It’s never too early to plan for retirement.
And some travellers already have their eyes peeled for the ideal place to spend their golden years.
They’ve voiced 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 town and a U.S spot with ‘great food and weather’, these are the places commenters aspire to retire to.
South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a dream retirement location for many on the thread, with commenters citing ‘wide open spaces’ and ‘cooler weather’ as plus points.
‘CoSkiier-5691’ says: ‘All the towns we visited [there] were quaint. I could live in any of them’.
‘Buksghost’ agrees, adding: ‘I loved the ratio of people to wide open spaces. Dunedin was my favourite city, but any of the smaller towns have a lot to recommend them. I also love the cooler weather. Very expensive, though.’
Reddit users have been sharing their dream retirement destinations. Dunedin (pictured above) on New Zealand’s South Island is one traveller’s pick of the global bunch
Meanwhile, ‘Anbodyseemykeys’ jokes: ‘I would live there like a shot if my wife allowed it.’
Nicosia, Cyprus
Cyprus’s capital city is the best spot for a post-work life for one user, who notes its warm weather and walkability.
‘Shingle1895’ says: ‘It’s my favourite of all the European capitals.
‘The winter weather is the best in Europe and the city itself is walkable, safe and pleasant. Cypriots are, in general, friendly and down-to-earth people. Nicosia is a capital city with a small-town feel.’
London, UK
The Big Smoke proves a divisive choice among travellers.
For ‘Equivalent_Ad_8413’ it’s 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: ‘Tons of free museums, easy to get around on local buses and Tube, great train links to many places. Free and cheap educational opportunities. Only problem is the cost of housing.’
However, the British capital doesn’t get the green light from everyone.
‘Big-Parking9805’ says: ‘There’s no city on earth I’d rather not retire in than London. I think for elderly people, it’s a very difficult existence. I can see why so many of them run off to the seaside.’
Former Londoner ‘Atlas26’, adds: ‘As someone who did live in London, this would be a nightmare. Insanely fun city to see the major sites and whatnot for a few weeks, but to actually live? Good lord, maybe one of the worst cities in the developed world to live in. There’s a reason 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
Lots of people are dreaming of living the High(land) life in Scotland.
‘Y3llowed’ loves it so much they’re torn on where to choose, saying: ‘Somewhere in Scotland. Edinburgh, Inverness or on the Isle of Skye. Edinburgh is populous and busy, Skye slow and beautiful, and Inverness somewhere in between. Really appreciate my time in all three places though. It’s hard to choose.’
‘Buksghost’ also wants another taste of Scotland, explaining: ‘I did a house sit in Selkirk, just north of Edinburgh. I could live there very happily. There’s a proper high street with newsagent, butcher, bakery, small grocer. There’s a small loch to walk the dogs around. I left a bit of my heart there.’
For ‘Fit-Kaleidoscope-715’, the Isle of Skye tops the list. They say: ‘Any of the little villages on the Isle of Skye. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. The people are unbelievably warm and welcoming. Everyone has a dog.’
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s notoriously hilly capital city, Lisbon, leaves travellers divided.
‘Thebusterbluth’ found the city’s hills too daunting, saying: ‘Seriously, being 75 and walking up those hills… pass’.
On the flipside, ‘Steve-Dunne’ suggests: ‘Counterpoint. Walking up those hills will keep you fit and you’ll live a healthier, longer life.’
Oaxaca, Mexico
Commenters praised Oaxaca’s ‘relaxed’ way of life
The southern Mexican city of Oaxaca [wuh-haa-kuh] tops the list for two travellers.
‘Gilestowler’ says: ‘When I was in Oaxaca, I started thinking how lovely it would be to just be retired there, just shuffling in to sit in Zocolo (public square) in the sun every day, watching the world go by.’
‘Sassypants_29’ agrees, adding: ‘Yes please! I love Oaxaca and [nearby coastal] Zipolite. The first time I was there, I stayed a month and did not want to leave. Life was so relaxed and it didn’t hurt that it was so cheap, either. And the people were so nice. I could move there and never leave and spend my time volunteering and teaching English and learning Spanish.’
Singapore
Singapore leaves a couple of people wanting more… forever more.
‘Grand-Leg-1130’ says: ‘Singapore. I can see myself easily living there for the food alone.’
‘PresentNeccessary3516’ is in agreement, adding: ‘Singapore is a very interesting choice, with pleasant climate, convenient life and very good public security.’
Annecy, France
Annecy (pictured above) has the ‘perfection of the edge of a stunning lake’ and an ideal location ‘only 40 minutes from Geneva Airport’, says one traveller
The Alpine town of Annecy piques a lot of travellers’ interest for its beauty and convenience.
‘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: ‘Currently in Annecy for an extended period and it has shot up to my number one as well. I had never heard of it before coming here, but it’s got quite the magical charm about it. Great location as well.’
An hour’s drive from Annecy, Lausanne is the perfect choice for another tourist for similar reasons. ‘Old-pyrex’ writes: ‘The French/Swiss border areas like Lausanne or Rivaz, right on the lake. This area is amazing. Great food, people are friendly in a French way but not the rude French Parisian stereotype. Beautiful crystal clear alpine lakes and mountains, vineyards, farms, great local products, castles and history but enough structure in bigger cities to provide whatever amenities or healthcare you might need.’
San Diego, USA
San Diego (pictured above) has ‘great weather, great food and easy access to healthcare’, according to one traveller
In the USA, it’s California’s San Diego that tops the list for aspiring retirees.
‘Hiredgun77’ says: ‘It’s got great weather, great food, on the ocean and easy access to healthcare.
‘Large enough city to entertain me with anything I need. International airport downtown, close to Mexico for day trips.’
‘Kloedmtl’ agrees, adding: ‘I’m Canadian and I would totally retire in San Diego! It’s so relaxing and people are nice. The weather is perfect and I’ve never seen more beautiful beaches in my life.’
