Best U.S. Cities for Retirees 2011

The Best Cities For Retirees in 2011 – When you're thinking about retirement you might just be like a lot of other retirees who are considering moving. It's not a simple task as there are a number of things you want to take into consideration. We've touched on this many times in this blog - no list will ever be complete enough for everyone. That's because each of us has different needs, wants and values when it comes to what we believe to be the Best Place to Retire. For some being surrounded by nature and awe inspiring vistas may be #1 for others find a vibrant city with plenty to see and do is the winner.

Often I write about countries and places from a bigger perspective but today I thought we would have a look at city living and specifically the Best Cities for Retirement in 2011.

Best Cities For Retirees

This idea hit me when I was reading my news feed this morning and saw an article and list on RandomForest.com which listed the Best Cities for Retirees in the United States. Along with the list was a great little article about the top things to consider when searching for the Best Place to Retire. The author made this comment which I loved. He said,

"Retirees aren't going some place to die, they're going some place to live!"

I love that! It really helps one get focused on what will be most important for this next transition in life. So often we get caught up in worry about cost of living. Many retirees seem obsessed with finding the Cheapest Places to Live but there's so much more to life and living than money. Here are a few things which are top of the list to consider when looking at the Best Cities for Retirees -

#1 Safety – Everyone wants to feel safe especially at two key times in your life - when you have children and when you are getting older. No one wants to retire to a place where they are in fear or constantly on edge. That's a sure way to get to the next transition (death) even faster!

#2 Best Health Care – When we were in our youth we took risks under the assumption we would live forever. But let's face it even if you've taken good care of yourself there are still a number of little things that pop up as we get older. We need access to health care that is responsive, intelligent, and competent.

#3 Best Environment (Weather) – I currently live in the west and can’t imagine the idea of shovelling snow. My retirement property is in Panama and there's a good reason I chose that place. If you're looking to retire in a big city you want it to be in a place that's sunny and bright with a relatively low level of precipitation. Why? Because you want to stay active and have fun! What do you want to do when you're not working - go golfing, hiking, play tennis, swim? What hobbies do you and will you enjoy most?

#4 Friendships - With time on your hands the last thing you want to discover is that you've landed in 'snobs-ville'. You've worked your whole life and sometimes you probably had to put up with nasty people. Now that you're retired you can chose who you associate with and where you want to live. Being with like minded people who want to have fun and enjoy each others company is a high priority. The last place you want to find yourself is in one of the most miserable cities in America.

So, which U.S. cities rank highest on these criteria? Here are the top ten best cities to live in USA -

10 Best U.S. Cities For Retirees

1. Asheville, NC
2. Sarasota, FL
3. Prescott, AZ
4. Paris, TN
5. Austin, TX
6. Green Valley, AZ
7. Winston-Salem, NC
8. Beaufort, SC
9. San Diego, CA
10. Ft. Myers, FL

In a future discussion we'll have a look at the Best States to Live in both from the perspective of the retiree as well as the working person.

Best Place in the World to Retire Young

Wondering where the best place is to retire young? How young you might ask? How about retiring at just 19 years of age?

Nineteen?! You ask, incredulously.

Well it's a god idea to spell it out and clarify that youthful age. And the truth is there actually is a place in the world where you can retire that young. That country is Panama.

Each year, International Living Magazine publishes it's Global Retirement Index. They search the world for the best places to retire, live, work, and invest. And for five years in a row, Panama took 1st place, hands down over all the other countries. It’s no big surprise to us, because because we've lived there and we know of no other country that has such a generous program for attract retirees and pensioners regardless of what country they come from. It's called the Pensionado Program and it's loaded with perks and benefits but something you may not know is that it's possible to qualify for Panama pensionado program at any age of majority. That means a nineteen year old can apply and receive the pensioners visa and all the benefits that go along with it.

You see Panama has a different way of looking at retirement.

When it comes to business and finance Panama has always been an innovative country. When they observed the baby boomers starting to retire and scope out alterative locations to do so they realized that "retirement" was being redefined. That a new generation of retirees had very little in common with the retirees of 50 years ago. That's why in Panama, retirement isn’t based on age, it’s based whether you can afford to retire. Whether you have enough earnings to Retire Young.

If anyone can demonstrate that they have a 'pension' or long term paid benefit that earns them a minimum of $500 per month, they can qualify. The only age caveat is that you are a legal adult - that you have reached 'the age of majority' meaning 19 years old.

