E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
"In the US, money and beauty are the power, but I am looking for something else," said Kathy Aley, originally from Newport Beach, Calif., who moved to Nicaragua in 2001. "I left because of the greed and the selfishness in that country. I worked as an aerobics instructor for the school district, but I tore my muscles. I have two daughters in the US … they are 40 and 32 years old. I live here with my eight dogs, 10 cats and my parrot. Every morning, I jog the beach up and down with my dogs and parrot. They need the exercise."
Photojournalist Kadir van Lohuizen traveled from the southern tip of South America to the far reaches of Alaska on the North American continent to explore migration in the Americas. What he found both supported and defied stereotypes, which he reported on a website and an app for iPad called Via Panam.
“I came (to Nicaragua) on holiday in October 2000 and while I was watching the sunset on the beach, I knew I had to move here,” said Kathy Aley, now 64, a transplant from Newport Beach, Calif. “I need the warmth and the slow life.”
Kadir van Lohuizen / NOOR
Captain Zatara, 53, and Katy, 41: "It was our dream to sail around the world and live and sail in the tropics. We bought our boat in Washington state in 2003. She is a beauty. We came to San Juan de Sur three years ago and we wanted to make some adjustments to the boat … (now) we are rebuilding it from scratch. In the meantime Katy runs a massage salon, so we earn some money. I think it will take another two years to finish the boat. We have five children, one is with us."
Central America is a growing destination for moderately wealthy Americans looking to leave the rat race behind. In their search for quieter and less expensive places, some have chosen to settle in Nicaragua — the poorest nation in mainland Latin America, but also the safest, according to The Economist.
One such quiet and affordable enclave is the tranquil bay of San Juan del Sur. In addition to safe harbor for retirement, the location also offers a break from recession and politics.
Nicaragua was recently named one of the most favorable retirement destinations in the world.
Below are some stories of Americans who picked up and moved south for their retirement years:
Kadir van Lohuizen / NOOR
Fred Goldfarb, 60: "I am from the San Francisco Bay Area. I always had a desire for traveling, and in 2006, I came with my girlfriend to Nicaragua. She didn't like it, so that is where our relationship ended. I had a company in the US and in 2007 I bought 350 acres of land. With my business partner, we build environment friendly houses to sell. In 2008 the market collapsed, we are selling less now than before. I built this house actually to sell, but for the time being I live here. I don't like the politics in the US and the cost of living is very high."
Tom and Patty Lowy (55 and 62 respectively), from the San Francisco area: In 2004 Tom bought land close to San Juan del Sur. "I paid far too much … now we live here, in our gringonized house," he said. "We brought the TV chairs from the US. I earned good money in the US -- $400,000 a year -- I was a retail broker and I saw the crisis coming. We wanted to leave, we don't like the politics of the US, the Patriot Act, the propaganda from the mass media and the misinformation. Here is a safe place, safe for a nuclear war. We watch US television, but most of our friends are Nicaraguan. We believe we should integrate."
Kadir van Lohuizen / NOOR
Beverly Gene Marte, 74: "Everybody calls me BJ here. I came 10 years ago and I am from Walminton, Calif. I came on a yacht. It was a long trip from Florida, via Cuba, Cayman Islands, Panama Canal. In Costa Rica the yacht nearly sank, it took two years to fix it. In the end I made it to Nicaragua. I don't want to live in the US anymore. Obama ruins the country. Now I have my monkey, Cindy. Years ago I was photo model and I also worked for the US coast guard. The sea is in my blood."
Kadir van Lohuizen / NOOR
The tranquil bay of San Juan del Sur is pictured. Although Nicaragua hasn't had good relationships with the US over the last three decades, it is a popular destination for US citizens.
K. van Lohuizen / NOOR
From Colombians fleeing war to North Americans retirees moving to Nicaragua, a photographer's journey from Chile to Alaska explores both the expected and unexpected patterns of migration in the Americas
Experience the entire journey, from Chile to Alaska, by exploring the slideshow at right, the Via Panam website or by downloading the app for iPad.
More Photoblogs from the Migration in the Americas series:
On the run from water in Panama
Bolivia hopes for windfall from producing lithium for batteries
Mom works in US while family stays in El Salvador
Leave a Comment:
Why would anyone want to leave the coming devastation of America? Obama has planned a near bankrupt economic collapse even Billy Bob Thorton cannot save us from. Four more years and America will be a 3rd world nation cooking our iquana over dried elephant dung.
