This information is not complete. It was obtained from ChatGPT in answer to specific questions I'd asked like: how would this impact my social security income and medicare; where would be good places to live if I'm concerned about cost of living, quality of life, friendliness of neighbors, safety, and medical care, safety from hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, mudslides.
Using your own criteria, you will likely get a different and more personalized answer.

• Social Security Income:

You can generally receive your Social Security benefits while living abroad. The SSA has agreements with many countries, known as totalization agreements, that facilitate benefit payments. Some restrictions apply based on the country you choose. Check the SSA's *Payment Abroad Screening Tool* for specific country details.

• Medicare:

Medicare benefits do not typically cover medical services outside the U.S. You would need to rely on local healthcare or purchase international health insurance.

Here are a few popular countries for U.S. expats, based on cost of living, quality of life, friendliness of neighbors, safety, and medical care:

• Portugal:
  • Cost of Living: Moderate; lower than the U.S.
  • Quality of Life: High; good climate, vibrant culture, and excellent public transportation.
  • Friendliness: Welcoming to expats, especially in smaller towns.
  • Safety: One of the safest countries in Europe.
  • Healthcare: Affordable and high-quality public and private healthcare options.

• Mexico:
  • Cost of Living: Low; affordable housing, food, and transportation.
  • Quality of Life: Diverse landscapes and climates, vibrant communities.
  • Friendliness: Strong expat communities.
  • Safety: Varies by region; research specific areas.
  • Healthcare: High-quality private care at a fraction of U.S. costs.

• Costa Rica:
  • Cost of Living: Moderate; affordable housing and daily expenses.
  • Quality of Life: High; known for its natural beauty and eco-focus.
  • Friendliness: Welcoming and relaxed locals.
  • Safety: Generally safe, with some petty crime.
  • Healthcare: Universal

• Spain:
  • Cost of Living: Moderate; affordable in smaller cities.
  • Quality of Life: Excellent; great weather, food, and culture.
  • Friendliness: Open and sociable culture.
  • Safety: Very safe overall.
  • Healthcare: High-quality universal healthcare.

• Thailand:
  • Cost of Living: Very low; excellent value for money.
  • Quality of Life: High; warm climate, rich culture.
  • Friendliness: Extremely welcoming locals.
  • Safety: Generally safe with occasional political unrest.
  • Healthcare: World-class private hospitals at affordable rates.

• Visit First: Spend time in your potential new home before committing.
• Learn Local Laws: Understand residency requirements and tax obligations.
• International Health Insurance: Choose a plan covering comprehensive care.
• Expat Communities: Seek support from local expat groups for smoother integration.

• Best For: Urban living with access to excellent public transportation and cultural activities.
• Cost of Living: Higher than other parts of Portugal but affordable compared to major U.S. cities.
• Highlights: Vibrant neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa, a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
• Healthcare: Top-tier hospitals and clinics.

1. Monthly rent furnished 2-bedroom apartment: €1,800 - €2,800
2. Costs vary depending on the neighborhood and included amenities【78】【79】.

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• Best For: A quieter city lifestyle with a strong cultural heritage.
• Cost of Living: Slightly lower than Lisbon.
• Highlights: Famous for its wine culture, beautiful riverside views, and historic architecture.
• Healthcare: Excellent healthcare facilities available.

1. Monthly rent furnished 2-bedroom apartment: €1,200 - €2,000
2. Generally lower costs compared to Lisbon and Cascais【78】.

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• Best For: Retirees and those seeking a sunny, beach-oriented lifestyle.
• Cost of Living: Moderate; varies by town.
• Towns to Consider:
  • Faro: Regional capital with good healthcare and connectivity.
  • Tavira: Known for its historic charm and expat-friendly community.
  • Lagos: Popular for its beaches and outdoor activities.
• Safety: Extremely safe region.

• Best For: Coastal living near Lisbon with a mix of urban and beach lifestyles.
• Cost of Living: Higher but offers excellent quality of life.
• Highlights: Proximity to Lisbon, scenic ocean views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Healthcare: High-quality private and public healthcare options nearby.

1. Monthly rent furnished 2-bedroom apartment: €1,350 - €2,500+
2. Luxury or larger apartments in premium areas can exceed €2,500【79】【80】.

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• Best For: Affordable living with a focus on history and culture.
• Cost of Living: Low; ideal for those on a budget.
• Highlights: Known as the university town of Portugal, it offers a youthful and vibrant culture.
• Healthcare: Excellent facilities due to its status as a medical hub.

1. Monthly rent furnished 2-bedroom apartment: €800 - €1,200
2. More affordable due to its smaller size and student-friendly market【78】.

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• Best For: A quieter, historic lifestyle.
• Cost of Living: Low to moderate.
• Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage city with Roman ruins and a small-town feel.
• Safety: Very safe and welcoming.

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• Best For: Those seeking a balance between tradition and modernity.
• Cost of Living: Affordable.
• Highlights: Known as the “religious capital” of Portugal, with a strong sense of community and history.
• Healthcare: High-quality hospitals and clinics.

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• Best For: Island living with mild weather year-round.
• Cost of Living: Moderate; more affordable than mainland coastal towns.
• Highlights: Stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life.
• Healthcare: Excellent facilities in the main city, Funchal.

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• Climate: Southern Portugal (e.g., Algarve) is warmer, while northern areas (e.g., Porto, Braga) are cooler and rainier.
• Language: While English is widely spoken in expat areas, learning Portuguese will help with integration.
• Expat Communities: Towns like Cascais, Lagos, and Tavira have strong expat networks for support.

