Retirees from various parts of the world have been looking for destinations where the pension pays more and the quality of life is higher. Patti Addington is a recent example. At 68 years old, this retired woman moved to Torremolinos and guarantees that she has never been happier with her pension.
According to the Spanish digital newspaper, Noticias Trabajo, the decision came after a trip along the Camino de Santiago, in 2018. The experience left her enchanted with Spain and its culture, leading her to seriously think about returning. “I came back from Spain without wanting to leave and I started thinking about how, where and when I could move,” he said. “My children were already adults. I was retired.
The place where I lived no longer made me happy and the political climate in the United States made me very sad. I wanted to travel and I started to miss Spain and Spanish culture. I surrendered and decided to move to Costa do Sol.”
A life with a view of the Mediterranean
In 2021, Patti moved to Torremolinos, in an apartment with a balcony facing the sea. “The views from my balcony are the best I’ve ever seen. I have a sea view!” The new daily life brought him a feeling of renewal. “Every day I look out the window or sit on the balcony and feel transported to a world of blue sea, seagulls in the air, palm trees, boats, promenades and lush vegetation.”
Adaptation was facilitated by the proximity of services. “I only have to walk a little to dive into one of the two Olympic-size swimming pools or go to the gym to exercise,” he added, highlighting how small routines contribute to daily well-being.
Lower costs and more possibilities
The most obvious difference came in the monthly bills. “In general, it’s more viable to live here and enjoy this phase of my life. Food is cheaper. Clothes are cheaper. Entertainment is cheaper. Even flowers for the house are cheaper. A decent bottle of wine won’t ruin the budget,” he explained.
In the United States, where he lived in Indian River, he paid 1500 dollars in rent, in addition to around 150 dollars for electricity, 50 dollars for water and another 150 dollars for telephone, television and internet. Already in Torremolinos, he describes, “I pay 860 euros for a two-room apartment with a view of the sea. Electricity costs me a third of what I paid in the United States and water costs me half. Television, telephone and internet costs 74 euros per month. Gas is just 18 euros. Even health insurance is almost a thousand dollars cheaper.”
According to , with this time off, he travels every month. He has visited cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Jerez, and continues to explore villages and beaches in the region. He also takes the opportunity to take Spanish classes, welcome friends who come from America and collaborate in volunteer programs. Among the small pleasures that you can now indulge in are massages and spa treatments, which you can do for less than 100 euros.
Reform in Portugal
Portugal has been gaining popularity among foreign retirees, attracted by the mild climate, competitive cost of living and quality of life.
More and more people are choosing Portuguese coastal cities to retire, valuing the peaceful environment, security and proximity to Spain. The country has established itself as an interesting alternative for those looking for a comfortable retirement in the Iberian Peninsula.
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