Thun city and lake Thun with Bernese Highlands swiss Alps mountains, Switzerland. Image credit Boris Stroujko via shutterstock

5 Of The Safest Places To Retire Outside The US

Have you ever dreamed of retiring to a tropical paradise? Or maybe you’re a snowbird and dream of slapping on your skis and tearing down a snowy slope. If so, you're not alone. But before you sell your house and pack your bags, consider this: retiring outside the US can be risky business. Unless you do your research, you could wind up in a country that's not as safe as you thought. Here are five of the safest places to retire abroad!

Switzerland

Snowy Alps
Snowy Alps - Image Credit Ricardo Gomez Angel via Unsplash

With low crime, a pristine environment, and an excellent healthcare system, it's no wonder Switzerland is often top of the list when it comes to safe places to retire. The cost of living can be high, but there are plenty of ways to save money if you know where to look.

There are several factors that contribute to Switzerland's safety rating. For one, the crime rate is very low. In fact, it is one of the lowest in the world ranking at 11 on the 2022 Global Peace Index.

The Swiss government is also very stable and efficient. This makes it easy for authorities to respond quickly and effectively to any potential threats.

Finally, the Swiss people are generally very law-abiding. This creates a society that is safe and welcoming for all.

If you are considering retirement outside of the United States, then Switzerland should definitely be at the top of your list.

Canada

Ontario in the Fall
Ontario in the Fall - Image Credit Derek Sutton via Unsplash

Aspiring retirees often spend hours upon hours researching the best places to retire. And while there are a number of great options out there, one country always seems to top the list: Canada.

Like Switzerland, Canada boasts a low crime rate as well as great healthcare and education. It's also a very welcoming country for immigrants, which makes it a great choice if you're looking to retire abroad.

The cost of living in Canada is also relatively low compared to other developed countries. And with its stunning natural scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to spend their golden years in Canada.

With its diverse landscape, from stunning coastlines to towering mountains, there's plenty to explore in Canada.

New Zealand

Queenstown
Queenstown - Image Credit Ömer Faruk Bekdemir via Unsplash

New Zealand is often heralded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And it's no wonder – with its stunning natural scenery, friendly people, and relatively low cost of living, it's an attractive destination for retirees, and here's why:

It has consistently ranked as one of the countries with the lowest crime rates in the world. In fact, according to the 2022 Global Peace Index, it is the second safest country in the world (after Iceland). This makes it a great place to live if you're worried about personal safety in retirement.

New Zealand is a stable, democratic country with a well-established legal system. This makes it a very safe place to live, as there is little risk of political upheaval or instability. It also has a strong economy and is a member of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). This means that it is relatively wealthy and prosperous, which contributes to its low crime rates and overall safety.

It also boasts a high-quality, affordable healthcare system. So, you can be sure that you'll be well cared for if you need medical treatment in retirement.

Denmark

Copenhagen
Copenhagen- Image Credit Ava Coploff via Unsplash

Denmark is often lauded as another one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it's been ranked as the fourth-safest country by the Global Peace Index for 2022. So, it's no surprise that retirees are increasingly looking to Denmark as a safe and desirable place to retire outside of the United States.

Denmark boasts a low crime rate, high quality of life, and Universal Health Care, making it an attractive option for retirees who are looking for a safe and comfortable place to settle down. Additionally, Denmark has a strong social safety net that provides retirement benefits and other protections for its citizens.

Iceland

Northern Lights In Iceland
Northern Lights In Iceland - Image Credit Nicolas J Leclercq via Unsplash

Iceland is quickly becoming a popular destination for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in safety and comfort. And it’s easy to see why. The 2022 Global Peace Index has ranked Iceland first as the safest country in the world. Here’s why Iceland should be a contender:  

Iceland consistently ranks as one of the countries with the lowest crime rate in the world. This makes it an ideal place to retire if you're looking for a safe and peaceful environment. Additionally, Iceland has high-quality universal healthcare that is available to all residents, including retirees. This means that you can be sure you'll have access to top-notch medical care if you need it.

It is a stable democracy with a long history of peaceful transitions of power and the people of Iceland are notoriously friendly and welcoming.

From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and hot springs, Iceland is an incredibly beautiful country. And, because it's so safe, you can enjoy all of its natural wonders without worry.

In Summary

While retiring abroad can be a great way to spend your golden years, it’s important to do your research first. Make sure you pick a country that has all the amenities and safety you need. And don’t forget to tell your family and friends where you’re headed – they may want to come to visit! Have you ever retired outside of the US? If so, what tips would you give others looking to make the move? Let us know in the comments below. Bon voyage!

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