As the new year of 2023 begins, we have compiled a list of the world’s greatest countries for North Americans to retire to. South America dominates the list, but Thailand and Malaysia are also included. Some may retire at the age of 60, while others may choose to do so at 40 depending on their lifestyle.
We have identified the top ten countries to retire in 2023, with Ecuador taking first place for the sixth year in a row. This is due to its low cost of living, pleasant climate, and affordable property prices. The majority of the countries on the list are Spanish-speaking, making it easier to learn the culture and tradition quickly.
Additionally, most of the countries have a low cost of living, with basic necessities such as shelter, clothing, food, water, and healthcare being affordable and of good quality. Lastly, many of the countries are great for real estate investing, with Portugal having a robust market, Malaysia offering the ‘second home’ scheme, and Thailand being a great option for the Elite Visa Program in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, or Bangkok.
Top 10 Best Countries to Retire in 2023, Ranked!
- Portugal
- Mexico
- Panama
- Ecudor
- Costa Rica
- Spain
- Greece
- Malaysia
- Italy
- Thailand
Why Choose Chiang Mai, Thailand to Retire in 2023
Calm Lifestyle in Chiang Maie
Life is perfect now that I’ve lived in Chiang Mai, a sizable city in Thailand’s north. I have not experienced even the briefest amount of boredom for the past seven years. I lead a more active and healthy lifestyle these days. Fortunately, I have discovered a ton of regional events, including concerts, exhibitions, food festivals, and locally operated courses. Even though I have played in waterfalls, scaled mountains, pondered with monks, and snorkeled on coral reefs, the possibilities for internal travel seem endless. The food in Chiang Mai is amazing as well with having the best khao soi (noodles dish) to eat and must-try it or eat it at least twice a week.
Real estate in Thailand and especially condos for sale in Thailand is perhaps where the best bargains can be found. Condos are fairly simple for foreigners to purchase, and there are great deals everywhere. If you require something tiny and quaint, you may rent a two-bedroom condo for as little as $180 per month and purchase a two-bedroom condo for less than $30,000.
I know many expats who survive on less than $2,500 per month, especially if they own the condo they reside in. However, most foreigners think that $2,500 per month equals to a nice life in Thailand. It is quite simple to live in a condo or gated community with security, despite the fact that Thailand is a safe country with a lower crime rate than most.
Top 2 recommended condos in Chiang Mai
SR Complex
A 39 square meter condo with one bedroom and one bathroom is up for sale. It was finished in December 2010 and is a part of the SR Complex project in Nong Pa Khrang, Chiang Mai. The base price of this unit is 1,250,000 (32,051/SqM).
The overall square footage of this lovely 39 sqm one bedroom, one bathroom condo is located on the seventh level. The apartment is completely furnished and prepared for you to move in and begin taking use of all its facilities.
Su Condo
This 2 bedroom condominium unit is 43.50 square meters in size and has a price per square meter of ฿61,149. It is available for purchase with foreign quota, Thai quota, or through a company. The unit comes with furniture for an additional cost of ฿478,500 and has a garden view. The condominium building is not specified. The common area maintenance fee is ฿2,175 per month which is amazing and to have great rental yield. A good condo for a retirement home as it is very nearby to the town. And a secondly Chiang Mai city is booming with new places to hang out in the city. Su condo provides amazing rental yield as well. Check out the free rental yield calculator here.
For more information on real estate in Thailand and to understand the real estate or condo market in Thailand, please contact us here.