State College is in the center county region of Pennsylvania in the United States. According to the Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Press' annual Metropolitan Crime Rate Rankings for 2009, State College was ranked as the safest metropolitan area in the country. State College bagged the second position in 2008 and third in 2007 on the same list.
State College is lovingly called "Happy Valley," mainly because of its immunity to economic downturns. The biggest employer of the area, Pennsylvania State University (PSU), is largely responsible for giving State College a stable economy, which is almost impervious to recession. The town offers a rich cultural mix due to the presence of an international student community.
So if you are looking for a safe urban place to retire, State College could be your pick.
Panama is a great place for a retiree because of its tropical climate with beautiful mountain retreats and beachfrons. The economy is stable and has been based on the U.S. dollar since 1904. English is widely spoken, and the state offers a special retiree incentive program called the "Pensinado." Due to the United States's presence for several years, many amenities and social infrastructures are similar to the U.S. system, including health care and communication. Foreigners can own property in Panama and enjoy same rights as the citizens. Residents are exempt from any taxes on foreign income.
If you are looking for good weather, affordable cost of living and a decent lifestyle, Panama might be the best retirement haven for you. Natural beauty and the widespread use of English are additional benefits.
Malaysia offers a decent standard of living at a cheap cost. It has good weather, a low crime rate and good medical services. English is the second language in the country and is widely spoken and understood.
The Malaysian government runs a program called Malaysia My Second Home or MMSH to boost tourism and promote Malaysia as a retirement destination. The MMSH is open to all foreigners and allows them to gain a multiple entry visa to Malaysia. Once approved for the MMSH program, you can live and invest in Malaysia and eventually be approved for citizenship. You can apply on behalf of your family and dependents.
In general, you can enjoy good infrastructure and weather at a low cost with the support of the government through the MMSH program. For more information about the MMSH visit the Malaysia My Second Home website, http://www.mm2h.gov.my.
