After dedicating many years to the workforce, you want your golden years to be as stress-free as possible. You decide to abandon the frenzied energy of the concrete jungle and take up residence by the coastline. Sun, sand and blue waters are all are conducive to self-care.
No matter where you decide to move, you’ll have to do research on your desired destination. How do you plan to support yourself and do you have enough money saved? What’s the healthcare system like? Is it safe, especially if you’re a woman living alone? Is there a Black community of locals or expats you can befriend? Social, political and cultural differences- are you prepared to navigate those? Lastly, if you’re thinking about a beach destination, are you prepared for the possibility of hurricanes and tsunamis?
It isn’t just the older Black expats who take these into consideration. Younger Black expats, who we have covered at length, do as well.
Here are five beach destinations you might want to move to when you retire.
Bali
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The weather in Bali is as balmy as the people are warm. The scenery is gorgeous and your retirement money can go a long way.
The Bali Retirement Village in Tegallinggah, is a community for residents 55 and older. A maintenance fee of $199 includes: housekeeping, 24-hour security, concierge, pool/grounds maintenance and more. You are free to do as much or as little as you please.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you’re in luck in Bali. A lot of the dishes are free of animal products, and some restaurants offer tofu and tempeh as meat substitutes.
The Jimbaran coastline is where you’ll find plenty of the high-end resorts and villas. The black sands of Canggu Beach are great for a long walk. And if you’ve been surfing for years (hey, there are active seniors!), Seminyak is your best bet.
St. Lucia
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If rainforests, clear Caribbean waters and a casual pace of life appeal to you, check out St. Lucia.
Not only can you island hop to nearby islands like Dominica, you’ll be able to fly to the US easily.
The country hosts many cultural events, including the Gros Islet street party on Fridays, various jazz festivals and Carnival.
St. Lucia has been a chocolate capital for years, thanks to the prevalence of cacao trees which thrive in the volcanic soil. And you might find yourself getting sick of mangoes between May and June- they are everywhere!
Top beaches include Pigeon Island Beach, Sugar Beach and Marigot Bay.
Colombia
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There’s a lot of buzz about Colombia in Black travel circles; home to a large population of African descendants.
According to Travel + Leisure, “the cost of living is about 61% lower than in the United States and rents are a bargain at an average of 80% lower than in the U.S. Medical and dental care are high quality and affordable, with both public and private institutions available.”
The Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains are celebrated natural features. Also, Colombia offers access to the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific, so there’s a range of great beaches.
For some bio-diversity, Tayrona National Park is a must. Not only for the beaches, but the various flora and fauna.
Mexico
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Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya are popular beach areas in Mexico.
There are more beach treasures off the mainland, such as Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. The latter is less developed, but ideal for diving and snorkeling.
You’ll find the Afro-Mexican community spread across Veracruz, Guerrero and Oaxaca.
Rent costs around “70 percent less” than in the US, according to Travel + Leisure, so that’s certainly appealing.
The process of becoming a resident of Mexico is pretty straightforward. You’ll need about $2,000 a month for temporary residence and nearly $3,000 for permanent residence.
Belize
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You won’t have to worry about language barriers here because locals speak English.
Bask in the sunshine as you go for your morning walk, and don’t be surprised if the friendly locals engage you in conversation.
The humility of the Belizeans is worth noting. Generally, they don’t place as much importance on material things as others do.
International Living explained, “Belize is is a very non-materialistic, nature-based place. Fancy items, from cars to personal items, are not the norm and it is encouraged to leave your expensive items at home. They aren’t necessary—most people enjoy the come-as-you-are culture and find it to be refreshing.”
It helps to budget for your daily expenses and watch your money. US News noted, “the cost of living depends on your lifestyle. The more time you spend in Belize and the more familiar you become with how life works, the less expensive your living costs can become.”
Suggested areas for retirement are Ambergris Caye, Corozal Town, Placencia and the Cayo district, which borders Guatemala.