Where is the best place to retire?

Most of us dream of our retirement in an idyllic place, where the sun always shines and our money stretches further than it ever did whilst we were working. 

Retirement also presents the opportunity to live anywhere in the world we choose - children have grown up and left home, we are no longer tied down by our work, and we can finally choose where you would most like to live. 

Top 10 places to retire:-

Every year a list is published of "Money's Best Places to Retire" based on some of the factors considered below.

There's an increasing trend for people to rate the places that are popular for retirees, and the Real Estate Journal has created it's own top value towns:-

1. Hot Springs, Arkansas
2. Winston-Salem, N.C.
3. Fayetteville, Ark
4. Bowling green, Ky
5. Lawrence, Kan
6. Columbia, Mo
7. Pittsburgh, PA
8. Gainesville, Florida
9. San Antonio, Texas
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Source http://www.realestatejournal.com/buysell/relocation/20070103-hoak.html 

What to consider on retiring:-

• climate - do you prefer heat or cooler weather?
• income - how much do you need to live on, will you need to find some work to pay for the extra luxuries?
• if you're retiring early what areyour reasons - do you want to play more golf, socialise with friends, etc
• do you want to be living near to family and, if so, does this mean you need to move home?
• do you both drive, or would you prefer to be in walking distance of a store?
• affordable housing or apartments
• access to good health care - although you may prefer to think you won't need it, statistics show that you're likely to
• access to leisure activities or sports facilities 

Best states for retirement

• Retire to Asia
  
  Consider retiring to asia - from the warm and friendly Thailand, to Malaysia with it's cultural mix - all offer a high standard of living for a relatively low cost.
• Canada
  
  Canada is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirement - particularly for US citizens.
• California
  
  With low taxes, great culture, excellent health care,
• Retiring and Living in Europe
  
  Whilst Spain is a popular and cheap option, Cyprus is also popular, due to it's pleasant climate. Retiring to the French Riviera has been popular for years with the rich and famous and remains an ideal location today with it's cosmopolitan lifestyle..
• Florida
• Mexico
  
  Far more than the cheapest location - Mexico offers a far better climate than many of the United States! An increasingly popular option for many Americans.