Retirement plan?

[Atlantagaguy]

I am hoping to retire in a couple of years, I will be 55. I am hoping to downsize my home, it’s too big and I want a smaller place. I am hoping to more out of Georgia. I want to move closer to a university where I can take some classes and take advantage of the sports, theater and music venues that a college campus would offer. I also want to be able to go and rent an apartment for 2-3 months in places like Thailand, Columbia,Panama, Costa Rica, Prague, and Montreal for an example.

Here is my question. Have any of you guys rented in different countries?Did you enjoy your stays? How do you go about renting? And if you have done this before please give me a range of what a nice, clean, and safe place would cost. Just to let you know I don’t require luxury, I am just as happy at aHampton Inn vs. Hilton. Any suggestion would be appreciated!

[bigvalboy]

I am hoping to retire in a couple of years, I will be 55. I am hoping to downsize my home, it’s too big and I want a smaller place. I am hoping to more out of Georgia. I want to move closer to a university where I can take some classes and take advantage of the sports, theater and music venues that a college campus would offer. I also want to be able to go and rent an apartment for 2-3 months in places like Thailand, Columbia,Panama, Costa Rica, Prague, and Montreal for an example.

Here is my question. Have any of you guys rented in different countries?Did you enjoy your stays? How do you go about renting? And if you have done this before please give me a range of what a nice, clean, and safe place would cost. Just to let you know I don’t require luxury, I am just as happy at aHampton Inn vs. Hilton. Any suggestion would be appreciated!

 

My suggestion would be to contact Steven Draker for all things in Europe. He travels extensively throughout and possibly has valuable infor for you. Lucky for info on Thailand. While he and I have both discussed the possibility of living in Thailand, I decided not to. He might, on the other hand, have investigated it further.

[Atlantagaguy]

My suggestion would be to contact Steven Draker for all things in Europe. He travels extensively throughout and possibly has valuable infor for you. Lucky for info on Thailand. While he and I have both discussed the possibility of living in Thailand, I decided not to. He might, on the other hand, have investigated it further.

 

Thanks for the info. I have sent a couple of member’s pvt messages to get info, because they had posted that they lived in certain areas that I was interested in. They have not responded. So I thought I would hit the masses. I am hoping I could get some good info and leads on maybe an organization they does international rentals. Thanks again!

[Atlantagaguy]

I want to get laid in a foreign country!

 

Do you think I should have Title this tread “I want to get laid in a foreign country”?

[Diverdan]

No,

I think you had the right title, but probably there are very few posters here with first hand about living or retiring in another country. I do know that there are a lot of Americans who have retired in Costa Rica, but not sure about gay men doing that. It is quite a reasonable place to stay. I know that some have retired in Thailand, but the government there is less than optimally stable. There are international organizations that specialize in this work, but I don't have any references for you. I suggest you spend some time browsing the internet and perhaps contacting some of the gay organizations in other countries. Most developed countries have both local (major cities) and national gay organizations that may be of some help to you. Good luck and let us know what you find.

DD

[bigvalboy]

I do know that there are a lot of Americans who have retired in Costa Rica, but not sure about gay men doing that.

 

I actually know two gay couples over the years that have retired to Costa Rica. I do know that real estate prices have really gone up there in recent years. They bought in when prices were a steal when compared to US prices. I know you have to really hunt for the bargains, and it should be noted that the two couples that moved there were just that, couples. I am not sure what the social climate would be like if you are a single gay male. And I know of one guy who just moved to Panama City, while he and others have said that it is a fantastic place for retirement, I personally have my doubts and reservations. Yes you can buy on the 'cheap' but I have concerns about mainly health care and the stablility of the government. While there are a lot of concerns, all of this is certainly worth investigating.

[Guest]

Have you considered Puerto Vallarta? The city has lots of retired gay men, a highly developed gay culture, and lots of men for hire. As with most tropical locations, it has a rainy season and a dry (November-April) season. Lots of gay men buy (or rent) houses in the Conchas Chinas neighborhood. There are lots of strippers there for hire. If this sort of thing would interest you, I'm sure it's easy to find a guy who you could hire as a houseboy. Puerto Vallarta also has lots of great restaurants for various budgets, and lots of different activities to enjoy. The culture of Guadalajara is a 3-4 hour drive or luxury bus ride away (airline-type seats, showing movies in English).

