It’s hard to compete with a well-kept Spanish-colonial city for charm, romance, and splendor.
The plazas, cobblestone streets, courtyard homes, and flowered balconies take you back to Spain's grand colonial era in a way that is hard to match and that can make for a very appealing retirement lifestyle.
The best part is that some of the grandest Spanish colonial cities are also some of the most affordable places to think about retiring.
1. Cartagena, Colombia
Of Spain’s cities on this side of the ocean, Cartagena, Colombia, is often recognized as the most beautiful, with a lot to offer potential expats or retirees.
As colonial cities go in the Americas, some would argue that Cartagena is king. It is one of the world’s few remaining walled cities, has been largely restored, and is very well preserved.
You’ll be impressed by the number of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Cartagena combines the best of old Spanish America with the richness of the Caribbean. The courtyards and narrow streets are old Spain, while the bright colors of the houses add a Caribbean flair.
The traditional Colombian cuisine on offer in places like Cafetería Bocaditos may be reminiscent of Madrid, but the women walking about with giant trays of fresh fruit balanced on their heads remind you that you're on the shores of the Caribbean.
Plus, Cartagena offers a number of attractive beach areas that attract large numbers of expats. These beach areas are not in the historic center, but a few minutes away by cab.
Thinking more practically, the infrastructure in this area is great, with drinkable water, well-maintained streets, cable TV, high-speed Internet, and a convenient international airport just minutes away.
The weather in Cartagena is either warm and dry or warm and humid, depending on when you go. (May through November tends to be humid.)
One downside to retirement in Cartagena can be the tourist annoyances—the ever-present vendors trying to sell you something, the scamming moneychangers, and, at times, the numbers of tourists themselves.
Early-risers can avoid this by exploring places before 9 a.m. Also, if you don't like typically hot Caribbean weather, then Cartagena wouldn't be a good choice for you.
2. Colonia, Uruguay
While far less recognized than Cartagena, Colonia’s Barrio Histórico (original historic center) can be an unbeatable retirement option.
The Barrio Histórico is an island of history adjacent to an otherwise modern city.
The neighborhood is on a peninsula, mostly surrounded by water, meaning it will never become the center of a large metro area or see any through-traffic. Yet the more-modern sections of town are close at hand.
Further, while the district itself boasts 17th century buildings, streets, and ambiance, Barrio Histórico still enjoys Uruguay’s generally first-rate infrastructure.
Another benefit of living in Colonia’s Barrio Histórico is that it’s relatively crime-free compared with almost anywhere else in Latin America.
You can enjoy its inordinate number of cafes, shops, and fine dining establishments, day or night, without worrying about your personal safety or belongings.
3. Casco Viejo, Panama
Casco Viejo in Panama City is another top colonial city retirement option.
Like Colonia, it’s on a peninsula and not central to the rest of the city. Yet just a few minutes away, Panama City offers almost anything you could want, from modern stores and supermarkets to international-standard medical care.
On the other hand, Casco Viejo’s state of restoration is nothing like that in Colonia. While Colonia’s Barrio Histórico is virtually 100 percent restored, Casco Viejo is still a work-in-progress.
There are many nicely restored buildings and parks, while many others are in stages of decay.
You do have a good selection of shops, cafes, and nice restaurants in Casco, but petty crime can be more of a concern than in Colonia.
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