It’s been a cold winter, and the snowbird culture is alive and well in Canada. The southern United States continues to swallow up planeloads and carloads of Canadians visiting for a few months each year. And good for them – they’ve earned their time in the sun.
But what if you’re more adventurous? You’re in or approaching retirement and looking for something more than sun. You want to experience a different culture, a different lifestyle – while still enjoying a break from the worst of winter.
This list of 10 places to retire abroad caught my eye for a couple of reasons. First, many of the locations I would never have considered for a retirement retreat. I was surprised at the countries and regions chosen, and it opened my eyes to some new possibilities. Second, the list is updated each year based on many factors, from currency changes to improvements to infrastructure. There’s clearly some rigour to the analysis.
The top 4 for 2017?
- Portugal’s Algarve Region
- Valletta, Malta
- Mazatlan, Mexico
- Abruzzo, Italy
The Forbes article has the full list for 2017, and you can click on the link at the beginning to sign up to receive the list for 2018. And if you’re looking at the tried and true U.S.A. to plant your winter roots, here are some suggestions:
If you buy abroad, put planning in place
If you do buy property outside of Canada, whether it’s in the U.S. or further abroad, the impact of this purchase on your estate should be addressed upfront, and reflected in your will and potentially in your tax planning due to different estates laws in different countries.
So, before you take the plunge, make sure you’ve surveyed the issues with a lawyer, ideally both in Canada and in the country in which you’re purchasing property. A little planning upfront can ensure you enjoy your winter retreat without worry or issue.
Thank you for reading … Have a great day,
Suzana Popovic-Montag