The Best State to Live in the Central US

The central United States encompasses a broad area, making it difficult to determine the best states to live in. Several places in this region deserve a spot on the list for one reason or another. From Colorado to Texas and Indiana to Nebraska, many states were in contention for the top honor, but when it came down to the wire, Iowa as the best central state was the clear winner. With a good economy, strong job market and some of the nation’s best schools, Iowa can accurately be named one of the best places to live in the United States.

Best City to Live in Iowa

Ames, Iowa is a community of approximately 60,000 people, and its residents contend that it is one of the best cities to live in Iowa. Located 30 miles from Des Moines, Ames is the home to the Iowa State University of Science and Technology, a major employer within the community. Perhaps this is the reason that the unemployment rate in Ames is only 4.3%, less than half of the national average. Median family income is upwards of $77,000 and the median home price is $175,000. Job growth is up nearly 16% since 2000 and school test scores in Ames are an average of 22.5% higher than state scores. Nearly 16% of the city’s residents bike or walk to work, which may account for the city’s 99% air quality rating. Ames has 36 parks and plenty of recreational activities, making this an amazing place to raise a family.

Cheapest Place to Live in Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa was named on Kiplinger’s “50 Smart Places to Live”, coming in at number 10. The sixth largest city in the state, Iowa City has a population of nearly 67,000 while still maintaining a small-town feel. Home to the University of Iowa, median family income here is $57,568. Home prices start in the low $100,000 range, making ownership easily affordable. Utilities in Iowa City are 20% less than the national average, while costs for groceries, housing and healthcare also fall below national expenditures. The unemployment rate here is 3.6%, nearly two-thirds less than the national percentage, and job growth stands at 1.06% and climbing.

Best Place to Retire in Iowa

When searching for the best places to retire, Ankeny, Iowa pops up time and time again. Over the past five years, the 55 and older population in this city has soared with an 87.3% increase in the amount of seniors living in the area. Median household income for those 55 or older is $58,000, while the median home price in the area is $164,500. Ankeny has an approximate population of 38,000 with senior citizens accounting for nearly 15% of that number. Its close proximity to Des Moines means that the arts, culture and entertainment of Iowa’s biggest city are only minutes away. Ankeny offers the quiet life many retirees desire while still remaining close to the convenience of a large city.

Iowa boasts a growing job market, low unemployment rate and relatively inexpensive cost of living across the board, making it the best place to live in the central United States. Whether you are looking for a new city to raise a family, a haven in which to retire or an inexpensive location to start a new business venture, Iowa has a place for you.

The Best States to Live in the Southeast

The southeastern United States is an ever-changing place. Once considered less educated, less wealthy and less desirable than its geographical counterparts, it is now a widely populated place filled with sprawling metropolises, tiny southern towns and everything in between. Home to many colleges and universities, plenty of professional sports teams and some of the biggest military bases and aerospace engineering plants, the southeast is now considered one of the best places to live in the United States. Journey with us from North Carolina to Florida as we discover some of the best states to live in this region.

The Best State to Live in the Southeast

The choices for the award in this category are many and diverse. Nearly every southeastern state deserves to be here for one reason or another. However, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. North Carolina deserves the spot for several reasons. Its quasi-southern charm, drenched in old money and steeped in history, provides plenty to see and do. From the tobacco fields of yesteryear to the majestic plantation houses available for tours, North Carolina offered many contributions to the foundation of a great nation. In 2010, Forbes Magazine voted North Carolina the third best state for business in the nation. Culture, arts and entertainment are also strong here, and North Carolina may well be one of the best states to live in the southeast based on beauty alone. People have long flocked to this area during the fall, when the leaves turn brilliant colors not seen outside of watercolor sets. With 14 national parks , plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting and some of the most beautiful lighthouses on the east coast, North Carolina has plenty to offer the nature lover. Cary, North Carolina has been voted the safest place to live in the southeast, as well as earned a Top 5 spot on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the Nation.”

