[LWJ]

So, a few years ago, my wife says she would like to have a modest home in Italy for retirement. We love Italy, but would live there 6 months a year at most.

I am not certain that will will do this. It is a risk. But dreaming is free. And my buds on PPOT have some great brainpower.

The question:

It seems buying in Italy is awful. (Renting is a real option and probably the best one)

Where else is should we consider?

What is warm, sunny, safe, affordable, easy to travel to, desirable for friends to visit, good food / wine, beautiful, friendly and fun?

Spain is a great choice as is Croatia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. So are Portugal and France. Thailand is fantastic and I assume Vietnam and other nearby countries would be great. I also love Turkey.

See the problem? Too many choices!

What is the nexus between affordable, wonderful, and interesting?

Thanks for indulging my first world fantasy problem.