Pattaya 50% & what other place 50%? Feedback from travelers, please.

[moonseeker]

Good evening all:

I know we discussed this in prior posts, so please ignore, if this bothers you.

With Pattaya/Thailand IMO deteriorating more and faster all the time, many of my friends are leaving for good or not coming back to visit for extended periods anymore.

I am looking at a few places like FL or couple other Southern states in the USA, Portugal, Belize, Panama and several another locations in Europe to spend at least 50% of my time and eventually sell off here and stay away. The traffic chaos, dirty seas, low class tourism and Thainess just don't cut it anymore for me. Very hard to stay positive, even so I know well not all is bad. This is what I am looking for to start my 50% regimen:

- Subtropical climate

- Fishing, fresh or salt-water

- Waters-sports if possible

- Easy residence visa requirements

- Possibility to buy home and keep dogs

- Nice people

- Some entertainment, but not really Pattaya style...

- Language E/German/Spanish/ Portuguese OK.

- Acceptable crime level, would not go back to Brasil,

which I left due to crime about 15 yrs. ago.

- Affordable cost, FL level or better Thai level OK,

Got about 6- 8K/mth $ to spend, which does not mean

I want/have to spend it. I live very good here with about

3-4K/mth. and my own home, healthcare not included!

It would be great to hear from people who have some positive feedback, maybe some similar setup, travelling already. Never thought about Downunder & NZ yet, that might be something to consider.....Also visa-situation rather hard I assume and cost of living prohibitive?

Thanks for any posts and help getting a bit a better grip on this.

MS>

[craigt3365]

That's a tough one! Lots of places that come to mind, but as you say visas are an issue. What's your nationality?

I think Oz and NZ are quite expensive right now. Great places to be, but very expensive. Florida is a pretty good choice. Some problems with weather and bugs (swimming pools are typically screened in, something I wouldn't like). I've got friends living in Alabama right near the beach and they're getting a bit tired of the "bubba" culture! LOL But say the beaches are stunning. I lived in California for many years. Loved it, but too crowded now and quite expensive.

Portugal sounds very interesting and I'm assuming you're following Loppy's thread on that and Spain? Forget Belize. Crime is a really big problem. Same with Panama. Heck, pretty much all of Mexico, CA and SA. I've spent a few years roaming around that area and find Thailand way better. Though they are great places to explore!!!

P.S. you might consider staying in Thailand and just getting out of Pattaya. I live now too far south and it's a world of difference. Traffic is tough on weekends, but other than that, you wouldn't even know you were near Pattaya. Though it's within easy striking distance when the desire strikes! 55555 Head down to Bang Saray sometime. Go to the Bang Saray Club and have a sundowner, then into town for a meal. Very relaxing. Again, except on weekends!

I think your thread is better off in the travel forum. I'll get a mod to move it over. I still know a few.

[moonseeker]

Thank you kindly Craigt. Always good to get some outside feedback, when one gets stuck in negative thoughts. Much appreciated. MS>

[gk10002000]

East South of Florida is pretty nice. Great clean beaches. Miami south beach is not my style but there are some great restaurants both indoor and outdoor all over the place. Palm Beach area is nice. One can live in nearby cities pretty cheaply (Jupiter, et al.) Plenty of casinos if you enjoy that diversion for slots, table games, poker. Of course there are some touristy places, Disney land and all those things. Plenty of fishing and boating on the coast at piers or off shore. Eating really is great all over. Gosh I miss the Bonefish!

[mogandave]

San Diego

[bangmai]

"Florida" is kind of broad, as it has the richest and poorest in various parts. No State income taxes, but you will give it back in homeowner's insurance costs and property taxes (nothing like Illinois or NY, though). Crime is high in the cities. Colombia is doable. At 17 pesos to the Dollar, I would consider Mexico, but not the touristy beach areas, which I also avoid in Thailand. I like Hermosillo, Sonora. It's far enough inland, where foreigner can own property. Lots of tall, light skinned, educated ladies there...they send the rejects to America. www.elimparcial.com

[Old Fool]

Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico.