The best places to retire in the Americas
lovemoney staff
17 August 2017
The ultimate destinations in which to spend your golden years
Dreaming of retiring somewhere idyllic? We've rounded up the most appealing retirement destinations in the USA, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean. Boasting a pleasant climate, low crime rates, affordable house prices and lots of interesting and fun things to do, these picture-perfect locations tick all the boxes. Take a look at our top picks and start planning your future.
San Luis Obispo, California, USA
This charming college town enjoys a near-perfect climate, a low crime rate and offers plenty of leisure activities. More affordable than retirement destinations on the coast such as Santa Barbara, a two-bedroom condo in San Luis Obispo will set you back around $472,000 (£366k).
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
A haven of tranquility, Ajijic on Lake Chalapa records less crime than most large cities in the USA and its year-round mild weather, large expat community and low cost of living are major draws for retirees. You can expect to pay around $170,000 (£132k) for a grand three-bedroom villa in the town.
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
While its sizzling summer temperatures may be too much for some senior citizens, Scottsdale has a lot to offer retirees, from abundant leisure activities to excellent healthcare. Relatively affordable, a two-bedroom home costs from around $220,000 (£171k) here.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
Staying in Arizona, arty Sedona has a more pleasant climate than Scottsdale with more moderate summer temperatures, and the beauty of the surrounding high desert is seriously enticing. A two-bedroom property is typically priced from around $180,000 (£140k) in the town.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
This little corner of paradise in Costa Rica is home to just 3,000 or so people, who make the most of the town's many leisure activities, which range from snorkelling to fishing. Super-affordable, a one-bedroom home in Tamarindo costs from as little as $115,000 (£89k).
Punta Gorda, Florida, USA
The classic destination for retired snowbirds, Florida has bags of appeal for the over-65s. For those looking for relaxation, laid-back Punta Gorda is the best bet and it's not too pricey either. A four-bedroom house in the town sold for just $201,000 (£156k) earlier this month.
Naples, Florida, USA
If you're after somewhere more lively, Naples, which is just up the coast from Punta Gorda, is calling your name. The bustling resort town has great shopping, restaurants and leisure amenities. More expensive than Punta Gorda, a two-bedroom home in Naples is priced at around $200,000 (£155k) on average.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Pretty Victoria boasts the most clement winters in Canada and the city's mild climate, along with its low crime rate, high-quality healthcare and cultural appeal lures in plenty of retirees. A three-bedroom home in Victoria will cost you around $400,000 (£310k).
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Inland from Victoria, Kelowna has better summers than the coastal city and offers a more rustic lifestyle, making it a very popular destination for retirees. Like Victoria, real estate in Kelowna is fairly expensive, with a two-bedroom condo selling for approximately $350,000 (£272k).
Las Terrenas, Samaná, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is fast-becoming one of the top places to retire in the Caribbean for seniors who aren't made of money, and Las Terrenas, which offers expats an idyllic lifestyle on the cheap, is the place to be. A three-bedroom villa with a pool can be snapped up for just $130,000 (£101) here.
Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Arlington and nearby Alexandria in Virginia regularly appear in the best places to retire round-ups for good reason. These historic locales score highly on everything from healthcare to walkability. The only downside? Expensive real estate prices, with two-bedroom apartments starting at around $280,000 (£218k).
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Thousands of Americans have retired to Mérida. The picturesque Mexican town is steeped in history and culture all year round, and non-narco-related crime is low according to U.S. Department of State. Best of all, living here won't leave you broke, with decent two-bedroom homes available from just $60,000 (£47k).
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, USA
The U.S. Virgin Islands are ideal for American retirees who want to live in the Caribbean, but don't want the hassle of emigrating. The island of St. Croix provides the most relaxing lifestyle and property isn't too steep either, with two-bedrooms condos starting at around $90,000 (£70k).
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Santa Fe is hard to beat as a retirement destination, thanks to its perfect high-desert climate, low crime rate and vibrant cultural scene – the small city is home to a staggering 250 art galleries. Real estate-wise, a two-bedroom property in Santa Fe can be picked up from as little as $150,000 (£117k).
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
A magnet for mature hippies, Asheville in North Carolina is famed for its amazing scenery, vegan restaurants, craft beer and liberal, tolerant attitude. House prices are rising in the city, but you can still grab a two-bedroom home in Asheville for as little as $180,000 (£140k).
Boquete, Chiriquí, Panama
Panama City is a perennially popular retirement destination for North Americans, but property there tends to be on the expensive side. Boquete, which enjoys a more mild climate and lower crime rate, is a better option. Prices for two-bedroom homes start from around $60,000 (£47k).
Savannah, Georgia, USA
One of the most beautiful cities in North America, sleepy Savannah in Georgia has history, culture, amazing restaurants and more. Property is surprisingly affordable in the city, with plenty of three-bedroom properties selling for $200,000 (£156k) or less.
George Town, Exuma, Bahamas
The Bahamas may seem like a pricey destination for retirees but property and the general cost of living here is cheaper than in Miami. On the chilled-out island of Exuma for instance, a two-bedroom condo can be bought for around $210,000 (£163k).
Camano Island, Washington, USA
This scenic island off the Washington coasts is a favoured destination for Canadian snowbirds, and its stunning vistas, mild climate and blissful lifestyle are hard to resist. Nice and affordable, two-bedroom homes on the island start from around $180,000 (£140k).
Palm Springs, California, USA
Palm Springs is a haven for LGBT retirees and offers everything from world-class art galleries to swish golf courses. Contrary to what you might think, property isn't ridiculously expensive in the desert city. In fact, you can pick up a two-bedroom home for less than $150,000 (£117k) here.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
The most popular tourist and retirement destination in Belize, Ambergris Caye offers everything you'd expect from a tropical paradise. Reassuringly, the crime rate is much lower here than in other parts of Belize. Best of all, two-bedroom condos start from around $110,000 (£85k).
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Renowned for its historic architecture and flourishing cultural scene, Charleston has gorgeous beaches on its doorstep, too, making it a wonderful place to retire. Property is reasonable as well, with two-bedroom homes available from just $110,000 (£85k).
Willemstad, Curaçao
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Willemstad has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean and is packed with interesting architecture and fun things to do. If you're interested in moving to the town, you'll be pleased to learn that two-bedroom condos can be bought for as little as $75,000 (£58k).
Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Corvallis is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon and the small, friendly city is surrounded by spectacular countryside. A fantastic place to retire for more active senior citizens, Corvallis offers outstanding value for money, with two-bedroom homes starting from just $35,000 (£27k).
San Juan del Sur, Rivas, Nicaragua
A heavenly little town on the Nicaraguan coast, San Juan Del Sur is a great place to retire. Unlike other parts of the country, the crime rate here is low, as is the cost of living. A three-bedroom villa with a pool here can be bagged for just $170,000 (£132k) or even less.
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