The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025

[Jennifer Stevens]

The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025

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Whether you envision mornings on a Mediterranean coast, afternoons exploring colonial towns, or evenings in the crisp mountain air, these regions represent the very best of what their countries have to offer. With input from on-the-ground correspondents and local expats, we’ve highlighted the neighborhoods, cities, and rural retreats that promise an unparalleled retirement experience in 2025.

Our full report points to 20 regions… on our workshop here, we’ve chosen a selection of them to focus on. Joining host Jennifer Stevens will be Bel Woodhouse, IL’s Mexico Correspondent; Tuula Rampont, IL’s France Correspondent; Bart Walters, IL’s Thailand Contributor; Terry Coles, IL’s Portugal Contributor; and Jessica Ramesch, IL’s Panama Editor.

You can also read about our six up-and-coming regions to watch for 2025, here.

[Molly Horner]

Hi Christine,
I am the correspondent for Greece and I have many single friends who have been able to enjoy an affordable lifestyle in Greece. There are many enclaves of communities with English speaking expats and most are bery friendly and welcoming I would recommend checking out Crete and the Peloponesse.
~Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspndent

[Molly Horner]

Hi Diane,
I have found holistic care medical options in Greece. They are more common in the larger cities, which cater to a wide variety of needs and interests. My holistic gynecologist is based in Athens, but does video consultations. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

In Greece, you will have the best luck for short term rentals (1 month) with AirBnB or Booking.com. Often the prices are discounted for one month rentals and also in the winter because it is off-season. There are also expat groups for many popular locations and sometimes people will list their homes or apartments for rent if they go away in the winter. If you come in the winter, many islands will seem shut down in the winter. Meaning many businesses and restaurants will be closed except in the larger cities. So, I would recommend choosing an area that has a more year round lifestyle. Focus on the slightly larger cities on the mainland or perhaps on Crete.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

Like Tuula, I only brought my clothes and sentimental personal items. I have some friends who are in the process of moving from North Carolina to Greece and they are bringing most of their household items via a shipping crate. It can be quite expensive, but they felt like it was worth it for the items they love and cherish. I would not bring large electronics and appliances as the power systems are 220 volt in Europe.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

Home health care is less common in Greece, I do know that some families hire a live-in caretaker and so that may be an option for you. I would focus my attention on the larger cities, like Athens and Thessaloniki which have the better hospitals and medical networks.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

Hi Susan,
My husband just turned 65, and we successfully enrolled him in Medicare A/B all from our home in Greece. We still carry private insurance ($140/mo) in Greece, since Medicare does not cover most medical costs abroad. He is going to delay taking his Social Security until age 70, but you are still entitled to your benefits when living overseas.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

Yes, most areas will have storage facilities you can rent. I agree with Tuula, check the costs with shipping companies and then you will have a better idea of the costs to ship your personal items. I had some sticker shock when I saw the prices and made the decision to drastically down-size. I did give many family heirlooms and collectibles to my children and my siblings.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

Hi Paul,
In Greece, we have private health insurance and have had been pleased with the high quality of care from our doctors. There are a few companies that will cover you after 70, but many may exclude pre-existing conditions so it is worth comparing plans. It is not quick and easy to enroll in the public system in Greece, it takes some time and patience.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

Hi Gary,
I live in Greece and they have a tax program with a 7% flat tax on pension/Social security/retirement income for fifteen years. They do not tax other income unless it is obtained in Greece, such as rental income. I personally find this to be quite reasonable.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

[Molly Horner]

Hi Peter,
I live in an active expat community in Greece and I have many single friends who are very happy and socially well connected. If one of them is ill, it is common for others to bring them chicken soup or drive them to doctors appointments. I would recommend finding an area with an active and connected community. There are many of these communities in Greece.
Enjoy some scouting trips and find a place where you feel comfortable and welcomed.
Leena Horner, IL Greece Correspondent

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