Your golden years should be a time of safety, acceptance, and joy.
For many LGBTQ folks, the dream of retiring abroad is about more than just finding a sunny and affordable place to live. It is also a search for a community where they can feel completely safe, accepted, and free to be their authentic selves. A truly great LGBTQ retirement destination is a place that combines a low cost of living and good healthcare with a legal framework that protects their rights and a culture that is genuinely welcoming.
These are the places that have earned a reputation as being not just tolerant, but truly celebratory of their LGBTQ communities.
1. Portugal’s Algarve region offers sun, safety, and affordability.
Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. It has a full suite of legal protections, and the culture is overwhelmingly accepting and tolerant. The southern Algarve region is a perfect retirement destination, with its beautiful beaches, its warm year-round climate, and its relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of Western Europe.
The area has a large and growing expat community, and it offers a relaxed and incredibly high quality of life, as mentioned at Global Citizen Solutions. It’s a place where you can enjoy a peaceful and secure retirement in the sun.
2. Spain’s Canary Islands are a long-standing LGBTQ haven.
Spain has been a world leader in LGBTQ rights for decades, having legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005. The country is incredibly welcoming to the LGBTQ community, and the Canary Islands, particularly Gran Canaria, have long been one of Europe’s most famous gay-friendly resort destinations, according to Expatriate Group. The islands offer a fantastic, year-round spring-like climate.
The cost of living here is also lower than on mainland Spain, and the islands have a large and vibrant international expat community. It is a perfect choice for a lively and socially fulfilling retirement.
3. Mexico offers a variety of welcoming and affordable options.
Mexico has become an increasingly popular retirement destination for LGBTQ Americans, thanks to its proximity to the U.S., its low cost of living, and its growing legal protections and social acceptance. Cities like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende have massive and very well-established gay and lesbian expat communities, which makes for an easy and welcoming social transition, as shared in Rainbow Map.
These cities offer a rich cultural experience, fantastic food, and excellent and affordable healthcare options. They are a perfect choice for a vibrant, culturally rich, and budget-friendly retirement.
4. Canada is a close, progressive, and safe choice.
For those who want to retire abroad but stay close to home, Canada is an excellent and incredibly safe option. The country is one of the most socially progressive in the world, with a full suite of legal protections for the LGBTQ community and a culture that is famously tolerant and inclusive. It also has a high-quality, universal healthcare system.
While the cost of living can be high in major cities like Vancouver and Toronto, smaller cities like Victoria, British Columbia, or the towns in Quebec’s Eastern Townships offer a more affordable and very high quality of life.
5. Uruguay is the most progressive country in Latin America.
Uruguay has a well-deserved reputation as the most socially progressive and stable country in all of Latin America. It was one of the first countries in the region to legalize same-sex marriage and has a full slate of anti-discrimination laws. The capital city of Montevideo is a relaxed, safe, and culturally rich place with a beautiful coastline and a European feel.
The country has a good and affordable healthcare system and a stable democracy. For an LGBTQ person who is looking for a safe, progressive, and intellectually stimulating retirement in South America, Uruguay is an outstanding choice.
6. Malta is a tiny, welcoming island in the Mediterranean.
The small island nation of Malta consistently ranks as the number one country in all of Europe for its legal protections for LGBTQ people. The country has a very progressive set of laws, and the culture is incredibly welcoming. It is a beautiful and historic island with a stunning coastline, a warm Mediterranean climate, and a very rich history.
As it is a former British colony, English is an official language, which makes for a very easy transition for American expats. It also has an excellent and affordable healthcare system.
7. Thailand offers a low cost of living and a tolerant culture.
Thailand has long been a popular retirement destination for its incredibly low cost of living, its warm year-round climate, and its delicious food. The country also has a famously tolerant and non-confrontational Buddhist culture that is generally very accepting of the LGBTQ community. The northern city of Chiang Mai is a particularly popular hub for expats of all stripes.
While the country’s legal protections are not as robust as in some Western countries, the day-to-day social acceptance is very high. For a truly budget-friendly and culturally rich retirement, it’s a fantastic option.
8. Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle is open to all.
Costa Rica is a beautiful and peaceful country that is known for its stunning natural beauty and its relaxed “pura vida” (pure life) lifestyle. The country is also one of the most socially progressive in Central America, with same-sex marriage being legal and a generally welcoming and tolerant attitude toward the LGBTQ community. The country has a stable democracy and no army.
The Central Valley, which is home to the capital city of San José, is a popular retirement area due to its pleasant, spring-like climate and its access to the country’s excellent and affordable healthcare system.
9. The Netherlands is a historic leader in LGBTQ rights.
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, and its capital city of Amsterdam has been a global center of gay culture for decades. The country is one of the most progressive and tolerant societies on earth, with a complete set of legal protections for the LGBTQ community. It is an incredibly safe and welcoming place to live.
While the cost of living can be high, the quality of life is exceptional. For those who can afford it, a retirement in a charming Dutch city offers a huge number of cultural and social opportunities.
10. New Zealand is a safe but distant paradise.
New Zealand is a stunningly beautiful country with a progressive, open, and incredibly welcoming culture. The country has a full suite of legal protections for the LGBTQ community and is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. The quality of life is exceptional, and the access to incredible nature is unparalleled.
The two major downsides for American retirees are the high cost of living and the sheer distance from the United States. For those who can overcome these two hurdles, a retirement in a beautiful and laid-back city like Wellington is a fantastic option.