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IS OFF-SHORE THE RETIREMENT HOME LOCATION FOR YOU?
Ivan Gillis
This department will have articles covering the pros an cons of choosing an off-shore retirement home location. And will also have articles on the ins and outs of living off-shore.
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ENSENADA, MEXICO--OFF SHORE BENEFITS WHILE CLOSE TO U.S.
Ivan Gillis
With the warm Pacific Ocean to the west and mountains to the east, pretty Ensenada experiences semi-dry, Mediterranean-like weather, making it a comfortable year-round retirement destination. The cost of living is roughly one half of the U.S. average; water recreation is outstanding; the pace is leisurely and foreigners can purchase property (with restrictions). It is no wonder nearly 20,000 U.S. expats live here . . . keep reading
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Reasonably Priced Real Estate in Sunny Southern Spain
Ivan Gillis
The area known as Costa Almeria is located in southeastern Spain and is a very dry, hot region with nearly 300 days of sunshine a year. It is probably familiar to many Americans because it has been the shooting location for numerous "spaghetti westerns," including A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Many British, as well as Spanish, come here to enjoy the nearly 200 miles of coastline, and developers have begun to build resort properties, some of which have reasonably-priced units for sale. . . . keep reading
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SEASIDE GEMS IN SOUTHERN ITALY
Ivan Gillis
Ancient Maratea (population 5,600) is a delightful hilltop town along the Tyrrhenian Sea coast in southern Italy's Basilicata region. Mostly off the tourist-beaten path, Maratea is a small port that caters to pleasure craft and is surrounded by hills, mountains and thick vegetation. The old town has been restored and has a maze of wonderfully narrow, mediaeval streets and alleyways. There are two main plazas, and wine bars, open-air cafes; stores, restaurants and gelato shops line the streets. The village is safe and clean, and hidden beaches (20 of them), caves, rugged cliffs and exquisitely clear water add to Maratea's considerable charm. . . . keep reading
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$85,000 STONE FARM HOUSES IN ABRUZZO, ITALY
Ivan Gillis
Abruzzo is a mountainous region of Italy located between Rome and the Adriatic Sea, across the water from Croatia, and although it is in the central part of the country, it is officially considered part of southern Italy. The area was essentially abandoned by local residents after WWII and today is still rural, rugged, unspoiled and essentially undiscovered . With Rome just 90 minutes to the west and the sparkling Adriatic coastline half an hour to the east, this is almost a perfect location. The summers are hot; the food is hearty and delicious, and the people are welcoming. . . . keep reading
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Ancient French City Known for its Fine Porcelain Also Offers Excellent Real Estate Deals
Ivan Gillis
In southwestern France, about three hours from Paris, is the ancient city of Limoges (10 B.C.), birthplace of Impressionist painter Renoir and a locale known for its manufacture of fine porcelain and detailed enamel carvings on copper. The residents of this peaceful metropolis (population 240,000) enjoy a relatively mild climate and a high quality of life, thanks in part to the local government imposing strict environmental regulations on industry. Trolley cars run on electricity, and the city is "green," graced with more than 1,500 acres of parks, grassy areas and flowering gardens. . . . keep reading
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Casablanca, Morocoo
Leigh Fergus
While it doesn't have the instant appeal of Marrakech, Morocco's largest city Casablanca has a charm that is hard to deny. . . . keep reading
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5 Regions of Calabria, Italy
Ivan Gillis
Considering Italy for your retirement home location? Check out these 5 regions of Southern Italy, where the real estate and cost of living are LOW! . . . keep reading
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Beach Front Property for $100,000 - Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador
Ivan Gillis
Bahia de Caraquez is a mellow resort city (population 30,000) on a peninsula on the western coast of Ecuador in South America. This area has seen significant development during the last 20 years, but Bahia, as it is known by the locals, still has a comfortable, small town feeling and is one of the cleanest cities in Ecuador. It is also very inexpensive, easy to navigate and has a pretty seaside location with white sandy beaches . . . keep reading
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9 Nine Free Things to do in Paris
Leigh Fergus
Those with insider information can enjoy hidden treats that don't cost a dime--even in Paris. Apart from feasting your eyes on the sheer beauty of the banks of the Seine and the Paris skyline, there are other ways to spend time in the most romantic city in the world--absolutely free. . . . keep reading
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Tango Away While Living in Your $60,000 Apartment
Lee Harrison
The city of Buenos Aires enjoys the well-deserved reputation of being the "Paris of South America," and is clearly a world apart from most anything else you'll see on the continent. Rich in culture, the arts, and history, Buenos Aires is a class act, with its fine dining, excellent wines, theater, and, of course, Tango. But when you see San Telmo, you'll soon see why the driver called it the "soul" of Buenos Aires. . . . keep reading
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BUYING REAL ESTATE IN BRAZIL PART IV
Robin Sparks
Brazil is a vast country and real-estate bargains can be found anywhere, from the beaches worth fifteen Florida's in the Northeast to the high-rise condominiums of São Paulo. I chose Teresópolis because I had friends there and had come upon a bargain in a town of spectacular climate and views, situated close to the world-class city of Rio de Janeiro. I had cash in-hand by virtue of having just sold an over-appraised 1060 sq. ft. home in Austin, Taxes. . . . keep reading
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BUYING REAL ESTATE IN BRAZIL PART III
Robin Sparks
Americans inured to our Police State will be amazed at the personal liberty accorded the Brazilian. You can drive from Boa Vista on the Venezuelan border to Bagé in the South without ever having to deal with a damned drug-sniffing cop. You will, however, have crossed 663,846 speed bumps and will be on a second set of springs and fourth set of shocks! Don't even think about making the trip in a Kombi made of "maconha!" . . . keep reading
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RENTAL PROPERTY IN BERLIN, GERMANY
Ronan McMahon
While property prices across Europe and the rest of the world roared ahead in the past decade, the market in Berlin stagnated. In fact, prices slipped by 40% in real terms through the '90s and first part of this decade. And 85% of Berliners rent. . . . keep reading
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Fishing in Panama
Ivan Gillis
Pinas Bay, Panama offers some of the world's most popular game fish including Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Grouper, Roosterfish, Snapper and Amberjack. Click on any of the photos below for a larger view. . . . keep reading
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