Profiles Archives

Low Costs, Warm Weather, and Our Own Ranch on the Shores of Lake Chapala

Low Costs, Warm Weather, and Our Own Ranch on the Shores of Lake Chapala

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June 21, 2016

"I can’t believe this is our life now,” says expat Jane Holdren of her retirement to Mexico’s Lake Chapala. “All Frank and I have to do is walk a few yards to our stable, saddle up our horses, and we can ride for hours in magnificent, rolling country with breathtaking views in every direction. “We can see the entire eastern half of the lake from our ranch. We can also see the mountains to the north and east. We look out over an agricultural area between our ranch and the lake. It’s a breathtaking and gorgeous place to ride.”

Country Living Close to Big-City Amenities in the Orosí Valley

Country Living Close to Big-City Amenities in the Orosí Valley

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June 21, 2016

I take the bend on the winding and steep mountain road, and a patchwork of forest, farms, and pasture is spread out on the valley floor far below. A river, with large rocks creating whitecaps, cuts through the landscape. Beyond it I can see Lake Cachí, glittering in the mid-afternoon light between the shield of pine trees that lines its shore. The tall, thin poro trees are in full bloom. Their orange flowers look like autumn leaves at a distance. They’re a favorite of local farmers, because when their nitrogen-rich seed pods fall, they act as a natural fertilizer.

An Active, Healthy Lifestyle in Ecuador’s Highlands

An Active, Healthy Lifestyle in Ecuador’s Highlands

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May 23, 2016

“You could hike every day here and see something different,” says Kristin Simmon-Lowman of her new home in the highlands of Ecuador. “My friends and I just hiked Fuya Fuya (an inactive volcano), which was wonderful. Now we’re working up to doing Mount Imbabura (one of Ecuador’s most iconic mountains), so we’ve been getting a training system going to get in shape for that. There are waterfalls all around and a lot of lower foothills.”

Healthier and Happier in Medellín, Colombia

Healthier and Happier in Medellín, Colombia

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May 23, 2016

“For the good of my health, I had to make a change,” says expat Jennifer Enright of her decision to relocate to the Colombian city of Medellín. “I had to reinvent myself businesswise. After working for years as an executive head hunter for high-tech companies in Seattle, I had had enough. Too much rain and cold, and I injured myself from too much repetitive motion.”

The Automatic Health Benefits of Life in Matagalpa

The Automatic Health Benefits of Life in Matagalpa

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May 23, 2016

Lying in the northern mountains of Nicaragua, at the heart of coffee country, the city of Matagalpa is green all year round. With temperatures ranging from 59 F to 74 F, the cool breezes are a welcome break from the warmth of the lowlands. And even by Nicaraguan standards, Matagalpa is highly affordable: Figure $1,200 a month for a couple, all in. But these advantages aren’t all you’ll find here.

Escaping Cold, Rainy Oregon for Our Jungle Paradise in Santa Fe

Escaping Cold, Rainy Oregon for Our Jungle Paradise in Santa Fe

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May 23, 2016

"The stars here are incredible,” says expat Linda Ott of the views she and her partner Mike Short enjoy from their self-built home in Santa Fe, Panama. “There’s no light pollution. Orion’s Belt goes right over our house. And during the day, we can see hummingbirds, hawks, and toucans right from our terrace.”

Genteel Living in Sicilian Wine Country

Genteel Living in Sicilian Wine Country

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April 22, 2016

“We were tired of punching the clock, making other people rich, losing time,” says expat Benjamin North Spencer of his and his wife Nadine’s decision to relocate to Sicilian wine country. Here they enjoy a rural Mediterranean lifestyle for half the cost of living in California. “In Sicily, we really can measure and appreciate so many things that escaped our awareness when we were trapped in the cycles of American culture.”

Live Like Royalty in France’s “Valley of the Kings”

Live Like Royalty in France’s “Valley of the Kings”

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April 22, 2016

In the Loire Valley, the so-called “Valley of the Kings,” every day ends with a glass of affordable, delicious local wine. The mornings and afternoons are rich—full of leisurely cycle rides along the beautiful and famous Loire River, past verdant vineyards, visiting sprawling chateaux with their ancient towers and lush gardens, and strolling through historic, well-kept towns. The weather is mild and pleasant. And the cost of living is decidedly affordable.