Perfect place to retire to?

[SpartacusF]

Let's say you were in your late fifties, ahem, single again, and aiming to retire or throttle back in a year or two and can work remotely. Where in the world would you retire to? Everyone's wishlist is different of course, so I'd be interested in yours. Mine is year-round minimum temperature of 20C, lots of nature nearby, possibly a bit of a classic car scene or motor racing within a couple of hours, probably English speaking, low crime and a 'quality' way of life.

[slopes]

Mine would essentially consist of living in Bakewell.

[Nickbrapp]

A smaller Greek island for me, or maybe Chania in Crete, lots of English speaking, lots of pretty ladies and pretty good weather in winter.

[ARHarh]

Shropshire, North Wales border. Already made the choice and done it.

[Dave.]

slopes said:

Mine would essentially consist of living in Bakewell.

Would you say it was a slice of heaven, or is it just for the tarts?

[98elise]

Weather wise you can't beat south Tenerife.

[seyre1972]

Canada - Vancouver apartment with views over the bay (they even had a M&S until 2000 ) Then a house in Whistler as well …. Don't want much out of life really ….

[slopes]

Dave. said:

slopes said:

Mine would essentially consist of living in Bakewell.

Would you say it was a slice of heaven, or is it just for the tarts?

Little bit of both

[Robbo 27]

Been to many countries and of the few that I would want to retire to New Zealand, is top of the list, high property prices is the only downside.

[PushedDover]

Monohull rather than a catamaran. About 60ft, eastern Med.

[vixen1700]

Southern France for me.

[Jasandjules]

Possibly Portugal. Close enough to come home quickly if needs be.

[Bill]

House with a sea view on the south coast and a rugged camper for touring.

[mikeiow]

I feel the answer is whatever part of Britain that floats your boat, & (for me!) has good mates around, with the option of some trips for a bit of winter sunshine or indeed snow thrown in. The ideal for me would be to spend months in various places (including “home”), but that needs money...

I’d miss “seasons” if I lived somewhere permanently warm.
I’d also miss pubs, comedy shows, pals.
Feels to me like a lot of folk can’t have overly happy lives if they look to run away from everything they built up over many years. Maybe I’m odd!
Life is a painting.....make yours a masterpiece

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Central London, Soho, or anywhere with a W1 postcode. Get rid of the cars, and walk, cycle and use public transport. The very best of everything you could want is on your doorstep.

It's a mistake to opt for the quiet life as you get older. You need noise, crowds, etc.

[Bill]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

Central London, Soho, or anywhere with a W1 postcode. Get rid of the cars, and walk, cycle and use public transport. The very best of everything you could want is on your doorstep.

It's a mistake to opt for the quiet life as you get older. You need noise, crowds, etc.

You might, it'd be hell for many.

[ZOLLAR]

SpartacusF said:

Let's say you were in your late fifties, ahem, single again, and aiming to retire or throttle back in a year or two and can work remotely. Where in the world would you retire to? Everyone's wishlist is different of course, so I'd be interested in yours. Mine is year-round minimum temperature of 20C, lots of nature nearby, possibly a bit of a classic car scene or motor racing within a couple of hours, probably English speaking, low crime and a 'quality' way of life.

Andorra for me.
Went there last year and loved the place, plenty of skiing in the winter and beautiful summers with many mountains for hiking.

Easy to access France and Spain as well as not being far from Italy.

Only downside is no major airport.

[MatteAva]

Jasandjules said:

Possibly Portugal. Close enough to come home quickly if needs be.

Really good tax regimen for pensioners as well.

[stu67]

Not one for too much sun but can see the advantage of a warmer climate but my vote would be Ireland. My family are from Co.Wexford, my old mum still lives over there, mum and dad retired back there years ago. Every time I go back I find it more difficult to return to London. Putting aside the main cities it's a wonderful place. Having worked on most continents during my career people generally do not know how fortunate they are to live in the UK / Ireland, sure there are warmer, cheaper options but give me a "soft" day and a pint any day.

[languagetimothy]

I recently moved to Portugal. Ive had an apartment here for years so a home was already here.
I'm 56 but retired five years ago. With a couple of small pensions that are more than enough to cover all my outgoings (utilities, food etc.,) with quite a bit left over. Could survive on them alone easily.

My London house was sold giving me a good wedge to invest. Of course behing PH I bought new car, Ibiza FR Sport. Food is cheaper as is the vino (I for found a particularly good one that's Eur 6 for five litres!) some places with happy hour I'm paying 80c for a pint of Sagres.

It's a bit chilly here today but sunny. Around Christmas I could be found having a beer in the sun wearing a T-shirt.

Getting to the uk back if needed is easy as is elsewhere in Europe.

Most of December was spent at the GFs place which is only about 20mins drive away on some very good twisties..

Aaaah