Where I live, it's rattlesnakes over Mesquite branches. We are already just about there. The large and growing population of illegals have a much better life than the locals because they are under the table workers and their wives and kids get free housing, medical insurance, food stamps, welfare checks, and housing for $20/month including utilities.
I feel like a foreigner right here in my home town.
They are welcome, freely supported, and saving money apparently.
As they come in droves, I am seemingly less welcome, more broke, and getting somewhat more desperate every day. One serious medical condition and my life is over.
What's going to happen when we decimate the rattlesnake population? Maybe eat cactus three meals a day?
There is more to the federal budget than what Obama has/had anything to do with. How about putting some blame on the Republican controlled House? How about looking at the 2100+ indirectly funded subsidies?
who voted to put them in there? hmm
Yes I made my money in the USA but I to have thought of leaving. I love this country but far too few people see what it has become. Political parties will destroy this country(quote from Benjamin Franklin) and they have just about done it. Our Federal government has betrayed this country and the citizens. They have had many chances to do the right thing and both parties have refused. What makes anyone think that after the election anything will change. But still I wait leaving would be like giving up and I cannot bring myself to do it. What our founders gave us we have allowed to be corrupted to something they would not understand. But they were simple men that could not imagine what the future would be. They most likely thought future generations of leaders would be honest, do what is in the best interest of this country and people. And most of all they placed faith in the people to keep it right. We have failed them we have not protected what they gave us.
When and if you ever qualify, will you accept social security and medicare benefits?
Mystic,
Couldn't have said it better myself. It is truly sad what has happened to this once great country. You are correct that it does not matter who gets elected, the entire system is corrupted beyond repair, outside of a revolution.
Oh please. I do not trust my government or believe the care about the people but our founders being simple men is crap. They were rich white slave owners that didn't want to pay tax's.
George Washington was worth the equal of 500 million dollars in today's money. Thomas Jefferson had children by the female slave's he owned( can you say rape). I know that it was a different time but don't hold these people up as simple men, they did what was best for THEM.
Lot of dumb and nasties on this board...............instead of being so negative on these people, maybe you should look at the one HUGE positive...............these people aren't sitting on welfare making Americas welfare numbers look even worse than they already are!
It's a big world out there and anyone who has the motivation to experience it can often be rewarded with some great experiences. In many countries the common people are very accepting of foreigners and it is relatively easy to make friends if you are a reasonable person. Right now the US is messed up with so much hate, but who's fault is that? We have no one to blame but ourselves.
People have been leaving this country for awhile now and it didn't start with Obama. The US is quickly becoming a second rate country and is a joke in the eyes of the international community. Our government heavily promotes the idea that working hard and trying to make something of yourself is something to be ashamed of and sitting on your butt with your handout is ok. Our politicians only look to get re-elected and not to do what is best for the public. Read the book Atlas Shrugged which was written 60 years ago and you will see that it is becoming a reality.
I became an American after relinquishing the citizenship of birth, in 1985. I have lived in the greatest Nation on earth, for 17 years to make the decision to become an American. I am proud to be an American and my three children are well employed in a country which seems to have untold unemployment and social problems. GREED is not unique to America. It is part and parcel of human life so much so even the poorest nations like India have some of the greediest people on earth. Who with a family of five, except Mukesh Ambani, would even conceive of the idea of living in a $ 2 billion dollar mega mansion with 27 floors right in the heart of Bombay ? Now,that is Greed, nothing but greed with boundaries.
I have found that America is good only if you are 1. young and healthy 2. good looking ( no brains needed) and 3. have tons of money. Most working people don't qualify to meet ALL these requirements. When they get old, they want to "escape" ( not unpatriotically) the society where everything has become so expensive. To cut my almost bald head, I have to spend no less than 15 bucks on a barber ! I live in Bangkok, Thailand now, a wonderful city, a safe city, where people are smiling and friendly. Thailand has beaqutiful islands, beaches and golf courses and the finest restauarnts in the world. What more can I ask for in a country where I don't have to shovel snow !!
