Posted on Jan 5, 2014
Best place to retire and not work? Live off your retirement check?
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Thoughts, ideas???
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Retirement
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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While I am a ways out from retirement, I have been thinking about this as well. The few places I have put on my list for consideration are:
-Puerto Rico: Tropical island with low cost of living, reasonable infrastructure, and a VA
-Texas: No state income tax, low cost of living, amazing opportunities to travel for short get aways
-Arkansas: I am from the NW corner which is a beautiful area but cost of living is on the rise
-Oklahoma City/Norman area: Enjoyed living there, low cost of living, able to get away to family quickly
-Colorado: I am a ski bum, when I can be....may have to have a bit of a skibum job to help support my habit due to the cost of living, but that is not a problem
-I could see Eastern TN as being a great place as well, but I have yet to visit thoroughly.
Just my list...it could change a thousand times between now and then, but I like to plan now where my retirement fund can be supplemented without being too stressful on the budget.
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CPT (Join to see)
I am in the same boat as you, Sir. I have many friends from there and have not been far enough away from the resorts to get a real feel for the place. One of my friends plans to show me the real PR this coming summer if possible. From what I have seen, and what they have told me though, it seems like a great place to settle after a busy career.
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MAJ (Join to see)
I'd have to side with 1LT Oakley. I'm from Oklahoma and lived for several years in Norman. I grew up in Easter OK and Western AR. Both have an extremely low cost of living and good medical care.
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SGT (Join to see)
Sir, take it from someone from East TN it would be a great place to retire. Cheap land and cheap cost of living. There is also a VA Clinic there, and great medical facilities as well. Its a hometown type of area, so great schools for children, and a few great colleges in the area as well. I definately enjoy back home and if I do decide to stick around for 20 then I'll most likely return back at some point.
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I tried to talk my wife into someday moving to Thailand or Belize but it didn't go anywhere.
I would say anywhere in a region you like that is not too far from a VA hospital or Military base with a low cost of living.
If you are looking to work after the military, that's another story.
The south and Midwest do well in my personal ranking
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LTC Jason Bartlett
I don't think I could get my wife to buy into anywhere outside the country. We like A/C, ice, gas guzzling trucks/jeeps, and all the other convinces our country gives us.
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MSG (Join to see)
Thailand has all the ammenities, as well as very affordable and quality health care. Did I mention the climate and the beaches, and the fresh seafood? Fully furnished apartment or condo, with all utilities and wifi for about $660 a month if you know where to look. You dont need a car, a 125cc motorcycle will get you everywhere you need to go...See you there..
When you retire, try it out for a month or two, see if it's for you.
When you retire, try it out for a month or two, see if it's for you.
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MSG (Join to see)
Dave, I responded to the same question yesterday I think... Edmonds says the top five states are Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota and Colorado. All states have a small population so medical care is easier to get. All offer many great outdoor sports! If I had to pick it would be Montana for a job with the key stone pipe line. Because I have to work. Either way pick a place easy to get heath care, some place you don't have to drive 2 hrs to do anything, low taxes!! and a place that will give you the option to get a job.
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MSG (Join to see)
Montana sounds pretty good to me too. All except the working part..My goal is to not have to work anymore when I retire from the Army. I am still enjoying my career, so I don't plan on retiring anytime soon.
We'll see what happens.
We'll see what happens.
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I've heard a lot of people say you can live like a king off your retirement in Panama.
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LTC Jason Bartlett
Yep I heard about all the places south of the border, but I prefer to stay north with all the other AmeriCANS.
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CSM (Join to see)
Haha as the old saying goes you want your cake and want to eat it too :) I think SSG Burns is right, South America or as the Major pointed out Asia.
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LTC Jason Bartlett
I could stay in DC and work or I could go back to TN and not work. After spending a large portion of my 25 years living in third world countries I have no desire to return to any of them. I even consider Germany a country I wouldn't want to live in after a visit this past summer (and I grew up there as a kid).
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TSgt Michael Burke
SSG Robert Not sure I would say KING but if you have no bills plenty in the bank, just in case and depending on your rank it is a true statement! Take a trip down and see for yourself Costa Rica is nice as well
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