Are you thinking about some places for a sunny retirement in 2025? You’ll love this list!
Have you ever been on a trip and ended up loving it so much that the thought of relocating there for retirement still lingers? I mean, our country is indeed a beautiful one, but many places that were once great for retirees now are slowly stepping into the touristy ones that are very expensive.
There are many options for safer, more economical, and more satisfying retirement lifestyles abroad if you’re just willing to look outside of the US. But with a plethora of best places for a sunny retirement, what are the main things you should look out for? Seek out nations with easy-to-understand residency regulations and easily obtainable residency permits. In other words, a country that will welcome you with open arms.
But since I don’t want to bore you, I will cut it short, and if you are planning to retire abroad in 2025, here is a list of some of the world’s greatest places to live. A retiree can easily establish a life in these friendly havens.
Crete, Greece
Greece is a wonder, and if you’ve been there at least once, you might think about making it a permanent residence for your golden years. What’s not to like about Greece anyway? It’s a historically rich Mediterranean island, and according to financial experts, the estimated monthly cost of living for two seniors is around $1,873. This is 63% lower than the average yearly spending of Americans 65 and older in the United States.
This is one of the best places for a sunny retirement in 2025 since here you’ll have access to nearby beaches where you can soak up the sun from morning to dusk, crystal clear waters, untamed scenery, and mouthwatering local food that is so nutritious that it may help you lose weight and even lengthen your life.
Greece’s largest and most populated island, Crete, offers a variety of lifestyle choices, from urban settings like Heraklion and Chania to rural mountain villages to complete seclusion in isolated locations encircled by olive groves. If you don’t mind the tourists coming here every summer from early May to late September, then Crete might be the haven you’re looking for. There are so many great things about Greece, but this article won’t be enough to cover everything so I will stop here.
And one more thing! The best thing about Crete is that the residency permit is active for two years in a row and is renewable. So don’t be afraid of leaving everything behind and relocating to Crete and having tasty gyros every day! Sounds like a plan, heh?
Panama
Panama provides both retiree-friendly benefits and contemporary conveniences. For retirees on fixed incomes, the Pensionado Visa is particularly alluring because it offers savings on entertainment, healthcare, and utilities. According to financial experts, for two retirees to live comfortably in Panama City, they would need at least US$1,600 per month.
Panama combines convenience and comfort with its warm tropical climate and proximity to the United States. The city is a stress-free place to retire because of its infrastructure, which includes dependable public transportation, drinkable tap water, and reasonably priced (definitely more affordable than the U.S.) healthcare options.
Costa Rica
With its relaxed atmosphere and abundant biodiversity, Costa Rica reflects the “Pura Vida” way of life, which is why it got its well-deserved spot at the top of the places for a sunny retirement in 2025. And isn’t this what you’re looking for in retirement? The public Caja system offers retirees access to reasonably priced healthcare, which complements private options for greater flexibility.
A million dollars would buy you decades of comfortable living in Costa Rica, where a retiree couple needs about $3,000 a month to live decently.
It is simple to feel at home in the nation because of its strong emphasis on sustainability and its thriving expat communities. While coastal towns like Tamarindo offer sunny beaches and active outdoor lifestyles, places like the Central Valley have cooler temperatures.
Valencia, Spain
Ole! The fourth and one of the best places for a sunny retirement in 2025 is occupied by Valencia, Spain. If you are looking for a vibrant city with a cultural abundance, then Valencia is your destination. But what makes Valencia so special? First of all, it is super affordable; the estimated monthly cost of living here for a couple of retirees is around $2,363, which is 53% less than the average annual expenses of Americans older than 65.
You have the chance to live a more exciting life by relocating to Valencia. There are countless things to see and do in this city, such as museums, restaurants, athletic events, live theater and opera performances, concerts, and more. At vibrant festivals like Las Fallas, a five-day celebration that features enormous sculptures, parades, and music, the Valencian Community honors its unique cultural identity.
If in America you have a car that’s munching on your budget every month and you’re thinking about selling if you relocate, then you will be happy to know that the infrastructure in Valencia is pretty great. Everybody is using public transportation, and for seniors, this is discounted.
Don’t be afraid of moving just because of the language barrier since Spanish people speak English very well. Similar to Greece, Spain renews the residency after one year.
Cascais, Portugal
Where else to spend a sunny retirement in 2025 if not in Portugal? Out of all places in this beautiful country, Cascais appeals the most to retirees. According to financial experts, the estimated monthly cost of living for two seniors is around $3000 which is 30% more affordable than the cost of living in the U.S.
The city center of Cascais, which is located on the Atlantic Coast, offers access to its golden beaches and sublime ocean waters. There are many beaches to pick from, ranging from quiet to busy areas with waves that can be surfed.
Whenever you’re bored and you want to explore, the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is only 30 minutes away from the upscale coastal resort of Cascais. For many years, the upper class of Lisbon has used it as a sunny playground. It now attracts expats from all over the world who are looking for a comfortable, safe lifestyle abroad.
You will be so lucky to live in a place for which a lot of tourists from all over the world pay a lot of money to visit.
Are you already thinking about lying in the sun all day long in Greece? You’re not the only one, and because of that, and the fact that I couldn’t possibly emphasize everything about Greece in one small paragraph, I recommend you check out this book, A Guide to Moving and Relocating to Greece, written by and for people who want something new for their golden years.
For you and your partner, moving to Greece will be the beginning of a new life, not just a simple relocation. In addition to guiding how to make a smooth transition, the book covers all the necessary information about the nation and, most importantly, how to become a part of the community, since it is very different from the United States from all perspectives.
If you were to move abroad tomorrow, which of these sunny places would you choose? Tell me in the comments.
If you reached this far with reading, and now you’re actually thinking about trading America for one of these places for a sunny retirement in 2025, you may also be interested in reading this relatable article 10 Important Things to Consider Before Moving Abroad.
