How to Retire on Social Security Alone

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I live an hour from State College, PA and could never retire there on Social Security alone - State College is a wonderful place to shop, to eat, to enjoy cultural activities, but housing is so high! When you figure the number of students attending Penn State into the equation, you get an unrealistic figure for the average income. That makes me question the other towns and cities listed - maybe those figures are not realistic, either!

I wish I could live in State College of PA 5:23PM May 13, 2013

After reading this as a women of 72, husband deceased, house not paid for, tired
and working part time for the smallest of wages due to age not work back ground, I think the best is just to get sick and die. What money earned during life with husband was taxed to death, rental property a real loser both while renting and then wanting to sell in a down market which will never go back up, when sold all taken by taxes and value of property loss.

Another loss of IN 11:51AM May 02, 2013

Camo, except in extremely rare circumstances Medicare only covers medical care delivered in the US. I doubt that Medicaid is ever available outside the US. There are a lot of places that seem like they would be appealing to retire to until you consider things like medical care. If you've got family and friends who are already living there it might be practical, but generally speaking, for retirees who are mostly dependent on SS for income, retirement overseas is not a viable option.

John Hrvatska of NY 12:01PM April 05, 2013

I am wondering about health care coverage which can be very expensive, which country that you mention as best to retire will accept Medicare or Medicade coverage if and when I am sick.

Camo. of NY 2:59AM March 30, 2013

Linda,
You had better learn how to spell Colombia before you consider moving there.
Lorenzo

Lcummings of MI 9:07AM March 15, 2013

Ecuador and Columbia, South America are two countries I am considering for retirement for several reasons: Cost of living, especially housing, fresh fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc.; enhansing my cultural experiences; excellent outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, etc. and a comfortable climate all year round.
I would be interested in totally objective articles on this theme that go into greater depth than International Living and Ecuador Living and Investing.

Linda of IL 2:23PM March 12, 2013

Yeah whats up with that?I was clicking all over this page thinking i missed something.I am on ssi and need to move so i was hopeing to find some good ideas on where to move.Thanks for nothing.No pun intended.lol.

spaceoddessy1 of CA 11:53PM March 04, 2013

With the exception of Sunland Park, NM whose population is over 35% below the poverty line, I'm not sure that the remaining example indicate reality. Each of the other examples are all college/university towns. Because the population counts include students who are not employed full-time, the average has been skewed. Therefore, the "below the Social Security income average" statement is more than likely not accurate.

Austin, TX of TX 8:41AM March 01, 2013

Emily, you stated that you would provide information concerning top places to retire, although the information you provided was very good information, you failed to follow thru with your promise, thereby committing journalistic fraud....It will take time for readers to follow your stories as credibility is an issue.

Don of TX 10:10PM February 27, 2013