This Is the Safest Place to Retire in 2026

""Last night, as I was walking my dog around my neighborhood in Porto at 11 p.m., I was once again struck by how safe I feel here. As a solo female, I often walk alone late at night in Portugal without issue,""

""At midnight, you will typically see families out with their children. People carry their cell phones, visible in hand, walking without a care. It's not uncommon to leave your cell phone and purse on a table or counter in a restaurant unattended while running to the bathroom.""

""If a car pulled up next to me as I was walking down the sidewalk, I jumped back and clutched my bag. I was afraid to walk alone at night, in the dark. As soon as I entered my car, I would auto-lock all the doors.""

Retirees increasingly seek destinations offering safety, affordability, beauty, and peace of mind. International Living identified 11 safest places to retire in 2026 using global safety rankings, including the Global Peace Index, plus insights from its expat community. Portugal earned the No. 1 spot and also ranks highly on global safety measures. An expat describes feeling comfortable walking alone in Porto late at night, seeing families outdoors, and leaving personal items briefly unattended in restaurants. Prior fight-or-flight habits developed elsewhere faded after relocating. Crime still occurs but is generally less severe and less frequent.

Read at Travel + Leisure