Cheapest State to Live in the Southeast

Mississippi is quite possibly the cheapest state to live within the southeast. With a cost of living index 23 points below the national average and a median home price of just over $170,000, it is easier to afford more here. Although the median income falls short of the national average, families do not need to earn as much here as they would in some of the more expensive states.

Best Southeast States to Retire to

Florida is the best southeastern state to retire to, and possibly the best state for retirees in the entire nation. The climate is always warm, albeit rainy at times, and the 55+ community accounts for a significant percentage of Florida’s population. There is plenty to see and do for retirees including shopping, fine dining and outdoor activities. The median home value was $129,000 in 2010, much lower than the national average of nearly $180,000. Florida has no income tax and caps its property tax at a flat 3% per year for year round residents. The annual Florida tax burden is ranked 47th in the nation, making it lower than almost anywhere else in the country. Florida is truly a retiree’s paradise.









The southeastern United States offers some of the best places to live. Here, the charm of the south meets the romance of the Atlantic coastline. The southeast has made great strides in the past twenty years, and is now a great place to live, work and play.

The Best State to Live in the Southeast

The southeast contains a number of candidates for the best places to live in the United States. From the retirement haven of Florida to the antebellum saga of the deep south, this region is steeped in tradition. Although nearly every state in the southeastern region has a city or town that deserves a place on our list for one reason or another, only one exemplifies every criteria. North Carolina contains all the necessary ingredients to be named one of the best states to live in the Southeast and perhaps even the country.

The Best City to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina has enjoyed the title of fastest growing state in the US every year since 2008, and no city has grown faster than Wake Forest. With a 118% population growth since 2000, Wake Forest is located just north of the state capital of Raleigh. Median family income is $60,408 and Wake Forest enjoys an unemployment rate of 7.4%, nearly two percentage points lower than the national average of 9.1%. The Wake Forest job market has experienced a recent upswing, and the Wake Forest Economic Development Team was formed in order to bring more jobs to the area. Schools are consistently rated as “excellent” and score an average of 20.25% higher than the state as a whole on both reading and math tests. With great schools, a good job market and a high median family income, Wake Forest is among the best cities to live in North Carolina.

Cheapest Place to Live in North Carolina

Statistically, big cities are more expensive than small towns. In North Carolina, however, the opposite appears to be true. Charlotte, North Carolina is both the biggest city and the cheapest place in the state to live. Overall, the cost of living in Charlotte is 7% less than the national average, while housing and utilities are 20% lower and 7% lower respectively. The median home price here is $169,493, while the median family income is nearly $60,000. Schools here are among the top in the country, with Charlotte elementary schools earning top NAEP honors in 2009. The low cost of living, great schools and many job opportunities combine to make Charlotte not only the cheapest place in North Carolina to live, but also one of the best.

Best Place to Retire in North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina, is a prime retirement destination for those who seek safety, security, and a beautiful place to call home. Voted “Safest City in the South” in 2005, Cary is located in the midst of the triangle created by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. 17.4% of Cary’s population is 55 or older. Median income is upwards of $71,000 and the median home price has held steady at $259,000 for the past three years. Two of the nation’s rated “best hospitals” lie within 30 miles of Cary and the average property tax bill stands at $2300. Cary also has a public transit system that offers door-to-door service for the elderly.

North Carolina is our clear winner for the southeast Best Place to Live competition. With a low unemployment rate, inexpensive cost of living and relatively low crime rate, North Carolina is a prime location for people of any age. Wake Forest, Charlotte and Cary are just three of the many great places to live in North Carolina.

The Best States to Live in the Southwest

The southwest is known as an upper-class paradise. From the big cities of southern California to the high deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, the southwest is filled with culture, arts and high profile entertainment. The warm, arid climate makes this region extremely popular with retirees and those with health problems, while the eclectic culture and artsy inhabitants make this an amazing place for creative-minded people and families alike. Spanish and native American influences are strong here, and the vibrant colors of a desert sunset create a palette unique to this region. While each state here has similar features, it is truly amazing just how different they can be. The southwest is one of the best places to live in the United States. Come with me as we explore the region on a quest to discover the best states to live in and the reasons they are paramount.

