Retire in the United States
Last updated on Nov 24, 2025
Summary:
What is it like to retire in the United States?
"Life for a retiree in the United States and its surroundings can be quite fulfilling. There is an active expat community with ample access to cultural attractions, recreation, and nightlife. Retirees often explore the culture of the region by participating in outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and bird watching. They also enjoy visiting local sports teams and attending theatre performances, music concerts, and art shows. Whether the retiree enjoys a quiet night at home or an evening of fun with friends, there are plenty of activities and entertainments to explore in the US and its surroundings," remarked one retiree in United States.
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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"Check with a tax professional first to find out what taxes you may still have to pay in the UK when you move to the US. And vice versa," said a person in US.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in the United States?
"Retiring in the United States can present some difficult challenges, such as rising costs associated with healthcare and a lack of retirement savings, making it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, there can be a sense of loneliness, especially if retirees are far away from friends and family, as many of the social activities that retirees rely on to stay connected are difficult to come by. Finding suitable and affordable housing can also be a challenge, as retirees may not have the savings or income to cover the costs associated with certain areas. Furthermore, navigating retirement paperwork can be difficult and time-consuming, as there are often many rules and regulations to keep track of in order to receive the full benefit of any retirement plan," commented one retiree living in United States.
What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in the United States?
"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in the United States is having access to a wide range of social security and pension benefits. People who retire in the United States can also enjoy the security of knowing that their healthcare costs are covered by Medicare, as well as the availability of other services such as home health care and prescription drug plans. Additionally, retirees can take advantage of the numerous leisure and recreational opportunities available, such as national parks, museums, and beaches. Lastly, the ample financial services for retirees, such as banking and investment options, further add to the rewards of retiring in the United States," explained one retiree living in United States.
What are healthcare services like in the United States?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in the United States. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in the United States vary greatly depending on where one lives. Generally speaking, access to healthcare is reliant on having health insurance, either through private plans or through the public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. Most healthcare services are provided by private physicians in private clinics, though at different levels of quality. There are also a number of government-run healthcare services, such as community health centers, clinics, and hospitals. The overall cost for healthcare services in the US is typically high, with nationwide insurance plans and price regulations that vary from state to state. Furthermore, the US healthcare system is not always well-tailored to the needs of its citizens, with some areas lacking in certain services, or with care being highly concentrated in certain areas," remarked one retiree in United States.
How do I meet people in the United States?
When we asked people living in the United States about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"I might recommend looking into local high schools (Brookline High) for continuing ed classes- you can take everything from Spanish to cooking to woodworking. There is also Junior League of Boston, and different business networking opportunities. (None which come to mind by name- but we belong to the Boston College Club- those types of places are great- although expensive) I would also suggest looking into the alumni department of the college you attended- I know there is a whole network of colleges that sponsor events together. (wine tasting, a capella concerts, ball games, etc.) One other suggestion is Boston.com and citysearch.com -- they summarize all the events in the city- free concerts on the river, events in the park, shows, etc. The Improper Bostonian is a free weekly magazine - they usually list great stuff in there, as well as the Boston Globe publishes a calendar section each Thursday. It highlights the events going on for the weekend, new restaurants, bars, etc," remarked one retiree in Boston.
"Expats often join social and cultural clubs to meet others and learn about their new home. Examples of very popular clubs and activities include community choirs, running clubs, youth sports teams, and language classes. Expats can also meet others by attending local lectures, musical performances, art and book exhibitions, festivals, and even charity events, which offer a great opportunity to socialize and make friends. Additionally, expats often get online to more easily connect with people who share similar interests, join online expat networks, or even sign up for social media pages dedicated to expats living in the area," said a retiree who moved to United States.
What is life like in the United States?
When we asked people living in the United States what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"People's lives revolve mostly around working all day to pay the bills, then coming home and socializing. Family isn't really a big priority here mainly because most families here are dysfunctional or broken," commented one retiree living in Sacramento, US.
"It is a bit of all of this- but work and socializing are big on a daily basis. Sports- depending on the season -are big too. Specifically the Patriots and Red Sox. I don't see a huge family emphasis at all," explained one retiree living in Boston.
What do I need to know before retiring in the United States?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the United States, they said:
"Real estate advice- renting an apartment is expensive- the rents are high and in addition you have to pay first, last, security, and a finders fee - usually equal to one month's rent. The suburbs are a bit less expensive- and many still have an urban feel," explained one retiree living in Boston.
What type of recreational activities are there in the United States?
"The beaches are the most popular recreation in the area. The nearest golf course is at Humacao. Hiking is best at El Junque. If you hear of a football game you can watch it will probably turn out to be soccer," said one retiree in living in Patillas, US.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the United States?
"People living in the United States typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, and online retailers. Many people also shop at farmers markets, specialty stores, and discount stores," explained one member in United States.
"There are many grocery stores in Annapolis - Whole Foods, Sam's Club, Graul's Market, Giant, Shoppers, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's and Safeway. There are several Asian grocery stores in nearby Bowie, MD. Annapolis Towne Center is an outdoor shopping center with clothing stores like Anthropologie, lululemon and Talbots, restaurants and even the Whole Foods. Westfield Mall has furniture stores (Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel), clothing stores, restaurants and an 11 cinema movie theater. ," said one retiree in Annapolis.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to the United States?
- How do I find a place to live in the United States?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the United States?
- What is the average cost of housing in the United States?
- Should I buy or rent a home in the United States?
- What should I pack when moving to the United States?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the United States?
- Why do people move to the United States?
- How are healthcare services in the United States?
- What are medical services in the United States like?
- What are typical rents in the United States?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?