[bbowlgt]

Sites such as http://www.vrbo.com have extensive listings of rental properties. I have stayed in Europe this way before. Sometimes the properties are hit and miss, but at least it's a start. I wouldn't book a long stay anywhere on my first visit, but if I liked a spot I would see how flexible the Owner is. In my experience owners are typically more than willing to do a longer rental at a slightly reduced rate with a responsible / repeat guest. Particularly if this were to occur in the off season.

[bigvalboy]

Have you considered Puerto Vallarta? The city has lots of retired gay men, a highly developed gay culture, and lots of men for hire. As with most tropical locations, it has a rainy season and a dry (November-April) season. Lots of gay men buy (or rent) houses in the Conchas Chinas neighborhood. There are lots of strippers there for hire. If this sort of thing would interest you, I'm sure it's easy to find a guy who you could hire as a houseboy. Puerto Vallarta also has lots of great restaurants for various budgets, and lots of different activities to enjoy. The culture of Guadalajara is a 3-4 hour drive or luxury bus ride away (airline-type seats, showing movies in English).

 

Excellent idea on Puerto Vallarta...Epigonos and I just had a long discussion on PV. He goes annually and rents a Condo there. He know the rental market fairly well. Might be a good connection.

[Atlantagaguy]

Thanks, great comments guys! As I said earlier in my post that I am looking to do just short term rentals 2-3 months, what I do want is not to go to the same country each year. I think while I am young enough I want to experience different cultures. I did get a message from a guy who rents an apartment for $300 per month in Phuket and only 3 blocks from the beach and access to the cute Thai boys! I am also going to look into Puerto Vallarta, sounds very interesting!

[down_to_business]

Saw this article today and thought of your question. Hope you find something useful in it:

 

..

 

10 Countries Where Retirees Live Large

By Jason Notte | TheStreet.com – 4 hours ago.. .

 

 

Retirement in the United States is nice and all, until they ask you to actually pay for stuff.

 

When retirees' nest eggs are a finite and dwindling resource, rising local and federal taxes can put even the staunchest, flag-draped patriotism to the test. If retirees are willing to leave the states behind, the savings can be substantial.

 

The folks at International Living crunched the numbers and looked at the price of simple staples, assimilation and staying in touch with family left behind. The following countries scored high marks not only for their inexpensive living, but for overall friendliness toward American retirees:

 

Panama

 

A retiree has it pretty sweet in Panama, where a program commonly known as pensionado help retirees settle in quickly. International Living says retirees can live like kings here for $1,500 to $2,000 a month and score apartments for less than $500 a month or buy waterfront condos for less than $200,000. Pensionado, meanwhile, gives users 15% off fast food, 15% off at hospitals and clinics, 20% off professional services used in Panama, 25% off the price of food eaten in a sit-down restaurant; 25% off domestic flights on Copa Airlines, a 30% discount on public transport and 50% off movies, theater tickets and sporting events. There's no age limit for the service, either, so help yourself.

 

Mexico

 

Considering the tensions over the state of Mexico/U.S. immigration law, it's at the very least amusing to consider American workers streaming south to chase their retirement dreams. But great homes on Mexico's Caribbean coast go for less than $170,000 while places such as Lake Chapala are home to dozens of expat communities. It's not such a bad place for snowbirds, either. It's the only retirement destination on this list withing driving distance, and retirees can rent out their properties in the off months to cover costs.

 

Malaysia

 

The country's My Second Home retirement benefits program for all foreigners is a great draw, but so is the quality Internet access, cellphone coverage and roads. It also helps that it's dirt cheap. A sea-view apartment with a pool and gym on Penang Island goes for $1,000 a month, and big-budget movies usually premiere here, are shown in English and go for about $4. Oh, and there's plenty of English being spoken as well.

 

 

Colombia

 

Medellin has a notorious reputation among Americans who know it mostly for its drug-laden past, but that hasn't prevented a huge expat population from springing up within city limits. Medellin's El Poblado district has Japanese, French, seafood and Italian restaurants within a block of each other. Its health care system ranks atop any other stop on this list, while the cost of everything from housing to entertainment are a great fit for a fixed income.

