Dreaming about reinventing your life somewhere sun-drenched, safe, warm, welcoming, affordable, and adventure-filled this new year?
We’ve got you covered.
Our just released 17th Annual Retire Overseas Index digs deep into the world’s 14 best places to retire overseas in 2025.
Each location is thin-sliced… because speaking about a country as a whole is a waste of your time.
Then each location is considered through 13 filters and graded for each of these issues of greatest importance to the retiree.
The result is the most comprehensive and useful guide to where and how to retire overseas available anywhere, packed with data and in-depth analysis to help you determine which of these tempting spots could be the place to launch the new life of your wildest retirement dreams.
Here’s a sneak peek at what this invaluable resource shares… our picks for the world’s top five retirement havens right now…
Top Pick #5: Mazatlán, Mexico
- Easy transition to life “overseas”… close and familiar for Americans and Canadians
- Waterfront Spanish-colonial historic center with vast entertainment and dining options
- Affordable beachside living, including undervalued property
Average Cost Of Living For Two: $2,069
Cost Of Living: A-
Health Care: B+
Entertainment: A-
Recreation: B+
English Spoken: A
Expat Community: A+
Infrastructure: A-
Access To North America: A+
Environmental Factors: B-
Safety: C+
Real Estate Restrictions: B+
Residency: A-
Taxes: B+
When it comes to affordable, accessible coastal living, Mazatlán is hard to beat. Often called “The Pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlán’s top selling point is its 13 miles of golden beaches with clean, swimmable waters.
The beaches are lined by a vibrant boardwalk known as the Malecón, one of the longest seaside promenades in the world. It’s always abuzz with people walking, exercising, and socializing.
Mazatlán is warm year-round, and beyond the beaches, residents can explore offshore islands, hike in nearby mountains, or visit nature reserves to spot wildlife.
People are friendly, and there’s a thriving expat community that is welcoming and supportive, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home quickly.
But what makes Mazatlán different from any other resort town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast?
First, it boasts a sizeable historic district known as the Centro Histórico that is full of charming Spanish-colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas.
This is the place to go for a great meal out, drinks and live music, or a theater performance. From museums to festivals to the art scene, there’s always something going on in the Centro Histórico.
Second, Mazatlán is affordable. It’s less expensive than its resort-town counterparts like Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta. This applies not only to the day-to-day cost of living but also the cost of well-appointed seaside real estate as well.
Third, Mazatlán is more than just a resort town; it’s also a real Mexican city of about half a million people. There’s a sizeable expat community, but it doesn’t overwhelm the local culture.
This is still a Mexican city, which means that you have the opportunity to immerse yourself and have a culturally authentic experience, if you wish to.
On top of this, Mazatlán has many English speakers, and it offers all the familiarity and convenience that make Mexico the most popular international destination for Americans and Canadians. You’ll find familiar shops like Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and AutoZone here, as well as local chains.
If you find the prospect of launching a new life in a new country daunting, Mazatlán could be your soft landing. It also comes with great weather, sandy beaches, a sprawling historic center, and a friendly expat community.
Top Pick #4: Crete, Greece
- Highest sunshine hours in all Greece
- Cretan cuisine at its freshest and most affordable
- Beautiful beaches and dramatic Mediterranean scenery
Average Cost Of Living For Two: $1,873
Cost Of Living: A
Health Care: A
Entertainment: B
Recreation: A+
English Spoken: B+
Expat Community: A
Infrastructure: B
Access To North America: C+
Environmental Factors: B+
Safety: A+
Real Estate Restrictions: A
Residency: A
Taxes: A-
If your interests prioritize basking in the sun, enjoying life by the sea, exploring ancient ruins, and indulging in the original Mediterranean diet, look no farther than Crete.
The biggest island in Greece and the fifth biggest in the Mediterranean, Crete offers more lifestyle options than your typical island… from cities like Chania and Heraklion to untouched wilderness, from beach towns to snow-capped mountains, and from ancient olive groves to mountain villages.
Crete’s historical roots go deep. This was home to Europe’s first advanced civilization, the Minoans, and it has sat at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and Asia Minor for millennia. Evidence of this rich history is found across the island.
Chania, a city on the island’s northwest coast, is a microcosm of that history. In its Old Town alone, you find evidence of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Ottomans, and the Egyptians… every culture and civilization that touched Crete over time.
