Best place to retire in Europe: Paris, London, and Tuscany

You keep coming back to the same streets in Paris, the same corner pub in Mayfair, the same market in Lisbon, and the thought surfaces again: what would it take to actually own a place there? Buying a second home in Europe used to mean navigating a foreign legal system, a foreign tax code, and a long list of local vendors on your own. It does not have to. This guide walks through the best places to look, what to expect as an international buyer, and how Pacaso's cross-border co-ownership in Europe gives you a real home abroad with local experts doing the heavy lifting. Europe is one of the rare places where short trips start feeling too short. A long weekend in Paris or London stretches a few days and you are already thinking about when you can come back. A second home turns that pattern into something you actually live, rather than rebook every year. Beyond the lifestyle, owning in Europe gives you a home base for the wider region. From Paris you can reach Amsterdam, Barcelona, or the Alps within a few hours. From London, the Cotswolds, Edinburgh, and Dublin are all a short hop. One home becomes a doorway to dozens of future trips with family and friends. Europe also has deep real estate markets in its most loved cities, with centuries of demand behind them. Central Paris and central London have been desirable for generations, which is part of why they remain the go-to answer for buyers searching for the best places to buy a second home in Europe. The right European city depends on how you want to spend time there: long weekends, multi-week stays, holiday seasons, or a bit of everything. A few cities Paris is the classic choice: world-class food, art, and fashion inside a city you can cross on foot. Neighborhoods like London is an English-speaking launchpad into the rest of Europe. Mayfair, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge remain anchor neighborhoods for buyers who want Georgian and Victorian townhouse living steps from parks, restaurants, and theater. It is also a natural pick if you travel on business and want a home that doubles as your European base. Lisbon, Barcelona, Florence, Milan, and Amsterdam all earn regular spots on best-of lists. Each one trades sunshine, cost, and cultural flavor differently. The common thread: pick a city you already love visiting, then decide whether you want a full-time solo purchase or a share in a home that is already set up for co-ownership. There is no single best European country to buy a second home. The honest answer is that the best country for you is the one that matches how you want to spend time, what you are comfortable managing from overseas, and which rules you are willing to work inside. A quick side-by-side helps. Pacaso is a luxury second home company that offers fully managed co-ownership of real homes in real cities. You purchase at least one 1/8 share in a property-specific LLC (or the local equivalent structure), share costs with other owners, and For international homes, Pacaso layers local expertise on top of that model. Practically, that means: You keep the lifestyle of a second home in Europe. Pacaso quietly absorbs the cross-border complexity in the background. Pacaso's European portfolio is a curated collection of homes in Pacaso's Pacaso's Pacaso's Expect local transfer taxes, notary or solicitor fees, and often a foreign-buyer premium on top of the purchase price. In France, notaire fees typically run a few percent of the price. In the United Kingdom, Utilities, property management, insurance, local taxes, and maintenance are real line items whether you own a whole home or a share. With co-ownership, each owner pays their portion, and Pacaso handles the vendors and billing. Budgets are transparent and require owner approval, so there are no surprises. Buying a second home in Europe does not automatically confer residency, and it does not require it either. You own a home, you visit it, and you follow local stay limits and tax rules. Some countries offer residency pathways tied to real estate that change over time. Your Pacaso Crewmembers can flag what is currently available so you can plan with your own tax professional. Owning abroad on your own means managing a purchase in another language, another currency, and another legal system, then maintaining a home you only visit part of the year. Pacaso was built to take that weight off. Through Pacaso's cross-border co-ownership in Europe, you share ownership of a designed, What you get: a curated home in a neighborhood you actually want to live in, If you are ready to look at specific homes, you can

Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life. Do you imagine chilling on the beach, immersing yourself in new, exciting cultures or both? 1. Spain Imagine sipping sangria at a local tapas bar while chatting with your neighbors until sunset — that's just an average evening in Spain. Beyond the Mediterranean climate and world-class healthcare, Spain offers retirees something uniquely special: a culture that celebrates aging. Here, being a "jubilado" (retiree) means you're respected and included in community life. The country's famous “sobremesa” tradition — lingering after meals for conversation — makes it easy to build lasting friendships with both locals and fellow expats. For those drawn to the sunny Andalusian coast, exploring 2. Malaysia Where else can you wake up to the call of exotic birds, spend your morning exploring a modern city and your afternoon relaxing in the sand in front of your Retirees particularly appreciate the country's "silver hair" privileges — many businesses offer special discounts to seniors, from travel to dining. Plus, the country's strategic location makes it perfect for exploring Southeast Asia during your golden years. 3. Portugal While other European destinations might strain your retirement savings, Portugal offers an enviable lifestyle at a surprisingly gentle price point. What sets it apart is the country's deeply rooted café culture, where you can spend hours people-watching over a pastel de nata and coffee for just a few euros.  The Portuguese concept of "saudade" — a loving longing for life's beautiful moments — resonates particularly well with retirees seeking meaning in their next chapter. This quality of life makes it an appealing place to 4. Belgium Forget the obvious retirement haunts — Belgium offers a sophisticated twist on European living. You can start your day with the world's finest chocolates, spend afternoons exploring UNESCO-listed medieval towns and end your evenings sampling over 1,500 unique beer varieties.  Retirees particularly value the country's central location, making it the perfect home base for European adventures. The Belgian commune system ensures every neighborhood has its own distinct identity and community center, helping you quickly become part of the local fabric. 5. New Zealand If your idea of What truly sets New Zealand apart is its tramping (hiking) culture. You can join a local seniors' walking group and discover hidden trails while forming lasting friendships with fellow nature enthusiasts. Add New Zealand's high safety ranking and you've got one of the best foreign countries to retire in. 6. United Arab Emirates (UAE) If you think retirement means slowing down, the UAE proves otherwise. As one of the best foreign countries to retire in, this ultra-modern nation offers retirees a unique proposition: tax-free living in a country where tradition meets tomorrow.  The recent retirement visa program includes perks like zero property maintenance fees and exclusive access to members-only clubs, making 7. Mexico Forget everything you think you know about retiring in Mexico. This vibrant country ranks among the easiest countries to retire to from the USA, and for good reason. Just a short flight from major U.S. cities, places like Cabo San Lucas offer a perfect blend of familiar comforts and exotic charm. In this sun-drenched paradise at the tip of Baja California, retirees enjoy world-class sport fishing, whale watching and year-round The country's unique "tercera edad" (third age) benefits sweeten the deal with significant discounts on everything from grocery shopping to airline tickets. In Cabo's thriving expat community, for example, you'll find countless organized activities — from sunset yacht cruises to desert adventure clubs. Many U.S. banks and businesses operate here, and you can even keep your U.S. phone number, making it feel like you've discovered a slice of paradise without leaving your comfort zone. 8. Thailand Consistently ranked among the best places to retire abroad, Thailand's appeal goes far beyond its tropical climate and affordable living. The country's unique retirement visa, known as the " In cities like Chiang Mai, retirees can join early morning tai chi groups in public parks, learn traditional crafts from local artisans or even become part-time English conversation partners at local schools — all while enjoying the country's legendary hospitality. 9. Ireland The Emerald Isle, one of the best places for Americans to retire, offers more than just stunning landscapes — it provides a retirement filled with "craic" (fun and entertainment). Its unique Age Friendly Ireland program ensures communities are designed with seniors in mind, from accessible public spaces to social clubs.  Retirees often find themselves drawn into the local storytelling tradition, whether joining a writing group or simply sharing tales at the neighborhood pub. The country's Active Retirement network organizes everything from dance classes to mystery tours. 