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"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 is there a consistent theme that they are wrong to do what they want with the money they earned. Also, why do so many that can't figure out how to earn and save a bit of money calls those who can everything in the book.
Greedy if you have money? Maybe. Lazy if you don't? More likely. Ignorant if they have accumulated some wealth? Doubtful.
I haven't met many stupid people who are very well off.
I don't think they are doing anything wrong........ but there is no need to act all high and mighty about it. If you want to exploit the poverty and low prices in Nicaragua (which is what they are doing), that's fine. But acting like it's some sort of stance against the greed of America is a joke.
They're aren't exploiting anything............they are going to live in a place where they can afford to live on their paltry retirement checks rather than die on the streets of America.
The constant theme is from the people that are worried that if these people spend their money somewhere else they might have to get jobs of their own and not get their welfare check and free medical.
Some folks here commenting are unbelievable. First, the US is a free country; if someone wants to leave for whatever reason they have the right to do so. If they are on veterans' or some other kind of pension or on social security, they have earned it and can do whatever they want with their money. Second, here in the US it used to be that people could agree to disagree and remain friends but the politicos who have used the divide and conquer scenario to have turned people's attitudes towards others who are different or don't think the same into toxic sludge; I don't blame others for wanting to find peace and quiet somewhere where clearing the air doesn't turn into a pitched battle. Thirdly, there are advantages to living in the US as there are good things about living elsewhere; to each his own and why should we condemn anyone for following their own dreams? Just reading some of the comments here helps me to understand why they've left. By the way, just as these examples of expatriates are not the whole picture, neither is the image of the welfare mom picking up her check driving a new Cadillac. For some people who dislike the press, they sure accept as "truth" what they read in it; especially, if it feeds their own prejudices and ignorance to do so.
Really? A guy makes 400k/year for a number of years and he can't manage to live anywhere else? I don't think so. It would be nice to have a little more background but none of these people appear to be hurting for money.
Yeah ice- thats all these old farts are doing. Using these poor people. They probably have them working the gardens and cleaning their pools for 5 dollars a day. These people make me sick. They shouldn't be allowed to return if they can't stand it here stay out.
I am a wounded combat vet, my medical retirement is just over 2k a month. i can not live on that here in the US on that with out getting hand outs. i am researching Nicaragua as an option to be able to stand on my own and have the life that i choose. now tell me again who am i hurting?
The Government there is not that kindly to Americans that move down there and run successful businesses. Just read the story of Jason Puracal, www.freejasonp.com
Good, they are just assuming that they will be welcomed with open arms. They get what they got coming to them, trying to use people in a poor nation so they can live a care free life. yeah whatever
Get your social security check and tell the US government to pound sand. obama can give more borrowed money to his loser base. Those with who have worked for a living can live on the beach.
The US is clearly broken....
This is not news. Americans have immigrated to other countries for years. When I was in Germany I met many Americans who vowed never to return to live in the U.S. I have traveled to several other countries and found them to be attractive places to live. I don't think it un-American to realize that America is not the only great place to live. However, politicians, special interest groups, the corporate media and other closely linked entities are making America increasingly less attractive. Aside: some great premium hand-rolled cigars are made in Nicaragua.
Unfortunately you neglected to tell everyone about the downside - such as San Juan Del Sur's largest enclave of US citizens lost ltheir investments and vacation homes at Pelican Eye's when the owner took the money and ran - leaving them to the mercy of the Nicaraguan government.
An investor that purchased property with access to the beach and close to the Costa Rican border can't sell to anyone other than a Nic based on a new law.
Nicaraugua is the dirtest and most dangerous place I have ever been - the national flower is the pink plastic trash bag. The water at San Juan Del Sur is flithy and anything you put down is stolen. You could not PAY me to go back!
The doctors trained in Havana. When Fidel needed care he didn't depend on the physicians trained under the "glorious" revolution. He went elsewhere for care or imported European (Spanish) MDs to his bedside.
Incidentally, there are many high quality physicians from Latin America. They're practicing in Miami where their skill and training can be properly compensated.
