5 Vacation Destinations That Are Terrible Places To Retire

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When it’s time to plan your retirement, the world, as they say, is your oyster. But if you are looking to retire in one of these five popular vacation destinations, it’s essential to understand the potential setbacks you’ll face before taking the big leap. Read on to discover the hidden challenges that could impact your dream retirement.

San Jose, Costa Rica

With stunning biodiversity, life-loving locals and incredibly flavorful coffee, Costa Rica is one of the few vacation destinations that make the heart truly happy. But if you plan on living in San Jose, there are caveats to consider when planning for retirement.

For starters, it may be challenging to adjust culturally and linguistically. Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica, but locals have a unique national dialect that may take time to learn. Other concerns include hazardous road conditions, frequent power outages and an unreliable public transportation system that makes it difficult to get where you need on time.

Lastly, Costa Rica’s unofficial motto is Pura Vida, which translates to “pure life” and denotes a mostly laid-back attitude. The Pura Vida outlook celebrates simplicity, cheerfulness and unrushed optimism. While that is not a problem as a standalone, it may be an issue for seniors or retirees who need something done quickly or if an emergency arises.

Honolulu, Hawaii

While all of Hawaii’s cities have their charms, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to what Honolulu has to offer. The city quintessentially exudes the Aloha Spirit, from its fabulous beaches to its world-class amenities and cuisine. Yet, while Honolulu can be a fantastic place to visit, living there may not be the best financial choice if you are on a retirement budget.

Honolulu has one of the highest living costs in the U.S., 84% higher than the national average and a staggering 214% higher than the national average for housing. The cost of groceries is also 50% higher than average, leading to significant budget adjustments that seep into every part of your wallet.

Extreme weather and natural events are also a concern. Besides hurricanes, tsunamis and tropical storms, active volcanoes along the islands may lead to poor air quality, even if they are not in or near Honolulu. Honolulu’s volcanoes are currently inactive.

Oranjestad, Aruba

The unmistakably colorful Caribbean architecture and pristine beaches of Oranjestad, Aruba, are a treat for the senses. Despite the island’s charm and gorgeous architecture, living there after retirement comes with multiple considerations.

One issue is that you must meet the eligibility criteria for retirement in the country, which differs depending on your income status. Retired persons with a guaranteed income status must be over 55 and prove that they have an annual income of AFL 50,000, or $27,740 and above. The income must also come from an authorized bank and a recognized country, as Aruba strictly monitors income from foreign sources.

For retirees without a guaranteed income, you must prove that you have AFL 100,000 in assets from a bank account or investments, totaling $55,480 or above.

Aruba issues 12-month residence permits, meaning that you must prove that your income meets the requirements every year to stay in the country when you extend. It is also one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean, which isn’t ideal for seniors on a budget.

Goa, India

Few cities in India are as laid-back and foreigner-friendly as Goa. While the vibrant city of Goa is tourist-oriented, staying there permanently after retirement has limitations.

For one, the language barrier and cultural shock can be difficult, although you’ll find locals who speak multiple languages. Goa’s official language is not Hindi but Konkani, although most locals can also speak Marathi.  

For retirees, some issues may cause more headaches than others, like underdeveloped infrastructure and poor road conditions, lack of reliable or strong internet, inefficient recycling and waste disposal systems, and pollution.

Since Goa is predominantly tourist-oriented, expect significant markups on basic necessities, overpriced groceries and haggling as a visible foreigner.   

Paris, France

Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The iconic city and its landmarks have much to offer in terms of history and culture, but living there as a retired expat is not worth the hassle.

Learning the language is essential to living in Paris and getting around the city. While many Parisians speak English, locals are more inclined to help or communicate with you if you speak French.

Another significant issue is the high cost of living in Paris. Whether buying a home or shopping for necessities, expect to spend exorbitant amounts on clothing, transportation, personal care and entertainment compared to other major cities.

Lastly, Paris frequently experiences bouts of social and political unrest, which may affect your quality of life as a retiree. Paris is not the best option for a peaceful retirement compared to other cities in France.

Takeaway

No matter where you plan to retire, popular vacation destinations are usually not the best places to seek long-term residency. Although some of these cities have pros, it’s essential to pause and thoroughly research your options before deciding to live in one of these popular vacation destinations as a retiree. 

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