Spain named in top 10 global retirement paradises

/ Latest News, Leisure & Pleasure, Real estate market on the Costa del Sol, Recommendations, Remarkable places / By

For those of us who live here, it is no secret that Spain offers a great way of life to those expats who have chosen to make it their home.

This information may be old hat to many Europeans who have long chosen the country as a favourite retirement spot, but the news is spreading further afield, with Spain having been named in the top ten of a global list of best places to retire to.

According to the ranking drawn up by USA-based International Living magazine, Spain came in ninth overall with a score of 83.6 points, just ahead of Portugal, the only other European country in the top ten. The list actually includes a total of 23 countries with, of the European nations, France 13th, Italy 16th and, perhaps surprisingly, Ireland in 20th spot.

The news ties in with an increase in the importance of the USA to the Spanish property market. American groups have been moving in to Spanish real estate—for example witness the recent takeover of Sotogrande S.A. by US investment funds—and the relative strength of the dollar against the euro is making Spain even more affordable to US citizens.

Indeed, it could be said that Marbella—highly popular with US celebrities in the early days—is being rediscovered by Americans, especially after the publicity the town received following First Lady Michele Obama’s visit in 2010.

The ranking takes into account ten different variables, such as the quality of infrastructure, tax benefits, quality of life, weather and entertainment—the very factors that attract European retirees too.

In this year’s ranking, known as the Global Retirement Index, Panama ranks as the paradise for over 65 years-olds thanks to tax benefits, healthy living, lifestyle benefits and affordability. Both Spain and Portugal stand out for the quality of infrastructure and their healthy lifestyles. In the case of Spain, the publication also highlights the landscape, climate, entertainment and culture as distinguishing factors. Healthcare and the relatively low cost of living are also rated highly by the report.

According to International Living, all these factors combine to make Spain the best country in Europe to retire to—a statement that we heartily agree with! Source: International Living

Spain named in top 10 global retirement paradises

/ Latest News / By

For those of us who live here, it is no secret that Spain offers a great way of life to those expats who have chosen to make it their home.

This information may be old hat to many Europeans who have long chosen the country as a favourite retirement spot, but the news is spreading further afield, with Spain having been named in the top ten of a global list of best places to retire to.

According to the ranking drawn up by USA-based International Living magazine, Spain came in ninth overall with a score of 83.6 points, just ahead of Portugal, the only other European country in the top ten. The list actually includes a total of 23 countries with, of the European nations, France 13th, Italy 16th and, perhaps surprisingly, Ireland in 20th spot.

The news ties in with an increase in the importance of the USA to the Spanish property market. American groups have been moving in to Spanish real estate—for example witness the recent takeover of Sotogrande S.A. by US investment funds—and the relative strength of the dollar against the euro is making Spain even more affordable to US citizens.

Indeed, it could be said that Marbella—highly popular with US celebrities in the early days—is being rediscovered by Americans, especially after the publicity the town received following First Lady Michele Obama’s visit in 2010.

The ranking takes into account ten different variables, such as the quality of infrastructure, tax benefits, quality of life, weather and entertainment—the very factors that attract European retirees too.

In this year’s ranking, known as the Global Retirement Index, Panama ranks as the paradise for over 65 years-olds thanks to tax benefits, healthy living, lifestyle benefits and affordability. Both Spain and Portugal stand out for the quality of infrastructure and their healthy lifestyles. In the case of Spain, the publication also highlights the landscape, climate, entertainment and culture as distinguishing factors. Healthcare and the relatively low cost of living are also rated highly by the report.

According to International Living, all these factors combine to make Spain the best country in Europe to retire to—a statement that we heartily agree with! Source: International Living