Is the country of Nicaragua a good place for an American to retire to?

Question

I've read a few web sites and know the country is a bit rough around the edges. But I'm an old farm boy and been in the military in the 70's so I've seen 'rough'.

I'm 65, living alone on SS and am looking for a bit of Adventure. ... and a low COL. But I don't want to go into a foreign country without some backup, like knowing an American ex-pat who's already down there.

How would one go contacting a legit source of info from someone IN Nicaragua? Is there an organization down there that assists people in moving there?

I do NOT have any money to invest, just retire and maybe do light work part-time. I don't suppose the Nicaragua embassy or government is very helpful? Could a person actually live with a native, middle-class family there to get acclimated?

Answer 1

It is rough, but exiting, beautiful and diverse at the same time. If you come retire here and get a light part-time job (not impossible for a foreigner in the capital city of Managua or Granada) you could easily benefit from tax incentives for foreigners which we provide through a Retiree Benefit Program we offer. You're 65 so you qualify. I am aware that there are a couple of organizations in Granada that assist retirees with getting info. about retiring here. Unfortunately i don't know the names of them off the top of my head.

http://www.internationalliving.com/count...

Granada has a very large international ex-pat community. I know of many Europeans, Asians and people from the U.S. that have assimilated very well. Many have opened up restaurants around the town square. San Juan del Sur is another popular city with many retirees. I have noticed many ex-pats here invest their money 1 of 2 ways, opening up a store (of any kind) or investing in Real Estate, which is extremely cheap and brings in good money.

I'm not aware of any programs that take in potential retirees to get acclimated, i only know of the foreign exchange programs (mainly for students) and the mission trips where people come help local Nicaraguans and stay with a family here. For this, i highly recommend you visit www.NicaLiving.com, i'm sure someone there will assist you with better info regarding that request. NicaLiving is full of ex-pats who ACTUALLY live (and have retired) in Nicaragua. It is a forum, mainly in English to better help ex-pats who live or are thinking of moving here. I have worked with a handful of members, i work with the Government of Nicaragua and have helped them set up some businesses (mostly Tourism-related which has its perks with our Law 306, a tourism-incentive law).

Answer 2

The country is poor...There are not many places with running water or even somewhere to shop

The best country to live in Central America is Costa Rica.

Also Mexico, will get you further for your money.]\

You will definitive want to begin your search by contacting the embassy, here in the U.S.   they will have a listing for agency that may help you.

Answer 3

i would recomend belize nice peaceful country

Answer 4

Check with a group called Boomers Abroad. They have some pretty good real life info

http://boomersabroad.com/

Might also look for a Yahoo Group

Answer 5

h**l no... go to costa rica...nicaragua has alot of problems man, just like honduras, guatemala, etc

Answer 6

definitely

Answer 7

no its ok but i would go to a place like hwaii or flrodia or a goooooooood place is airazon good econmy and nice houses even las vagas move some where fun not lame but it is nice there

Answer 8

I watched a House Hunters episode where the couple was retiring there. They looked pretty happy. Go visit for a few weeks and see if you like the feel and vibe of the place.

Answer 9

I would find Adyari. She answers a lot here and is from Nicarauga. She knows the country and could probably answer your question better than anyone on here. She would have up to date info and could, perhaps, tell you someplace that would be less know or unknown to outsiders.

Answer 10

I've hearn many many people tha costa rica is beautiful, and its a good place to live......... if you have money of course.

Answer 11

Start here:

http://board.classifieds1000.com/Nicarag...

and here:

http://www.expatexchange.com/net.cfm?net...

Good luck!