7. Greece

It should come as no surprise that Greece is ranked as one of the top places to retire as this sunny Mediterranean country offers stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, an affordable cost of living, some of the best food in the world, and a rich, deep history.

But while its history is rich, IL Greece correspondent Lynn Roulo notes the country is best known for its stunning islands. With three major bodies of water and six distinct island groupings, the Greek islands can keep visitors endlessly interested in exploring. If Greece becomes your home, island hopping becomes a part of your life.

Another positive aspect of Greek culture is the respect and inclusion of elderly people. Statistically, Greece has a large older population, and seniors are a rich piece of the social fabric. Expect to find older men playing cards and chatting at the cafenios during all hours of the day and look for groups of elderly women sitting outside storefronts, catching up on neighborhood gossip and sharing recipes. The older generation is front and center in Greece, and this adds to the country’s charm.

Expect to find high-quality medical care, often for a fraction of the cost in the U.S. The medicine is so good that medical tourism is a growing segment of the Greek economy. Many Greek doctors are trained in the U.S. or the United Kingdom, and most speak very good English. As a retiree, you’ll have the option of public or private insurance. Most expats opt for private insurance as the facilities are more modern, but you can get good care either way.

The relatively low cost of living is what attracts many to Greece, and for people who are not dependent on earning income in the country, the equation is a good one. Greek wages tend to be approximately one third of what you’ll find in the U.S., and this means the cost of living is also dramatically lower. Housing is usually the place you’ll find the most savings, but depending on what your place of comparison is, you can expect overall costs to be as little as half (or even less) than what you’d spend in the U.S.

Because the average salary in Greece equates to about $20,700, there is less focus on consumption and material purchases. The priority moves to socializing and finding ways to have a good time without spending a lot of money. Living on a budget is a way of life for much of the population, so if you are watching your finances, you won’t feel alone.

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