Puerto Vallarta, within the best places in the world to retire

 

(CNNMoney) – Retirement in an exotic place is not a fantasy if you choose the right place. You can have an ocean view or the comfort of a wonderful home, without spending more money.

A couple can live on less than $ 2,000 a month in one of the top seven places according to a list on Live and Invest Overseas.

The study considered cost of living and real estate, entertainment options, strength of communities and local expatriates, health and logistics for moving. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Medellín, Colombia, are two of the Latin American cities that recommend the site for a peaceful retreat.

1. Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve region in Portugal has the first place in the list for the second consecutive year. It is an ideal place for lovers of beach and golf, with 35 different courses in the area. You can easily live there if you speak English. In addition, there are more than 100,000 expatriates in the area who have fostered a cultural and bibliographic exchange, as well as tennis groups and active volunteers.

Monthly budget around USD $ 1,410

 

2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

Located in the Pacific Ocean, this luxurious city is known for its beaches and fishing sports. It also has lots of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as a historic town in the center, full of cobbled streets.

An out-of-town airport connects directly to the US, to have a direct flight home from the west coast.

Its climate is tropical, similar to Hawaii.

Monthly budget around USD $ 1,950

 

3. Cayo, Belicé

Out of the ordinary, this is a place for those looking for a bit more privacy and solitude. There are only a handful of restaurants, but many places to explore outside doors including Mayan ruins and caves.

The Cayo region is also an affordable place to settle. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is estimated at USD 600 per month. There are a surprising number of expatriates and you will be fine if you know English. But if you are looking for a place with active nightlife or high speed internet, this is not a place for you.

Monthly budget around USD $ 1,225
4. Languedoc, France

Not only is it affordable, but you will also be living the dream of retiring in the south of France. Thanks to the strong dollar price, Languedoc and other European locations have moved to the top of the list this year.

Food lovers will love this location, where the cuisine is a mixture of Catalan and Arab influences. There are historic sites and museums to visit, shows to see and restaurants to try. Both the skiing and the Mediterranean beaches are not too far away. It is safe and the health care is excellent.

On the language, there are many English retirees, but it would be much easier if you learn a little French.

Monthly budget around USD $ 1,185

Por Katie Lobosco, CNNMoney

5. Abruzzo, Italy

Food and culture are top-notch here. Expatriates say they enjoy outdoor yoga classes, classical music concerts, festivals and markets for old things. The region hosts three national parks, so ecological walks and lakes are offered for swimming and boating.

The rents here can be cheaper, by 80%, than in Italian Tuscany.

Monthly budget around USD $ 1,265

6. Medellín, Colombia

Some describe it as a European city in South America. Before it was known as the city of drug trafficking and drugs, but things have changed and crime is not something to worry about in Medellín, which has crime levels typical of a city of its size.

“Medellin is not much of a Latin American city, it’s European, with its outdoor coffee culture,” says Wendy Howarter, who moved there with her husband from Illinois last year.

The couple had an annual budget of 5,000 thousand dollars in the US, but now they spend about 2,000 dollars a month.

Medellin has five of the top 10 hospitals in Latin America. Reliable Internet and power outages are rare, usually lasting only a few minutes.

But foreigners say you’ll have to use Spanish here.

Monthly budget around USD $ 1,295

7. Hua Hin, Thailand

The main tourist attraction of this city is the beach. A vibrant community of retired foreigners keep busy playing golf, tennis and eating out.

The health system is great and the crime rate is low. The rent of a one-bedroom apartment will cost you only 400 dollars, plus 60 in public services. The palace of Hua Hin is the place where the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, stays most of the time.

Around two hours there are seven different national parks. Many people speak English, but you will have to learn some Thai, either taking some classes or hiring a tutor.

Monthly budget around USD $ 1,295

malecón of puerto vallarta