We think Chania is the best choice for expats on Crete. Besides a charming Venetian port, Chania Old Town is a labyrinth of homes, museums, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and ancient churches, partly encircled by the ancient city walls.
What else makes Crete an overseas haven for the estimated 18,000 expats that live here? The Mediterranean climate is a big factor, and Crete gets some of the most sunshine hours in all of Europe.
You’re never far from the glistening Mediterranean Sea, and the beaches are the ideal place to cool off on hot summer days.
Crete also has mountains that you can ski on, the record-breaking Samariá Gorge (the longest in Europe), and other unique land formations that provide endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Crete is big enough that it’s easy to stave off island fever.
And it’s easy and inexpensive to get away, with low-cost airlines serving its two international airports as well as boats and ferries.
It’s also big enough to offer a multifaceted property market with different property types (from restoration projects to new builds) and price points to suit all budgets.
Just about anyone who visits Crete and Chania specifically would be delighted with the island life here… especially if you love sunshine and being outdoors, enjoy learning about ancient history, and like a laid-back version of the European lifestyle.
Top Pick #3: Medellin, Colombia
- “Perfect” spring-like weather year-round that’s not too hot and not too cold
- Innovative urban living, with high quality infrastructure, excellent health care, and a well-connected city
- Euro-chic, culturally vibrant environment with events, museums, galleries, art, and gastronomy
Average Cost Of Living For Two: $1,688
Cost Of Living: A
Health Care: A+
Entertainment: A+
Recreation: B
English Spoken: B
Expat Community: B
Infrastructure: A+
Access To North America: A
Environmental Factors: B
Safety: C+
Real Estate Restrictions: A+
Residency: A+
Taxes: B
Medellín is one of the world’s most livable cities thanks to its efficient public transportation system, friendly locals, ample green spaces, and weather that most people would describe as perfect. It’s never too cold or too hot, so utility bills stay low because you don’t need to heat or cool your home.
Its varied cosmopolitan offerings almost put it on par with the world’s top metropolises… However, unlike comparable destinations, life in Medellín is inexpensive, particularly for American retirees. The U.S. dollar-to-Colombian-peso exchange rate accentuates the already-low prices.
This city has a special energy, which emanates from the fun-loving locals, known as Paisas. They’re undeniably proud of their city and famous for their friendliness.
Paisas are also famous for their colorful regional culture. As an expat, you can experience this culture simply by sticking around for a year and living out its jam-packed events calendar. A world-renowned flower festival happens every August; the International Poetry Prize, International Jazz Festival, and International Tango and World Latin Dance Festivals are held every year.
There are museums all over town, including open-air ones like the Botero Sculpture Park, where all you need to do is walk around to marvel at the iconic, larger-than-life statues to take in fine art. There’s opera in season, symphonies, theater, orchestra performances, and major concerts.
There’s also great shopping, dance clubs, nightclubs (even for the silver-haired crowd), and fine dining. With its vibrant art, music, and culinary scenes, the city’s energy is infectious. It’s easy to feel this and be a part of it, whether by checking out the street art, sitting down at a new restaurant, or signing up for salsa lessons. No matter what your interests are, you’ll never be bored here.
Colombia offers straightforward paths to residency, including visa options aimed at investors and retirees specifically.
When you consider the standard of living in Medellín, all of this adds up to incredible value. For the retiree or expat looking for a new life in a cosmopolitan setting, Medellín offers a Euro-chic lifestyle supported by modern comforts.
Top Pick #2: Cascais, Portugal
- Stunning Atlantic coastline with excellent beaches
- Proximity to Lisbon and all its conveniences
- A charming town with a big international expat community
Average Cost Of Living For Two: $3,523
Cost Of Living: C
Health Care: A
Entertainment: A
Recreation: A
English Spoken: A
Expat Community: A+
Infrastructure: A
Access To North America: B+
Environmental Factors: A
Safety: A
Real Estate Restrictions: A+
Residency: A
Taxes: C+
Once a sleepy fishing village, Cascais became a sunny playground for people from Lisbon, just 30 minutes away. In fact, some of Portugal’s most famous people have made Cascais their home, from a former president to national hero Cristiano Ronaldo, a world-famous soccer player.
