Retirement opens up a whole new chapter in life. It sometimes poses the opportunity to dedicate more time to hobbies and past times, to pursue travel and to move abroad. With the escalating cost of living in the UK, retirement abroad could offer many lifestyle perks. If you are contemplating the move to a new country, here are a few locations that have remained firm favourites amongst retirees:
1. Moving to Spain
It’s often the Anglo-friendly Mediterranean lifestyle of Spain that appeals to many expats and in particular, makes it accessible to retirees. It has numerous international airports, which make for easy travelling from the UK via numerous budget airlines facilitating trips back to the UK to see friends and family. Retirement in Spain also tends to be fairly low cost.
2. Moving to France
For many retirees, France offers an appealing lifestyle, famed for its culinary delights. It has properties to suit all tastes from farmhouses to ski chalets, chateaux’s and coastal apartments for a range of budgets. There are extensive expat communities in the Dordogne but also areas such as Deux-Sevres and the Charente which are emerging as property hotspots. Equally, its international airports and its well renowned TGV train service make the country particularly accessible.
3. Moving to Cyprus
With a low crime rate and large proportion of the population speaking English, Cyprus remains another favourite amongst retirees. The island also boasts an affordable cost of living as well as an appealing climate.
4. Moving to Croatia
It has gorgeous scenery, an inviting Mediterranean climate and it’s is full of culture and adventure. There are beautiful areas of Croatia to explore and it’s not too far from the UK. Quality of life is also high in Croatia, due to its low cost of living, low crime rates and good standards of healthcare.
An increasingly popular choice amongst retirees looking to leave UK shores is Croatia. With a small population, Croatia offers a low cost of living but a high quality of life and is full of culture.
5. Moving to Panama
As one of the safest countries in Central America, Panama is home to thousands of expats. Notably, expats benefit from a relatively easy-access residence programme and many of them find the country welcoming and opt to reside in the same communities as the Panamanians, rather than within British expat communities.
Panama also offers a range of lifestyles from the buzz of Panama City to the mountains views of towns like Boquete, or the coastal regions like Coronado.
No matter which country you choose to embark on this new stage of your life, it’s important to research an experienced international removals company to co-ordinate the movement of your household effects and personal possessions. Opting for the right company, one who is well versed in the movement of goods abroad, are members of the British Association of Removers and FIDI (the global alliance of quality-certified international moving and relocation companies) will save you a lot of heartache.
