Philippines among best countries in Asia to retire

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is among the four best countries in Asia to retire in, according to business website Investopedia.

Investopedia, which recently profiled the 10 best countries to retire to in 2016, reported that the Philippines has made it to the top four choices by expert editors, writers and on-the-ground reporters at Live and Invest Overseas (LIO).

Live and Invest Overseas is one of the world’s most trusted sources for information on international living and retiring abroad.

The other three countries that made it on the list of Investopedia are Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The four countries are considered “up and comers that may hit the charts next year,” it said.

Kathleen Peddicord, founder of Live and Invest Overseas, said the cost of living in the Philippines is one of the lowest in the world, even lower than in Vietnam.

“In the ‘hip’ university town of Dumaguete where 4,000 expats live (and some scuba dive), renting a one bedroom apartment costs just over $200 per month, according to Numbeo.com, or you can buy one for under $40 per square foot,” Peddicord reported.

“The tropical island of Cebu is another choice for retirees, and Makati, a safe part of Manila, has access to everything a retiree would want – good shopping, excellent healthcare, proximity to beaches and outdoor activities plus the expected big-city cultural features. Makati is also considered an excellent market for real estate investment,” she said.

Peddicord also named Tagaytay as another destination to watch because of its year-round cool climate, spectacular scenery and closeness to Manila.