I have mixed emotions about this article. My first instinct is.... "if you're happy, then good for you." But I have to say that I have a distaste for some of the comments in the article which come across to me as arrogant and selfish. A couple of points:
1. If you made 400k/year, you did pretty damn well for yourself in this country. To say you "don't like what's going on here" is a little disingenuous. And I certainly hope cost of living isn't a factor for you because you clearly made enough money to have a substantial nest egg.
2. All the examples are people from California.......... among the highest cost of living states in the country, if not the highest. I moved from the northeast to the southeast and love it. Cost of living is about 1/3 of what it is in the northeast. So, there are options in the US. And BTW, if you don't watch too many Civil War documentaries on the History Channel, you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity and culture in the southeast.
3. Making your money in the US, then complaining about our political process and how we treat people, then moving to the poorest nation in central america to take advantage of the low cost of living? A little hypocritical don't you think?
At the end of the day, I have no problem if you want to live out your retirement years in Nicaragua or Ecuador or anywhere else. I would only suggest that you get off your high horse with the negative commentary about a country that gave you the opportunity to have enough money to travel abroad and live where you want.
So your point is that if you move you can't complain? A little hypocritical are we? These people are American citizens and as I last remember they did not give up their rights to the 1st Amend. when they left. They can complain all they want. I think their years living here and the tax money spent give them all the right in the world to complain. These people don't seem to think they can enjoy themselves in the country they built with hard work. Ask yourself why? I am glad you found your place, but please dispense with the "I have the right to complain because I stayed, but you don't ." Many ex-pats would love to be here in the nation they know and love, but financial situations won't allow that for some. They should complain about how this nation was built on a dream that can't be realized due to no fault of their own.
Smash......... no they can complain all they want, I just find it disingenuous. They can't enjoy themselves here? You can't be serious? It's just my opinion and I might very well be wrong but this is the impression I get............
These folks were part of the peace, love, hippie movement in the 60's. When that movement ran its course, they became part of the corporate world that they despised during their protest years. They made a ton of money and benefited from a stock market that grew exponentially over a 30-40 year period. Now they are retired and going back to railing against the greed of America and the greed of the corporate-world. They made their money but everyone else is a crook. I find that disingenuous and hypocritical. Yes, I am making a lot of assumptions here but that's my take on it.
And no, I'm not retired. In fact I was recently laid off and have an interview later today so believe me I know it's tough out there. But I will not give up on the promise of America. For all our faults, it's still the land of opportunity.
Why does have to be viewed as a political statement or a downplaying of America to decide to retire elsewhere? I could enjoy retiring here, but I could enjoy it more in Ecuador, with lower cost of living I can see more of the rest of the world, including the USA. And never shovel snow again.
Are all Americans as ugly as the ones pictured in this article?
only on the inside. lol
Stupid Libs, They turn every story, no matter how good into a campaign speech for Obungles.
ONE AND DONE. (He's the one who should be leaving instead of REAL CITIZENS).
REAL CITIZENS. What is that? I guess anyone born in Hawaii is not a REAL CITIZEN. Or, because he has one parent who was not an American, he is not a REAL CITIZEN? Romneys's father was born in Mexico; is Romney not a REAL CITIZEN? AH, yes, Romney is white, somewhat a Christian, and was born in the 48 states. That's what a REAL CITIZEN is.
seems to me all the people left before Obama took office. Also just a side comment, thinking people would pay more attention to your comments if you didn't use name calling and made up word's
Just a thought
Robert, Someone born in Hawaii is a real citizen. Not someone born in Kenya. And don't bother replying because I've heard all of the liberal B.S. and that's exactly what it is.
Wow! that first lady is only 64? And there's something funny about her wearing an "Everlast" sports bra thingy. Obviously not everything lasts!
I'm actually considering a 'retirement' move to a small group of islands way out in the Atlantic within the next couple of years. Of course, they have their own share of political melodrama - but the presence of inter-class warfare is significantly less than here in the US. The change in pace is NOT about 'getting out of the US' - its about shifting gears and getting out of the way for the next generation.
