The number of Americans retiring abroad has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by rising US healthcare costs, housing prices, and the desire for a different pace of life. This isn't a fringe trend anymore—it's becoming a mainstream retirement strategy.
Retirees are settling in a diverse range of countries, not just the usual suspects. While Mexico, Portugal, and Costa Rica remain popular, others are discovering Thailand, Colombia, and Panama for their combination of low costs, good healthcare, and established expat communities. The common thread: all offer visa pathways for retirees and cost of living that stretches a fixed income further.