV tours. For chow, there’s barbecue, wood-fired pizza, even Thai — and lots of establishments with “saloon” in their name.

Homes for Cody’s approximately 10,000 residents tend toward ranch-style, mountain-modern houses, wooden cabins, and a scattering of Victorians with gingerbread trim.

If you want a college town, try Laramie

• Population: 31,407 [Census]
• Cost of living: 8% lower than the U.S. average [RentCafe]
• Average single-family home price: $366,299 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $1,125 [Zillow]

Located about 50 miles northwest of Cheyenne, in the southern part of the state, Laramie enjoys a robust population of more than 30,000, as the city is home to the University of Wyoming. The university’s enrollment of more than 12,000 students guarantees that Laramie will remain a vibrant, stimulating place to live.

The university’s art museum is a hotbed of intellectual and cultural activity — from exhibits and art tours to lectures and galas. The school’s Geological Museum is also highly regarded.

The local dining scene prides itself on its eclecticism, going beyond steakhouses and bakeries to quaint storefronts offering craft cheeses and craft chocolate, plus gastropubs and vegetarian joints.

It takes only a few minutes to drive from the campus to LaBonte Park, with its lovely pond and community garden; a fair share of the homes that come to market in Laramie are just north of the park.

If you want to see rodeos, try Sheridan

• Population: 18,737 [Census]
• Cost of living: 11% lower than the U.S. average [ERI]
• Average single-family home price: $412,763 [Zillow]
• Average rent: $1,699 [Zillow]

Renowned for its physical beauty, Sheridan is on the cusp of the Bighorn Mountains and Bighorn National Forest.

Hunting, fishing, camping and visiting dude ranches are the quintessential pastimes in the area, but if you want to stick around town, there’s a fine sense of community between the festivals and live music on Main Street and the tennis courts and swimming pool at Kendrick Park.

With a population of under 20,000, Sheridan might hit the sweet spot for retirees and others. The town gets lively in the summer when the Sheridan WYO Rodeo kicks off, ushering in Old West showmanship, prize-winning stock, carnivals, Native American pageants, and athletic contests.

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Imagine if your time in Napa didn't have to end when vacation did? If you so enjoyed staying in the VRBO, why not buy a house in the famed valley and enjoy your years there?

This could be your life with a house in Napa, California. I sourced some dream listings of houses for sale now from top real estate companies. See where you could be living.

1. Chef's kitchen and vegetable garden in Napa

This home is situated in a neighborhood surrounded by nature and vineyards. It's a classic California-style home complete with a pool and exquisite landscaping, as well as a chef's kitchen and vegetable garden.

Address: 3489 Westminster Way, Napa (listed by Terry Wunderlich and Chris Wunderlich, Corcoran Icon Properties)
Price: $1,679,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 2.5 baths; 2,254 sq. ft.

Highlights:

• Great room with fireplace
• Excellently designed patio, pool and organic vegetable garden
• Primary suite bathroom includes heated floor, sunken soak tub and double sinks
• 3-car garage and RV access

2. Glorious Santa Rosa retreat

This Wikiup home in Santa Rosa offers a stately, lush retreat with plenty of character and amenities.

Address: 1447 Wikiup Drive, Santa Rosa (listed by Heidi Would, Corcoran Icon Properties)
Price: $1,749,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 5.5 baths; 5,500 sq. ft.

Highlights:

• Sweetly landscaped home with a large deck
• Gigantic kitchen space with huge countertops and island sitting spaces
• Apartment with its own entrance, including a kitchen

3. Newer build in Riebli Valley

This Santa Rosa home was built in 2020 with an eye for lush details and amenities. It includes vaulted ceilings with Douglas Fir beam details and Lutron lightning systems.

Address: 4200 Old Vineyard Lane, Santa Rosa (listed by Lauren Thompson, Corcoran Icon Properties)
Price: $3,300,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 3.5 baths; 3,854 sq. ft.

Highlights:

• Wide plank white oak limestone flooring
• Main level includes primary ensuite, two guest bedrooms, living room, laundry, kitchen and dining
• Lower level could be an in-law unit
• Huge backyard with bocce court, fire pit and garden area
• 3-car garage

This is part of Kiplinger's series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.

Is there a particular home feature or location you want to see listings for? Email the author at alexandra.svokos@futurenet.com.

Get More Listed

• Gorgeous Lake Houses for Sale Around the US
• Homes for Sale With Basketball Courts
• Three Homes to Buy in Hawaii

This can be your life if you own a house on a lake. Whether you want it for a primary or vacation home, this is sure to be a place to make lifelong memories.

I asked top real estate companies to show me some of the fabulous lake houses up for sale now around the country. Take a look at what's on the market now.

1. Renovated mid-century with a double-decker dock on Lake Sammamish, Washington

Just east of Seattle, you'll find Lake Sammamish, a freshwater lake ideal for boating and fishing. This 4,000-square-foot house is right on the water and features its own double-decker dock, useable both for getting into the water and for dining outside with your friends and family.

Address: 650 Lake Sammamish Ln NE, Bellevue, Washington (listed by Margo Allan at Compass)
Price: $5,478,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 5 baths; 3,997 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• In addition to the deck, there's a sandy beach and Basta boat lift
• Listing includes a 4-bed/3-bath main residence and a 1-bed/1-bath beach cottage, great for hosting or as an au pair or in-law suite
• Stylish main entrance with architectural details
• Plenty of windows to see the views
• Built-in outdoor grill

2. Cedar Creek Lake estate outside Dallas

Pacific Northwest not your speed? Try the Dallas-Fort Worth area deep in the heart of Texas. This estate sits in the 505 Ranch Club at Cedar Creek Lake, a gated community that offers tons of outdoor activities including fishing and sailing on the water, as well as ATV trails, a skeet range and an equestrian center.