So, if you can prove you have $500 a month coming in for the rest of your life and a few more easy requirements, like no criminal record, then you qualify for the generous package of 'Pensionado' benefits, including: 50% off hotel room stays; 30% off public transport including airfare; 20% off doctors visits; and a whole lot more.

Panama is safe. It's has a very stable democracy. It's people arre extremely friendly.  Plus Panama boasts one of the best health care systems and modern infrastructures in all of Central America. If you take just a little time to learn about Panama, you will soon find it just keeps looking better and better. Panama is also known for it's pristine nature where the country’s wildlife is abundant. That’s a big reason the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Center is located in Barrio Colorado, Panama.

If you remember your geography then you know Panama also has two long coasts - one on the Pacific and the other on the Atlantic - Caribbean. There you can discover adventures that are off the beaten trail or as Panama likes to say, 'The Path less Traveled'. In Panama you’ll find rain forests, white, golden and black sand beaches; in addition to everything you could possibly desire in a tropical paradise like: snorkeling, the world's best big game fishing, sailing, hiking… and much more. Panama also has territories inhabited by the seven indigenous peoples of Panama where you can safely explore and learn about cultures past.

Yes, if you're one of those fortunate souls who is ready to retire early and enjoy an exotic lifestyle you can do it in Panama!

Biggest Places in the World

Africa stands out as the second most populous place on earth and second biggest place in the world - close to Asia. It is surrounded by Mediterranean Sea on the northern section, while Red Sea and the Suez Canal on the northeast, Atlantic Ocean is the king on the west part and Indian Ocean on southeast. Regardless that it features plentiful natural resources, Africa continues to be the weakest and also the most suppressed place in the world due to its perilous viruses and ailments such as malaria and HIV, corrupt police officers, unsuccessful metropolitan planning, substantial amounts of illiteracy as well as recurring ferocious tribal and military conflict. Nevertheless, Africa is established in the a matter of natural beauty and exotic wonder fruit, African Mango.

The particular weather within Africa differs from tropical to subarctic when on its peaks. Whereas the northern part is primarily arid, their southern and center regions possess rainforest and savanna plains . Deforestation is having a negative outcome in Africa, more so here than anywhere else in the world, based on the U.N. Environment Program. Some sources says that deforestation has already destroyed up to 90% of the primary jungles within the western part of Africa.

The River Nile is also one of the longest rivers in the world. It is situated in Ethiopia. Going from the Blue Nile, acknowledged in the region as Abbay, runs to meet the white Nile in Khartoum to make a truly great river that promises life towards the Africans. However the Sof Omar is another Big Place as the most stunning and one of the largest underground caves in the world. Created through the Wabi River while it altered its course within the far off past and developed another new channel on limestone foothills, the Sof Omar underground cave is surely a one of a kind and magnificent with its breathtaking beauty.

One more remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the world, let us not forget the Great Pyramids of Giza, certainly on everyones list of great tourist attractions. Add in some wildlife theme parks including Eight World Heritage Sites as well as Kruger Park. Gorgeous original panoramas, an excellent structure and also a steady environment is the reason why South Africa is definitely an enchanted destination.

The Southern region of Africa is one of the most unique and enchanting places in the world. Diverse blends of persons, surroundings, history; and culture provide the visiter with an excellent and extraordinary experience. Nevertheless, South Africa is essentially a variety of first and third world cultures, not to mention the best possible and least congested shorelines on this planet.

Editors note: In previous posts we've discussed the reality of Africa presenting some of the Cheapest Places to Live in the World however this kind of cheap living is at a cost - lower standards and quality of life. Yes, it may be cheap but it wouldn't make any of our 'best places' lists!

About our Guest Author: Sherwin Youngs says, "When you are there, do not forget to bring something to read like affiliate marketing books or historical books. As the song says, This time for Africa! (by young artist like Avril Lavigne)

Cheapest Restaurants in Dublin

There are excellent restaurants in Dublin but some of them are very expensive. If you're on a budget you can get really fine food for less at the Cheaper Restaurants in Dublin. Fortunately you can find them throughout the city.

Whether your preference is fish and chips, Chinese, Italian, Indian or Thai cuisine you there are numerous reasonably priced restaurants all over Dublin.