10. Switzerland While Switzerland's price tag might raise eyebrows, its unique benefits make it one of the best places to retire in the world for those seeking a premium quality of life. As one of the safest places to live in the world, Switzerland provides retirees with unmatched peace of mind. The country also offers retirement visa options for U.S. expats, allowing those who meet financial requirements to enjoy their golden years. The 11. Italy Living "la dolce vita" takes on new meaning when you retire in Italy, consistently rated among the best places to retire outside the U.S. Each region offers its own unique flavor of 12. United Kingdom Beyond the charm of afternoon tea and historic villages, The U.K.’s healthcare system, the NHS, adds another layer of appeal, offering comprehensive care that often comes at a lower cost than in the U.S. This combination of financial and health security further enhances the U.K.'s appeal for retirees, ensuring both peace of mind and quality of life. Meanwhile, the country’s extensive volunteer network helps retirees find meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. 13. Morocco Morocco offers a retirement experience unlike any other, where ancient traditions enhance modern living. The country's Living Like a Local program connects retirees with Moroccan families for cultural exchange and language practice.  In cities like Fez, join a traditional craft guild to learn centuries-old artisan skills or participate in community hammam (bathhouse) days — a social tradition that spans generations. The country's recent retiree residency program includes benefits like dedicated healthcare liaisons and cultural orientation services. 14. France France elevates retirement to an art form, offering more than just wine and cheese (though those are excellent perks!). The country’s public healthcare system is renowned as one of the best in the world. Retirees can enroll in the Assurance Maladie, which provides universal coverage to all French residents, granting access to a wide range of healthcare services, including doctor visits. This ensures health concerns won’t disrupt your golden years. The unique "senior solidarity" program ensures retirees never feel isolated, with regular community events and social clubs. Many regions also offer culture passes for seniors, giving free or discounted access to museums, theaters and concerts. Whether you're exploring picturesque villages or searching for the 15. Chile Chile's beautiful landscapes are matched by its innovative approach to retirement living, making it one of the top countries to retire in. The country's Better Aging initiative provides seniors with free technology training and equipment to stay connected with family worldwide.  Retirees often find themselves drawn to the country's unique "closed communities" — residential areas designed specifically for active seniors, complete with on-site activities and social programs. The growing digital nomad retiree community makes it easy to connect with like-minded expatriates while exploring everything from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia. Let Pacaso help you retire in style Choosing the best country to retire in the world is just the first step of your journey. Pacaso can help you with the heavy lifting and guide you through the details of your new home overseas. From maintenance and billing to no-stress financing, Pacaso can turn the process of Our methodology To determine the rankings for the 15 best countries for retirement, we developed a comprehensive scoring system based on seven key factors. Each factor was carefully selected to reflect the priorities and concerns of retirees looking for a safe, affordable, comfortable and fulfilling retirement experience. The rankings were calculated using these factors and weights, with data pulled from various reputable sources. Cost of living (25%) Cost of living carried the highest weight in our rankings, as affordability is a top priority for retirees. The metric used for each country was the cost of living index sourced from Healthcare (20%) Access to quality healthcare is especially important for retirees, so it was assigned the second-highest weight. We sourced the healthcare index from Safety (20%) Living in a safe place makes retiring a more comfortable experience. Our rankings pulled from the comprehensive The index breaks down safety into three key components: This gives you a more practical view of what safety really means when you're considering where to spend your retirement years. Average home price (15%) Housing is a major expense for retirees, and affordability can significantly impact their overall quality of life. To gauge housing accessibility, we sourced the average percentage of income spent on home prices in each location from Taxes (10%) Tax policies can significantly impact retirees’ budgets. We factored in tax benefits for retirees, such as Social Security tax exemptions and sales tax for each country. We found the average of these taxes and applied 15% weight to each ranking. Climate (5%) A comfortable climate plays an important role in retirees' lifestyles and well-being. We used a Retirement visa (5%) Countries that offer a retirement visa and make the process easy can be an important factor for retirees. The results were binary, logging countries that include retirement visas and those that do not. 