The Best State to Live in the Southwest

New Mexico takes the top honor when considering the best states to live in the southwest. With its inherent art culture, beautiful flora and fauna and storied history, New Mexico exists in a world of its own. From Albuquerque, its biggest city, to Carlsbad, small and romantic, the state itself is a contradiction. Although the median income of $31,474 is lower than the national average, the job market is strong and boasts an unemployment rate of only 6.6%. New Mexico is ranked number three in crude oil and natural gas production, and personal income tax rates do not exceed 4.9%. New Mexico is a pioneer in research and development and boasts the highest amount of PhD recipients per capita of any other state in the nation. Santa Fe is the cultural hub, offering many art galleries as well as the Santa Fe Opera. New Mexico has a wealth of old west architecture and style, making it a visual paradise as well as an amazing place to live.

Cheapest State to Live in the Southwest

Utah is among the cheapest places to live in the southwest with a cost of living index 14 points below the national average. Utah holds the number one spot on Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business” list, and Newsweek has called Utah in general and Salt Lake City in particular “the new economic Zion.” Unemployment is holding steady at 6.8%, much lower than the national average, and high-tech companies are being lured to the region daily. State sales tax is below 6.5% and Utah charges a flat 5% personal income tax. The low cost of living coupled with the high likelihood of additional business coming to Utah makes this the cheapest southwestern state in which to live.

Best Southwest States to Retire to

Our “best of” article would be remiss if we failed to mention California. Although the most expensive state in the region in which to live, California is nonetheless the most popular southwestern state for retirees. Southern California’s climate, entertainment and high senior citizen density attracts many retirees to its Pacific shores. Arizona is also an incredibly popular retirement destination. The cities of Flagstaff, Tucson and Scottsdale are especially popular with the 55+ set due to their climate, natural beauty and senior benefits.





The southwestern United States encompass many of the best places to live in the country. Singles, families and retirees alike will appreciate the climate, beauty, entertainment and attractions offered by this region. There truly is “something for everyone” here, from outdoor activities to high-tech jobs. The southwest is a region of progress and creative thinking, and anyone can feel right at home within its boundaries.

The Best State to Live in the Southwest

The southwestern United States is a place of growing popularity. It is a land of turquoise-colored mystery; a world where the west is still somewhat wild. New Mexico is among the best states to live in the region. With its distinctive southwestern flair, relatively low cost of living and many outdoor activities, New Mexico earns our top spot as the best state to live in the Southwest, and may well be one of the best places to live in the United States.

Best City to Live in New Mexico

Although rather small and relatively unknown, Rio Rancho, New Mexico is one of the best cities to live in New Mexico. A suburb of Albuquerque, this city of 82,000 is a safe and secure place to raise a family. Although not immune to the foreclosures the rest of the country has seen over the past five years, Rio Rancho is a great place to find an amazing deal in the housing market. With a median family income of $66,000, jobs in Rio Rancho have grown nearly 70% in the past ten years. The median home price is $169,000 and the average property tax bill stands at $1400 per year. School test scores in reading are 22% above the New Mexico average, while scores in math are an astounding 41% higher. The Intel Corporation is the area’s biggest employer, although the retail and service industry round out the economy nicely. New construction, including a hospital and large office complex, promise to bring even more jobs to the area in the coming years. Rio Rancho is ever-changing and always growing, making it a wonderful place for families and singles alike.

Cheapest Place to Live in New Mexico

Here, Rio Rancho makes a repeat appearance on our list. Not content to be only the best city in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is also the cheapest. Housing here is 11% below the national average, while utilities are 10% cheaper. Overall, Rio Rancho falls a full 4% below the national cost of living average across the board. Healthcare is the only measured category in which Rio Rancho exceeds national expenditures, and even here it is only 1% over. As a comparison, New York City is 126% more expensive than Rio Rancho.

