retirement in STX

We have no idea on how much you'll need to get by without some idea of what type of lifestyle you wish to maintain. I'm retired and know how much I need to maintain my lifestyle and other retirees on this forum know how much they need. Some need more than me, others need less but who knows if any of those amount will suffice FOR YOU.

Why not tell us a little more about your "standard of living" other than you don't want to own a car then rephrase your question and ask "Can a retired couple living in a mortgage free condo on STX get by on $XXXX?

I would like to know if a couple can live on $30,000.00 a year.
We would be cooking at home, going to eat at the restaurant once a week,
mostly going swimming to different beaches, play tennis.
We like drinking wine and cocktails.
Also would like to become members at Senior Center to play poker or join in different activities.
If we could afford it, we would like to do occasional island hopping or last minute cruising.
We have savings too, but would like to live on our fixed pension income.
Travel would come from our savings.

I forgot to mention that we will be paying condo fees, water, Wapa about 1000.00.
And exchange fees! Canadians!

I'm assuming you're talking US$. If the $12K pa is coming out of the $30K, that'll leave you with $1500/month for the two of you to cover all other expenses which is doable if you budget properly, don't go mad on the chateaubriand and DP and can live relatively simply.

You'll only know if you give it a try. If you have ongoing medical issues, figure out your deductibles on office visits, medications, etc.

Can you try it for a few months and test the waters rather than taking a massive plunge?

I think I will take your advice and try the snowbird way., 6 months!
I hate freezing weather.
But I rather sacrifice Chateaubriand and be in sunny Caribbean.
I believe that the Islands attract dreamers like me.
Life is too short.

What do you think about the link I posted from the Caribbean Journal?
It seems that the journal and HGTV are tempting people and the reality is so different.
That is why I read all the posts on the Forum.

I paid $5.50 for a 1/2 gallon of milk at a convience store today. I could have dr en to plaza and burned more gas than the $2.00 I saved and despite the clouds, the beach was awesome. Your Snowbird idea makes sense.

The Caribbean Journal article is very basic to spur interest, not particularly useful for serious planning. Sure STX is a good option for some for retirement. More of just a sales pitch, tip of the iceberg, what you would typically find an a real estate listing mag.

Seeing how you're committed, since you've already bought a condo, I'm sure you'll figure it out. You'll lose something converting Canadian $$ to U.S. $$.
It also depends on how your needs reflect your lifestyle.
Your first couple of months spending will give you a reality check.

Good luck.

Yes, I believe it's doable, as long as you actually live the low maintenance lifestyle you mentioned. But I also recommend spending a shorter chunks of time here before you cut ties, to see how your personal way of life fits in socially and financially.

We did the snowbird thing for several years, so we knew almost exactly how much we could live on. We live a fairly simple life, and we find we need more than 30k. But that includes things you, personally, might not .be spending money on. There are a few things to consider, though:

* Condo fees do go up from time to time. Also, HOA special assessments do happen.

* Things deteriorate faster in this climate. So you need to make sure you can cover big (and pesky little) purchases a little sooner than you're used to, especially major appliances.

* Inflation. That 30k might be fine now, but what are you going to need 10 years from now?

Good luck with your planning. We love our retired life here.

I thought Canadians had to be in Canada at least 6 months a year to receive medical benefits. The ones here in AZ do.

I thought Canadians had to be in Canada at least 6 months a year to receive medical benefits. The ones here in AZ do.

I believe the OP is referring to the expat medical insurance offered by Cigna Global, not to Canadian government coverage.

Yes, I was referring to the expat insurance for full retirement.
I had been renting my condo short term to cover some expenses.
I already spent a lot of cash renovating, replacing the appliances.
So I am aware of how it is.
My husband is going to be 65 in October and I am already 65, so now we want to
decide where we want to retire.
I will take OT advice and we will come for a month in December this year.
We already been to our condo twice, every time in November.
We will come next year for 6 months and see if we want to retire in St.Croix or
buy another condo in beautiful Muskoka, Ontario and divide our time that way.
I appreciate your input and hope that my dreams will realize.
Thank you.

You may have to get a part time job to help with expenses.

Also, that beach and sunshine gets boring after a while and you may not enjoy being idle if you worked all your life. There are plenty of options here for people with skills and good work habits.

You may have to get a part time job to help with expenses.

Also, that beach and sunshine gets boring after a while and you may not enjoy being idle if you worked all your life. There are plenty of options here for people with skills and good work habits.

how long is a while?

There's plenty of volunteer options if one gets bored with the beach. Even your HOA may appreciate some help.

I am not an immigration expert but it is my understanding Canadians just can't show up in the US or it's territories and take up permanant residence. They have to apply for residency like any other foreigner. As a non-resident I believe the maximum a Canadian can stay in the US is 6 months in any calander year. Also, I think they need a special visa in order to work in the US.

Explorer will have to check out all the legal requiements if and when they decide to live here full time.

Yes, I would agree. They would also need to keep a home in Canada, as the US doesn't typically let people in unless they have a reason to go back home. Unless your from anywhere but Canada, then come on in. You probably won't be able to work, as I don't think you can get any type of visa, unless you have certain job skills which is listed on the immigration site. I know what it took to get my wife and step daughter across the border, it's not an easy task by no means. That is if you do it all legally.

This is pretty helpful and includes links to all the official sites needed to research:
http://www.canuckabroad.com/forums/so-you-want-to-move-to-the-states-eh-vt2199.html

I'm a Canadian and have lived on STX for 14 years. Mind you, we own a business here and had a very good Toronto based immigration attorney who smoothed the way with an innovative strategy.

I've had 4 TN Visas, 2 H1B's and now a green card. Both of our kids have green cards now but go to post secondary schools in Toronto at the moment. My wife has naturalized to solidify our status in the US and I remain a Canadian to keep one foot there too.

I'm happy to assist with any information I can provide!

There are lots of Canadians on STX...

Good strategy vicanuck!
Post secondary education in Canada is superb and affordable. It is a great country except of the winter weather.

University and college is incredibly affordable in Canada, especially if you're paying in US Dollars!