Retirement is arguably the best time of life to travel. The alarm clock is gone, the schedule is yours, and decades of hard work have earned you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. It's no surprise that travel consistently ranks as one of retirees' top priorities for discretionary spending. According to The reasons go beyond leisure. Nearly 95% of survey respondents said travel is good for their mental health, and 85% said it benefits their physical health. For couples, solo travelers, and multi-generational families alike, retirement travel is one of the most rewarding ways to spend this chapter of life. The challenge? Finding the right destinations and figuring out the smartest way to return to the places you love most. The majority of retirees focus on domestic travel, and the United States has no shortage of exceptional destinations suited to a range of interests and activity levels. Here are the top retirement vacation destinations within the U.S., many of which also happen to have Pacaso co-ownership properties available. Few destinations match Napa Valley for sheer relaxation paired with world-class experiences. With more than 400 wineries, 90 tasting rooms, and 14 Michelin-starred restaurants, Napa is built for the kind of unhurried, indulgent travel that retirement makes possible.  The charming towns of Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga each have their own distinct character, and the valley's spa, wellness, and outdoor recreation offerings round out a truly complete destination. Pacaso has a curated portfolio of With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Palm Springs has been a favorite for retirees for generations, and for good reason. Located two hours from Los Angeles in the stunning Coachella Valley, the city combines Mid-Century Modern architecture, world-class golf, excellent dining, and access to Joshua Tree National Park. It's easy to see why Palm Springs consistently ranks as one of the most sought-after second home destinations in the country. Browse Aspen offers four full seasons of enrichment in one of the most beautiful settings in North America. In winter, world-class skiing and snowboarding draw visitors from around the globe. Spring and summer bring spectacular hiking, fishing, and the renowned Vail is synonymous with alpine luxury, and it's one of the most popular retirement and celebration trip destinations in the country. Whether you're marking a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or simply the joy of finally having the time to ski a full week, Vail's world-class mountain, walkable village, and outstanding dining make it an unforgettable destination. Spring and summer bring hiking, mountain biking, and a If the goal is wide-open natural beauty and genuine adventure, Jackson Hole is hard to beat. Situated at the gateway to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, this Wyoming valley is simply stunning in every season. World-class skiing in winter, world-class wildlife viewing in spring and fall, and endless outdoor recreation in summer, plus a charming town square with excellent restaurants and galleries. Pacaso has co-ownership homes in With 330 days of sunshine a year and more than 50 golf courses nearby, Scottsdale is a perennial favorite for retirement vacations. The combination of a walkable Old Town with great restaurants and galleries and a world-class spa and wellness scene makes it one of the most complete retirement vacation destinations in the Southwest. Pacaso's Year-round mild weather, world-class beaches, a thriving food scene, and a rich cultural calendar make San Diego one of the best retirement trips for couples and solo travelers. "America's Finest City" also offers easy access to Torrey Pines State Reserve, Balboa Park's museums, and day trips to wine country in Temecula. For those who love waking up to the Pacific Ocean, Pacaso's Miami combines beach living, culinary diversity, and a vibrant arts scene in a way that few American cities can match. Spend sun-filled days on South Beach or exploring the Everglades, then indulge in outdoor dining and world-class entertainment after dark. Miami is also a natural jumping-off point for Caribbean cruises and day trips to the Florida Keys. Pacaso has A more relaxed alternative to Napa, Sonoma County offers incredible wine, farm-to-table cuisine, and a laid-back coastal and agricultural landscape that is perfect for retirement. Towns like Healdsburg, Sonoma, and Guerneville each have their own distinct charm. The proximity to the Pacific Coast makes it easy to combine wine country and coastal scenery in a single trip. Browse Retirement is the ideal time for international travel. Extended stays are possible, the crowds of summer can be avoided by traveling in shoulder seasons, and the freedom to slow down and truly experience a destination, rather than rushing through a checklist, makes every trip richer. Here are some of the best retirement vacation destinations abroad. Italy consistently tops lists of the best international retirement trips, and for good reason. The combination of ancient history, Renaissance art, extraordinary cuisine, and incomparable natural landscapes, from the Amalfi Coast to the Dolomites, makes Italy a destination that rewards repeat visits. Tuscany in particular is beloved by retirees for its gentle pace, gorgeous countryside, and exceptional wine and food. Pacaso offers France is endlessly rewarding as a retirement destination. Paris offers world-class culture and walkable neighborhoods that suit any pace. The Loire Valley, Provence, and the Dordogne each offer a different flavor of French life. For active retirees who love skiing, the French Alps deliver world-class slopes at destinations like Chamonix and Megève. Pacaso's portfolio includes Spain's excellent healthcare system, warm climate, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living make it one of the most attractive countries for retirement travel and long-term stays. Madrid in particular offers a lively arts scene, incredible food, and excellent transport links to the rest of the country and Europe.  