18 Considerations for Selecting a Retirement Location

Geographic location: climate, sea, desert, mountains, humidity, large city, small town, rural. Language: is English understood? Healthcare: What is provided, what is available, what is the quality of these services by comparison of the healthcare benefits in the U.S.? Do you have a specific health issue which requires care? If you have an interest in the arts, theater, symphony, ballet, opera is this available? If sports & recreational venues are important--either watching or participating--is this available? What is the lifestyle, the pace of living? What is the cost of living/currency conversion and does this meet your needs? What is the crime rate? Is the standard of living comparable? If you are interested in taking educational courses, are they available? If you plan to return occasionally to the U.S. to visit friends and family, what kind of expenses are involved? The same goes for returning for business or medical reasons. What is the possibility of natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions? If you have a pet or plan to get one, is the location suitable? What kinds of local diseases like Zika, Malaria, etc. are likely to be problems? What is the political climate and is it safe for Americans? Is there ability to work if work is important or earning additional money is necessary? Shopping:  How important is the availability and convenience of shopping for food, clothing, staples, products, gifts, etc.? If you plan to use the Internet, is it available and at a speed you can live with?