Best Places to Retire

Retire to Belize

Belize in Central America is another place that you might consider as a destination for retirement.

This is one place that has drawn many people who are looking for a laid back lifestyle, a low cost of living and good medical care.

In fact, medical care in Belize may cost you just about a third of what you would pay for the same facilities in the United States.

There's a democratic government, the economy is stable and you can expect tax incentives.

Belize has a population of about 250,000, of which roughly 10% are expatriates from the United States, Canada and Britain.

Since it is a developing country, you may find that you'll have to do without many of the conveniences you may have been accustomed to back home in the United States.

As we said, the low cost of living is a distinct advantage here.

However, living in Belize, you would also have to get by on your own to the extent that you would have to take care of repairs yourself.

You could stay in the country on a tourist visa and have it renewed every month.

After six months, you could apply for a work permit, which may set you back by about $ 750.

You could also get citizenship of Belize by staying in the country for a year, during which time you will need to show a steady income.

If you are single this will amount to $ 750 a month, while for a couple, the minimum requirement is $ 1,000 a month.

However, under the incentive program you can only work if you are running a business undertaking of your own.

As for housing and real estate, you could acquire a lovely 3-bedroom house looking out over the ocean for about $ 250,000.

Do be careful to ensure that you have a clear title for the property.

It would also be a good idea to pay a visit in the rainy season just to ensure that the property is safe from the water.

As a permanent resident, you could also procure homestead land here, taken on lease from the government for as little as $ 5 to $ 17 a year.

If you can develop the land -- which could include clearing of brush and putting down a foundation -- you could then acquire this land from the government for the amazing cost of $ 250.