Prospective retirement

[Steve_uk]

Just got back from a weekend in Manchester, went to see Old Trafford before it gets dismantled or upgraded, also I have a brick with my name on so I wanted a photo just in case it gets removed.  Stopped in the city centre, I honestly thought I was in a different Country to the one I’ve grown up in, hardly anyone spoke English.

I don't think it's so bad. There's a good variety of shops to suit every budget and I've never experienced any crime in the city centre. The libraries and art galleries are world class. Metrolink is frequent and reliable. I have to admit I do prefer the suburbs in the evening, and of course England is now heavily overpopulated in the cities.

Not sure what the plans are for Old Trafford football stadium.

[Cambridgecutie]

Yes, I've had it for a lifetime in Manchester, even in July. One does accustom oneself to it. Leisure pursuits are inside though: gym, reading. I'd like to do more walking. I am whittling down the destinations for retirement, albeit slowly:

1) I don't want a lot of rain and snow. You Southerners don't have much of an idea how much rain there is on the western side of the United Kingdom. I could say the British Isles, which includes the Irish Republic.

2) I want a retirement country which experiences all four seasons. This rules out the Caribbean, possibly Ecuador. Buenos Aires is on my shortlist.

3) I don't wish to live in a high cost of living country. I'm talking more Norway, the rest of Scandinavia, Monaco, Switzerland, those kind of places. The UK is just about affordable, and no frozen pension. I may go into further details if pressed.

4) I must have a predominantly Christian country, where I can live in peace. The Church is always the first point of contact. I would feel lost in a non-religious country or somewhere where a majority was practising a religion alien to myself. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79q8p8qx1do

5) I would like to be able to walk the streets in safety. A seaside location would be pleasant. Somewhere like Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Please feel free to add to the list. If I can't decide I'd be happy with a terraced house in Deal or Walmer, or an apartment overlooking the sea. They are my kind of people: thoughtful, not brash. My kind of resort. https://youtu.be/sdi4Y093-9c

I wouldn't describe Ecuador as a 'safe' country.  FCO advise against all but essential travel to certain parts.  Argentina isn't without its problems in this regard.  A bit of a trek for friends and family to visit. 

How about the Isles of Scilly?  I think it ticks all your boxes!  I have found a beautiful home for you:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158845163#/?channel=RES_BUY

[Steve_uk]

I wouldn't describe Ecuador as a 'safe' country.  FCO advise against all but essential travel to certain parts.  Argentina isn't without its problems in this regard.  A bit of a trek for friends and family to visit. 

How about the Isles of Scilly?  I think it ticks all your boxes!  I have found a beautiful home for you:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158845163#/?channel=RES_BUY

It's only Esmeraldas which is unsafe, that is, unless they have another coup. Re: Isles of Scilly, it's one of those places where you have to reside for ages to be accepted into the community. Typical of most islands. Plus it reminds me too much of Prince William and his portfolio.

I know what you mean about Argentina, but it's definitely on my shortlist. Such a vast country, all four seasons, anonymity if desired in Buenos Aires, no close family to speak of,  so many things to do, the currency works in our favour.

[Cambridgecutie]

It's only Esmeraldas which is unsafe, that is, unless they have another coup. Re: Isles of Scilly, it's one of those places where you have to reside for ages to be accepted into the community. Typical of most islands. Plus it reminds me too much of Prince William and his portfolio.

I know what you mean about Argentina, but it's definitely on my shortlist. Such a vast country, all four seasons, anonymity if desired in Buenos Aires, no close family to speak of,  so many things to do, the currency works in our favour.

https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/best-countries-to-retire-from-uk/

Have you considered the West Country? 

[ngb1066]

It's only Esmeraldas which is unsafe, that is, unless they have another coup. Re: Isles of Scilly, it's one of those places where you have to reside for ages to be accepted into the community. Typical of most islands. Plus it reminds me too much of Prince William and his portfolio.

I know what you mean about Argentina, but it's definitely on my shortlist. Such a vast country, all four seasons, anonymity if desired in Buenos Aires, no close family to speak of,  so many things to do, the currency works in our favour.

The problem with the Isles of Scilly is the cost of property. It is really expensive.

[Steve_uk]

The problem with the Isles of Scilly is the cost of property. It is really expensive.

I didn't think you could buy anything outright. I thought it all formed part of the Duchy of Cornwall.

