International Living has been identifying and reporting about places to live and retire abroad since 1979, and today the idea is increasingly mainstream.
Some long-ago “discovered” places are beginning to see crowds of expats and higher prices.
A new editorial initiative from InternationalLiving.com is uncovering hidden gems—towns and cities where expats can live well for less, outside of the crowds and rising costs of traditional hotspots.
IL’s Hidden Places Initiative has the publication dispatching its correspondents across Europe, Latin America, and Asia to uncover the next great retirement destinations—places that offer safety, charm, value, and long-term viability… but haven’t yet made it onto the mainstream map.
“People want authenticity and affordability,” says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living. “There’s a balance to be struck between ease of integration, accessibility, and costs. We’re on the hunt for communities that are overlooked and underappreciated—great-value places where you can already live comfortably, but which hordes of tourists and expats have yet to discover. Our Hidden Places Initiative is about getting ahead of that curve—helping readers discover the places with real potential, now.”
5 Hidden Places That Are “Ready Now”
Just 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, this laidback beach town blends small-town community with sophisticated restaurants and mezcal bars. Expats and locals work together to preserve its charm, and while housing is competitive, the lifestyle is hard to beat.
This historic city is where Portugal was born—but it remains remarkably affordable and livable. It’s close to Porto but retains a distinctly local, small-town feel. High-speed internet, a walkable old town, and a welcoming population make it a standout.
A sleepy fishing town along the Costa Verde, Esposende offers calm Atlantic beaches, peaceful neighborhoods, and easy access to Porto. It’s still largely undiscovered by expats—but provides great infrastructure and value.
Often overlooked in favor of more popular destinations like Pattaya or Phuket, Rayong is a low-key beachside city that delivers big on value and livability. Located on Thailand’s eastern seaboard, it offers wide oceanfront promenades, authentic local food markets, and a relaxed pace of life. Modern infrastructure—including high-speed internet and excellent hospitals—makes it a smart choice for remote workers or retirees seeking convenience without the crowds.
Tucked into Italy’s Le Marche region, Ascoli is a romantic town of travertine piazzas and Renaissance buildings. Expats can rent a stylish apartment for $700 a month or less—and enjoy a true Italian lifestyle without the crowds of Tuscany.
1 Place That’s Not Quite Ready (Yet)
With its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe, Isla Holbox may look like a dream on Instagram—but IL Mexico Correspondent Bel Woodhouse says it’s not quite the paradise it seems for full-time expat life.
“Holbox is beautiful, and nature lovers will fall in love with the wildlife and scenery,” she writes. “But with limited healthcare, high grocery and ATM fees, basic infrastructure, and few long-term expats, it’s better suited to a short stay or digital nomad stint than a permanent move.”
Why Hidden Places Matter
“Over the years, our readers have seen places like Cuenca, Ecuador; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Chiang Mai, Thailand go from unknown to well-trodden,” says Stevens. “This initiative is about getting ahead of that curve—helping people find the next great lifestyle opportunity… before everyone else gets there.”
Each Hidden Place report includes detailed assessments of livability, costs, culture, safety, real estate, and long-term viability.
Read all the reports and follow the ongoing Hidden Places Initiative—as IL adds to it—here: https://internationalliving.com/page/best-hidden-places-for-expats
Want More Hidden Gems? Get the Book
International Living’s new book, Live Better Overseas: Hidden Places and Surprising Ways You Can Spend Less, Live Richer, and Thrive Abroad, was written with the Hidden Places Initiative in mind and offers practical guidance and first-hand expat stories to both inspire would-be expats and help them move confidently and affordably overseas.
“The premise is clear: You can live better overseas,” says Stevens. “Inside this book, I’ve set out to prove it, by offering up a balance of country-specific guidance and detailed success stories illustrating the vast range of lifestyles to be enjoyed overseas. There are amazing, welcoming, affordable places out there—you just need to know where to look. At International Living, we’re on a mission to show you.”
Order the book now and start exploring your next chapter: Live Better Overseas: Hidden Places and Surprising Ways You Can Spend Less, Live Richer, and Thrive Abroad
