Destinations for snowbirds

[surferguy]

So my parents for the last handful of years have been heading south to Phoenix area for the winters. They sold their unit last year In their retirement community and are looking for a new destination for this winter.


They are considering hiring a home in Sayulita, Mexico or perhaps somewhere in Costa Rica. My worry is the social aspect in a place like this. My folks would certainly benifit from having a local community center that would provide programs/meet up allowing them the potential to meet new people. I feel they would struggle with boredom with just a house on a beach and limited ways to make some friends.


Question: Does anybody know of retirement communities on the coast somewhere? America is ok as an option but not preferred. They are thinking Central America but not limited to anywhere on the planet really.

Their place in phoenix was a large community of snowbirds that had a golf course, a bunch of park model trailers and a large community center.

Anybody know of a location or other options like these but on the coast somewhere?

Golfing is not essential.

[Northendzone]

to me the questiions might be:

- what will access to medical care be like?
- if they go someplace in mexico, how hard is it to get to a major airport? A guy i work with was looking at retirement place somewhat in central/south america; however, getting there required a flight on a small plane, and then a journey via road of two or more hours

[surferguy]

Salient points for sure and ones I’ve raised with them when considering options.

[habernac]

Can't help you for the coast. Mine have been wintering in Vegas for years and love it. Not as hot and tons of entertainment options.

[woob]

We have some family friends who have been going down to Mexico Baja California Sur area for years. I'll reach out to them and see if I can get some helpful info related to your questions.

[Fuzz]

The important bits are direct flights from Calgary, and space for you and your family. And surf waves. Anything else they can sort out.

[sleepingmoose]

Except for the coast part, I'd say Palm Springs. Non-stop flights, lots of community and other retired folks, great weather, and close to LA, San Diego and Vegas,

[SportsJunky]

^And 24/7 pickle ball!

[CarlLester]

Also except for the coast part, Boquete Panama

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by CarlLester

Also except for the coast part, Boquete Panama

Not a terrible idea but it's pretty far from Tocumen Airport. Also a bit of a jaunt to David for serious shopping. Costa del Este has a large expat community, is very close to the international airport and downtown Panama. It's also on the oceanside but I don't think the beaches are great there.

Having said that, I wouldn't recommend Panama over the many closer destinations. OK to live there full time though.

[CroFlames]

For a second I thought the thread was an appeal for Donations for snowbirds and I had a rant ready to go.

[Johnny Makarov]

I hear Sochi is pretty nice.

[Oil Stain]

Placencia in Belize would be a good place to spend a winter. Small town and a lot of the people are expats. Very laid back. It would be difficult to avoid getting to know people. English is the official language so its easy to communicate with locals as well. Lots of opportunities for day trips.

https://internationalliving.com/coun...ize/placencia/

[Sr. Mints]

One of the concerns of note from family who have a home in Cabo is corruption, and by extension safety. They're in a gated community in an affluent area, but the saying goes, if you're involved in something like a fender bender, get the hell out of there. Don't wait for the cops, don't stick around, just leave.

Originally Posted by Johnny Makarov

I hear Sochi is pretty nice.

"Like the Florida of Russia, only cheaper"