Best Place to Retire in New Mexico

Las Cruces, New Mexico has been voted “Best Place to Retire” in the state many times over. AARP listed it as a Top 5 in 2006, while Money Magazine has ranked it twice in two separate years. Las Cruces offers wonderful weather and plenty of senior living activities. With four golf courses and tons of nearby hiking and fishing, those 55 and older will not lack for recreation. New Mexico taxpayers are also afforded tax breaks from income sources that fall below $28,500. An average three bedroom house costs a mere $168,000, making Las Cruces easily affordable for those on a fixed income. Las Cruces is a wonderful place for seniors to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy all of the senior activities the city has to offer.

The southwest is an amazing place to live, and no state contained within it is more amazing than New Mexico. The affordability, school systems and economy continue to improve. New Mexico is the southwest's best place to live for people at any stage of their lives.

The Top Cheapest Places to Retire

Where are the Top Cheapest Places to Retire? A recent article in the UK Telegraph gives an extensive list of their top picks. I read the Telegraph frequently because it gives a much broader perspective on the world and also gives one insight into living and lifestyles in Europe. It only makes sense, while publications based in the U.S. tend to be Ameri-Centric those coming out of Canada and the UK do provide a more worldly view of issues and ideas.

So, what's the "Tele" have to say about living cheap as a retiree? Let's have a look -

Note: As this article appeared on a British Site the amounts were in British Pounds so I've taken the liberty of converting them to U.S. dollars which makes sense as the world base currency is the US buck - at least for now! The other thing I noticed in the original article is that the property prices they quote seem to be far from 'cheap'! So, I've done some of my own research and put in some real estate that may be more appropriate for a retirees budget.

The World’s 20 Most Affordable Places to Retire

as presented by to Christopher Middleton of The Telegraph.co.uk

The Cheapest Place to Retire in North America

1. Nova Scotia, Canada

If your dream retirement includes: four seasons in the countryside and lots of land by the sea then Canada’s East Coast is the spot for you. The Canadian province of Nova Scotia is a stunning landscape with 4,000 miles of ocean coast. The nice part is that that coast line is available at a bargain. For example a three bedroom, 2 bath home on five acres will set you back around $150,000 US dollars.

Nova Scotia Real Estate Listing

For sale: 8 year old, well built home with than 11 acres of land; detached double-car garage or barn. Cleared portion of land great for horses; large kitchen; living room with wood stove; 3 bedrooms; 2 full bathrooms;  unfinished basement with walkout to the drive.
Asking price : $154,000 CAD $151,967 USD £95,141 GBP* Tradewinds Realty - www.tradewindsrealty.com

Cheapest Places to Retire in Eurasia

2. Germany
The German capital of Berlin is clearly recognized as the centre of the economic world in the Euro Zone. With stability and confidence real estate prices in Germany have increased 7% this year while the cost of living remains 36% below that of London England.

Dan Johnson, managing director  at The Move Channel says,

“Consumer debt in Germany is relatively low, and the inherently cautious (German) banks are less likely to get drawn into the debt crisis than their counterparts (in other parts of Europe).”

Sample Berlin Real Estate Listing

For sale: 1 Bedroom Apartment in Berlin, Germany. Steglitz is a very attractive green area and this particular apartment is very quietly situated in a residential area. Public transport opportunities are offered at above and underground station Rathaus Steglitz with direct connections to the heart of Berlin as well as Charlottenburg.
Asking price: $57,807 CAD $58,303 USD £36,220
The Move Channel  - www.themovechannel.com



3. Poland
If you purchase your retirement place in the Lubicz Brewery you'll find yourself living in a stunning 19th century converted building. It has 21st century shops, flats, restaurants and offices all within walking distance of the 13th century market square in Old Town Kraków. If you make your move now  you can be living there when the 2012 UEFA Football Championships hit town!

