I recently attended a barbecue and had a conversation with my wife’s friend. She mentioned that she’s considering early retirement and a move to Ghana. I was intrigued by the idea of retiring in Ghana, as retirement destinations have been a hot topic among our team. I decided to learn more about it.
This was a new addition to my list of potential retirement spots. According to her, Ghana offers safety, good healthcare, pleasant weather, and affordability. She highlighted how African countries are rapidly developing and becoming safer and more modern. I brought up Costa Rica, a place my wife and I had explored. She had also visited Costa Rica and researched it, but she believed that Ghana was safer while possibly being more affordable.
The affordability aspect is up for debate, given the rising property prices in recent years due to retirees, particularly baby boomers, purchasing their dream homes in retirement destinations like Costa Rica and beyond. However, my knowledge about Africa was limited, and it seemed quite distant.
Several countries, including Portugal, Spain, and Mexico, are making retirement in their territories more accessible. They offer permanent visas and healthcare access if you receive pension income in their country and can show you won’t strain their system. But this demands a more substantial commitment than many are willing to make for a semi-permanent relocation. Returning is always an option, yet giving up your home back home poses challenges.
Having lived abroad myself, I’ve realized that few of those who promise to visit actually do so. Even your own children and grandchildren may be too caught up in their lives. The responsibility falls on you to travel back home to see loved ones, which can get harder as the years pass. Moreover, you might feel distant from home during traditional holidays. Nonetheless, many destinations boast strong expat communities that offer quick connections and celebrations.
Like anything, relocating overseas for retirement involves weighing pros and cons. While Florida’s weather and proximity are appealing, concerns arise due to recent weather events and high healthcare costs. Alternatives like Portugal and Costa Rica, with their affordable living costs and decent healthcare, are worth considering. Our plan is to delve deeper into these options by visiting or revisiting them over the next few years.
Before making the leap, we strongly recommend taking an extended trip to your potential retirement destination. We’re here to help you achieve your dream retirement spot. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss this further.
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