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Why are so many folks so defensive about those choosing not to retire in the US ... to the point of hinting that ex-pats are being unpatriotic for retiring in another country??? Let's face it: the majority - the vast majority - have reasons for staying in the US (usually it has to do with family).
I think MG120 makes a valid point - I wonder how educated and experienced folks are about foreign destinations that they are so adamant about putting those places down???
I am a man who started international travel since I was 16, and in over 40 years I have either visited or lived in over 85 countries on six continents. Believe it or not there are places and towns in foreign countries that are as nice or nicer, safer, cleaner, prettier, friendlier, cheaper, more walkable than many places in the US. Do get huffy or feel rejected because the US is just like the rest of world: there is the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful, and so on.
There are ex-pats that rave about their retirement lifestyles abroad. Bringing up all those "what if" scenarios are relatively rare. It's not for everyone ... it's not for most Americans, in fact. However do not dismiss the fact that there are retired Americans living abroad with what can be considered fairly modest finances and they are living luxuriously. By luxuriously I mean eating out in different restaurants all the time, getting twice a week professional massages, enjoying cocktails at poolside upscale resorts, daily maid service and laundry service, golfing and snorkeling, etc.
One thing to think about is that political circumstances change, not just in the US but other countries as well.
I have been to Kiev many times, and a few years ago, looking around at some of the "apartments" (actually high-rise condos) you know, I thought, DW is from here, I speak the language well enough, a dollar goes a long way...
Then came the Orange Revolution (and I am not talking about Trump) - fortunately was not there when it happened - but now - no thanks.
For example Mexico - no, I don't think it will have any real political upheaval that would be negative to ex-pats - as noted, the government there realizes that the old gringos there don't take anything they have not paid for, and don't leave anything behind but money - so have decided maybe they are a Good Thing, and should be given good treatment.
Why are so many folks so defensive about those choosing not to retire in the US ... to the point of hinting that ex-pats are being unpatriotic for retiring in another country??? Let's face it: the majority - the vast majority - have reasons for staying in the US (usually it has to do with family).
I think MG120 makes a valid point - I wonder how educated and experienced folks are about foreign destinations that they are so adamant about putting those places down???
I am a man who started international travel since I was 16, and in over 40 years I have either visited or lived in over 85 countries on six continents. Believe it or not there are places and towns in foreign countries that are as nice or nicer, safer, cleaner, prettier, friendlier, cheaper, more walkable than many places in the US. Do get huffy or feel rejected because the US is just like the rest of world: there is the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful, and so on.
There are ex-pats that rave about their retirement lifestyles abroad. Bringing up all those "what if" scenarios are relatively rare. It's not for everyone ... it's not for most Americans, in fact. However do not dismiss the fact that there are retired Americans living abroad with what can be considered fairly modest finances and they are living luxuriously. By luxuriously I mean eating out in different restaurants all the time, getting twice a week professional massages, enjoying cocktails at poolside upscale resorts, daily maid service and laundry service, golfing and snorkeling, etc.
Thanks, Clark Park. This is the reason we are here. I'd love to retire in Oregon (ON THE BEACH) or CA, or even Ireland. Or even the Coastal Bend of TX where we spent the last year.
"Modest finances and living luxuriously"---that's us. In hindsight, in our youth, we made poor choices for our retirement (but had a lot of irresponsible fun at the time) and this is how we're dealing with that scenario.
Beachfront, maids....all on very paltry SS. You do what you gotta do.
85 countries! Man, I wish! you have the right to expound!
For a glance at the "other side", I posted in the philosophy forum about the lack of customer service. Its not all wine and roses here. (actually its chocolate and roses that Ecuador is known for! )
The wife is a dual citizen of the US and the Philippines. English is one of the Philippines two official languages. You can live like an American in Cebu for about 60% of what it costs to live in Houston. Depending on finances will retire there or go back and forth.
Houston and the Philippines are both on my list of prospective retirement destinations. Houston because I really like Houston and it is an affordable big city. Is the difference between Houston and Cebu that big? I lived in Houston for a time and left in 2007. I moved to a much smaller city in the South and found the cost of living was about the same if not a little higher in my new city. I've heard that the COL is starting to climb in Houston. Has it gone up that much in the past ten years?
I'm aware that there are other places in the Philippines that are more affordable than Cebu City.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clark Park
This thread has me perplexed.
Why are so many folks so defensive about those choosing not to retire in the US ... It's not for everyone ... it's not for most Americans, in fact. ...
Don't be perplexed... consider the average readership.. "content / conventional USA retirees (with HC) sitting on their couch checking that their pensions get deposited on the the day they are expected". Then making sure every cent / expenditure / experience goes EXACTLY as planned. i.e. NOT candidates for International living.
