Retirees from different countries have been looking for new destinations where the pension allows for greater financial comfort and a better quality of life. The case of Patti Addington illustrates this trend. At 68 years old, the retired American decided to move to Torremolinos, in the south of Spain, and guarantees that she had never been able to make the most of her monthly income.
According to the Spanish digital newspaper Noticias Trabajo, the change began to take shape after a trip along the Camino de Santiago, carried out in 2018.
Her time in Spain had a profound impact on her and awakened the desire to return. “I came back without wanting to leave and started thinking seriously about how, where and when I could move,” he said.
With her children now independent and her retirement assured, she felt that the place where she lived no longer brought her satisfaction. The political situation in the United States also influenced the decision. “I wanted to travel and I missed Spain and its culture more and more. I ended up giving in and chose the Costa del Sol.”
A new daily life by the sea
In 2021, Patti moved to Torremolinos, in an apartment with a balcony and direct views of the Mediterranean. “The views from my balcony are the best I’ve ever had. I see the sea”, he describes. The landscape became part of his daily routine and brought him a feeling of tranquility. “Every day I look out the window or sit on the balcony and feel surrounded by the blue sea, seagulls, palm trees, boats, promenades and lots of vegetation.”
The location of the apartment made it easy to adapt. “You just need to walk a little to go swim in one of the two Olympic swimming pools or go to the gym”, he explained, highlighting the importance of these small routines for your well-being.
The main difference was felt in the cost of living. “In general, it is much more affordable to live here and enjoy this phase of life. Food is cheaper. Clothes are cheaper. Leisure is too. Even flowers for the home cost less. And a good bottle of wine won’t weigh on the budget,” he said.
In the United States, in Indian River, I paid around 1500 dollars (1294 euros) in monthly rent, in addition to approximately 150 dollars (129 euros) for electricity, 50 dollars (43 euros) for water and another 150 dollars (129 euros) for telecommunications services.
In Torremolinos, he says he pays 860 euros for a two-room apartment with sea views. The electricity bill is around a third of the previous value and the water bill is reduced by half. Television, telephone and internet cost you 74 euros per month, gas is around 18 euros and health insurance represents a saving of almost a thousand dollars (863 euros) compared to what you paid in the United States.
According to , this financial margin allows you to travel frequently. Every month he visits new cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Jerez, and continues to discover towns and beaches in the region. He attends Spanish classes, receives friends from the United States and participates in volunteering initiatives. Among the luxuries now allowed are massages and spa treatments, available for less than 100 euros.
Portugal on the radar of foreign retirees
Like Spain, Portugal has established itself as a destination increasingly sought after by foreign retirees. The mild climate, competitive cost of living and quality of life are some of the factors highlighted by those who choose the country to retire.
The Portuguese coastal areas are among the most sought after, thanks to the peaceful environment, the feeling of security and the geographical proximity to Spain, consolidating Portugal as an attractive alternative for a comfortable retirement in the Iberian Peninsula.
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