In a word, the thing you should be most concern

In a word, the thing you should be most concerned about regarding retiring or moving abroad is EXPECTATIONS. If you avoid having them you'll be pleasantly surprised by so many things and less annoyed by other things (punctuality etc). I believe that when people retire or move abroad for the right reasons, they live happy, interesting and fulfilling lives. I know a few people who have moved overseas to "escape". It's one thing to re-invent yourself and that's fantastic, but just be wary about your reasons for this move. Wherever you go, there you are :)