• Cost of Housing:
  • Rentals: Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from €500–€1,500 depending on the location.
  • Purchasing: Property prices vary widely; for example, apartments in Lisbon or Cascais average €3,000–€6,000 per m², while rural areas can be as low as €1,000 per m².
• Popular Housing Types:
  • Apartments in urban areas (e.g., Lisbon, Porto).
  • Villas and townhouses in regions like the Algarve and Cascais.
  • Quintas (country homes) in rural areas like Alentejo or central Portugal.
• Finding Housing:
  • Use online platforms like Idealista, OLX, or Remax Portugal.
  • Work with a local real estate agent for guidance.

Below is an overview of the estimated monthly rental costs for furnished two-bedroom apartments in safe areas close to amenities in the recommended Portuguese cities:

• Lisbon:
  1. Monthly rent: €1,800 - €2,800
  2. Costs vary depending on the neighborhood and included amenities【78】【79】.

• Cascais:
  1. Monthly rent: €1,350 - €2,500+
  2. Luxury or larger apartments in premium areas can exceed €2,500【79】【80】.

• Porto:
  1. Monthly rent: €1,200 - €2,000
  2. Generally lower costs compared to Lisbon and Cascais【78】.

• Coimbra:
  1. Monthly rent: €800 - €1,200
  2. More affordable due to its smaller size and student-friendly market【78】.

• Faro:
  1. Monthly rent: €1,000 - €1,500
  2. Central, safe neighborhoods offer reasonably priced options【78】.

• Prices depend on the specific location, apartment size, and rental terms.
• Long-term leases may offer better rates.
• Verify whether utilities (electricity, water, internet) are included in the rent.

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• Residency Permits for U.S. Citizens:
  • D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): Suitable for retirees or those with stable income (e.g., Social Security).
    • Requirements: Proof of income (minimum €760/month), Portuguese bank account, and health insurance.
    • Process: Apply at your nearest Portuguese consulate before arriving.
  • Golden Visa: Requires an investment in real estate (€280,000–€500,000 depending on the region) or other qualifying investments.
• Residency Steps:
  1. Apply for the visa at a Portuguese consulate.
  2. Obtain a NIF (Portuguese tax number) and open a local bank account.
  3. Complete the SEF (Immigration and Borders Service) interview after arriving in Portugal.
• Tax Considerations:
  • Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program offers tax benefits for 10 years.
  • Consult a tax advisor familiar with U.S.-Portugal tax treaties.

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• Highlights: A historic town with cobbled streets, charming architecture, and easy access to beaches.
• Housing Costs: Affordable compared to larger cities; good options for both rentals and purchases.
• Community: Active expat groups and friendly locals.
• Healthcare: Nearby public and private clinics; Faro Hospital is within reach.

• Highlights: A mix of urban amenities and coastal beauty, with plenty of parks and beaches.
• Housing Costs: Higher than average but offers excellent quality of life.
• Community: Popular among expats; many speak English.
• Healthcare: High-quality facilities, including hospitals in Cascais and Lisbon.

• Highlights: A university town with rich cultural history and affordable living.
• Housing Costs: Low to moderate; ideal for budget-conscious individuals.
• Community: A mix of locals, students, and expats.
• Healthcare: Home to a major university hospital with excellent medical services.

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• Funchal (Madeira): Great for nature enthusiasts, with mild weather year-round.
• Évora: Ideal for those who enjoy small-town charm and historical sites.
• Porto: A good balance of affordability, culture, and connectivity.

• Hurricanes: Rare; some mild remnants of Atlantic storms may reach the Azores islands but generally dissipate before hitting mainland Portugal.
• Wildfires: Common in rural areas during dry summers, particularly in central and northern Portugal.
• Earthquakes: Rare on the mainland but possible in the Azores due to volcanic activity.
• Summary: Moderate risk of wildfires but low risk of hurricanes and earthquakes on the mainland.

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• Hurricanes: Extremely rare.
• Wildfires: Frequent during the summer, especially in Mediterranean regions like Catalonia and Andalusia.
• Earthquakes: Minor and infrequent, mainly in southern Spain near Granada and Málaga.
• Summary: Similar risks to Portugal, with moderate wildfire risk and low earthquake risk.

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• Hurricanes: Typically shielded from direct hurricanes due to its Pacific coastline, but the Caribbean side can experience heavy rains and tropical storms.
• Wildfires: Minimal due to its tropical climate.
• Earthquakes: Moderate to high risk due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Summary: Low risk of hurricanes and wildfires but significant earthquake risk.

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• Hurricanes: Rare but possible (cyclones in the South Pacific).
• Wildfires: Increasing risk during dry summers but less frequent than in Portugal or Spain.
• Earthquakes: High risk, particularly in areas near fault lines like Wellington and Christchurch.
• Summary: Low hurricane and wildfire risk but high earthquake risk.

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• Hurricanes: Very rare; occasionally, Mediterranean cyclones form but are usually weak.
• Wildfires: Common in southern regions and Sicily during dry summers.
• Earthquakes: Moderate to high risk, particularly in central and southern Italy.
• Summary: Moderate risk of wildfires and earthquakes, low hurricane risk.

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• Portugal (Mainland): Offers the most balanced safety, with low risks of hurricanes and earthquakes and moderate wildfire risk.
• Spain: A close second, with similar risks as Portugal.
• New Zealand: Ideal if avoiding wildfires and hurricanes is your priority, but be prepared for earthquakes.