For retirees seeking world-class beaches, championship golf, and the ease of a destination just hours from major U.S. cities, Los Cabos is one of the best retirement trips available. The combination of desert landscapes, the Sea of Cortez, and a thriving culinary and resort scene is uniquely compelling. Pacaso offers London's cultural depth, including world-class museums, theater, historic neighborhoods, and easy access to all of Europe, makes it a perennial favorite for retirees who want to immerse themselves in history and city life. For a slower-paced alternative, the Cotswolds offer quintessential English countryside beauty. Pacaso has For those who want a more secluded, boutique beach experience than Los Cabos, Punta de Mita on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit is an exceptional choice. Stunning beaches, world-class surfing, excellent dining, and a relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful and underrated retirement vacation destinations in Latin America. Browse Standard hotel stays and resort weeks are just the beginning. Retirement gives you the freedom to travel in ways that simply weren't possible during your working years. Here are some of the most rewarding retirement trip ideas beyond the typical vacation. One of the most cited motivators for retirement travel is spending time with family and friends. Multi-generational trips, where adult children, grandchildren, and extended family all travel together, have become increasingly popular. A spacious vacation home is far better suited to this style of travel than a hotel: private bedrooms, shared common spaces, a full kitchen, and outdoor areas create the kind of experience that brings families together. Co-owned Pacaso homes, which are fully furnished and managed, are purpose-built for Rather than racing through a checklist of destinations, slow travel means spending several weeks in one place — getting to know the neighborhood, the local restaurants, and the rhythms of daily life. Retirees are uniquely positioned to travel this way, and it often leads to the most meaningful trips. Having a co-owned second home in a favorite destination makes slow travel even easier, since your home is always waiting for you. A classic American road trip takes on a whole new dimension in retirement. Without the pressure of maximizing a limited vacation window, you can take your time through national parks, small towns, and scenic byways. Consider a fall foliage journey through New England, a national park loop through the Southwest, or a summer drive through the Rocky Mountains. For retirees whose travel wish list spans multiple continents, an around-the-world cruise is one of the most seamless ways to see as much as possible. Ranging from a few months to a full year, these voyages handle the logistics of transportation and accommodation, leaving you free to simply enjoy each destination. Some retirees even string cruises together, using a co-owned home in a favorite port city as a home base between voyages. Many retirees find that travel centered on health, food, and learning is the most deeply satisfying. Wine country trips to Napa Valley or Sonoma, cooking classes in Tuscany, spa retreats in Scottsdale, or yoga retreats in Punta de Mita are all examples of wellness and culinary travel that pairs beautifully with a second home in the same destination. See our guide on Retirement is the chapter you've been working toward — the one where time finally belongs to you, and the places that matter most become more than just destinations on a calendar. Maybe it's the mountain town where you always said you'd spend more time, or the coastal retreat where your family has made memories for years. After decades of brief vacations and rushed goodbyes, retirement gives you the chance to truly settle into the places you love: to wake up slowly, to host your grandchildren in a home that feels like But retirement travelers also face a real tension: more freedom than ever before, yet still the frustration of hotel rooms that don't feel like home and vacation rentals that may not be available when you actually want them. You've earned better than that. This is precisely where Pacaso allows buyers to purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a fully managed luxury home through a property-specific LLC, giving them a true real estate asset for a fraction of the cost. Each share comes with a proportional amount of annual time at the property, scheduled through an easy-to-use app. And because Pacaso handles all property management, such as maintenance, cleaning, repairs, utilities, insurance, and taxes, owners spend their time enjoying their home, not managing it. Here's why co-ownership is particularly well-suited to retirement: If you're exploring

