Almaty, Kazakhstan
Retire in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Last updated on Feb 20, 2023
Summary: Almaty, Kazakhstan is an attractive destination for retirees due to its stunning mountain scenery, vibrant culture, and low cost of living. There are several retirement communities in Almaty, offering a range of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and social activities. The cost of a nice two bedroom home in Almaty is typically around $50,000 USD, while a nice three bedroom home can cost around $70,000 USD. The weather in Almaty is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-70s Fahrenheit throughout the year.
What is it like to retire in Almaty?
"Almaty is a great place for retirees to enjoy their golden years. The city is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and the climate is mild and pleasant. There is an active expat community in Almaty, with many retirees from around the world living in the city. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the Central State Museum, the National Museum of Kazakhstan, and the Almaty Opera and Ballet Theatre. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as skiing, hiking, and horseback riding. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore," said one retiree in Almaty.
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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"Retirees in Almaty recommend researching the cost of living in the area before making the move. It is important to understand the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, retirees suggest learning the language of the country to make it easier to communicate with locals. It is also important to make sure that the country has a good healthcare system and that the necessary medical services are available. Finally, retirees suggest exploring the area to find activities and attractions that will make retirement enjoyable," said one retiree in Almaty.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Almaty?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Almaty is the language barrier. Although Russian is widely spoken, many people in Almaty do not speak English, making it difficult for retirees to communicate with locals. Additionally, the cost of living in Almaty is relatively high, making it difficult for retirees to live comfortably on a fixed income. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Almaty is not as advanced as in other countries, making it difficult for retirees to access quality medical care. Finally, the climate in Almaty can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters, making it difficult for retirees to adjust to the weather," explained one retiree living in Almaty.
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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Almaty?
"Retiring in Almaty offers a variety of rewarding experiences. The city is known for its stunning mountain views, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as skiing, hiking, and exploring the nearby national parks. The city also offers a wide range of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theatres. With its diverse cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and excellent healthcare system, Almaty is an ideal destination for retirees looking for a comfortable and rewarding lifestyle," said one retiree in Almaty.
What are healthcare services like in Almaty?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Almaty. They wrote:
"Almaty offers a wide range of healthcare services. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general medical care, specialized care, and emergency services. The city also has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores. In addition, Almaty has a number of private medical practices that offer specialized care. The city also has a number of medical research centers and universities that offer medical education and research opportunities," remarked one retiree in Almaty.
How do I meet people in Almaty?
When we asked people living in Almaty about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Almaty often join clubs and activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. There are also many international clubs and organizations that expats can join, such as the American Women's Club, the British Business Club, and the International Women's Club. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, such as expat forums and language exchange groups," explained a retiree in Almaty.
"Almaty International Women's Group despite the name it is open to both men and women. They have a guide, lots of activities and meet every Wednesday in the Ankara Intercontinental Hotel, 10.30 to 12.00 Otherwise expat bars Mad Murphy's Dostyk Avenue very well known," explained one retiree living in Almaty.
What is life like in Almaty?
When we asked people living in Almaty what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Almaty is generally quite pleasant. The city is modern and cosmopolitan, with plenty of amenities and attractions to keep expats and digital nomads entertained. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with a reliable public transportation system and easy access to the rest of the country. The people of Almaty are friendly and welcoming, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to settle in and make friends," remarked one retiree in Almaty.
"I belong to the marries group and really don't know any single people here so I can't judge. The married lot socialise with each other, dinner's parties, trips to the mountains and places of interest. There always seems plenty going on. Many of the employed people spend a lot of time travelling within the country, its 2000KM to the capital Astana from Almaty and 3,000 to the Caspian. So they tend to want quiet weekends," said a retiree who moved to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
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What do I need to know before retiring in Almaty?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Almaty, they said:
"Before retiring in Almaty, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as most people in the city speak Kazakh and Russian. Expats should also research the cost of living in Almaty, as prices for goods and services can vary significantly. Additionally, expats should be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as the visa requirements for staying in the country. Finally, expats should consider the climate in Almaty, as the city experiences cold winters and hot summers," commented one retiree living in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
"Make sure they are well paid Almaty is expensive more than London or Amsterdam and much more than US cities. Have good medical insurrance you need to be flown out for almost anything. Only come if you like out door activities, skiing, walking, there is limited cultual activity though what there ia is more accessible than other cities in the world. Opera and ballet is inexpensive. There are several art galleries and many up and coming artisits. Buy the biggest stongest car you can afford, land cruiser or similar the traffic is deadly, don't take the local gypsy cabs unregulated cars which pick up people, they are very dangerous. Take great care crossing the road. Bring as much of everything that you can, it is probably available here but you won't like the price, lack of choice or quality," explained one retiree living in Almaty.
What type of recreational activities are there in Almaty?
"Almaty has many recreational facilities to offer. There are numerous parks and gardens, such as republic and Panfilov Parks where visitors can take a stroll and marvel at the lush flora. There is also Kok Tobe Hill which offers a panoramic view of the cityscape. For those looking for some adventure, the Medeo Ski Resort provides all types of winter sports and outdoor activities. There are also lakes and rivers to explore such as Big Almaty Lake and Charyn Canyon. There are also numerous shopping malls and cinemas in the city. Lastly, the city also has many nightclubs, bars and cafes for those looking for a night out," said one member in Almaty.
"Almaty abounds with activities for all ages. The Kok Tobe gondola soars to Medeu Winter Park and beyond, year round. From the top, there is a children's carnival area and many hiking trails and restaurants, and skiing an ice skating in winter. There are three ski resorts within 45 minutes of Almaty. There are countless hiking trails in the mountains and by the many lakes that surround the city. There are private gyms and swimming and tennis clubs, and several golf courses. There is horse trekking just outside the city. There are thermal hot springs at the foot of the mountains, sledging hills, and nordic ski trails," explained one retiree in Almaty.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Almaty?
"Almaty is a great place for expats to do their grocery shopping, as there are plenty of market stalls, stores, and other places to get what they need. Paz Market, located at the corner of Timiryazev Street and Suyunbayrak Street, is a popular spot for fresh produce and food. It is also possible to buy organic produce at Green Foothills, a small organic store located at Kunaev Avenue (not far from Paz Market). For more general shopping, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is a great option, offering everything from clothes to electronics. Additionally, the shopping streets of Abay Avenue and Kurmangazy Street offer plenty of clothing, shoes, and jewelry collections. If you are looking for a wider selection of items, you can find plenty of foreign imports at supermarkets like SPAR, Ramstor, and Baqevaq," said one member in Almaty.
"The local supermarkets Magnum and Ramstore abound in Almaty. They have most everything foreigners could want in grocery and household items. The prices are far less than Western prices. For specialty groceries, Interfood and ADK have several locations in town, and the Gourmet Market at Esentai and Colibri offer many high end Western grocery products. Additionally, small and convenience markets like Bekker's and the local bazaars carry many grocery and household items and can be found in every neighborhood of the city. There are several malls (Dostyk Plaza, Esentai, Aport) which carry Western clothing brands, from luxury brands like Chanel and Burberry to H&M, Zara, and Mango. There is an amazing chain call SportMaster which has several locations and excellent prices on sporting goods and clothing. Armada has a seemingly endless array of furniture, and there are eveb pop-up IKEA stores in a couple of locations in town," explained one retiree in Almaty.
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.