[Steve_uk]

https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/best-countries-to-retire-from-uk/

Have you considered the West Country?

I'm coming round to it, but again it can be rainy, though I'm sure there might be microclimates. https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/rain/how-much-does-it-rain-in-the-uk

[Cambridgecutie]

I didn't think you could buy anything outright. I thought it all formed part of the Duchy of Cornwall.

The property I chose for you is available to purchase outright:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158845163#/?channel=RES_BUY

[Steve_uk]

The property I chose for you is available to purchase outright:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/158845163#/?channel=RES_BUY

It's been reduced as well. A snip.

I think this may well be more me. Free travel for the over 60s in time being a bonus: https://www.onthemarket.com/details/8413555/?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=property_retarget_extra&utm_id=439406&os=Windows&display_env=Web&cto_pld=oblYUd7MAACGWiU5F8FOTw

[Cambridgecutie]

It's been reduced as well. A snip.

I think this may well be more me. Free travel for the over 60s in time being a bonus: https://www.onthemarket.com/details/8413555/?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=property_retarget_extra&utm_id=439406&os=Windows&display_env=Web&cto_pld=oblYUd7MAACGWiU5F8FOTw

There's a huge difference between Deal and SE London!  The property looks attractive but it only has a relatively short lease left (109 years).  It notes service charges are on a "as and when" basis!?  Would you be better off with freehold?  Plus Victorian flat conversions often come with noise issues. 

[Curiosity]

There's a huge difference between Deal and SE London!  The property looks attractive but it only has a relatively short lease left (109 years).  It notes service charges are on a "as and when" basis!?  Would you be better off with freehold?  Plus Victorian flat conversions often come with noise issues.

Such as a heavy-metal headbanger's thumping din from an adjacent flat, constant traffic drone outside plus a rotten outlook -

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.447565,-0.0003381,3a,48.1y,36.17h,92.12t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s-XFHb-aVTSXvVWhxhGK0bw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-2.1227733934555033%26panoid%3D-XFHb-aVTSXvVWhxhGK0bw%26yaw%3D36.17070150223679!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

[Cambridgecutie]

Such as a heavy-metal headbanger's thumping din from an adjacent flat, constant traffic drone outside plus a rotten outlook -

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.447565,-0.0003381,3a,48.1y,36.17h,92.12t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s-XFHb-aVTSXvVWhxhGK0bw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-2.1227733934555033%26panoid%3D-XFHb-aVTSXvVWhxhGK0bw%26yaw%3D36.17070150223679!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Plus it doesn't have a garden. 

[Hardy Boy]

I don't think it's so bad. There's a good variety of shops to suit every budget and I've never experienced any crime in the city centre. The libraries and art galleries are world class. Metrolink is frequent and reliable. I have to admit I do prefer the suburbs in the evening, and of course England is now heavily overpopulated in the cities.

Not sure what the plans are for Old Trafford football stadium.

The Cathedral was very welcoming,  free to go in and free food, it saved me buying lunch, I did give a donation though Steve,  it’s not as distinctive as ELY Cathedral though Steve, that has to be the best I’ve seen.  I love  Architecture and the work that went into the buildings.  Ken Follett’s Pillars Of The Earth, follows the conspiracy and the sacrifice that went into these Crafted Works.

[Steve_uk]

Such as a heavy-metal headbanger's thumping din from an adjacent flat, constant traffic drone outside plus a rotten outlook -

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.447565,-0.0003381,3a,48.1y,36.17h,92.12t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s-XFHb-aVTSXvVWhxhGK0bw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-2.1227733934555033%26panoid%3D-XFHb-aVTSXvVWhxhGK0bw%26yaw%3D36.17070150223679!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Well thank you for planning my life for me. Should I buy an annuity as well..

You forgot to mention the stag and hen parties at the weekend, the railway noise, the paedophile lurking on the second floor and the alcoholic grandma in the basement.

[Steve_uk]

The Cathedral was very welcoming,  free to go in and free food, it saved me buying lunch, I did give a donation though Steve,  it’s not as distinctive as ELY Cathedral though Steve, that has to be the best I’ve seen.  I love  Architecture and the work that went into the buildings.  Ken Follett’s Pillars Of The Earth, follows the conspiracy and the sacrifice that went into these Crafted Works.

It's often overlooked. I don't know why.