Vacation homes in Europe at the center of art and culture With vacation homes in Europe, your daily rhythm can include a gallery opening before dinner, a morning market stroll, and a quiet glass of wine at home between it all. In neighborhoods known for Paris luxury real estate and London luxury homes, Pacaso co-ownership sets you up to enjoy culture on your schedule without the full burden of sole ownership. Put culture on your calendar Vacation homes in Europe reward proximity. From your front door, you can plan days around exhibitions, fashion, and cuisine, then return to a calm, beautifully designed space that feels like your own. Pacaso coordinates ownership and care so your time in the city is focused on the experiences that matter most. Paris days shaped by art, design and dining Art and architecture are woven into daily life in Paris. The For those tracking Paris luxury real estate, long admired districts like Passy, La Muette and Trocadero in the 16th remain selective and stable addresses for a refined city base. A Left Bank retreat brings the best of Saint-Germain within reach. From morning croissants to evening concerts, owning in Paris means every outing begins at your door, not across town. It is city living tuned to your pace rather than a tourist itinerary. Set in the 7th, Essential Paris experiences near these neighborhoods include: London weekends woven with galleries and markets London rewards curiosity, from modern art at In Mayfair, From Co-ownership benefits for city life Pacaso co-ownership aligns with the way you use a city home. You own an equity interest in a designer furnished residence, enjoy a streamlined approach to scheduling, and have professional home care so your time goes to museums, meals, and meetings. In Paris, high end addresses are concentrated in central and western arrondissements, while in London, prime districts like Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster remain sought after for their proximity to culture and green space. Key advantages when considering vacation homes in Europe with Pacaso include: Plan your cultural rhythm Build routines that make the most of prime neighborhoods in Paris and London. Alternate gallery mornings with market lunches. Keep a standing theatre night and a monthly dinner at a favorite two star dining room. Block a few long weekends per quarter for seasonal events. With vacation homes in Europe, these rituals become part of everyday life rather than a once a year trip. Start your city chapter with Pacaso Own your seat at the table of two cultural capitals. Explore current homes in

Exploring luxury urban living in London and Paris Luxury apartments London and Paris have become benchmarks for high-end living with each city offering a distinct interpretation of urban elegance. Both capitals cater to high-net-worth individuals who value discreet service, architectural heritage, and a lifestyle infused with culture and convenience. As global demand evolves, buyers prioritize turnkey living, modern comforts, and seamless connections to each city's finest offerings. These exceptional residences let you experience the energy of the city without compromise. The unique appeal of luxury apartments in London London's luxury apartments are known for their blend of timeless architecture and up-to-date interiors. Neighborhoods like Belgravia, Mayfair, and Knightsbridge have long been favored for their grand townhouses and elegant period buildings. Inside, buyers enjoy expansive living rooms, handcrafted fireplaces, and sophisticated kitchens. Quality finishes, thoughtful design, and premium touches like private balconies or home automation are now standard. London homes can provide residents direct access to exclusive boutiques, galleries, and top restaurants. For a city home that embodies British distinction, discover more homes at Parisian style in luxury apartments Luxury apartments in Paris are defined by their iconic blend of historic detail and modern comfort. The 7th and 6th arrondissements and Saint-Germain-des-Pres are among the most in-demand neighborhoods. Here, grand Haussmann buildings offer ornate moldings, chevron wood floors, and beautiful stone fireplaces. Recent trends highlight smart-home features, spa-like bathrooms, and curated interior design. Paris homes focus on city views, private terraces, and a refined sense of privacy. Residents enjoy life surrounded by celebrated cafes, museums, and historic streets. Explore more options for Parisian living at Another stunning example of Parisian luxury is Comparing architecture, amenities, and lifestyle Luxury apartments London and Paris each express heritage and comfort in their own way. London homes offer grand entranceways, private squares, and a refined mix of old and new. Paris apartments are recognized for ornate details, city views, and highly curated interiors. Common amenities in both cities can include high-end kitchens, spa-style baths, and access to some of the world's best art, shopping, and dining. Both markets reflect a commitment to quality, personalization, and international prestige. How Pacaso co-ownership brings world-class homes within reach Owning in London or Paris is about so much more than a home address. Pacaso co-ownership offers access to stunning, handpicked homes in the world's top cities, providing an elevated living experience with less hassle. Start your journey by exploring