My uncle wants to Retire in Central America.?

He's about 60, living in Chicago and single and bored. He says he wants a different life, and cheaper cost-of-living but without getting shot or kidnapped!
Have any Americans or Brits here on Yahoo lived in Panama, Nicaragua or Guatamla or Costa Rico? I think Mexico is TOO rough!
Thanx for ALL the REsponses. It seems like all the countries in C.A. are hospitable! ...er, except for Mexico.
Now my uncle is thinking about marrying an Hispanic woman, just to learn the language.

a lot of Americans live in those country's especially Costa Rico your uncle can get shot just as easily in Chicago we prefer an island in the Caribbean

Good Idea, they are great places to be in every country.they all have there bad and safe places to be . A good research and maybe a visit will not be a bad idea b4 making the big move.

Hi there. International Living magazine has a whole industry that caters and iforms people like your grandad. They rate Panama City "The new Miami".

Your grandad can get himself a luxurious penthouse for only a fraction of what it would be in the us or europe. and he can join a golf club or any of the many clubs american expats have there.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgl9M8O_PEQ&feature=related

Try belize. Its not expensive at all.

I live in Honduras. I have traveled in Guatemala and think it is beautiful. Check out Lake Atilan area, BEAUTIFUL. I suggest your uncle look into International Living, they have quite a bit of info on line. There is a magazine as well. There are many benefits to living in Central America, and many things to consider. Take it slow. I suggest he travel a bit in C.A., ask a LOT of questions and ENJOY.........it's beauty.