Perhaps Hemingway once thought about starting a new life in Spain. It’s always been a favorite retirement destination for people the world over. Maybe you have decided to retire in Spain because you had a really terrific holiday. You will benefit from what the World Health Organization calls the best climate in Europe. The Costa Blanca offers mild, dry winters, which together with salt lagoons; make Spain great for sufferers of asthma, arthritis, and rheumatism. The WHO calls the Murcia region the cleanest air in Europe.

The price real estate in Spain is less than in other parts of the world. Especially when you compare Spanish real estate to that of the United Kingdom. Selling your homeland property after you retire in Spain is easy. Once you sold your home, some of that revenue will pay for your dream cottage in Spain for cash. Settling in Spain is fairly easy if you have the right legal advice, and even your pension can be deposited directly into your Spanish bank account. You’ll always be able to get at your money. Many British people and US citizens are moving to Spain for this reason.

Your pension will go further when retiring in Spain means once you learn where to shop. The idea is to shop as the Spaniards do, and the cost of living will be quite low. Now you’re going to enjoy your retirement without worrying about money. While you’re not concerned with some expenses, you will soon realize that England, Scotland Ireland Germany, or the other European Union countries are nearby and not too expensive to visit.

Because of the atmospheric, health benefits and the Mediterranean diet, you’ll likely have a longer life in Spain that you might otherwise. The extra longevity of the Spaniard is often compared with other European nationalities. The Spaniard’s longer life is due in part to a healthy Mediterranean diet that reduces the risk of various cancers.

A pensioner from the UK will be able to access the Spanish healthcare system on an E121 form. The Spanish healthcare system is the seventh best in the world, with clean efficient hospitals Waiting lists for procedures are shorter than in many other countries.

When it comes to public transport in Spain, you’ll discover it’s cheap and efficient. If you have your own car, driving in Spain is a joy with most roads and highways in a good condition and fairly empty, compared to other countries. Part of retiring in a new land is partaking of the local culture and you’re encouraged to participate in local fiestas and Saints Days. From the Roman and Moorish remains to flamenco dancing and bull fighting Spain is a great country if you love culture and tradition.

Sam Tonzenger writes primarily for http://www.spain-tips.com , an internet site with topics around benefits in spain and tips for retiring in spain. His articles on benefits in spain and tips for retirement in spain can be found on his website .

Choosing the best retirement state involves many factors. Be careful if you base your choice on one criteria.

Five states do not have sales tax, seven states do not tax income. One state has neither tax…that is Alaska. If warm weather is a deciding factor you may not care about Alaskan taxes…or lack thereof.

Due to its location, Alaska has to truck in most consumer goods. That makes the cost of consumer goods higher. Alaska therefore has a high cost of living. The fact that it has no taxes helps but it is still not among the cheapest states to retire.

High income retirees will be very interested in states that do not tax income. It is not a coincidence that Florida and Texas, have a high number of wealthy retirees. They are among the seven states that do not tax income at the state level.

In 34 states your Social Security income is free from taxes. If Social Security is your sole source of income it would be important for you to know if your best place to retire excludes SS from the income they tax.

For those who will not make a choice solely on taxes there are other criteria to examine:

1) Is the health care sufficient for your particular needs?

2) Proximity to family…could be too far, could be too close

3) Does it have the arts and culture you enjoy?

4) Outdoor and recreational opportunities

5) Is it secure?

You see there are many things to consider before picking a place to retire. You should approach your decision making with two things in mind:

1) First do not rush making this decision. You have probably worked all your life…take some time in finding your best place to retire.

2) Try before you buy…How does a area feel when you are not on vacation? Some places may be great to visit on vacation, but feel totally different when you live there. Rent a place for a few months before you look to buy.

Choosing the best retirement state should be a fun, wonderful experience and everyone is different. Get all the information, taxes and otherwise, you can on each state you are considering for retirement. Here’s how…

For more help on the best retirement states. Gary Pierce freely gives help on how to retire on less at best retirement states. It is loaded with free help on retirement lifestyles you may not have considered.