Good Places to Retire in Central America

As retirees search for destinations that offer a low cost of living, beautiful scenery, an active lifestyle and friendly people, Central America is the choice for many. Many of them also offer a thriving ex-pat community and quality healthcare. Let’s look at what Central America has to offer for retirees and some of the best places to retire in South America, too.

Here are some of the best places to retire in Central and South America.

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is also a popular tourist destination. There is plenty to do outside of the usual tourist attractions. It is close to Guatemala City, so you can get a more cosmopolitan experience only an hour away. Many retirees choose Antigua because you can sample a wide variety of ethnic cuisines, and rent is about ​$250​ a month.

Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language, but you will find many other people here who are multi-lingual. If you like lots of sand and mangrove trees, this might be the perfect spot for your retirement. The country ranges from sparsely populated areas to modern cities.

It is filled with unique artist shops and things to do. This city is a little more costly than the mainland, but it is much cheaper than living in the United States.

One of the main reasons for moving to Granada is that they have universal health care. You can live comfortably in a grand colonial home for around ​$1,500​ per month. The ex-pat community in Granada is beginning to formalize groups to help the Nicaraguan people, so if you would like to do something good for those in need in your retirement, there are plenty of opportunities.

If you are looking for a simple life after retirement, La Ceiba offers a year-round average temperature of around ​82 degrees ​Fahrenheit, plus beautiful mountains, rivers and beaches. It is a tropical paradise, and you can live a simple life for about ​$600​ per month. The only caveat is that some areas are so remote that utilities are difficult to obtain, but if you want affordability in a beautiful setting, this city offers many options.

The city of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay offers gorgeous scenery and a slower pace. It is one of the best places to retire in South America, and it is close to Punta del Este. It is one of the best South American cities to live in because it is a UNESCO heritage site and only has around ​26,000​ people. They are known for their excellent fresh produce, wines and local cheeses.

One of the best South American cities to live in is Quito, Ecuador. A couple can live comfortably for around ​$1,500​ per month. It offers an international city setting and has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It is also one of the best South American cities to live in because it is a cosmopolitan city with many ex-pats from Europe, Asia and North America. You can find almost any type of housing from upscale condos to something smaller and more affordable.

Now you know some of the best places in Central America to retire and some of the best places to retire in South America. The best news is that the cities on this list are budget-friendly, and you can enjoy your retirement in a tropical paradise. You also might want to explore some of the other cities surrounding these areas for even more affordable options.