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Having retired from a position held for over 20 years, I ventured out into the world of the unknown. After much research and a trip down to visit, I choose the Lake Chapala area of Mexico.
This is a long established (Hemingway wrote a novel while here in the 1920s) ex-patriot community of many nationalities.

Endless spring, breathtaking mountain scenery and a 40+ mile long lake were only the readily evident "perks".....the native Mexican people, the ambiance and comraderie of all who choose to retire here are the true "frosting" on the lucious cake known as Lake Chapala, Mexico.

My heartiest recommendation to all who would seek the "other side of the mountain" in their maturity.....we only go this way once......live well.......

Jody, i've been looking for a retirement paradise "overseas"...glad to hear about Lake Chapala, heard land prices are $$$ tho...how did you find renting, building, or buying?...do you speak spanish?...

I've been studying quite a bit about Central American countries and the retirement opportunities each offer since my wife and I visited Lake Atitlan in Guatemala this past summer. I have also joined several Expat groups and Latin American Info groups. From what one can read, Panama seems to be way ahead of the other countries in offering incentives, services, infrastructure, and lower costs-for-living. I am studying Guatemala very closely, as my son and his family are living there. Overall, I do know that the cost-of-living anywhere in Central America is 25 - 40% of what it costs to live in the US. More and more expatriots are discovering this, and not only choosing to enjoy the lower costs, but also choosing to make a difference in the country in which they settle. I know that my wife and I want to give as much back to the country we decide to retire to, as we will be given. In our case, our son is planning to start a school for Mayan and expatriot children, so we hope to assist him in his mission. In closing, four months ago I would have laughed at anyone who suggested that we might retire in Central America. Not anymore.
Dr. Allen Wilson

Well, I am sure that there may be several nice places in the world to retire to. I have tried three--Mexico (not good), Russia (fair) and Cebu Philippines great. Of course every destination has its own advantages and disadvantages and every person has his own goals. Personally, I judge a place on (1) price, (2) respect (3) safety 4. (Business possibilities 5. romance and pretty girls 6. Likeness to America. In all of these categories the Philippines wins hands down. Americans are very respected and an 18 year old pretty girl wants a fat ugly American Man. Except in the Moslem areas of the Philippines (a long way from Cebu and Manila it is much safer than all American large cities and smaller towns and suburbs. Price wise it is in a league by itself. One can live like a King on $1000 a month with beautiful apartment, a full time maid, a nice car, computer internet connection and supermarkets with everything you can buy in America. My email address is rsmeans10@yahoo.com and I will gladly answer any inquiries simply as a courtesy without any economic agenda.

sure sounds good to me!remember those times back in olongapo, during vietnam days.