6 ‘Up-and-Coming’ Retirement Destinations for 2025
New list from International Living highlights spots promising adventurous retirees fulfilling lifestyles without the hefty price tags of more popular expat hubs
A unique mix of affordability, vibrant cultures, and untapped opportunities earned six spots around the world a new distinction as the best “up-and-coming” retirement regions for 2025 from International Living.
While International Living released its popular annual list of the Best Places in the World to Retire 2025 back in December instead of on New Year’s Day as in previous years, the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities recently supplemented that list with a pair of new lists: the Top 20 Retirement Regions for 2025, and On the Rise: Six Up-and-Coming Retirement Regions to Watch in 2025.
These six “up-and-coming” destinations—from Costa Rica’s lush Southern Zone to Northern Portugal’s charming towns—promise adventurous retirees a fulfilling lifestyle without the hefty price tags of more popular expat hubs, International Living noted.
“These destinations combine the charm of being off the beaten path with practical benefits like affordability and vibrant local culture,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living. “We’ve spent decades uncovering hidden havens that are perfect for those ready to take the leap into a more adventurous and fulfilling retirement. This year’s picks promise not just affordability but a chance to be part of something unique and undiscovered.”
From the lush Green Spain region to the idyllic Azuero Peninsula in Panama, Stevens said these places are more than just dots on a map—they’re opportunities to live better, for less. “These days, we’re seeing so many well-worn paths to locales that are, in some cases, on the way to saturation. These up-and-coming destinations are perfect for anyone looking to embrace a new life abroad while staying ahead of the curve.”
To explore these destinations and access the full report, visit On the Rise: Six Up-and-Coming Retirement Regions to Watch in 2025. The pages that follow offer a quick look at the six regions on the list.
Next page: Azuero Peninsula, Panama and Green Spain
