OFWs dream of going back home to the Philippines after working for many years abroad. They hope to enjoy their retirement in a relaxed and financially stable manner, surrounded by their loved ones. After all, retirement is not just about stopping work; its about finding a place where one can enjoy peace and comfort.
The main question is, what are the best places to retire for OFWs. There are many factors that go into this decision, like affordability, access to health care, safety and opportunities for leisurely activities.
Top Retirement Destinations for Returning OFWs
OFWs should consider the following factors when selecting where to retire:
- Cost of living
- Access to healthcare services
- Safety and peaceful environment
- Climate and weather
- Being close to family and friends
- Availabilty of leisure and activities
Cost of living includes basic expenses such as food, utilities and housing cost. The OFW should consider if their savings or their pension is enough to support a comfortable lifestyle.
It is also important to note how accessible doctors, clinics or hospitals are to your place of retirement. Plus, you should have health insurance options that you can readily obtain.
Safety is also a top priority. Make sure that your retirement destination has a low crime rate and that there are support networks for elderly people like you.
Climate and weather is also an important factor. Maybe you want to live in a place with a cooler climate like Baguio or Tagaytay. Or perhaps you would like to be in a sunnier place.
OFWs may also want to live close to their family and friends. If you plan to retire abroad, you may want to live where there is an active Filipino community so that you can be close to your kababayans.
Moreover, as a retiree, it is important to stay active. You can retire where there are parks nearby, or recreational places. Maybe you want to leave near beaches, museums or engage in not so physical sports activities like golf.
Top Places to Retire for Returning OFWs in the Philippines
Tagaytay, Cavite
- If you want to retire in a place where the climate is cool and the views are scenic, then Tagaytay is the place for you. Here are some of the other advantages of retiring in Tagaytay:
- It is close to Metro Manila, so if you want to enjoy the modernity of big cities, you’re not that far away.
- It offers retirement-friendly communities
- It has lots of cafes and gardens
One downside could be that property prices could be relatively high in Tagaytay.
Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Dumaguete is a favorite retirement destination among expats. The vibe in this place is relaxed and the prices are affordable. Here are some good things about Dumaguete as a place to retire:
For what it’s worth, it is home to Silliman University, one of the best in the Philippines
- It has some quality healthcare facilities
- You get to live near a beach
- There is a thriving art and music scene
- Low cost of living
One downside could be that limited job opportunities, especially if as a retiree you want to start a small business, this could be a hindrance.
Baguio City
Baguio City is another top destination for retiree OFWs. If you worked at a cooler country, then the Philippines’ summer capital could be appealing to you. Baguio is famous for its pine trees which can only come from being a place with generally cool weather.
Here are other reasons why Baguio City is a great place:
- Baguio offers a family friendly atmosphere with its parks and excellent schools
- It has a vibrant arts community
- It has retirement communities like the ones in Camp John Hay
The weather is definitely a plus for Baguio city, as well as its scenic nature. However, one downside can be traffic congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Subic, Zambales
The following are some reasons why Subic is a great retirement place:
- Offers a peaceful environment with beaches and well-developed infrastructure.
- The Subic Freeport Zone is a clean, organized community ideal for retirees.
- Clean environment, coastal lifestyle.
If there’s any downside to living in Subic, it could be the limited options for public transportation, among a few, but that could change soon as more government initiated projects are underway.
Iloilo City, Iloilo
Here are some reasons why Ilo-Ilo is a great retirement destination:
- A developing city with modern amenities and rich cultural heritage.
- Known for its laid-back lifestyle and warm people.
- Modern facilities, great food.
Iloilo definitely has a lot going for it in terms of being a generally peaceful place for retirement while having modern amenities as well. If you don’t mind the warm and humid climate which other cities like Baguio can get you out of then Iloilo can be the retirement destination for you.
Top International Destinations for Retiring OFWs
Some OFWs prefer retiring abroad, especially in countries with affordable healthcare and friendly immigration policies. Below are a few international retirement destinations that appeal to Filipinos:
1. Portugal
- Offers a warm climate and beautiful coastal towns like the Algarve.
- Access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.
- Provides long-term visa options for retirees.
- Pros: Relaxed lifestyle, good public healthcare.
- Cons: Language barrier for non-Portuguese speakers.
2. Thailand
- Known for affordable living costs, good healthcare, and a vibrant expat community.
- Cities like Chiang Mai are popular retirement destinations.
- Pros: Low cost of living, easy access to beaches and markets.
- Cons: Visa policies can be complex.
3. New Zealand
- Ideal for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic landscapes.
- Known for safety and excellent healthcare services.
- Pros: Clean environment, friendly communities.
- Cons: Higher cost of living compared to Asian destinations.
4. Malaysia
- Offers the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, encouraging foreigners to retire there.
- Known for its multicultural environment, affordable living, and great food.
- Pros: Low cost of living, good healthcare.
- Cons: Hot and humid weather year-round.
Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of the many years you worked hard abroad. You can choose to go back to the Philippines to live comfortably for the rest of your years, but you can also choose to explore international destinations. What’s most important is for you to start planning early, including doing research, budgeting and exploring retirement options.