An Expat Talks about Retiring in Odessa, Ukraine

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Odessa

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

Quality of life

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

All year

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

Quality of people, proximity to the rest of the world

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

Yes

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

5 years

How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

2

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

Being away from family

What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?

Quality of life

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

Do it sooner

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

Odessa is what you want it to be. It is a city of more than a million so yes it has everything.

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

American Visa at first then a residency permit for permanency. I obtained my residency permit via marriage.

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

All of the above, plus a built the home of my desires.

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

Far exceeded. I found that I have more than enough for life.

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

Remember that if you decide to go back to your native country it will be a challenge to bring large sums of money with you. Meaning like more than 10k.

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

Very broad question a lot of people call "comfortable" a lot of different things. Comfortable for me is doing what I want when I want and so that translates to about 10k per month

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

Yes, here in Odessa we have very good quality healthcare and much better than my native USA by far and at 1/10th the cost.

Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

No, nothing like my native usa, it's peaceful.

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

All transportation services are available to and from Odessa although crowded. I prefer my private car.

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Very good quality, I have two routers, one for inside, one for outside with a 60 meter range = 8 dollars per month.

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

I have answered so many questions im tired of telling people, if you don't like it you can go back !!