My favourite fish and chip place in the city is Beshoffs in O'Connell Street. This traditional fish and chips restaurant is almost 100 years old and is noted for the freshness of their fish and the quality of the chips. Fish is selected from the quayside (in Howth) and there can be up to 20 different varieties, depending on the day's catch. Cod, haddock, prawns and scallops are among the favourites. Although they specialize in fish, they also serve chicken, burgers and sausages as well as a variety of vegetables. But it is the fish that most people come for. Customers have a choice of takeaway or eat in the Edwardian style rooms upstairs.

For a really good value Chinese meal I like to go to Jimmy Chungs. It is located on Eden Quay in the City Centre just off O'Connell Street. There is a wide variety of authentic Chinese dishes including starters, soups, main courses and desserts. The food is presented buffet style and you can eat as much as you want for a fixed price. This is an excellent option if you are staying in any of the city centre accommodations and is especially suited to groups and parties.

Pizzas are an ever popular meal, especially late at night, and there are numerous pizza joints all around the city centre. Most of the well known brands are there and they are tasty enough but my favourite is a less well known place called The Independent Pizza Company. This is located in Drumcondra on the north side of the city. Here you get a very large pizza with a huge variety of toppings. This is the tastiest pizza I have found and it is reasonably priced.

Another very good, if somewhat unusual, choice is the Mongolian BBQ, in Temple Bar. This is another 'eat all you want and come back for more' establishment. Mongolian BBQ is prepared on a large griddle where you select fresh meats and vegetables from a wide choice, along with herbs, spices and sauces, and they are cooked to perfection on the griddle in a few minutes while you wait. You can also have as much rice as you want and you can return to the buffet as many times as you like. I find that, even when you are very hungry you are fully satisfied after the second round. This is a convenient, healthy and fun way to eat out.

Indian restaurants have become very popular in Ireland in the past few years with numerous take away and sit down outlets appearing around the cities and towns. My favourite in the city is Afsana Indian Restaurant in Temple Bar. This place never disappoints because the food is consistently good, they serve generous portions and the prices are reasonable. They do some excellent Tandoori dishes and their pilau rice is perfect.

Thai restaurants are now becoming more commonplace and we are becoming more accustomed to the cuisine. Dublin has its fair share of Thai restaurants but there is one which stands out. The Thai Orchid is also one of the oldest Thai restaurants in the city and their experience shows in the quality of the food and the variety of authentic Thai dishes. The aroma of lemon grass and coconut which assails your nostrils when you enter assures you that a true taste of Thailand awaits you.

The city of Dublin has all the world renowned fast food outlets and takeaways and it is possible to find the Cheapest Restaurants from almost every nation in the world. There are many good Spanish Restaurants and Tapas Bars, Japanese Sushi restaurants, French, Vietnamese, American, Moroccan, Lebanese and many others throughout the city so there is a taste and price range to suit everyone.

Editors Note: As we examine the Cheapest Places to Live one thing that always comes up top of the list is the cost of food. Not just groceries but the opportunity to eat out cheaply. For those looking for the best places to retire living on a limited or fixed budget is often the case. So, finding the cheapest places to eat can be very important.

About our Guest Author: Sylvester H. Grant says, " Don't forget you can choose Dublin Hotels or Dublin Bed and Breakfast while sampling Dublin's fine food.

Best Places to Visit In New York

A vacation to the Big Apple can be, in a word, overwhelming. There are lots of activities and so many places to see that no matter the amount of time spent in the city, you won't ever leave with the feeling that you have seen everything you desired. Whether you are interested in the big attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, or merely hitting a few of the amazing night clubs, there are countless things to do in New York City.

The best thing you can do to get the most out of your time in The Big Apple is to plan as much as you are able to in advance. The goal is obviously to identify the Best Places to visit in New York but  don't forget to leave a little space for impromptu actions. You might be thinking about going to some of the famous New York museums one day, but you want to be open to any possibilities you see along the way. You don't want to miss an opportunity simply because you would like to stick to a schedule.

Of all the things to do in New York City, visiting the Statue of Liberty is certainly top of the 'Best Places to Visit' list. This is one of the most famous monuments in the world, and it can be a great way to start a memorable trip to the big city. Another Best Place to visit in New York is Ellis Island where you can experience some of the extraordinary history that took place in this area.

The Empire State Building, though, challenges the Statue as the most popular destination for New York visitors. From the top of the building, you will see a large part of the city, the rivers, Central Park, and up to five different states on a clear day. Millions of people have stopped at this incredible building over the decades, and you will be treated to a unique experience from the lobby all the way up to the 86th floor observatory.