Today, Cascais is a magnet for international expats seeking a safe, high-quality lifestyle overseas. It offers innumerable amenities, fantastic restaurants, tons of culture, gorgeous scenery, and more. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Portuguese city more liked by locals and expats.
The lifestyle in Cascais is laid-back yet vibrant. It sits on a stunning stretch of Atlantic coastline and offers golden beaches, which are the main draw for many. You’ll find secluded coves that are ideal for relaxation as well as more active stretches where you can surf and do water sports.
In town, there’s a mix of historical features—cobblestone streets, historic architecture, etc.—and modern amenities, like trendy cafés and restaurants.
Portugal’s health care system is highly regarded, schools are excellent, and public transportation is convenient and cheap. For anything that you can’t get in Cascais, Lisbon is only 30 minutes away and easily reached by train.
Cascais is safe and friendly, with a diverse community of expats that stands out for being so welcoming. It’s especially popular with families, but it also attracts retirees, digital nomads, singles, and professionals of all ages.
English is widely spoken, and it’s easy to connect with social clubs, networking events, language classes, and more. Despite the big international community, Cascais remains authentically Portuguese, from the local restaurants serving fresh seafood to the festivals and traditions that are kept alive.
Because Cascais is so highly sought after, prices for real estate and day-to-day expenses are higher than in other parts of Portugal. That said, the overall cost of living is still lower than costs in North America, and most expats are happy to pay the price for their above-average standard of living. It’s also easy to establish residency and even citizenship in Portugal.
All in all, this coastal beauty is a top choice if you seek a welcoming community that speaks English, mild and sunny weather year-round, and natural appeal plus modern amenities that combine to provide a balanced and fulfilling overseas lifestyle.
Top Pick #1: Valencia, Spain
- Spain’s third-largest city with excellent amenities and Mediterranean beaches
- Cultural vibrancy—architecture, gastronomy, and endless entertainment options
- Safe and affordable
Average Cost Of Living For Two: $2,363
Cost Of Living: B+
Health Care: A+
Entertainment: A+
Recreation: A+
English Spoken: B
Expat Community: A+
Infrastructure: A+
Access To North America: B+
Environmental Factors: B
Safety: A
Real Estate Restrictions: A+
Residency: B+
Taxes: C
For the second year running, we crown Valencia the #1 best place to live or retire overseas.
This sun-soaked city on Spain’s Mediterranean coast offers an unparalleled quality of life surrounded by beauty, cultural richness, and community.
Valencia’s unique blend of attributes is simply too appealing for it to be topped in 2025. It’s a vibrant, exciting city with endless things to see and do. It has golden-sand beaches with bright Mediterranean waters and warm, sunny weather year-round. Its infrastructure is excellent, including its public transportation system and health care facilities.
Valencia is safe, affordable, and friendly, with a welcoming community of locals and expats from around the world. It offers everything you could want in a dream Old World retirement.
Valencia has gained significant attention for its sustainability, innovation, and overall quality of life, and the list of accolades and honors awarded to it is endless.
One of its top draws is its affordability. Valencia is a shining example of how Europe—even an amenity-rich, old-world regional capital with an exceptional standard of living—can be more affordable than you might think. Everything from housing to health care to a bottle of wine costs less here.
The climate is another undeniable draw. Valencia gets about 2,700 hours of sunshine—300-plus sunny days—per year, with mild winters. It’s ideal for active, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, whether you explore Turia Gardens, the riverbed-turned-urban park that snakes its way through the city, go for leisurely strolls on Malvarrosa Beach, or play rounds of golf at the many nearby courses.
Valencia has long been famous for its architecture, and to walk its streets is to take in 2,000 years of history, from the medieval Islamic era to futuristic structures that look straight off the screens of science fiction films. The City of Arts and Sciences, a geometric architectural marvel, is perhaps Valencia’s most iconic building.
Valencia is walkable and well-connected with public transportation, so you can easily free yourself of car ownership and all its associated expenses. It’s also highly rated for health care, with modern facilities and highly trained professionals.
On top of all of this, Valencia is safe, the type of place where you can breathe easy.
When it comes to launching a fulfilling new life overseas, one that’s rich in adventure but at the same time comfortable and well-appointed, we can think of no better place than Valencia, Spain.
Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
P.S. These five top retirement havens are excerpted from our just-released 2025 Retire Overseas Index…
