[poconopundit]

Here's a question for everyone: What countries do Americans retire to?

Actually we don't need any fancy new research study to answer that question.

Social security statistics give us the answer.  The chart shows the number of bank deposits and checks the SSA is sending overseas by country.

And here the top Social Security payment destinations:

111,096 Japan
108,941 Canada
 62,028 Mexico
 40,369 United Kingdom
 38,109 Germany
 37,509 Poland
 35,328 Philippines
 26,210 Italy
 22,012 Greece
 18,502 France
 17,378 Australia
 17,060 Israel
 15,864 Portugal
 14,611 Spain
 11,293 South Korea

One of the biggest factors, I surmise, is that many of the top countries have U.S. military bases.  I was stationed in Sasebo, Japan where I met my wife.  And now after 40+ years living in the USA, we returned 3 years ago as resident aliens in Japan, an advanced country where the U.S. dollar goes far.

As long as you have a Japanese spouse to navigate city hall, banks, and immigration offices, you can have a great life here.  And the bonus is the Japanese love Americans.

So come on over!  And bring your pickleball racket :-)

[Candor7]

I envy you, LOL.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

That looks like MUCH more reliable data than asking 1,000 random, America-hating losers. Thanks! :)

[rlmorel]

That is a most interesting list, I had no idea.