Where should I move?

In My Humble Opinion
41

[QUOTE=CairoCarol]
I’d move to either Micronesia or Indonesia, if I could. (In either country there are some pretty thorny immigration rules to get around.) If I had no financial concerns and was in good health, I might choose Micronesia for its remoteness, natural beauty, world-class fresh fish-eating, and easy-going, simple lifestyle. However, it is smack dab in the middle of nowhere so if you ever need a dose of civilization, you’d better be able to afford some serious airfares. Similarly, you won’t be getting speedy and sophisticated medical care there and you are pretty darn far away from first-world medicine.

Indonesia is also weak in the medical care department, but (depending on what part of that large country you are in) it is quite close to Singapore so I wouldn’t worry so much about that. In addition, Indonesia offers a wealth of cultural experiences, including dazzling textiles utilizing many techniques (batik and ikat, for example), a vibrant community of painters, the most beautiful music in the world (Javanese gamelan), delicious exotic food, and an easy-to-learn language.

Also, not to put to fine a point on it, you can live in the lap of luxury there for a much lower price than you could in the US. I hate to even admit it, because I don’t think it is a particularly good reason to be drawn to a country, but the reality of it is that with just a reasonable amount of cash by American standards you can live like a king. When we lived there I never swept a floor, ironed a shirt, or cleaned an oven – and I certainly didn’t maintain the correct chemical balance in our own private swimming pool! The only reason I cooked and changed diapers was because I wanted to – those duties could easily have been farmed out.

Disclaimer: You asked what Dopers thought, so I told you my own opinion. In all fairness, many people would have a much greater discomfort level in Indonesia. They’d worry about terrorism, earthquakes, malaria, Jakarta’s polluted air and traffic, whatever. It ain’t for everyone. But I miss living there so much it almost makes my stomach hurt to think about it.
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Ive been to Singapore and loved it. My only concern would be what appears to be a very strict code of conduct. We’ve all heard the rumore about chewing gum and littering. Personally I dont litter OR chew gum so those two particular laws wouldnt effect me. because of those two however, Singapore is beautifully clean. On top of that english is very common and the food is amazing! Ill put it on the list thanks.

42

Well, Singapore wasn’t on my list, actually; I only note that it is a useful adjunct to Indonesia. But sure, Singapore is a great place with plenty of recreation and, as you say, exquisite food. But it is an expensive place to live.

43

[QUOTE=Anaamika]
Well, thank you both. I still am fairly sure I am not going anywhere near S. America, but at least I know a little more about Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica has never had a military coup, has a very large American population, low expenses, and tax-free status for pensioners.

By the way, it’s in Central America.

44

[QUOTE=Chefguy]
Costa Rica has never had a military coup, has a very large American population, low expenses, and tax-free status for pensioners.

By the way, it’s in Central America.
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Sorry, I did know that.

45

[QUOTE=Chefguy]
Costa Rica has never had a military coup, has a very large American population, low expenses, and tax-free status for pensioners.

By the way, it’s in Central America.
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What does a majority of the American population do there for work? Tourist related employment?

46

[QUOTE=Chefguy]
Costa Rica has never had a military coup, has a very large American population, low expenses, and tax-free status for pensioners.

By the way, it’s in Central America.
[/QUOTE]
What are real estate prices like, if you wanted to buy a home?

47

[QUOTE=d1a1s1]
I dont appreciate people being diks for no real reason.
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Dik?

48

Preposterous, I don’t have horns. :slight_smile:

49

[QUOTE=vetbridge]
Dik?
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I wasnt sure if the server would block “DICKS”…even if they are in a box!

50

[QUOTE=d1a1s1]
What does a majority of the American population do there for work? Tourist related employment?
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Most are retired or otherwise financially independent. Tourism work is certainly available, but it’s going to require fluency in Spanish of course.

As for what houses cost, a friend of mine owns a very comfortable 3 BR bungalow style home (all modern conveniences) in a suburb of San Jose that cost $64,000. A beach house can be had for $100K (small) to as much as you want to pay, but $150 to $250k can buy one that couldn’t be touched for under $1 million Florida or $2 million in California. (One thing about the beach property though- it’s a further walk to the beach than in the US because by national law the coastline is public property and nothing can be built on it, so most beachhouses (meaning houses within a quick walk to the beach and nothing obstructing a beach view) are across the road from the actual beach.)

51

I’d go New Zealand for no other reason than it’s gorgeous and I think I’d get along real well there.

Disclaimer: I’ve never been :frowning:

52

[QUOTE=SenoraGO]
I’d go New Zealand for no other reason than it’s gorgeous and I think I’d get along real well there.

Disclaimer: I’ve never been :frowning:
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I hope some Kiwis weigh in because when I originally stared thinking about where I want to go I thought of New Zealand. I think theyre staying quiet to keep Americans out!