Sample Real Estate Listing Kraków Poland
For sale: One bedroom apartment in the Lubicz Brewery Development
Asking price: $126,147 CAD $127,174 USD £79,000
Property Venture - www.property-venture.com


4. Italy
It can be quite expensive to live in Italy if you are looking to live in a detached stone farmhouse with views over the countryside for your retirement. But there is a much more affordable and friendly way retiring in Italy - look to Umbria and buying part of a of a big house rather than the whole thing. You still get high ceilings, a beautiful piece of Italian history and as an added benefit you share the swimming pool with just a handful of fellow investors instead of an entire apartment building as you find in many retirement residences.

Sample Real Estate Listing Umbria Italy
For sale: Casa Strada - Newly restored corner of a large Umbrian barn.
Asking price: $297,633 CAD $295,218 USD € 210,000
Properties Umbria - www.propertiesumbria.com


5. Spain

Who hasn't dreamed of retiring to Spain? Well you need only no further than the number flights to Malaga to understand you're not alone and many people are making that dream a reality. You can choose luxury by the sea in spots like Marbella and Puerto Banus or if beautiful countryside is more your style you can drive about 20 minutes inland and you'll discover romantic picturesque orchard and olive grove properties in places like Monda, Coín and Alhaurin el Grande. Drive an additional 25 miles and then you’re really getting into authentic and traditional Spanish living in the hillside villages of Ronda and Antequera.

Sample Real Estate Listing the Spanish Countryside
For sale: A three bedroom beachfront apartment in San Pedro de Alcantara which is six miles from Marbella

Asking Price: $553,388 CAD $557,793 USD  $£346,800.

Alcantara Estates - www.alcantaraestates.com

6. Portugal
Do you worship the sun and the sea? Is your ideal retirement activity Golf? Then may I suggest you consider Western Algarve which is a perfect part of Portugal for active retirees. While real estate and other prices fluctuate up and down the temperatures stay warm most of the year. The airport is close by in Faro and and Lagos is one of the most interesting towns in the country. The ancient walls, lovely bay and five beautiful beaches are any retirees paradise.

Sample Real Estate in Portugal
For sale: Three bedroom, single storey home with pool and country views; just five minutes to the Palmares Golf Course and Meia Praia beach
Asking Price: $766,368 CAD $772,320 USD £480,000
Knight Frank - www.knightfrank.com






7. France
If you're anywhere within the region of Hérault Languedoc Roussillon you're in wine country. Yes, this  is the epicentre of world famous French wine - wall to wall vineyards. And just like the romantic notion of retiring to Spain France is equally as appealing. Beware the capital gains tax on property sales by foreigners has increased from just 1.2% to a whopping 32.5%!  That has put a damper on the RE market to say the least but it also means anyone considering spending their final years in retirement in France can find some real bargains.

Sample Real Estate in France
For sale: Two bedroom, two bathroom villa at Le Hameau Des Pins, near Narbonne
Asking Price: $418,309 CAD $ 421,531 USD  £262,000
Chesterton Humberts - www.chestertonhumberts.com



8. Cyprus

Over 40,000 British have retired to Cyprus over the past decade. Despite the troubling economy on the  mainland of Greece retirees are still flocking here. There is a large expat community at Paphos where UK expats in particular feel most at home. If you live half the year on Cyprus your pension gets taxed at just five per cent thats pretty attractive to any retirees.

