ozsubasi

Members may be interested in this recent article from the Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...468885782.html

Domino

a headline or single line precis would be nice.........

is that the same Wall Street Journal that...
didnt know about the Madoff Ponzi Scheme until after he had admitted it
didnt know about Lehmans going belly up until after they had done it

Gee...forgive me if I don't get excited.

Harvester523

I read your thread about wanting to leave Sweden. Good luck with your move!

ozsubasi

If I'd added any comment then I could be accused of promoting in self interest, so in the context of the original question I thought it better to let the article speak for itself. It only took a second to click on the link and see which country it was about.

I'm sure there are many publications that have missed out on major stories, but I thought the WSJ was pretty well respected as a source on what it does report on, much as the Financial Times is in the UK. If I was wrong in that perception I apologize.

I didn't intend for anyone to get excited, I just thought that it was an interesting viewpoint for people to consider.

ozsubasi

Although I have already responded to this post, I would like to do so again in more detail.
It is very easy to be caustic and then unsubscribe from the thread, (in other words say they have no interest in any response).
If I am out of order in responding then I apologize in advance and understand if this is moderated.

So this is my reply:

No it isn't, it is "Best place in europe to retire"
Accuracy is important, especially when the comment is a criticism.

I specifically mentioned Spain and Portugal and said "some" countries are on the verge of bankruptcy, I did not say they all were.
I could have mentioned Greece, Italy and Ireland as well as being in that situation. In fact, apart from Germany, is there any country in the euro zone that isn't in serious difficulties?

Exactly the point I was making, i.e. that some perhaps are on that "dark side of the moon" in terms of not being aware

Yes but is that sustainable? That is what I was questioning. EU law is great from that point of view but if the Euro crumbles what are those laws worth in the long term? Would someone living in Greece have those benefits if that country withdraws from the Euro?

Indeed I have mentioned the problems but more to the point, I did not suggest in the first place that Turkey was the best place to retire to
in Europe. If I had done so then you are right that I should point out the minus points. But as I didn't, your comment is without value.
In terms of honesty, unlike some others, I give a reasonable outline of myself in my profile and I do explain where I am and what I do.

If I am out of order and/or off topic in expressing my views in this post I apologize but sometimes it is hard to take perceived unfair remarks without responding.
I have had a couple of remarks aimed at me in this thread and although I always try and make reasoned replies I can't just sit back and accept
everything.

Blackladder

Hi Harvester, thanks for the kind thoughts, you'll hear the shout when our house in Sweden is sold and the money's in the bank! Problem right now is whether to keep some in Sweden or put our faith in the Euro holding up!
Take care and keep in touch
Blackie

LordMayor

I am sure you would love the Costa de la Luz in Spain. I have been living there (in Ayamonte)for ten years now and would not change!
In a few words: Sun 300 days/year, lots of walking areas, beautiful beaches, lovely people, great health service. If you live in town (very quiet) like me, you do not need a car. I just rent one when needed (once/twice a month), it is the cheapest. And if you want to buy it is just the right time!
A friend mine has just bought a 2 beds semi-detached house for 66.000€ (they were on the market at 180.000€ two or three years ago and a 4 beds house in the same urbanization for 128.000€ (formerly 430.000€!!!).
If you want anyfurther information, do not hesitate to PM me, i will be pleased to answer.

jenninedinburgh

Thanks so much for the information. I've heard great things about Ayamonte and look forward to checking it out. It's definitely on the list

Armchair Traveller

Please be very wary of any suggestions that European property prices have been rising year on year. That might apply to asking prices but I doubt very much that it applies to actual selling prices in recent years other than in the more desirable areas of major cities such as London.

kuepper

I'd have about £15k pa in pensions when I retire this year and as I don't drink or smoke or have a car that should be enough to live on. I can't really afford to buy, which places have rental properties with decent security of tenure, do tenants rights vary between country?

Ray51

Well , I could NOT possibly retire in Turkey , which is NOT in Europe , but is probably a better place to be in , for a Brit & with a few bob to spare , then so-called "european" God-forsaken Bosnia , Kosovo , Makedonija , Albanija , Roumania , Serbia , Bulgaria ...
I think the following are quite good places in Europe , for non-millionaires , in no particular order , but considering , among others : health , climate , tax , security , cost of living ...allez :
SLOvenia ,
( parts of ) Spain ,
Belgium , i.e. Bruxelles and Flanders/seaside
Gibraltar ,
maybe : Croatia ? Zagreb & seaside ,
western Germany , for sure
and Austria , most of it .
Good Luck , Bonne Chance , Guten Flug noch ,
R.

liveaboard

Rents are low in Portugal; and the weather's great too, at least on the south-west coast where we are. Rarely too hot or too cold, plenty of water, good infrastructure.
So long as you don't need to earn a living where you live, it's great here.

JB80

Personally I'd hate to see out my days here but that's just me, I can't handle the climate amongst other things.
I want to head either South or North from here but I think to retire I'd need some Sun.
Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy all spring to mind.

Ray51

I am quite old and well-travelled ;
5 years in Dubai , Emirates and some weeks of summer on spanish Costas did they bit , to influence my thinking in my late years ;
also I rember wonderful X-mas/New Years' days in Toronto , lovely snowy winters in Zuerich und Umgebueng , freezing to the bone in St.Petersburg but sweating it out horribly in smelly Hong Kong ...
which is why I also mentioned some places with 4 seasons and bearable climate , good medical arrangements and manageable tax situations , not too remote from U.K. etc ;
An additional hint :
wait until you are again exposed to British NHS , London transport , English pricing , the rudeness , ignorance and illiteracy of common youngsters here , the uselesness of most tradesmen and of huuge bureaucracy , who are ALWAYS RIGHT , at yr expense ...you might yet learn to fall hopelessly in love w. Bruxelles , I fear !?

jenninedinburgh

Hi all,

Just wanted to say thanks again for all of the new replies It's so interesting to hear your thoughts and really drives home that there are so many places to consider.