Where do Expats Go to Find a More Permanent Perch?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Doris Gallan on April 13, 2010 at 6:51pm

I look forward to seeing what people write about here. We're probably years (hopefully a decade or more) from having to make this decision...but we already chat about it.

We're not likely to return full time to my native Canada as it's too cold (but has the advantage of great health care). My husband's native USA is too expensive (but may have decent health care by then). Mexico is a favorite country where warm weather and a great culture interests us (and the cost of living is low enough to be able to afford health care). Mexico is also near enough to Canada and the USA (relative to our current home in China) to see family and old friends somewhat regularly and they are more likely to visit us there than most other places we want to go.

Health care keeps coming up in our conversations as we don't intend to settle anywhere until we are old enough to need good health care! Until then, we don't want to stay in any one place for more than a year or two.

Doris
www.dorisgallan.com

Permalink Reply by Karen van der Zee on April 14, 2010 at 6:13pm

Yes, health care is a major issue. The other issue for me is the "community" meaning I really want a place that is a bit international and where I'm not an oddity as a foreigner. The South of Europe appeals a lot but the euro is not friendly, although it is getting better. And even there, one place is not like the other.

I'm hoping for some suggestions of specific locations!

Permalink Reply by Lance Nelson on April 15, 2010 at 6:16am

Hi Karen,

Try Sofia in Bulgaria. Initially not an obvious choice and certainy not one to rock up and find work. An expat community that is small enough to find easily and international enough that it's not retirees. Eductaed professional locals are friendly.

Housing is superb value 350 EUR per month will find you a comfortable apartment in a smart area. By city standards it's cheap. Taxis are still a bargain an public transport is even more of a bargain. Culturally it can compare with many, but loads of places to visit within a 3 hour bus/drive away. Greek coast 4 hours away Black Sea coast 5.5 hours away.

Language more than a challenge but private health care good value.

Cheapest country overall in Europe to live

Permalink Reply by Karen van der Zee on April 15, 2010 at 6:30am

Lance, thank you for the specific info! I've heard nice things about Bulgaria. Eastern European cities doe have the advantage of being close to the rest of Europe, and not as isolated as we used to think of them. Language, yes, that would be a challenge, and a necessary one if you want to make a place your home.

I'll start a list: Bulgaria

Permalink Reply by Matthew Lubin on April 13, 2010 at 7:26pm

After spending almost 4 years in a huge city and then moving to a fairly large city that's only a couple miles away from another huge city, I've decided I could move anywhere that isn't a city. I need somewhere quiet that isn't too far from a city, so I can still get my civilization fix (and possibly a flight out). Right now I'm thinking about a home in a mountain town in Colorado (if only there were jobs out there).

Permalink Reply by Karen van der Zee on April 20, 2010 at 4:27pm

Mathew, thanks for your reply. I know people who live in Colorado and love it. But I don't want any winters! However, for people who are into skiing and other winter time sports, it's a very good place.

Permalink Reply by Nancie M on April 20, 2010 at 8:19am

Hi Karen,

This is an interesting topic, and one close to my heart. I've been living in Korea since 2001, and plan to change countries in 2011. I've traveled extensively in South East Asia, and am always looking at any place that I visit with an eye to living there.

Right now at the top of my list is Chiang Mai. CM is a good size city with a "small town" feel. There is a vibrant expat community of all ages and from around the world. There's also a great art community. Thailand also has great heath care, and a warm climate. I have no desire to live in another cold climate once I leave Korea. I am also not going back to Canada.

You might find that CM is worth a look.

Permalink Reply by Karen van der Zee on April 20, 2010 at 4:27pm

I've heard good things about CM. We've visited Thailand years ago and it certainly sound like one to put on the list. Unfortunately with older parents in both the US and Europe, Asia is a bit far. It's good to hear health care is good in Thailand. I expect you mean this to be good outside the "medical tourism" facilities.

Thanks for replying, Nancie!

Permalink Reply by Zsolt Pasztor on July 29, 2010 at 2:29am

Greetings Karen !

Indeed Thailand hospitals are the top medical care destinations in Asia including Singapore fertility clinics and Malaysia neuro surgery hospitals. Asian doctors and surgeons are ISO certified and usually they hold american diplomas.

Regards.

Permalink Reply by Karen van der Zee on July 30, 2010 at 7:41pm

Thanks for the links. "medical tourism" is growing more and more and Thailand has a good reputation.

Permalink Reply by Kerry-Ann on August 22, 2010 at 7:54pm

We have done a fair bit of travelling. Part of me would love to settle in Europe somewhere. Just because I love the cultural experiences etc. However after living in New Zealand we have decided that this is where we want to settle one day when we retire. Two places: Wellington: this is the capital city. But i love the life style here. We live 15 min from town in a gorgeous 'rural' area. A short trip into town (the city) and I am at the beach front which in summer is full of skaters, runners, kids on the beach, dancers etc. I can walk from one end of the city to the other in 25 min. And when I have had enough I can beat it to the bush in 5 min and be so rural that I can do a two hour walk and not see another person. Health care and 'senior' care is reasonable.

Though if I didn't have to work I would live in Brown's bay or Red beach area north of auckland. Perfect weather both winter and summer. Beach, sea, cafe culture and yes - foreigners. More settled than Wellington that has a lot of immigrants moving in and out. One day - that is definitely where I am going to settle!