Expat Community > Philippines

mchrismsw
Joined 2017
Posts: 43

Retire Philippines??

7 years ago

I am new here and Maybe I can get your two cents as I am in the midst of a major transition in my love and is excited and scared as hell!!

Background
52 years old this Jun 29th!
I am retiring on October with a small pension from my government job as a Child Abuse Investigator and Manager for Social Services in Alameda County in California.

I am single and no longer have any real ties to the San Jose Bay Area. All my family has passed away over the last 10 years.

I am Italian and Spanish, I speak a little Spanish but open to embrace the language of my host nation.

Masters Degree in Social work and besides social work, I have over 15 years of teaching experience and a local college.

I been dreaming of moving to Asia, Latin America or the Caribbean for 17 years. In the mean time,

I have spent a lot of time in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Columbia and some Asian countries like Philippines and Thailand. My heart has always been over seas rather than staying in the USA.

The DR is in my top 3 so far but I wanted to give Philippines a chance. and enjoy how much slower it is compared to the USA.

Now I am 3 months away from early retirement so it's getting REAL!! LOL
I am looking for a place that has the following requirements:

Meduim sized city vs a capital city. I am tired of the crowds living in the Bay Area California.

Access to fresh and healthy food, a good gym, tropical weather. I have degenerate bone disease in my shoulders and the tropical weather really relieves arthritic pain for me and allows me to have little pain and still be active and workout.

Affordable housing. I have budgeted about 1500 USD per month for living expenses and about another 300 USD if I need to go over. I still got 1 years to wait before SSI gives me a bump to my pension.

Ultimately were and when I land safely, I have budgeted up to 200, 000 USD max for a house or apartment. I am not rich but just a poor civil servant LOL :)

Eventually I would like to add value to my host community. Maybe teach English part-time or start a small business or invest in some rental property for passive income.

I spent my whole life as an educator and social worker so giving back and adding value to my host community is important to me

Overall, I am simple man, easy to get along with and make friends, looking forward to and really enjoy and value a simple life (We in the west have gotten so far away from what really matters). And time to recover from a career of seeing some of the worst imaginable things happen to children,10 hrs a day everyday over my career.

Any advice based on my criteria would be helpful. Blessings and thank you!

Michael
[email protected]

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.