When I was growing up in the 1970s, I remember watching a show called Yogi’s Ark. It was a conglomeration of Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters including Yogi and Boo-Boo, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, and others. The concept of the show was all these characters on a flying ark that resembled a toy Noah’s ark with a helicopter blade on top. They flew around the world looking for “the perfect place” to live. This place was “where the sky is blue, the fields are green, the water sparkles, the air is clean.” Spoiler alert: I recall the final episode concluded that there was no perfect place, but rather, it was on us to make the place we are in more perfect. This was a deep lesson for a child. I still remember it.

Perhaps the problem is the world “perfect.” My father used to tell me that practice doesn’t make perfect because perfection is unattainable; however, we should always strive for excellence. During the U.S. constitutional convention when the members had reached an impasse, in their efforts to get it precisely right, Benjamin Franklin addressed the representatives and told them not to allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good. He pleads for the congregation to adopt the system “so near to perfection”  as it was.

Thus should we aspire to find our “perfect” residence in retirement. There is no perfect place; however, there are many places that are so near to perfection that we will be more than satisfied with our choice. Naturally, these places will be different for different people. Bob and Jane might be most happy in a warm climate like Malta, while Ted and Janet prefer the culture and dining of Barcelona.

If you are so inclined, you will be able to find fault with any place just as you could find fault with any person. This place has too much rain for my liking or this place is too crowded. The question then becomes do the negatives outweigh the positives. The mathematician in me wants to create a formula for finding “the best” place for me (or anyone). Perhaps we could create an algorithm like Good things – Bad things = compatibility score. I believe this is how the original dating sites worked.

There are a few problems with this system. First, some things should be weighted as more important than others and this weighting will be different for different people. Foodies, for example, might weigh the availability of different cuisine very highly. While those whose main objective is warmth who like varied cuisine would weigh the climate more heavily while still giving bonuses for good food options. It can get quite complicated. Additionally, often you do not know what you truly value until it’s missing. You don’t know what you don’t know. For instance, if you’ve never lived in a non-English speaking environment, you may not realize how isolating it can be, or on the other hand, how much you actually enjoy learning a foreign language.

So, not only will the “perfect place” be different for everyone, but also the questions themselves will differ from person to person and couple to couple. However, here is a list of the most common questions people moving abroad generally consider important.

1. What is the cost of living in the area? Consider the overall affordability, including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Compare these costs to your retirement budget to ensure you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

2. What is the quality and accessibility of healthcare services? Investigate the availability of healthcare facilities, the proximity to hospitals, and the quality of medical services. Ensure there are adequate healthcare options for any specific medical needs you may have.

3. What are the climate and weather patterns like? Consider whether the area's climate suits your preferences and health needs. Some retirees prefer warmer climates, while others may enjoy seasonal changes. It's essential to choose a place where you can comfortably live year-round.

4. What recreational and social activities are available? Look into the availability of activities and amenities that interest you, such as golf courses, parks, cultural events, and social clubs. Consider the community's overall vibe and whether it offers opportunities to stay active and engaged.

5. Is the area safe and convenient for seniors? Evaluate the crime rates and overall safety of the area. Also, consider the availability of senior-friendly amenities, such as public transportation, walkability, and accessibility to essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks.

Of course, before actually relocating abroad, it’s good to take an investigative trip – an extended vacation. To plan for one of these vacations, please see our sister-site:

www.besteuropeanvacation.com