Author: Maria Alfano and Barbara Til
If you plan to spend your retirement days in another country or even on another continent, then you definitely need to think about Serbia.
Discover what it can be like to retire in Serbia.
Although this country is in Southeast Europe it is a well-kept secret. Serbia can be your ideal destination for the many benefits it provides.
This is a country of exceptional natural beauty, with numerous mountains, rivers, and lakes. Most importantly, the cost of living is very low, which makes it a great choice to spend your retirement.
4 Reasons Why You Should Retire in Serbia
Have you always dreamed of moving to Europe but the prices just about scare your pants off?
I’m sure you will find dozens of other reasons why it would be really interesting to retire in Serbia. Below are the top four reasons.
Location
1. Where to live – If you want to move to Serbia, you should first think about what area is right for you. Do you prefer a
big city, a little town, or a small village? The opportunities available in Serbia are indeed numerous, and because of this diversity, everyone can find the ideal place for themselves.
Enjoy everything from life in the capital, where everything is accessible, to a calmer life in smaller towns or villages – for those who prefer rural life and untouched nature.
Depending on your interests, you can spend your retirement days in the mountains or in the flatland of the north. Each offers breathtaking natural beauty, clean air, and locally grown/raised food.
If you have a green thumb and like to putter in the garden, grow fruits and vegetables. Or, perhaps you want to raise farm animals.
Even if you decide to live in a large city, popular mountain towns and ski resorts on Zlatibor and Kopaonik are nearby.
Where Do Most Ex-Pats Live
Since the majority of Serbians live in the capital, Belgrade, it’s no surprise that most of the ex-pats live there too. Aside from petty theft, Serbia is considered a fairly safe place to live, making it the right choice for many foreign retirees.
Because Serbia is so culturally diverse, ex-pats find this an amazing country to move to post-retirement. It has everything you would imagine the European lifestyle to offer at a fraction of the cost.
Cost of Living
2. Low Cost Of Living – With one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, a couple can live comfortably anywhere in the country.
In Serbia, you can buy a house or apartment for a fraction of the cost in the USA.
Many houses in the smaller towns are sold at extremely low prices. It’s not unusual for houses to have either a garden or their very own orchard.
Love city life, then Belgrade is an excellent choice. Buying an apartment in the city is a little more expensive. But you can rent a furnished apartment and enjoy much lower costs than in most of the major cities in the world.
Rent a 3-bedroom apartment for between $345 and $503 USD per month depending on your location.
Transportation, food, and grocery expenses are very affordable.
A couple can comfortably live in Serbia for less than $1,000 USD per month.
Get unlimited internet for less than $20 USD per month
All the utilities (incl water, electric, garbage, and heat) are approximately $130 USD per month
1 liter of milk is less than $1 USD
Domestic beer is $0.65 USD per can
Eat dinner out starting from $5 USD per person
A one-way bus ticket is less than $1 USD per ride
Activities
3. Much to see and do – If your ideal retirement life involves fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, enjoying boat riding, skiing, or other outdoor recreation, then Serbia is an ideal choice for you. If arts and cultural activities are your things – don’t worry, Serbia has this too.
Due to the numerous tourist attractions and amazing views that you can explore for days without seeing the same thing twice. Numerous rivers and lakes, such as the Danube, the Drina, and the Sava River, are great places to fish or take a long walk on the coast.
Those who would like to try wine production can stay at a cottage on Fruška Gora with a small vineyard. The area of Fruška Gora is famous for its numerous vineyards and a long tradition of wine production.
Health Care
4. Excellent health care – medical care is top of mind, especially in retirement. The quality of medical services and the price is quite reasonable compared to the US. And, it is considered of high quality, with highly trained medical professionals.
With over 300 hospitals in Serbia and free basic health care, there is bound to be a service that fits your particular need.
Dental services are also very affordable and of great quality.
In Serbia, there are numerous nicely designed spas with clean water and medicinal clay, such as Vrnjačka Banja, Soko Banja, and Ribarska Banja, where numerous diseases are treated (rheumatism, spleen diseases, diabetes, and more), so the spa areas are an excellent choice for all those seeking to improve their health.
In Summary – Retire In Serbia
Serbia offers so many wonderful things to see and do. The old adage of champagne taste and beer pocketbook is dispelled in the beautiful country. The best part of planning to retire in Serbia is you don’t need to learn a new language. English is commonly spoken and you can get by very easily.
Tell us about your adventure in Serbia. What do you like most about it?
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all photos from depositphotos