 

New Zealand

 

The English speaking certainly helps, but so do the winters that come during an American summer. That's some pretty costly snowbirding, so maybe the proliferation and low cost of every day amenities as well as more frivolous items should be seen as long-term investments. New Zealand's reputation for healthy living and near-absent pollution should also appeal to those who want to extend retirement as long as possible.

 

 

Nicaragua

 

A visit to the doctor is $15. Overall health care can cost as much as 60% less than the U.S., while U.S.-trained doctors speak English and will make house calls. A huge expat population in the colonial city of Granada spends about around $1,200 a month to live there, considering a small house can be $500 to $1,000 a month to rent. The best steak dinner in town runs about $13, while regular meals go for half that and "local meals" are $2 to $3. Local beer, meanwhile, runs between 75 cents and $1.50. This makes Florida's cost of living look like Manhattan's.

 

Spain

 

Wait, the same Spain that just dodged a bailout and is still dealing with crushing debt? Yep, that's the one, but austerity measures haven't bitten into the best of what Spain has to offer. This is by no means the cheapest option on the list and, in fact, has the most expensive real estate of any country listed. That said, it's really easy to fit in, with near-ubiquitous English, three-course meals for less than $20 and modern infrastructure that places high value on convenient, punctual rail service. Combine that with teeming culture and tons of ways to pass the time and Spain can be a great fit for retirees who've already weathered a shaky economy.

 

Thailand

 

About $500 a month is enough to score a nice new home just about anywhere in Thailand. One of International Living's contributors pays just $222 a month for a beachside bungalow with air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi and a refrigerator. Altogether, the cost of living in Thailand sets retirees back only about $1,000 a month while giving them great amenities and vibrant cultural and entertainment options. Bangkok still gets pretty wild, but loads of expats and lots of English speakers help ease the transition.

 

Honduras

 

The benefits offered to retirees beyond the three-hour flights back to see the kids are fairly substantial, especially considering that expats living on beachfront property can do well here on less than $1,500 a month. The scuba diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and surfing are lovely too. But even Honduras can't top the last entry on our list:

 

 

Ecuador

 

This basically is Florida or Arizona for the expat community. The country's retirement benefits package includes 50% off transportation, utility bills, international round-trip flights originating in Ecuador and tickets for cultural and sporting events. Foreigners can also enroll in Ecuador's Social Security medical program for $57 a month. Those over 65 also pay lower income tax. Penthouse suites and beachfront condos go for $50,000, while beachfront rentals hover around $500 a month. A retiree's entire cost of living rounds out to roughly $800 to $1,500 a month, and the neighbors more often than not are either A) other expats or B) English-speaking locals. We'll warn that this isn't exactly undiscovered country among retirees, but it's several steps up from the costly retirement kennels and golf carts of more costly American hot spots.

[robberbaron4u]

San Miguel Allende.

[Diverdan]

I would be very cautious about retiring to Mexico. I have a good friend who with his partner purchased a small home in Mexico City. The friend came back to the US to finish some business while the partner stayed on and supervised the rennovations. Sadly, the partner was murdered, the house was ransacked and the safe deposit at the local mexican bank was cleaned out. The surviving partner had evidence that the men who were doing the rennovations were responsible for the murder and ransacking. THe surviving partner had the house torn down and is selling the property. Even though he went to the police with the evidence, they said it was a "gay dispute" and would not do anything. He also had to spend an extraordinary amount of money to pay off the police and others to get his partners body and ship it to the USA for a proper burial. Sad, but true. As a result of this, I will never go anywhere in Mexico again.

[+ WilliamM]

Prague & University Life

 

I want to move closer to a university where I can take some classes and take advantage of the sports' date=' theater and music venues that a college campus would offer. .[/color']

Here is my question. Have any of you guys rented in different countries?Did you enjoy your stays? How do you go about renting? And if you have done this before please give me a range of what a nice, clean, and safe place would cost. Just to let you know I don’t require luxury, I am just as happy at aHampton Inn vs. Hilton. Any suggestion would be appreciated!

 

I rented an apartment in Prague's Old Town exactly two years ago. It was relatively cheap by European standards. I loved living in Prague, and exploring the city. Prague is an easy place to meet people, and there are plenty of boys for rent.