Should you be looking for slightly more cultural things to do in New York City, there are plenty of choices. New York museums, for example, give you a range of things to see and do if you are enthusiastic about history, culture, science, fine art, and contemporary art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of Modern Art are all very popular selections.

Of course, when you arrive in New York, you'll have a lot of other options for places to visit. If museums and tourist attractions don't keep your interest, there are several amazing dance clubs, bars, and social activities that make the New York nightlife something you will never forget. Whether you are looking for an elegant environment for a tranquil drink to finish your day, or a loud, glowing club where you can dance till the morning comes around, you can find something here.

There are also a lot of things to do in New York if you are a sports fanatic. New York is home to some of the biggest professional sports clubs in the United States, and going to the stadiums and arenas will be an unforgettable experience. New Yorkers are very serious about their sports, and you could easily get caught up with the exhilaration of the event.

Keep in mind that when you plan out your trip to New York, make sure you have accounted for all the sights and activities you want to include, but leave room for the unpredictable. If you spend enough time in New York, you are sure to encounter something you never expected.

Editors note: Although New York does not appear here as one of the Cheapest Places to Live or Best Place to Retire those who live here are passionate about their city. But, for the outsider it could very well fall on one of the most expensive places to live and certainly one of the busiest!


About our Guest Author: Craig Mather - Craig says, "There are a variety things to do in NYC. It's best to buy Empire State building and tickets for the Statue of Liberty to fully experience these attractions. You'll never run out of sightseeing opportunities when you are visiting the Big Apple!"

Healthiest Country in the World

You may think about moving to this special country for the quality of life - the finest wines - gourmet dining - lasting romance - entertaining culture and conversation - traditions - history more.

But once you are there, you will benefit enormously from the excellent health care system.

Eoin Bassett is the managing editor of International Living, in this guest post he reveals the name of this country, and some very interesting facts and figures that he uncovered during research for the I.L. Quality of Life Index 2011.

The healthiest country in the world is France. That might surprise you about a country that places such an emphasis on delicious food, savory meat dishes, creamy sauces, delicate cakes, sweets and pastries, fine wines and barrel-aged brandy.

But the low cost of health insurance and the superb quality of care means France romps to victory in the health category of International Living's Quality of Life Index 2011.

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Life expectancy in France averages 84 years for women and 77 for men. In the past 10 years the number of people in France living over the age of 100 has doubled. And the World Health Organization shares our view, naming France number one in their world health report...

But what is day-to-day care really like?

Expat Adrian Leeds knows. Enchanted by la bonne vie ("the good life") she moved to Paris 17 years ago and never looked back. "You can call SOS Médecins for a home visit by a doctor who arrives within 30 minutes of your call. All for the cost of a normal office visit (about $30). Or, call SAMU to be rushed to the nearest hospital and no one asks to see your proof of medical insurance prior to treatment. And the doctors actually use their knowledge and experience to treat their patients rather than over-prescribing tests because their malpractice liability isn't so great. Drugs are so inexpensive, it's a joke by comparison to the U.S..."

And once you move to France, you may be able to transfer your health care plan to a French provider, or even to one of the many British companies that specialize in providing coverage for individual expatriates. This may prove cheaper: Costs depend on age and medical history, but if you're in good health, monthly premiums average $125.

It's easy to find out more. Subscribe to International Living magazine with this link and we'll deliver a free French Health Care Report instantly, as part of your subscription (as well as the Quality of Life Index 2011). This super-detailed report researched and compiled by our Euro editor Steenie Harvey tells you everything you need to know.

In fact, Steenie is just back from a scouting trip to Corsica, a part of France virtually unknown to most North Americans. Hidden just off the French Riviera, French and Italian vacationers have long enjoyed the silver beaches and azure-blue seas of this affordable haven.

This dramatic, unspoiled and sensual island casts a spell on all who visit. With Italy the nearest landfall, the climate is similar to the Italian Riviera and the summer lasts longer than anywhere else in mainland France.

Steenie says "it's criminal not to lunch outdoors," feasting on wild boar, cannelloni pasta and chestnut beer. When you subscribe to IL magazine, you'll get the current issue (where Steenie pulls back the curtain on this mystery French island) and we'll send you your free French health care report.

The Most Miserable Cities In America

A person might ask what would make a city or group of cities show up on a list of the 'most miserable cities in America'. Logic may lead you to a few conclusions. But some deeper thinking will take you further down the path of understanding why these cities fare so poorly and what it means to someone living there.

