Greece Listed Among Best Places to Retire by Global Retirement Index

Does 2023 mark the year you plan to retire? If you answered yes, and especially if the idea of retiring abroad appeals to you, then the 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index list of the best locations to retire, compiled by International Living, is a must-read. It comes as no surprise that several tropical locations are included in this list.

The magazine took into account factors such as healthcare, cost of living, visas, housing, and climate when putting together the list. It is not surprising that Greece was also included in the top ten locations for retirees to relocate to.

Specifically, International Living ranked Greece as the seventh best place to retire and settle down in 2023. Let’s take a look at what got Greece and a few other countries on this list in the highest place.

Greece ranks 7th among the top 10 countries to retire

The country includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas, of which 227 islands are inhabited. It’s easy to see why this beautiful country is a popular retirement destination simply based on this fact if one use his or her imagination.

The cost of living, standard of living, and medical treatment in Greece all got high scores. All of your basic needs, such as food and transportation, are around 20 percent cheaper than in the United States.

According to International Living, rent in some countries can be up to 70 percent more affordable than in the United States. Likewise, rent in Greece is much lower than in the U.S., though it certainly also varies from region to region, and more remote areas usually have lower costs of living.

Of course, learning Greek might be useful if you want to spend your retirement years in a more remote part of the country.

Furthermore, let’s think about the food! There’s a reason why Greek cuisine is so well-known across the world. The food is, simply speaking, some of the best in the world.

Greece is known for its healthy, affordable, and tasty cuisine, which includes everything from stuffed roasted tomatoes and flaky spinach or feta cheese pies to fresh, mouthwatering seafood and creamy, honey-drizzled yogurt.

Don’t be shocked if your Greek friends insist on sharing a meal with you when you go out to a restaurant, though, as food plays a central role in Greek culture. Food shopping is an integral aspect of the Greek lifestyle, and most communities have a “laiki,” or people’s market, similar to American farmers’ markets, though much more affordable.

Now, let’s take a look at the top three countries that made it on the retirement destination list below.

Portugal—1st place

Portugal sits in the very first place on the list this year. Soft sand beaches, cobblestone plazas, skiing in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, and the capital’s thriving city life are all highlights of this little but dynamic country. Portugal ranked first due to its low crime rate, stable government, affordable housing, and high-quality medical facilities.

Mexico—2nd place

Mexico is almost three times the size of Texas and is home to a wide variety of landscapes, populations, and traditions.

The central highlands are home to colonial cities with mild winters and pleasant summers, as well as tranquil villages, sunny deserts, some of the world’s liveliest beach resorts, snow-covered mountains, and steamy, tropical jungles. It is certainly possible to find a place suitable to your preferences with a great lifestyle in Mexico.

Mexico is also easy to get to. Multiple international airports in the country provide nonstop service to the United States. If you do not prefer to fly, driving is also a feasible alternative. New, efficient motorways link Mexico to its northern neighbor.

Panama—3rd place

Panama is an idyllic country to retire in. It boasts gorgeous beaches and a wide variety of activities to suit just about all tastes. From fishing to bird watching, you’ll never be bored.

Moreover, Panama offers affordable healthcare options for retired expats, so you can rest assured that your medical needs will be taken care of. Low-cost housing means that purchasing a retirement property in Panama is also attainable even on a tighter budget.

In addition to these factors, Panama provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for retirees coming from abroad. Hence, you can easily make friends while experiencing the vibrant culture there!