 

Also, I have taken courses at a major university close by. It is very nice to be part of campus life, however small my role. Some universities offer courses just for people 55-years old or older. My advise is to take courses that the regular students take each semester. You will be surprised how friendly the professors and the students are to us older folks.

[orbital sander]

I would be very cautious about retiring to Mexico. I have a good friend who with his partner purchased a small home in Mexico City. The friend came back to the US to finish some business while the partner stayed on and supervised the rennovations. Sadly, the partner was murdered, the house was ransacked and the safe deposit at the local mexican bank was cleaned out. The surviving partner had evidence that the men who were doing the rennovations were responsible for the murder and ransacking. THe surviving partner had the house torn down and is selling the property. Even though he went to the police with the evidence, they said it was a "gay dispute" and would not do anything. He also had to spend an extraordinary amount of money to pay off the police and others to get his partners body and ship it to the USA for a proper burial. Sad, but true. As a result of this, I will never go anywhere in Mexico again.

 

What a horrible story, I am very sorry for your friend, how does one ever recover from such a thing?

[trilingual]

If I understood your inquiry correctly, it sounded like you'd like to be near a university in the U.S. and be able to spend several months a year abroad. If that's your plan I can suggest my own hometown, Kansas City. It's one of the most affordable cities in the U.S., so your retirement dollars will go pretty far. It's a major medical center, so you can have all your health care needs met in town. (Medicare does NOT cover you overseas -- your supplemental insurance may, depending on the company and the policy terms.) I live in Overland Park, a suburb on the Kansas side. It only takes about 15 minutes or so to get downtown to cultural events via the freeway. There are lots of courses offered for seniors at the Johnson County Community College and the local campus of the University of Kansas. The main campus in Lawrence is only 30 minutes away by freeway (and if you don't want to drive there's local bus service every half hour). There's a large and active gay community here, good restaurants, ethnic markets, fine museums and a superb new performing arts center, so you won't lack for urban amenities.

 

As for life overseas, there's always Brazil -- you could go for three months at a time without too much trouble on a tourist visa. Apartment rentals there aren't as cheap as in some other countries, but you probably can get a decent deal on a 3-month rental, and if you find a place you like you can probably work something out with the owner to rent it on a regular basis. Rio is the biggest draw, but there are other cities that are very nice and less expensive but with all the attractions you want in Brazil, like hot men and saunas with boys! If you don't really care about beaches you can do well in large inland cities like Belo Horizonte or Curitiba or even Goiania. If you want beach life you can look into cities in the Northeast like Fortaleza, João Pessoa or Salvador. They're all large enough that they have the normal urban amenities like shopping malls and good restaurants as well as beaches and gay life. Hope this helps.

[robberbaron4u]

Certainly, a lesson in that "location" is "everything" in considering a "move". Mexico City, which is saturated with industrial polution and crime, would not have been on my list places to take up my residence.

[Atlantagaguy]

Thank you guys! I had giving up hope that I would get some suggestion. Great info and I really do appreciate the comments. As I said earlier I only want to spend maybe at the most 3 months of the year in a different country each year. Maybe if anyone else would want to do this we could form a retirement club and go to Brazil, Prague, panama, Thailand and/or where ever else. As long as we all understood we were there to do our own thing but watch out for each other. I think this would be very interesting and fun.

[+ WilliamM]

Location in Finding an Apartment

 

Thank you guys! Maybe if anyone else would want to do this we could form a retirement club and go to Brazil' date=' Prague, panama, Thailand and/or where ever else. As long as we all understood we were there to do our own thing but watch out for each other. I think this would be very interesting and fun.[/quote']

 

My preference has been Europe for the last decade, especially Paris. I rented an apartment near the Pasteur Institute in Montparnasse. It seemed fine, near public transportation and excellent food markets. But the building and the neighborhood were not tourist destinations, almost all middle class French families. Sometimes I had to make myself get back on public transportation in the evening to get into the center of Paris...very different from just walking out my door in Prague. I felt isolated in Montparnasse.

 

So location, as always, is key in finding an aprtment, or sharing with others (as you mentioned).

[+ Lucky]

Boy, these posts sure fuel my fantasies! Think of living here for a while, there for a while, not tied down to a mortgage or responsibilities...it could go on and on. Don't stop now, guys!