Yes, we have looked at the Best and Worst Cities in America and we recently took a look at the worst places for foreclosures but generally we try and stay up beat around here. We try and focus the discussion around the Best and Cheapest Places to Live, both in the US and abroad, we often consider the positive aspects of these locations, be they economic, financial or other opportunities but this post looks at things in the different light.

First, what would it take to make most people miserable? Poor weather? That would certainly do it for most. What about poor job opportunities or just a lagging economy, that is certainly high on anyones list these days I am sure. But have you ever considered other things like education, the arts, how about professional sports? And every one's favorite, corruption in politics and government. These are just some of the things that were pointed out in a Forbes article and later parroted in an online post in Yahoo! that helped cities rank well (or poorly) on this most un-prestigious top list.

Depending on a person’s particular interest these and other things lacking or deficient in the over all experience of a city would make it a not so nice place to live. And to make matters even worse these compound on each other. For instance, if you started off your day with weather that was in and of itself discouraging and you add on to that a job that have to work because you can’t find any other or worse, you are unemployed, those two things together would cause you to be more miserable than separate, right? Then at the end of your day you flip on the television and see that the city fathers have absconded another million dollars for themselves or their favorite project. During the news you see crime is up near you and following the news your local sports team loses (again). Then on top of it all, the kids present you with another bad report card.

I am getting depressed just writing about it all. It is no wonder there are certain cities that garner this distinction again and again. It would be a tough battle to win on so many fronts when the municipality has sunk so low to start with. So where does your favorite miserable city rank?

Here is the list Most Miserable Cities In America from Forbes.com:

1. Cleveland, OH
2. Stockton, CA
3. Memphis, TN
4. Detroit, MI
5. Flint, MI
6. Miami, FL
7. St. Louis, MO
8. Buffalo, NY
9. Canton, OH
10. Chicago, IL
11.Modesto, CA
12. Akron, OH
13. Kansas City, MO
14. Rockford, IL
15 Toledo, OH
16. New York, NY
17. Sacramento, CA
18. Youngstown, OH
19. Gary, IN
20. Philadelphia, PA

So there you have it, some of the most miserable cities in the United States but as a parting thought, I want each of you to think of this also. These cities contain some of the happiest, most well adjusted, productive people in the world and out of them have come truly great people. So the lesson that some may draw is that it is not the city or the town where you are from but what you and those around you make of the place. Yes, it might be more enjoyable somewhere else but who is to say that those experiences did not help shape the destiny of the inhabitants. You can make the best of it no matter where you are until and if you decide to move to your best place to live no matter where that may be. And when you are ready you can return to this blog and get all the info you will need.

Best Places to Retire in the World

Each fall I await the Best Places to Retire lists to see what has changed. This past year we learned that Panama was still up at the top of the list in second place. In fact Panama has been up there at the top for more than five years now.

The Best Places in the World to Retire

For 2010 the top spot went to Ecuador. This morning as I was reading more about Ecuador it occurred to me that I already wrote about the top retirement spots in a previous article but I don't believe I went into very much detail about this wonderful little country. We have covered the Retirement in Belize (Retire Belize Program) and in Panama but never Ecuador.

For example, did you know you can enjoy a four-course lunch for just $2? Taxi fare to just about anywhere in Quito, the nations capital runs around a buck? A night in a nice, clean and safe hotel will cost you less than $20? and, this is one for those looking for the Cheapest Places to Retire in the World, a couple can maintain and nice comfortable, quality lifestyle on less than $600 per month? It's true Ecuador is likely one of the least expensive places to live and if you're on a fixed retirement income or you lost a lot of your retirement nest egg to Wall Street, than it may just be the kind of laid back lifestyle you're looking for.

When you visit Ecuador you'll be amazed by the variety of different locations available to live. You can chose from an apartment in a Colonial city, your private piece of paradise on an stretch of unspoiled beach or even a stunning view of a snow capped volcano from your own highland homestead. What ever you're looking for you'll likely find it in Ecuador and what's best is that it's all there at prices unheard of in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Here's a cool real life example - how about a spacious beach front condo for $79,000? Yes, it's true. This particular condo is in the city of Salinas which is a seaside city that is often compared to Miami.Think I'm exagerating?

Check out this photo comparing the two cities -

Want to learn more about Ecuador? Find out of it's really the Cheapest Place to retire or at least cheap enough but nice enough too? Be sure to check out this Special Report - Cheap, Safe, and Friendly: The World's Top Retirement Havens. It's jam packed with everything you need to know - not just about the country in general but about how to make your move there.