Best Places In The World To Retire

I agree that Panama is outside of the area that is regularly hit by hurricanes. But it is not accurate to say that a hurricane has never hit Panama.

 

Hurricane Martha hit Panama in 1969 and this was not the first, nor the last. Just a few months ago, Hurricane Sandy started right here. The news reports say that it started "just north of Panama". But in fact, Sandy blew out a window from my home before these news reports even caught wind of the story.

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I agree that Panama is outside of the area that is regularly hit by hurricanes. But it is not accurate to say that a hurricane has never hit Panama.

 

Hurricane Martha hit Panama in 1969 and this was not the first, nor the last. Just a few months ago, Hurricane Sandy started right here. The news reports say that it started "just north of Panama". But in fact, Sandy blew out a window from my home before these news reports even caught wind of the story.

 

It may be fair to say that Panama should experience fewer hurricanes than the countries that are regularly hit. But with ever-changing worldwide weather patterns, it would be foolish to assume that no hurricane will ever hit Panama. 

Property taxes in Belize are very low.

 

Belize property taxes are usually assessed at 1% of the value of the property in rural areas and, in the towns and cities, these are assessed at around 7% of the value per year.  However, the assessed value is generally MUCH lower than what you would expect to pay. 

 

For example, we have lots for sale priced at $21,000 USD, so you would expect the property tax of 1% to be $210 USD.  However,...

Property taxes in Belize are very low.

 

Belize property taxes are usually assessed at 1% of the value of the property in rural areas and, in the towns and cities, these are assessed at around 7% of the value per year.  However, the assessed value is generally MUCH lower than what you would expect to pay. 

 

For example, we have lots for sale priced at $21,000 USD, so you would expect the property tax of 1% to be $210 USD.  However, the annual property taxes on these lots are $7.50 USD per year which is not even 1/3 of .1% of the value of the property. Owners can opt to pay many years in advance, if they so choose. In the city we have a lot for $50,000 USD and property taxes are only $300 USD per year (.6%).

For me, Spain would be one of the best places in the world to live. I love Spain. The cost of living in Spain is less expensive than most of Europe, the people are great, very fun and lively, and the climate is terrific. In Spain, there’s so much to see if you’re interested in castles and medieval history, beaches, and beautiful mountains. The food in Spain is also great. Overall, I find the people as one of the biggest draws to Spain.
 
The second best place in the...

For me, Spain would be one of the best places in the world to live. I love Spain. The cost of living in Spain is less expensive than most of Europe, the people are great, very fun and lively, and the climate is terrific. In Spain, there’s so much to see if you’re interested in castles and medieval history, beaches, and beautiful mountains. The food in Spain is also great. Overall, I find the people as one of the biggest draws to Spain.
 
The second best place in the world to live is Brazil. Brazil has an absolutely stunning natural beauty. It’s absolutely beautiful. In addition, the people are one of Brazil’s best resources and the cost of living in Brazil is much lower than in the United States.
 
However, people are getting a bad impression of Brazil because of the way the press shows crime. The crime in Brazil is not really as bad as people think or say. Brazil is just like Mexico, where you get respected if you mind your own business, do your own thing, and stay out of areas where you shouldn’t be, anyway. I lived in Brazil for over a year and can attest to that based on my experience. I never had one problem at all in Brazil. In fact, I had more problems in New York and Chicago than I had in Brazil. 

 

(Castle in Segovia, Spain, pictured.)