Best Places to Retire 2008: Healthiest Places Edition

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There are over 1,000,000 Americans living in Mexico. Yes, I know ... the crime. The crime is along the border and almost as bad on the Texas side.
In the highlands and in particularly in the Lake Chapala Ajijic area near Guadalajara you can live a life of luxury, like I do, even on a relatively small pension.
The low cost of living here at Lake Chapala just got even lower as the dollars is trading at 1 USD to 13 exican Pesos.
What does this mean for you? It meanes you can live well on $1,000 USD per month. And you can live in luxury with maids for $2.50 US per hour and Gardeners the same per hour.
The weather is so perfect you never need AC and almost never need any heating so your utility bills, clothing, and related weather expenses almost go away.
Why shovel snow or swelter in hot weather. Come join me and about 14,000 other contented North Americans here at Lake Chapala. I invite all of you to join my retire at Lake Chapala Club. Go to www.ChapalaClub.com.

Sid Grosvenor of TX 8:32AM December 31, 2008

I don't understand why more Americans do not explore Asia as potential retirement haven - the cost of living almost everywhere is lower and for the same costs the living advantages are huge. Most countries now have very good health care and facilities. If one has to live on not a lot more than Social Security, living in the US may be a thing of the past.
No matter where one choses, sacrifices will have to be made but overall I believe the greatest returns will come from Asia.

Tom Kennedy of NY 12:15PM December 23, 2008

At one time or another most of us were struggling to pay off our student loan debt. We didn't whine that we were entitled, we worked hard, and we don't owe your sorry selfish butt a darn thing. Now I am going to go out and tee off, somrthing i have worked hard for and deserve,you spoiled selfish little brat.

Val of FL 5:19AM December 21, 2008

The BEST place by far is the Dominican Republic---no property taxs---great health plan---low cost fresh food---plenty of good hired help---great climet---loving people---if you live on $3000.00 a month in U.S.(no mortage) you can live same there on $1,200.00 a month !!!!

Kenneth Lowe of FL 9:15PM December 19, 2008

We have been privileged to live in some places that would have been fabulous to retire to, but for the cost! Annual property taxes in excess of $12,000 per year and virtually no prospect of paying off that home loan mean those ultra desirable California communities like Bodega Bay are not going to work out.
We chose the Big Island of Hawaii, and found a beautiful place there we have been able to rent out while we continue to work on the mainland. When it comes time to move over there, much of the mortgage will already have been paid off. Hawaii offers health insurance and tax breaks to its elders, a climate conducive to great good health, the cleanest air on the planet, and that spirit of aloha.
Part of our plans include establishing a subscription limo service in our small community, the projected clientele being those who are wise enough to give up getting behind the wheel and will appreciate being driven out to Honaunau for snorkeling or up to Costco to stock up on goodies.
To supplement our retirement income, we will be building another vacation house over there, and the rentals will be our protection against inflation, and allow us to dream on about cruising the South Seas, and touring the European countryside.
Retirement is mostly about fitting the pieces together to make it right for you, and is not necessarily about stopping working for a living. It is more about trading in that desk job for work that better suits the human spirit, and for us, making the cuts to allow for a more minimalist & freer life style.

Gail of CA 10:40AM December 17, 2008

Let's face it if you have the money to retire to one of these places, you have elected to essentially drop out of society. Good for you. Be waited on hand and foot by college age kids struggling to payoff student loan debt while serving your sorry selfish butt. Hope you enjoy your tee time.

of VA 2:08PM December 15, 2008

Did they mean Newport,Ri? Providence is a drug infested dump!!
Some cirme satistics.
http://providence.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm

b of PA 1:08PM December 09, 2008

Not in a million years would I retire there. It's still a backwards town economically and has absolutely nothing there.

louis of TX 9:16AM December 09, 2008

Yes go to Mexico by all means. Myself I love the US and recently retired out of the congested Los Angeles Basin area. I won't say where because I don't want everyone here. However it is in the Northwest.

Marty of CA 12:56PM December 03, 2008

How is this an article about beautiful places in the States to retire and the 1st comment is from a Canadian about 'find another country, you won't be sorry.' Look Canadians, we don't want you here anyhow- PLEASE find another country to retire in. But keep it to your tacky self!

John of NY 8:45AM November 28, 2008