When I can actually afford to pay cash for my own medical care - rather than depending on Medicare handouts - it does help by putting less burden on the current generation. Hell, we are all going to die - and I would just soon check out without the insurance driven bevy of tubes and needles and monitors. People have been 'falling down and can't get up!' for hundreds and hundreds of years - and the world is still turning
As for SS - I have worked since I was 16. In 41 years I have taken less than 2 months of 'vacation' and have been unemployed (either by my choice or theirs) for a whopping five months - TOTAL! So, that SS check is a check I have been 'building' for a very, very long time. Further - as a smoker of many years - I doubt very much that I will ever draw down all that has been paid. Lung cancer is fast.
So - for all you lunatic tyrants - relax! I'm leaving a job opening, skipping out on medicare, and won't even take up any dollars or room at the local cemetery - AND! you won't have to cuss me for driving a little too slow for your satisfaction.
Go ahead! Be young. Be beautiful. And be mindful that sooner or later - it will be your turn to get out of the way.
I don't understand the need to move to another country to retire. If you are tired of the big cities, all the people, and commercialism, why not move to a small town down South (ie. Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Arkansas)?
Do you think you can live in any of those towns on somewhere between $700.00 and $1,000.00 per month? That is the amount that the average retired American makes, which is why most of them end up on welfare or some type of assistance when they retire.
I have watched my grandparents and my father age and die. Mom is still around. And there seems to be this 'expectation' that old people need lots and lots of pills to stay alive. I live way out in the sticks and I know that on any given day I can drop dead in my tracks and nobody would come running to save me. I sure as hell don't want to be propped up on a room full of machines and medications to squeeze 30 more minutes out of the grave. It's utter nonsense that getting older is an unwarranted sentence to chemical and mechanical dependency.
And - unfortunately - here in the US it's is pretty much guaranteed you will get caught up in a healthcare 'system' that sucks the bucks.
So first they make all the money they can and ruin our political system and then hop over to a poor little country to exploit their poverty. I'm glad they left and wish they had taken more of their pals with them. Maybe when they're all gone we can finally get out lives back on track. Good riddance is what I say.
And don't run to the embassy for help when your conspicuous consumption attracts the attention of the pirates and kidnappers. It will be exactly what you deserve.
I'd move there for all of the reasons stated in the article (except one) in a heartbeat. However, most of the people interviewed seemed to have had homes/property in high cost of living areas and probably sold their homes for a pretty penny, thus allowing them to buy a nice property in Nicaragua. And one man's annual income was 16 times what I make a year, so, I'm wondering if I could do it even if I wanted to.
As far as living there to survive a nuclear attack, I DON'T want to survive a nuclear attack, thank you, anyway!
With the chance of the GOP to take over the affairs of the USA, I can only recommand to leave the States if you want to live a quiet stressless life with your pension while you still have it!
These people all have the same reasons, US politics and the downturn of the economy, which intially ran them away. As long as they were doing great in the good ole USA, they didn't complain and to those who blame Obama, stop right there, he didn't create this economic crisis.
We are researching where we can move and live on social security because that is going to be our only real income in a few years. We have no choice but to leave the US. It is too expensive to live in if you want to retire and are not rich. We just don't have enough savings after both our divorces and the 2007 crash to live on IF we retire. Going to another country where things are less expensive and medical care is reasonable is our only option. Thank you for the article. We have been looking at Costa Rica, but I will now look into Nicaragua.
moonphaz,
Check out internationalliving.com, it is a great source for information on living abroad all over the world.
ditto oldmustang
Thanks to their info I will be taking a 3 month "vacation" in Ecuador to check it out.
MUGTECH,
I would be interested in hearing what you think of the place after your visit. I have been considering Ecuador as well, but also Nicaragua, Panama, and Uruguay.
Not going until May, 2014, but will be happy to share my views and experiences.
I guess the fact that they paid taxes for years does not give them the right for any aid from the U.S, government? The same could be said for you when you take that weekend trip to Mexico or Jamaica. Don't cry for help, you left!
Nicaragua can be alluring, but the lack of infrastructure and the risk that President Daniel Ortega will put expats' interests in jeopardy caused us to opt for Costa Rica instead. Here, we have most of life's necessities, including excellent medical care, a constitutionally stable government, a legal system that protects expats' interests, and a climate equal to any in Nicaragua.