Sample Real Estate on Cyprus
For sale: Deeded 2 Bedroom Traditional Bungalow rebuilt to High Standards. This property is situated in a quiet residential area of Sotira. A five minute walk takes you to the Village Centre.
Asking Price: $246,102 CAD $ 247,817 USD  £153,702
Purple International - www.purpleinternational.eu



9. Tuscany
Given it's world wide recognition Tuscany has some premium real estate and expensive places to live but if you dig a bit you will find some lovely rural locations like Lunigiana which are cheaper than the rest of Tuscany. Here, for example, you can find a two bedroom stone cottage for under $500,000. As an added bonus many rural areas of Tuscay have all of the modern conveniences including high speed broadband internet service.  But lets see if there is any real estate that is truly in a retirees budget -

The Best Guide To Buying Property in Italy

Sample Real Estate in Lunigiana Tuscany
For sale: Stone village house with terrace offers superb views of the surrounding countryside; Short walk into town which offers shopping, restaurants, cafès and train station. The property is in good condition and has many features including fireplaces and beamed ceiling.
Asking Price: $224,784 CDN $226,528 USD £140,500 €160000
www.italymag.co.uk/property-for-sale-in-italy/


10. Morocco
"Buying and restoring a traditional riad in the heart of old Marrakesh requires ingenuity and haggling but it is well worth the effort." says Jonathan Gibbons. While that not many retirees come to Marrakesh to settle it can actually be very relaxing. Picture yourself sipping mint tea on your roof terrace after a fun morning at the bazaar in the city’s pulsing Jemaa el-Fnaa main square. It's not for everyone but for those who enjoy the exotic this could be the ideal retirement spot.

Sample Real Estate in Marrakesh Morocco
For sale: Riad just steps from the gardens of Majorelle; discover this riad with a beautiful view on The atlas.
Asking Price: $95,793 CAD $96,543 USD £59,886 €68,200


11. Albania
This is an enchanting country with character and charm. Albania has borders with Greece, Macedonia, Kosova and Montenegro and coastal areas along the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. A wonderful sunny climate that boasts over 180 days of sunshine per year Albania holds a lovely mix of culture and nature, mountain peaks and deserted beaches, untamed beauty and bustling city life. Top that off with a very affordable and modern housing market and you've got a great place to retire cheap!

Sample Real Estate in Albania
For sale: Apartments £39,000 to £61,000 and beach villas (not beachfront) £192,000 to £227,000)  Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa www.lalzitbay.com


12. Gibraltar
A mild Mediterranean climate with an average daily temperature of 18C (65F); plenty of golf courses, British trained and certified lawyers, doctors, and accountants what's not to like about a retirement in Gibraltar?

Sample Real Estate in Gibraltar
For sale: New 19 storey King’s Wharf Tower;Two bedroom apartment
Asking Price: £395,000 (fifth floor) £423,000 (17th floor)
Chestertons Gibraltar www.chesterton.gi


13. Estonia
Demand for property in Tallinn Estonia has been driven by its recent entry into the European Union, a pro-business environment, liberal economic policies and low taxes which are attracting retirees. In Estonia foreigners are free to buy and sell real estate with no restrictions, with closings often taking take less than a month. Prices are very reasonable and its one rare European capital where a retiree can still afford a place in the middle of town. However, just three train stops away is the parkland area of Kadriorg, where apartment prices drop to half pf what they are in the middle of town. “Buying a property requires a simple visit to a notary, rather than a merry-go-round of surveys and conveyancing issues.” says Andrew Whyte, of local property consultants Goodson and Red

Sample Real Estate in Tallinn Estonia
For sale: A two-bedroom, fourth floor apartment, with parking space, in Liivajoa, Kadriorg,
Asking Price: £113,700
Goodson and Red - www.goodsonandred.com


14. Egypt
The Arab Spring has caused barely a ripple on the Red Sea at the Sharm El Sheikh Egyptian Resort. Regardless of who’s ruling the country or who's demonstrating in Cairo warm weather is guaranteed and many parts of the country are as peaceful as they have been for decades. The average price of gas is just 65 cents a gallon - the third cheapest gas in the world and the average temperature of the sea is a bath-like 24C (74F).