Address: 455 Sun Valley, Mabank, Texas (listed by Suzanne Warner at Compass)
Price: $5,395,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 6 baths; 5,898 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Wonderfully updated kitchen including a spacious stovetop with griddle
• High ceilings in community-focused rooms
• Plenty of windows to take in the lake views
• Infinity pool overlooking the lake
• Built-in bunk beds for hosting

3. Modernist home in Chapel Hill by University Lake

Five minutes from UNC, find this unique modern home tucked into the woods by University Lake.

Address: 721 Jones Ferry Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (listed by Peggy Jennings & Shenandoah Nieuwsma at Compass)
Price: $2,500,000 | Specs: 3 beds / 4 baths; 3,413 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Modern home designed by local architect Philip Szostak
• Ribbon windows to be connected to nature outdoors
• Fun quirks like hidden pantries, bookcase doors and secret drawers
• Induction cooktop, wine fridge and tankless water heater

4. Nantucket style in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Since the late 19th century, Lake Geneva has been a popular hideaway for Chicago's finest. Why not partake in tradition with a Newport-style home in the Newport of the West?

Address: N2301 Knollwood Drive, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (listed by Janis Hartley at Compass)
Price: $8,695,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 5 baths; 5,358 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Full renovation done in 2017-2019
• Heated screen porch
• Three en suite bedrooms
• Plenty of porches and windows to enjoy the lake view
• Massive double-use bathroom with makeup chair space and a huge walk-in closet
• Outdoor firepit and pergola

5. Hill country living over Lake Austin

Get the best of Texas hill country at this gated estate in Austin, overlooking Lake Austin.

Address: 3601 Cloudy Ridge Road, Austin, Texas (listed by Matt Holm & Crystal Ogle at Compass)
Price: $6,950,000 | Specs: 7 beds / 7 baths; 9,674 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Separate 700-square-foot cabana with kitchen and half bath
• High ceilings and comfortable community spaces
• Fully finished garage apartment with full kitchen, bath and two bedrooms
• Freshly renovated, improved and/or installed roof and gutters, pool, painting, garage floor and sprinkler system
• Plenty of windows and doors to get outside and see the lake
• Primary suite includes private deck and steam shower

This is part of Kiplinger's series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.

Is there a particular home feature or location you want to see listings for? Email the author at alexandra.svokos@futurenet.com.

Get More Listed

• Homes for Sale With Basketball Courts
• Listed: Homes to Buy in Hawaii
• Fabulous Homes to Retire in Portugal

"Game on," a friend replies. "But where are we going to find a court?"

"My house," you reply, "and I'll supply the Advil, too."

The fun could all be yours in a luxurious house with your own basketball court. Whether indoor or outdoor, you can get in some training or take on some friendly competition.

I sourced several homes for sale from top real estate companies around the country, looking for houses with basketball courts to live out your dream.

1. A Houston manor with a fitness center and guest house

Everything's bigger in Texas, including this super-size manor with nearly 10,000 square feet of living space. A half-court sits outside the four-car garage, with plenty of lawn space nearby to get sprints in. The home built for champions includes room for a full fitness center and tall ceilings so your center never has to duck.

Address: 601 Lindenwood Drive, Houston, Texas (listed by Compass)
Price: $8,200,000 | Specs: 6 beds / 12 baths; 7,562 sq. ft.

Home highlights:

• Two structures: A 6-bedroom main house and 2-bedroom guest house
• Downstairs parlor bar
• Swimming pool and fire pit, as well as outdoor grill and kitchen
• Decorative amenities including smart built-ins, pantry and brick work
• A total six garage spaces, including four in the guest house and two in the main house

2. A Chicago-area refuge with indoor basketball court

Barrington Hills sits about 40 miles outside Chicago, and this marvelous home comfortably nestles into its 22 acres of nature. With plenty of room and multiuse spaces to host friends and family, the home features and indoor basketball court.

Address: 207 Woodhaven Lane, Barrington Hills, Illinois (listed by Compass)
Price: $5,950,000 | Specs: 6 beds / 9 baths; 22,232 sq. ft.

Highlights:

• 22 acres in an equestrian-friendly neighborhood
• 30-foot cathedral ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows
• Private deck and hut tub for primary wing
• Three ensuite bedrooms and two kitchens
• Billiards room, wine corridor, theater, media room
• 4-car heated garage with Tesla charging station
• Smartly built home to make use of private lot and feel connected to surrounding nature

3. An Austin stunner with pool and mixed-use court

The men's March Madness Final Four is taking place in San Antonio, so I was on the lookout for more homes in Texas. This residence in the Bella Lago neighborhood of Austin offers all you need for family fun with a pool, theater and outdoor court you can use for basketball, volleyball or pickleball, along with a five-hole putting green.

Address: 2209 Deleon Court, Austin, Texas (listed by Compass)
Price: $2,993,000 | Specs: 6 beds / 5 baths; 5,850 sq. ft.

Highlights:

• Sumptuous chef's kitchen
• Wine room, theater room, billiards room with full bar
• Outdoor kitchen area and wood-burning fireplace
• Front door is 10-foot custom made of metal

4. A Pinecrest estate with resort-like amenities

It's not just Miami: It's Pinecrest.

There's a reason so many people have been moving to South Florida, and it's not the affordable housing. Enjoy endless summers in this home with a private pool and outdoor court set up for basketball and pickleball — no more fighting for a court at the town park. It's a home fit for a champion — or at least a player for the Heat.

Address: 6080 Southwest 104th Street, Pinecrest, Florida (listed by Compass)
Price: $9,999,000 | Specs: 7 beds / 9 baths; 8,551 sq. ft.