All seem to be from the west coast, all seem to have migrated during Bush years (2001, bought 10 years ago (2002), bought sailboat in 2003, 2004, 2006). Which explains why this article seems to be about disenchanted west coasters during Republican domination. Since many of us believe that it doesn't matter if it's a Republican or a Democrat in office, that it's the American popular and political CULTURE which is bankrupt, this article makes more sense. Plus the fact that these folk would be retirees in either location. They've basically checked out. A sentiment I totally understand.
If you want to stay in the U.S. and retire in a relatively cheap place to live (atleast realestate is cheap) go to West Virginia ! Land and housing is very cheap !
Nicaragua was one of the wealthiest countries in Central America until the most recent revolution of the 196o's & 70's hope those Americans have a way out if all of a sudden it goes kablooey.
Anywhere south of the US is lower cost of living. My radar is on Panama.
I’m restoring an old boat, but that’s what I call a rebuild!!!
Good for them all, and I wonder how many others would do the same—if they could.
I'm 43 and I am already realizing that expatriating this country, when i retire some 20+ years from now will be about my only option. The bloated, abusive federal gov't has grown out of control and they need as many people as possible to pay into the system to cover all the failed social entitlement programs, that the gov't touts as being "solutions."
The gov't has realized that more and more people are leaving the country ( around retitrement age), so our beloved elected officials are already looking into passing legislation to financially penalize you via your 401k, SS IRA's,etc , if you decide to leave expatriate. We have such wonderful elected officials. i am so glad they are always looking out for our best interest.
As if life isnt difficult enough -- we have a gov't that constantly looks to torpedo its citizens financially and make life even more difficult, while they ride off into the sunset with their taxpayer funded pensions and gold plated healthcare ( no obamacare for them ---exempt!!!) .....
Sorry but at 43 you aren't going to make it to retirement at least not financial. Especially if you are putting your money in 401k plans or counting on SS. barry when re elected is going to confiscate your 401k and give you government treasury bonds ( no there worthless) and SS. Well lets say they only thing your going to get from that massive Ponzi scheme is the annual report. Now you do have time to be one of the few to make it. Here goes get rid of your home, sell it, burn it down ( only kidding) give it back to the bank. This way you stop one form of the local and state gov from taxing you. And you now get mobile and hard. Mobile easy to explain, hard, well you get your money out of the fiat federal reserve notes and into gold or silver. Cause when the bottom fails out, people will revert back to what has worked for 5000 years, hard currency, I wish you good luck.
That's exactly why I'm taking my 401K, selling my assets and hitting the trail. Doesn't matter who is elected, the politicians will feed at the trough until it is empty and the Ponzi scheme will collapse sooner than later. Have too many friends in SA who love it.
Another great country to live after retirement is Thailand. Bangkok is a wonderful city, with no crime and people are nice and friednly and cost of living is lot cheaper than in USA. I have been living here for the 6 years and I just love it. I don't have to shovel snow nor turn the heat up to keep myself warm during winter
Great idea looks like there all wackos from Ca. Only wish more had moved out of the US of A after they screw up Ca. But alas most moved with there stupid progressive liberal ideas and killed Or, Wa, and Nev. Now they have all turned blue, and guess what they will be in the financial tank just like Ca in a few years. And of course the ones that cause all the mess take the money and run for the sun. See that here in NY all the former lack of public service workers once retired take their big phat pensions and head south. Leaving the rest of us to pay for their second retirement, the first one when the were "working" for the state for 20 or 30 years.
I agree...that's all help these selfish tax evading bastards pack. Perhaps they will feel enlightened when Mr. Ortega (remember Daniel Ortega from the 1980's...Sandinista government) well...he is again El President!) confiscates their land and property in the name of the communist state. They deserve what they get!
What? Tax evading? Are you nuts or on drugs?
If they don't live here, they don't owe taxes here. And, if they don't live here on a small fixed income, they don't suck off of the welfare system here.
Peter,
Actually Peter, as a US citizen you are required to report and pay taxes on any income generated anywhere in the world. However, qualifying taxpayers are allowed an exclusion amount adjusted for inflation($87,000 in 2008), before their taxes actually 'kick in'.
Unless you renounce your US citizenship, you are still required to file a tax return with the IRS every year.