Sample Real Estate in Eygpt
For sale: One bedroom apartment with balcony and terrace at The View; communal swimming pool Asking Price: £34,000
Colordarcy - www.colordarcy.com


15. Turkey
In the southern Turkish community of Kalkan, You’ll find yourself surrounded by Brits, not the 'lager and loudmouth' variety but the polite and gentle middle class family oriented kind., Kalkan is built around a beautiful bay and offers lovely rooftop restaurants. No high rise hotels here so your view is unobstructed and the feeling is homey. Recently the Goçek mountain tunnel opened which has cut the   drive time from Dalaman airport to just 90 minutes.

Sample Real Estate in Kalkan Turkey
For sale: A five-bedroom villa with infinity pool, in a new development overlooking the bay, £390,000. Spot Blue Properties (020 8339 6036; www.spotblue.co.uk/turkey).



The Cheapest Places to Retire in the UK

16. England

Buckinghamshire is not your traditional English village. There is no 16th century church and no duck pond) but, there is Denham Garden Village which has many features which may be of great interest and use to someone who is retired. These features include: a café, a bar, a convenience shop, a swimming pool and a Doctor - all on site. The apartments and small homes here have doorways that are made wide for wheelchair access. That means you don’t necessarily need  to move if age limits your mobility.

Sample Real Estate in Buckinghamshire England
For sale: Two bedroom apartments and two bedroom bungalows
Asking Price: from £366,000 and £405,000 respectively.
The Frost Partnership - www.denhamgardenvillage.co.uk

17. Scotland
According to Zoopla,  Aberdeenshire is the only part of Scotland where house prices actually rose last year. They increased .45%. Aberdeenshire is blessed with miles of coastline. Tucked along you'll discover craggy, little fishing villages like Collieston and Cruden Bay.

Sample Real Estate in Aberdeenshire Scotland
For sale: A seven-bedroom, six-bathroom Georgian house in Banff High Street, with views over the harbour.
Asking Price: £495,000
Knight Frank - www.knightfrank.com


18. Wales
Properties in Monmouthshire can cost twice as much as they do in less prosperous parts of the Wales. The reason is obvious when you visit. This are is full of picturesque and characterful towns  like Monmouth, Chepstow and Abergavenny to name a few. They all enjoy thriving commerce with independent shops, and wonderful festivals offering everything from food to folk music.

Sample Real Estate in Wales
For sale: A three-bedroom, Grade II listed cottage, early 1900s, at Rockfield, near Monmouth,
Asking Price: £315,000
Parry’s Fine and Country - www.fineandcountry.com


19. Shetland Islands (Scotland)
Apart from three obvious attractions - fresh air, outdoor life and no of traffic jams, the fourth big one is affordable housing. The highest price for a property on the Shetland Islands is just £350,000. That's for  for a lovely bungalow in the capital of Lerwick. But only half that amount will find you in a stone house with sweeping views of the sea!

Sample Real Estate in the Shetland Islands
For sale: The Old School House in Levenwick; four bedrooms; unobstructed sea views
Asking Price: £139,000
Michael Inkster & Co - www.shetlandislesproperty.co.uk).

The Cheapest Places to Retire in the Caribbean

And to round out the collection who can resist the idea of retiring to the Caribbean?

20. Barbados
Sure, your retirement budget may not be able to afford a big house on the hill like Sir Cliff Richard, but you could move into one of the many beachside developments on this expat friendly island. Get ready for a taste of the UK here where they drive on the left side of the road and have a Trafalgar Square!

Sample Real Estate in Barbados
For sale: Three bedroom, two bath town homes at Battaleys Mews development on the west coast at St Peter.
Asking Price:  £365,600
Knight Frank - www.knightfrank.com

Editors Note: This is a huge topic that is worthy of plenty more research! Please check back as we will be updating this article with new information over the coming weeks!

Source The Telegraph:

Tax-Free Retirement Made Easy 

You don't want to organize your new life overseas around tax code...but sometimes the two agendas can converge. 

We've identified three countries that roll out the welcome mat, not only offering significant benefits for foreign residents, including seriously appealing tax advantages, but also making it easy for you to become a foreign resident in the first place. 