These threads attract the naysayers (and also contain some points worth considering).
Many people need / desire international living options, so you just need to listen, then bleep the Debbie Downers. Nothing is perfect, enjoy the journey, it is great we still have choices. Many do not have that luxury.
My desire / HC need, and experience living overseas is to engage and learn from other cultures and to participate in and improve their communities and NOT be a visitor. Most people in the USA have ONLY experienced tourist destinations as 'travel / holiday' or short term / 'driven' / get in and GET OUT mentality. No 'investment' in others. Works for most USA people, but is a pretty shallow experience of life.
We each get one pass... make yours count.
Or at least have a blast as only you know how.
For most... that is sitting on the couch and counting their pennies! That is terrific, enjoy the adventure.
I hate to tell you - but there are places right here in the U.S.A. where I feel like a "foreigner". Cultural differences weigh heavy in these places.
Perhaps it's the midwest "imprint" my first 22 years in Wisconsin provided.... but there are many things here in Utah that strike me as odd.... and I will never get used to them. Thusly, this is not home.
So we will drift back to California where things are more "familiar". Even after 27 years here in the Rockies.
Healthcare and assisted living do weigh high - and while they are great here - we will find just as great where we land.
I've talked about my brother who moved to Brazil about a half dozen years ago..... the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side for him. And guess what - it is again. He misses Wisconsin.
He'll REALLY miss it when he needs his knee replaced or finds he needs any kind of specialist care.
Be careful what you dream for. It could be a nightmare in waiting.
All places whether international or in US have their pluses and their minuses. Each person needs to weigh in what's important and necessary for themselves and make a decision. A decision that would be right for me might not be right for many because we all bring different priorities to what we need in retirement.
I for one welcome all the expats stories of their locations because it opens a window for myself to look into and decide whether it might be worthwhile for me to look into that location.
My desire / HC need, and experience living overseas is to engage and learn from other cultures and to participate in and improve their communities and NOT be a visitor. Most people in the USA have ONLY experienced tourist destinations as 'travel / holiday' or short term / 'driven' / get in and GET OUT mentality. No 'investment' in others. Works for most USA people, but is a pretty shallow experience of life.
We each get one pass... make yours count ...
For most... that is sitting on the couch and counting their pennies! That is terrific, enjoy the adventure.
Exactly right.
As a youngster I vowed that I wanted to live a life of adventure. Fame and wealth were not so important to me ... but travel and thrilling experiences ... meeting fascinating people ... trying new and different foods ...
I see one of your locations is Thailand. The Land of Smiles. I've been to Thailand four times. I remember once taking a walking meditation course, given for free, by Buddhist monks in the mountains of northern Thailand near Chiang Mai. That same trip for a lark I traveled to Myanmar (Burma) next door ... and I will tell you the Plains of Bagan with it's elegant ancient stone shrines and spires is every bit as impressive to me as the Acropolis in Athens, Machu Picchu (which my Mom jokingly referred to as "Matzo Pizza") in Peru, the rock cut city of Petra in Jordan, or the Temple of Karnak in Luxor.
"Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!" - Auntie Mame
I'm watching a House Hunters International about Alicante, Spain on the southeast Mediterranean which has a climate similar to Los Angeles. I don't know how realistic the prices are but there are two bedroom high rise condos in the $225-235K range with ocean views and one is on the beach (although at least a block hike to the water). No mention of HOA fees but close to shopping and restaurants. Very modern and metropolitan but the climate and culture at that price is more appealing to me than most Latin American locations.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,705 posts, read 58,042,598 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ABQ2015
I'm watching a House Hunters International about Alicante, Spain on the southeast Mediterranean which has a climate similar to Los Angeles. ... Very modern and metropolitan but the climate and culture at that price is more appealing to me than most Latin American locations.
It is a pretty sweet spot (as you might notice)
Gonna be a train ride to Madrid or Barcelona for USA flights.
I really enjoyed living in Spain (1992-1993) and it is high on my 'return list', there are some options for HC. (if you need it)
I found the food 'underwheming' but the history and culture very interesting. There is good food tho, and really special adventures to hilltop villages and vast views. (Plenty of countryside).
Will likely be one of the more stable EU 'affordable' locations. It is a pretty big and diverse economy and country, tho factions with Basque and Catalon. It is quite varied in terrain and adventure.
Really great if single and on a motorcycle (car and family slowed me down a bit).
I am more inclined to the 'free villages' as I prefer mtns and don't care for the beach. (and I am always looking for my next 'project') ... In Spain, Entire Villages Are Up For Sale
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... consider the average readership.. "content / conventional USA retirees (with HC) sitting on their couch checking that their pensions get deposited on the the day they are expected". Then making sure every cent / expenditure / experience goes EXACTLY as planned. i.e. NOT candidates for International living.