When considering relocating, it's critical to get a "feet-on-the-ground" sense of what you're getting into. There is a great deal of very bad information about Central America available on the Internet. A person simply MUST come here, see things for him- or herself, ask all the question, and get good reliable information from disinterested parties. Don't believe the real estate agents. Don't believe anybody with something to sell.
Like everywhere in North America, Central America isn't perfect, but for the right persons it can be a wonderful alternative.
Nicaragua is great if you like living like a wood rat in the jungle, bare commodity supply, no infrastructure, and the home of the contras, a murdering killing machine. I believe in loyalty for my country, in good times and bad. My ancestors fought and died for the U.S.A. in both world wars, it's a matter of honor and respect. Some folks just lack the back bone it takes, and to me they are no more than deserters or traitors. Like fair weather friends, as long as all is good, they're always around, just don't let things get bad, then they seem to disappear, Duty, Honor, Country.
They all came from California, that should tell you something. I was born and raised in Southern California and my wife and I discuss daily where could we go? California sucks, it is not the golden state is used to be. Our country & state are the toilet, it is too bad very few understand that. I live in Carlsbad Ca, where the Park Rangers will sit on a bluff over looking the beach trying hard to find someone drinking a cold beer on a hot day to write a $500 ticket. In Oceanside you get a ticket if your parking meter goes red for one second or you park for over two hours in the same spot, or if I park in front of my own home overnight, the ticket is $400. You cant breath or stretch without someone looking over your shoulder. You hold a door open for someone, they never say Thank You, they just have an attitude of entitlement. You never hear thank you or please anymore. Anything you say today will be contrived by others as racist. 59 years old this August 29 th and really tired of the BS and propaganda. I do miss the good old days, unfortunately you cant find it here.
The party is over time to move on...
You mean Californication, I wouldn't live in that state period. It thrives on the Hollywood film industry, it's the Porn capital of the U.S., the state was birthed by the gold rush in 1849, those days are over.
Not all of California is in the south and run by the movie and porn industry. I live in a college town in the middle of farm country in Northern California where our congressmen and state representatives have been Republican since before the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s. I will agree Los Angeles sucks, San Francisco is a little strange even to me but the armpit of California is the Central San Joaquin Valley. Where I live, I can get to mountain ranges on three sides and the ocean on the other, Reno or Oregon in a couple of hours, and drive to a mountain lake 35 miles away without being stopped by a traffic signal. While we do have a strip joint in town (I've been there but I've never inhaled), I don't think I've seen one porn or movie studio, and, believe it or not, there are actually rich farmers, survivalists anti-government people living here among the liberals, gays and illegal aliens in relative peace with one another.
sounds great but if the situation there turns sour you dont want to be the english speaking white people in town
And, if it turns sour here where would you want to be? Yes it's a scary thought, but it can "go sour" anywhere in the world at any given point in time. Unemployment is on the rise again (up 6,000) this week, 366,000 new claims last week and 372,000 new claims this week.
'news flash' it already has turned bad but here we have more room to move around and dont have to deal with the label 'english speaking foreigner'
the degree of 'bad' is more easily absorbed here. what would crush a small 3rd world country will hardly be noticed here. but dont worry its gonna get worse, much worse before it gets better
I know a few people (Americans) who live in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama and they all are very happy with their decisions to not live in the US. Their money goes much further and like the lady in the article, got tired of living here. I have been considering it myself for some time now.
Hey Karl,
To quote Dr. Stangelove, he of the snapping arm, "Mein Fuhrer!"
Interesting article. One wonders about the editor who decided on the photos and stories to be published. At any rate, yes Nicaragua is a viable option for North American retirees and we see lots of people seriously considering and actually making the move to relocate down here. I am way to young to retire :) but I moved here a 1 1/2 years ago and we love it so far. While Nicaragua is not for everybody, if someone reading this has their interest piqued, I encourage you to learn more about the country and the options you might have here. Not everyone needs to live by the beach. You have cooler elevated areas, Colonial towns, small villages, and full-on remote pioneer-type situations to choose from. We have a small bed and breakfast in the hills south of the capital city of Managua and have helped people get their bearings in this country, which can be a bit of an abrupt change from life up north, to say the least! Cheers from Mike @ Farmstay El Portón Verde