Envy Apartment

Most Americans are behind on their savings. The median amount the average American family has saved for retirement is just $5,000, according to a recent report from the Economic Policy Institute . Even among those nearing retirement age (age 56-61), the median amount saved is a mere $17,000. Also, while the cost of living in the U.S. varies depending on the area of the country, it's generally becoming more expensive to cover the basic necessities. Once you consider the costs of healthcare, long-term care, and other expenses you may incur during retirement, it may be more expensive than you think to retire comfortably. But who says you have to retire in the U.S.? With increasing healthcare costs , a shaky Social Security program , and rising home prices , it may be a good idea to pack your bags and consider moving abroad during retirement. Here are a few cities that may be a good choice for retirees looking for a more affordable lifestyle. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Kingston,...

Duval Mobile Home Park in southeast Houston has 182 lots." />EXPAND The Duval Mobile Home Park in southeast Houston has 182 lots. Stephen Paulsen Elizabeth Perez loves her trailer park . But if she's ever forced to move, at least she has a back-up plan. A chatty 45-year-old with a wide smile, Perez has lived at and managed the Trinity Duval Mobile Home Park in southeast Houston since 2008. Used mobile homes here typically sell for $12,000 to $38,000, depending on their size and condition, she says. She remembers one woman buying a home for just $2,000, using her IRS refund. The Duval Mobile Home Park first opened in the 1950s. It was purchased last year by Trinity Community Group , a trailer park management company — and Perez worried about the future of the park. “I kept thinking, ‘Shoot, they're going to want to tear it down,’” Perez said. “I was kind of scared.” The company promised it would keep the park operational , according to Perez. Still, Perez accepts...

Collect this idea Rooftop lounge at The Dylan in West Hollywood As the second-largest city in the U.S. with the biggest population in California, Los Angeles has mountains, beaches and deserts all within a short driving distance . In addition to a multitude of outdoor activities, L.A. offers job opportunities galore ; its diverse economy is the third largest in the world, after Tokyo and New York. Some of L.A.’s biggest industries include culture , fashion, education, sports, entertainment, medicine and a booming startup tech field that is thriving on the Westside ( nicknamed Silicon Beach ). Los Angeles is often called the creative capital of the world , as one in six residents works in the creative industries of music, TV or film. Not surprisingly, the city has a thriving arts scene . There are more than 800 museums and art galleries in Los Angeles County —   more per person than any other city in the world. And for night owls, the nightclub and restaurant scene offers plenty of...