Retire in the United States
Last updated on Feb 09, 2024
Summary: Retirees are often attracted to the United States for its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and wide range of activities and attractions. The country also offers a wide range of climates, from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. The weather in the United States varies greatly depending on the region, but generally temperatures range from an average low of 20°F (-7°C) in the winter to an average high of 86°F (30°C) in the summer.
What is it like to retire in the United States?
"Life for a retiree in the United States and its surroundings can be quite fulfilling. There is an active expat community with ample access to cultural attractions, recreation, and nightlife. Retirees often explore the culture of the region by participating in outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and bird watching. They also enjoy visiting local sports teams and attending theatre performances, music concerts, and art shows. Whether the retiree enjoys a quiet night at home or an evening of fun with friends, there are plenty of activities and entertainments to explore in the US and its surroundings," said one retiree in United States.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"Check with a tax professional first to find out what taxes you may still have to pay in the UK when you move to the US. And vice versa," said one retiree in US.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in the United States?
"Retiring in the United States can present some difficult challenges, such as rising costs associated with healthcare and a lack of retirement savings, making it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, there can be a sense of loneliness, especially if retirees are far away from friends and family, as many of the social activities that retirees rely on to stay connected are difficult to come by. Finding suitable and affordable housing can also be a challenge, as retirees may not have the savings or income to cover the costs associated with certain areas. Furthermore, navigating retirement paperwork can be difficult and time-consuming, as there are often many rules and regulations to keep track of in order to receive the full benefit of any retirement plan," commented one retiree living in United States.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in the United States?
"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in the United States is having access to a wide range of social security and pension benefits. People who retire in the United States can also enjoy the security of knowing that their healthcare costs are covered by Medicare, as well as the availability of other services such as home health care and prescription drug plans. Additionally, retirees can take advantage of the numerous leisure and recreational opportunities available, such as national parks, museums, and beaches. Lastly, the ample financial services for retirees, such as banking and investment options, further add to the rewards of retiring in the United States," said one retiree in living in United States.
What are healthcare services like in the United States?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in the United States. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in the United States vary greatly depending on where one lives. Generally speaking, access to healthcare is reliant on having health insurance, either through private plans or through the public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. Most healthcare services are provided by private physicians in private clinics, though at different levels of quality. There are also a number of government-run healthcare services, such as community health centers, clinics, and hospitals. The overall cost for healthcare services in the US is typically high, with nationwide insurance plans and price regulations that vary from state to state. Furthermore, the US healthcare system is not always well-tailored to the needs of its citizens, with some areas lacking in certain services, or with care being highly concentrated in certain areas," said a retiree who moved to United States.
How do I meet people in the United States?
When we asked people living in the United States about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"I might recommend looking into local high schools (Brookline High) for continuing ed classes- you can take everything from Spanish to cooking to woodworking. There is also Junior League of Boston, and different business networking opportunities. (None which come to mind by name- but we belong to the Boston College Club- those types of places are great- although expensive) I would also suggest looking into the alumni department of the college you attended- I know there is a whole network of colleges that sponsor events together. (wine tasting, a capella concerts, ball games, etc.) One other suggestion is Boston.com and citysearch.com -- they summarize all the events in the city- free concerts on the river, events in the park, shows, etc. The Improper Bostonian is a free weekly magazine - they usually list great stuff in there, as well as the Boston Globe publishes a calendar section each Thursday. It highlights the events going on for the weekend, new restaurants, bars, etc," explained a retiree in Boston.
"Expats often join social and cultural clubs to meet others and learn about their new home. Examples of very popular clubs and activities include community choirs, running clubs, youth sports teams, and language classes. Expats can also meet others by attending local lectures, musical performances, art and book exhibitions, festivals, and even charity events, which offer a great opportunity to socialize and make friends. Additionally, expats often get online to more easily connect with people who share similar interests, join online expat networks, or even sign up for social media pages dedicated to expats living in the area," explained one retiree living in United States.
"I would recommend the bars and clubs here in Sacramento. They are mostly located in the downtown area. Some good clubs to visit are Blue Q and Empire. For bars we have plenty of them, some good ones are Sandbar,Pine Cove,Firehouse,Players,for the youngfolks that attend Sac State Univ. you can check out the Library, and you can also go down to the river Old Sacramento area for the riverside dining bars that are available. If you are into music we have a growing underground music community in hip-hop and rock. Finding out about shows is easy mainly because you can flyers for shows posted in every coffee shop and street corner. A good venue for music to check out is the Boardwalk. If clubbing and music isn't your thing we have 2 rivers and a lake within the Sacramento area. One can do everything from boating,swimming,fishing,mountain biking to jogging. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do," said one member in Sacramento.
What is life like in the United States?
When we asked people living in the United States what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"It is a bit of all of this- but work and socializing are big on a daily basis. Sports- depending on the season -are big too. Specifically the Patriots and Red Sox. I don't see a huge family emphasis at all," said one retiree in Boston.
"People's lives revolve mostly around working all day to pay the bills, then coming home and socializing. Family isn't really a big priority here mainly because most families here are dysfunctional or broken," commented one retiree living in Sacramento, US.
"Expats and digital nomads in the United States often find a diverse and exciting range of activities and experiences. The U.S. offers a wealth of opportunities, with diverse cultures, a wide range of climates and landscapes, and a bustling job market. Expats may find that making social connections with fellow expats and locals alike can be a great way to get acquainted with the new surroundings. Cultural events and activities within a US city can provide excellent networking opportunities and allow expats to experience more of the culture and lifestyle of America. Digital nomads will appreciate the wide array of places to work from – from coffee shops to shared spaces – as well as the range of online communities supporting the digital nomadic lifestyle. With the United States’ open stance for entrepreneurship and business, the opportunities for digital nomads to start or grow their own businesses are many," explained one retiree living in United States.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
What do I need to know before retiring in the United States?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the United States, they said:
"If you are a young person in his/her 20s I would not recommend it. We do have a club scene yes, but it dies around 12am. That and most clubs/bars can be dangerous at times due to gangs coming in and starting trouble. Sacramento is perfect for someone in their later adult years to live and work. However, if you are planning on moving here bring plenty money with you, and try to find a place before coming, which isn't difficult, apartment complexes are always renting," said a person in Sacramento.
What type of recreational activities are there in the United States?
"In the United States, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, lakes, rivers, trails, and golf courses. Parks often feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Beaches provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Lakes and rivers offer fishing, boating, and other water activities. Trails provide a great way to explore nature and get some exercise. Golf courses provide a challenging and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon," explained one retiree living in United States.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the United States?
"Their are great bakeries in the centro of Patillas and one well stocked supermarket but most people drive 20 minutes down the road to Pueblo or Amigo for grocery shopping in Guayama," wrote one person in Patillas.
"There are many grocery stores in Annapolis - Whole Foods, Sam's Club, Graul's Market, Giant, Shoppers, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's and Safeway. There are several Asian grocery stores in nearby Bowie, MD. Annapolis Towne Center is an outdoor shopping center with clothing stores like Anthropologie, lululemon and Talbots, restaurants and even the Whole Foods. Westfield Mall has furniture stores (Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel), clothing stores, restaurants and an 11 cinema movie theater. ," explained one retiree living in Annapolis.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- United States Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in United States
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in United States
- Best Places to Live in United States
- Guide to Real Estate in United States
- Pros & Cons of Living in United States
- Cost of Living in United States
- Essential Guide to the Health System in the United States
- Guide to Residency in the United States
- Healthcare in the US
- Cost of Living in New York City
- 2025 Guide to Living in United States
- Pros and Cons of Living in United States 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to United States