If you, like hundreds of thousands of Americans, plan to retire abroad, then you’re probably weighing your options based on factors such as quality of life, affordability, and health care. And while countries like Spain and Portugal continue to be popular retirement destinations, consider Finland if you’re looking for a place with cooler weather and high living standards.

Analysis by home-selling website We Buy Any Home revealed that the Nordic country is the best place to retire, earning a perfect score of 100, thanks to its “outstanding healthcare system, low pollution levels, and high happiness index,” the report stated, referring to Finland being named the happiest country in the world for seven years in a row.

Known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, the country, which is slightly smaller than Montana, is actually home to close to 188,000 lakes dotting its lush, rugged landscapes. Residents enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, including sailing, kayaking, and swimming. The Finnish government also encourages preventive healthcare by promoting good nutrition and education. Life expectancy is 82 years, and the country recently ranked fourth globally for the quality of its public health system by U.S. News.

Finnish residents enjoy some of the cleanest air and water in the world, and 68 percent of people are reported to be in good health, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Better Life Index. The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Finland as one of the top five safest countries in the world.

Malaysia and Belgium are second and third on We Buy Any Home’s report for their affordable cost of living and health care. U.S. News recently highlighted Malaysia as an excellent retirement place where food, accommodation, and transportation are affordable without sacrificing beautiful scenery, delicious food, and rich cultural experiences. 

If you plan on investing in real estate abroad, the company has ranked Indonesia, South Africa, and India as the countries with the most affordable homes, while Germany, Switzerland, and Australia are among the most expensive. 

However, before you make up your mind on where to spend your golden years, We Buy Any Home’s property expert Terry Fisher recommends looking into the local real estate laws and residency requirements of each country. “Additionally, consider the potential financial implications, such as tax liabilities, currency exchange rates, and the cost of living in your new country. Consulting with a local legal expert and a financial advisor can help navigate these complexities and ensure a smooth transition to your new home abroad,” Fisher stated in a press release.

Overall, seven of the top 10 best countries to retire are on the Old Continent, with Malaysia, Costa Rica (7th), and Thailand (9th) being the only non-European states on the list.