That is, it can be possible to relocate to the Shangri-la of your fondest daydreams...while, at the same time, reducing your tax burden, maybe to zero. 

It depends largely on how and from where your income is derived... 

And the key is arranging legal foreign residency. 

Here's the good news: While not every country welcomes foreign retirees or expats, we've identified three countries that roll out the welcome mat, not only offering significant benefits for foreign residents, including seriously appealing tax advantages, but also making it easy for you to become a foreign resident in the first place. 

Go Here Now To Learn More

America's Cheapest Real Estate

The Cheapest Real Estate in America

Editors note: I just read this interesting article on the website 'Home Goes Strong' and thought I would pass it along. There's some food for thought in here when it comes to either staying put and refinancing or pulling up your roots and moving to a cheaper place.

houston downtown, a photo by BIJI KURIAN on Flickr.

Leah Ingram writes:

Do you live in America's Cheapest City?

We're ready to refinance the mortgage on our home, again! We actually just went through refinancing about a year ago, when mortgage rates had first dropped. But now that the typical 30 year mortgage rate has dropped even further - it's down below 4% - we thought we would be crazy not to at least look into whether another refinancing was worth the trouble, even though we had just refinanced less than a year ago.

First, we asked our current bank, the one that holds our mortgage, to consider changing our interest rate to bring it more inline with current rates being offerred at other banks, of course they agreed to do so but only if we agreed to pay an astronomical change fee. When we worked it out we discovered it would take two years at the new lower mortgage rate to make back the difference from the service charge. I knew there had to be a better deal out there and sure enough I found a bank that was more than willing to eat the closing costs and give us a new mortgage at a rate even lower than the reduced rate our bank had offerred on the refinance deal. And the best part of it all is that it will only take a bit more than one mortgage payment to make up for the upfront costs we will likely incur - we will probably need an updated home appraisal.

You see even though we had just had a home appraisal a year ago from our previous refinance, like most places in the United States, homes where we live (suburban Philadelphia) just haven't increased in value. Many have held their value though and some more so than in other American cities where real estate is still depressed. But all of that said the bank that is offerring our new mortgage just wants to make sure our home still holds enough value to cover the new mortgage.

If you're looking to buy a new home in you want to explore the best cities for singles, families and the  best cities for jobs. Bottom line - it's a good idea to buy where the real estate holds its value. However, if you're on a tight budget it's best to know where the cheapest places to live are too.

According to an infographic I read recently from Credit Sesame, here are the top 5 cheapest cities (based on cost per square foot) for real estate in America:

1. Houston @$54 per square foot
2. Phoenix @ $79
3. Atlanta @ $132
4. Chicago @ $158
5. Miami @ $182

One Day in Houston

Editors note: What I find most interesting about these places is that many American's would say these are some of the best places to live in America too. Cheap and a nice place to live? It doesn't get much better!

Source: America's Cheapest Real Estate:

Overseas Jobs vs Jobs in America

It's been a while so I thought this whole discussion we've been having about the Obama Jobs Plan and the idea of Jobs Overseas for Americans is worth running a little poll.

Please take a moment to simply answers Yes or No to our Poll over there to your left - in the sidebar.

Would consider taking a job overseas?

Note: I realize this blog has readers and followers from all over the planet however this particular poll is obviously intended for our US based followers.


The Poll is closed!

When we asked the question, Would you consider a job overseas? 51 people responded with 46 saying Yes they would look at Overseas Jobs while 5 readers said no they wouldn't.

Final Results from our Work Overseas Poll

Editors Note: Thanks to all who voted. It would be great to here some of the reasons you said 'yeh or nay'. Please take a moment to leave your ideas and opinions about jobs in America and the idea of working overseas in our comments section.


Want to learn more and make the jump to living overseas? Checkout this fast track way to make it happen!

52 Days To Your New Life Overseas