Fred's place looks AWESOME! I have no plans to ever retire-i doubt the economy will allow it when it's my age groups' time-but I could always be a maid/groundskeeper for a place like Fred's. Hopefully with my own room and kitchen/pool access LOL
not an informative article. the title gives the impression that a large number of retirees are going (flocking) to nicaragua but no stats at all, just info on a few individuals. the author should have included more data. pardon my typing but lost the use of my left arm tuesday through surgery.
Agreed, last info info I was able to find says about 3,000 ex-pats living there.
The only way to get Congress's attention is to show up in mass protests on their front door step when they return from vacation. There needs to be at least 2million out front and mad as hell.
Didn't the US Sh!t on this Country??
Memories....
My brother is a doctor. He has already said that if Obama is reelected, he's putting his money in offshore accounts and moving to another country. His reason is that Obama's policies are too expensive and our country is heading for bankruptcy. I don't want my brother to leave so please vote for anyone except Obama. Save America, vote Obama out of office.
Sorry to tell you but it doesn't matter who is in office, the regular people are screwed either way. Our country is run by big business not by and for the people as planed. Never was and never will be. The people in power only care about themselves and will never relinquish that power.
If your brother is a doctor,he can save himself which means you do not need to plead his case.
it's funny because every oncen in awhile there's a story like this on MSNBC, and believe me I'm reading and taking heart. I love my country (USA) but it seems more and more that our country doesn't love us so much. Heartbreakiong actually. I'm 51 with no hope of retirement in site. No long ago there was an article about US citizens moving to Panama, and Belize. That's me not long from now. 1st off I wanna live somewhere where it's warm, all the time 2nd I don't want to work until they plant me in the ground, there's more to life than tht folks
You are 51, seems pretty young to me to already talk about retirement..
happy2008
51 is not to young to be talking about retirement. Good age to be thinking and planing about how to go about it. If you are not thinking about this why are you on this site commenting as it was an article about retiring?
So if I am not thinking of retirement I can't comment? Where is your logic? The Parrotheads post was about retirement, in case you missed it.
They are not going to listen as long as they are feeding at the trough and getting fat.
Good for them. America is not for everybody.
My husband and I live on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. We opted for early retirement because we were extremely tired of teaching in a broken educational system in the USA. We bought a little beach shack, remodeled it, and live comfortably, yet simply in a small all Spanish speaking community. Our average monthly expenses are $500. We raise a year-round garden and have a large variety of tropical fruit trees. I paid forward the generosity I received from this gracious community by starting a mobile lending library for elementary students on the island. If you would like to take a peek at my blog and our daily lives do a search for Rewired and Retired in Nicaragua, or go to
[] Life is good, retirement is better, living abroad is priceless.
Sorry, they wouldn't let me post my link to my blog. Just google it.
Sounds awesome - I am still working but my employer doesn't care where I live - I take it you have access to high speed data lines like DSL? I do need that for my job - video, and data and of course a phone line or VoIP - are those services available? Thank you
Let's stop sending social security checks and any other government check to people choosing to live there.
Why? They were forced to pay into the SS and Medicare system just like everyone else, and they have every right to collect their money back and spend it wherever and however they please just like everyone else.
Why, you choose to drive a Toyota, and buy plastic Chinese crap at Walmart, they choose to live elsewhere. Either way the money leaves the U.S.
Notsosmart...why would you say such a thing? I earned my SS, it wasn't a handout. I have a right to spend my money where I want to spend it. You can be sure that when I'm old enough to collect SS, not a penny of my hard earned money will be spent in the USA. Right now, our tiny teaching pensions go a long way in Nicaragua. We made a smart economic decision to retire abroad. Don't knock it until you have tried it.
I didn't realize that we were beholden to the great U.S. of A. once we retired. If I earned my money, and paid into a system (that, at 41, I will probably never benefit from, but let's say for argument's sake) that pays me money when I retire or reach a certain age, who is to tell ME where and how I spend my money???
Certainly not YOU. And certainly not my government. What a stupid statement to make.
notsosmart - why would we want to do that?
notsosmart,
Are you a strong advocate for amnesty, or an open border immigration policy here in the US?
If so, why are you not willing to allow US citizens the right to make those same decisions in choosing where they want live?
@notsosmart... that's a great handle you got, fits you to a "T" !