Retiring In Unusual Places

One of the most important lessons to learn about retirement is that your retirement doesn’t have to be like anyone else’s. In fact, in many instances, the most enriching and rewarding retirements are the ones that are a little unique, a little different, and a little out of the ordinary.

Just because you’re out of the workforce, it doesn’t mean you need to live in a retirement community or move to a condo in Florida. Of course, if you want to do those things, that’s wonderful, but you don’t have to.

More and more people are retiring in unusual places and redefining what retirement looks like. What does “unusual places” mean? It doesn’t necessarily mean strange or weird, it just means different from the typical options. If you think you’d enjoy a retirement that’s unlike the traditional route, there’s a lot of options for you. 

Eastern Europe

Europe is a very popular retirement destination for North Americans. There’s beautiful art, incredible architecture, and a deep history that makes every moment new and interesting and fun. There’s also a high standard of living in most countries as well as excellent medical care and stable economies. 

That said, Europe is obviously very large, so choosing a country to retire is a big deal. Often, Eastern Europe provides the right balance of stability and security while maintaining an affordable cost of living.

Albania

Not only does Albania have low costs for accommodations and daily expenses, but it’s also filled with historical sites, ancient buildings, and beautiful towns. The stunning beaches and warm climate are other benefits.

Bulgaria

Whether you choose to live in a city or on a coastal town on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, you’ll benefit from vibrant culture and wonderful scenery. 

Latvia

Latvia has a wide variety of culture institutions and local theatres, making it an excellent choice for retirees. It’s also a great mix of modern living and deep tradition. 

Asia

While it’s also becoming a bit more popular for retirees, many Asian countries remain hidden gems. There is delicious food, friendly people, and incredible cultural sites no matter what country you choose. There’s also incredible, warm climates in many countries along with stunning natural beauty. When you add in the relatively low cost of living and the excellent healthcare in many countries, it’s easy to see why these areas are popular for those looking at retiring in unusual places. 

Thailand

If you’re looking for great food, wonderful sites, and a welcoming culture, Thailand could be perfect for you. Plus, the warm and sunny weather makes it all even better!

Vietnam

Vietnam is home to incredible natural beauty, not to mention warm welcoming people and year-round warm temperatures. 

Africa 

There are many smaller towns in Africa that offer everything retirees enjoy, from beautiful weather to strong amenities to wonderful food and culture. The beauty of retiring to one of these smaller towns isn’t just the slower pace and the lower cost of living, but it’s the community as well. 

St Francis Bay, South Africa

This small coastal town is home to a number of expats, due to its wild climate and picturesque scenery. Life tends to move at a slower pace than you may be used to in North America, making it a great place to retire. 

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

With a warm climate and a friendly community, Jeffreys Bay is a great place for retirees. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches and wonderful weather, as well as the many popular outdoor activities you’ll find there, such as surfing, golfing, and fishing.

Lamu, Kenya

Lamu is a small town on Lamu Island in Kenya. The island has no motorized vehicles, and the old city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it a truly unique place to retire. 

Diani Beach, Kenya

If you’re looking for a tropical lifestyle and a lively community, Diani Beach could be for you. With its stunning beaches and warm climate, retirement can be a dream!

Eco-Villages

There are so many retirement communities around the world that position themselves as eco-villages. These sustainable communities are being set up all around the world and they’re giving retirees an opportunity to bond, form strong relationships, and live their lives with minimal environmental impact.

In an eco-village, buildings are usually built from recyclable and environmentally friendly materials and they tend to rely on renewable energy such as solar panels, rather than fossil fuels. They also typically feature water conversation methods, like low-flow fixtures and often rainwater harvesting systems.

Tips for Retiring in Unusual Places Around the World

One of the most important things to remember when you’re thinking about retiring to unusual places is that each country will have its own entry and visitor requirements. Research their visa requirements in detail and make sure you know the rules that will let you live there legally.

You’ll also want to research healthcare options. As you age, quality healthcare will becoming increasingly important. Make sure you know the costs involved and other details necessary for you to get the kind of quality care you need.

Community is important as well. No matter where you live or who you live with, the experience is always made more enriching by finding likeminded people to share it with. Research the local community, search for expat groups, and see if you can find local organizations to volunteer with. All of this will make your retirement more fulfilling while also helping you avoid isolation.

By doing some research into the culture, the language, the location, and the people, you’ll give yourself the incredible, unique retirement you’ve always wanted.