It’s never too early to plan for retirement.
And some travelers already have their eyes wide open looking for the ideal place to spend their golden years.
They have expressed their thoughts on Reddit, in response to a question posed by user ‘PresentNeccessary3516’, who asked: ‘If you could choose a retirement city among the cities you have visited, which one would you choose?’
From a bustling British metropolis to a “magical” Alpine city to an American location with “great food and weather,” these are the places commentators aspire to retire to.
South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a dream retreat for many on the thread, with commenters citing “wide open spaces” and “cooler climate” as plus points.
‘CoSkiier-5691’ says: ‘All the towns we visited (there) were picturesque. I could live in any of them.’
‘Buksghost’ agrees, adding: ‘I loved the ratio of people and open spaces. Dunedin was my favorite city, but any of the smaller towns have a lot to recommend them. I also love the cooler weather. Although it is very expensive.
Reddit users have been sharing their dream retirement destinations. Dunedin (pictured above), on New Zealand’s South Island, is one of travelers’ global choices.
Meanwhile, ‘Anbodyseemykeys’ jokes: ‘I’d live there like a stone if my wife let me.’
Nicosia, Cyprus
The capital of Cyprus is the best place for an after-work life for a user, highlighting its warm climate and walkability.
‘Shingle1895’ says: ‘It’s my favorite of all the European capitals.
‘The winter climate is the best in Europe and the city itself is walkable, safe and pleasant. Cypriots are generally friendly and down-to-earth people. Nicosia is a capital with a small town feel.’
London, United Kingdom
The Big Smoke is a divisive choice among travelers.
For ‘Equivalent_Ad_8413’ it is the ideal retirement destination, if you forget the high prices. They say, ‘Honestly, right now, assuming I could afford it, it would be London. I like the very metropolitan atmosphere.’
‘Letmereadstuff’ agrees, explaining: ‘Lots of free museums, easy to get around on local buses and tube, great train links to lots of places. Free and affordable educational opportunities. The only problem is the cost of housing.’
However, the British capital does not receive the green light from everyone.
‘Big-Parking9805’ says: ‘There’s no city on earth I’d rather not retire in than London. I think that for older people it is a very difficult existence. I understand why so many flee to the seashore.
Former Londoner ‘Atlas26’ adds: ‘For someone who lived in London, this would be a nightmare. An incredibly fun city to see the sights and all for a few weeks, but to actually live in? OMG, maybe one of the worst cities in the developed world to live in. There’s a reason why most Londoners try to leave after a while, if they can.
Scotland
Scotland’s ‘slow and beautiful’ Isle of Skye (pictured above) makes the retirement cut
Many people dream of living life in the Scottish highlands.
‘Y3llowed’ likes it so much that they don’t know where to choose and say: ‘Somewhere in Scotland.’ Edinburgh, Inverness or the Isle of Skye. Edinburgh is populous and busy, Skye is quiet and beautiful, and Inverness lies somewhere in between. I really appreciated my time at all three locations. It’s hard to choose.”
‘Buksghost’ also wants to try another taste of Scotland, explaining: ‘I made a house in Selkirk, just north of Edinburgh. I could live there very happily. There is a main street with a kiosk, butcher, bakery and small grocery store. There is a small lake to walk the dogs. I left a little piece of my heart there.’
For ‘Fit-Kaleidoscope-715’, the Isle of Skye tops the list. They say: ‘Any of the small towns on the Isle of Skye. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life. The people are incredibly warm and welcoming. Everyone has a dog.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s capital, famous for its hills, Lisbon, leaves travelers divided.
‘Thebusterbluth’ found the city’s hills too daunting and said: ‘Seriously, being 75 and walking up those hills… it happens.’
On the other hand, ‘Steve-Dunne’ suggests: ‘Counterpoint. Climbing those hills will keep you fitter and live a longer, healthier life.’
Oaxaca, Mexico
Commentators praised Oaxaca’s “relaxed” lifestyle
The city of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, tops the list for two travelers.
‘Gilestowler’ says: ‘When I was in Oaxaca, I started thinking how wonderful it would be to just retire there, just shuffle in and sit in the Zócolo (public square) in the sun every day, watching the world go by.’
‘Sassypants_29’ agrees, adding: ‘Yes please! I love Oaxaca and Zipolite (the nearby coast). The first time I was there I stayed for a month and I didn’t want to leave. Life was so relaxed and it didn’t hurt that it was so cheap. And the people were very friendly. I could move there and never leave and spend my time volunteering, teaching English and learning Spanish.’
Singapore
Singapore leaves a couple of people wanting more… forever.
‘Grand-Leg-1130’ says: ‘Singapore. I could easily see myself living there just for the food.’
‘PresentNeccessary3516’ agrees, adding: ‘Singapore is a very interesting option, with a pleasant climate, comfortable living and very good public security.’
Annecy, France
Annecy (pictured above) has “stunning lakeside perfection” and an ideal location “just 40 minutes from Geneva airport,” says one traveler.
The Alpine city of Annecy arouses the interest of many travelers for its beauty and comfort.
‘Kriscrox’ says: ‘The perfection of the edge of a stunning lake and the base of the French Alps. And only 40 minutes from Geneva airport.’
‘Skibiscuit’ adds: ‘I am currently in Annecy for an extended period and I have also become my number one. I had never heard of it before coming here, but it has a magical charm. Excellent location too.”
An hour’s drive from Annecy, Lausanne is the perfect choice for another tourist for similar reasons. ‘Old-pyrex’ writes: ‘The border areas between France and Switzerland, such as Lausanne or Rivaz, are right next to the lake. This area is amazing. Good food, people are friendly in the French way, but not in the rude French Parisian stereotype. Beautiful crystal clear alpine lakes and mountains, vineyards, farms, great local produce, castles and history, but enough structure in larger towns to provide all the amenities or healthcare you might need.’
San Diego, United States
San Diego (pictured above) has “great weather, great food, and easy access to healthcare,” according to one traveler.
In the United States, San Diego, California, tops the list of aspiring retirees.
‘Hiredgun77’ says: ‘It has great weather, great food, it’s on the ocean and easy access to healthcare.
‘A city big enough to entertain me with anything I need. International airport in downtown, close to Mexico for day trips.
‘Kloedmtl’ agrees, adding: ‘I’m Canadian and I would totally retire in San Diego! It’s very relaxing and the people are nice. The weather is perfect and I have never seen more beautiful beaches in my life.’