14 Retirement Spots in Uruguay That Feel Like a Vacation
Retiring in Uruguay might not be the first idea that pops into someone’s head, but this small South American country packs serious perks for retirees. Affordable healthcare, steady infrastructure, and low crime rates make it a smart choice. Plus, the views—from beaches to countryside—don’t hurt either. Let’s talk about where to go.
Montevideo
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Uruguay’s capital offers excellent healthcare and walkable streets. It also has solid internet, which is necessary if you plan to stream baseball or stay on Zoom with the grandkids. Living costs are manageable; you can rent a two-bedroom apartment for under $800. Moreover, Carrasco and Pocitos neighborhoods feel safe and laid-back, even late at night.
Piriápolis
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This coastal town mixes beach chill with old-school charm. It’s quieter than Punta del Este, yet it has the same ocean views and far fewer crowds. Local expats love it for its small-town vibe and low crime. A meal out rarely hits $10, and there’s even a boardwalk perfect for sunset walks.
Punta del Este
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Yes, it’s flashier and pricier, but if you want luxury and a high-end expat crowd, this beach town delivers. The off-season is surprisingly calm. Healthcare is private and top-tier, and many doctors speak English.
Maldonado
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For those who like Punta del Este but want cheaper rent and a more normal pace, Maldonado is right next door. You’ll still get top-tier healthcare and easy access to beaches. A modest apartment costs much less here, around $500 monthly, and the town feels very community-driven.
La Paloma
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La Paloma, an Atlantic-side town, feels like a retro surf haven that time forgot, with its unpaved roads. It has locals who say hi, and sunsets that don’t require a filter. Property prices are low, like under $100,000 for a small house near the beach. You can also get fresh fish from the boats every morning.
Atlántida
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Located under an hour from Montevideo, Atlántida gives you beach life without cutting you off from city access. Retirees like the laid-back pace and how easy it is to find long-term rentals. Public transport is decent, and the eucalyptus trees lining the streets smell amazing in the heat. It’s very walk-friendly too.
Colonia del Sacramento
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With cobblestone streets and ferry access to Buenos Aires in just over an hour, Colonia is ideal for retirees who want quiet but don’t mind hopping over to Argentina for fun or errands. It’s a UNESCO site, but you won’t feel like you’re in a museum because life here is real and relaxed.
Carmelo
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Carmelo sits by the Río de la Plata and has vineyards, fishing, and enough calm to lower anyone’s blood pressure. You can find plots of land for cheap if you’re into building a place. Expats here like the slow pace and how easy it is to get to Buenos Aires via a short ferry ride.
Las Toscas
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This one’s for retirees who prefer peace and trees over touristy bustle. Las Toscas sits about 30 minutes from Montevideo and has affordable homes in pine forests. Locals love their barbecues and small neighborhood markets. Real estate is reasonably priced, and you’ll find homes under $70,000 with room to garden.
Rocha
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Rocha is way up on Uruguay’s eastern edge for people who want solitude and space. Life here runs slow, like hammock-and-thermos slow. It’s close to protected parks and surf beaches. Healthcare is more limited, but most expats drive to nearby towns for that.
Ciudad de la Costa
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Ciudad de la Costa stretches 30 miles of coastline just east of Montevideo and provides both beach access and urban comforts. It’s Uruguay’s second most populated area, with clinics, supermarkets, and modern housing developments. Property prices are lower than in Montevideo, averaging around $90,000, and fiber-optic internet makes remote living easy and reliable.
San José de Mayo
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If you’re more into culture and countryside than waves and sand, San José has a strong arts scene and a solid hospital system. The cost of living is low; a lovely house can run under $90,000. Retirees like it because it feels authentically Uruguayan without being isolated or boring.
Minas
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This inland town is surrounded by rolling hills and cooler temps, perfect if you’re done with the humidity. Real estate is very affordable, with homes under $60,000 popping up often. Locals are warm and welcoming, and the town square hosts community events almost weekly. It’s small, but it doesn’t feel empty.
Aguas Dulces
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On Uruguay’s Atlantic coast in Rocha Department, Aguas Dulces has about 500 residents and draws retirees craving quiet beach life. Homes can cost under $50,000, many just steps from the shore. It’s car-light, with sandy roads and limited services, but it offers fresh seafood and stunning sunrises. It also has a low-key expat community that embraces unplugged living.
Nueva Helvecia
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This tidy, organized little town has Swiss roots and Uruguayan charm. It’s got solid infrastructure and a big European expat base. Prices aren’t rock bottom, but homes here are well built. There’s a focus on community and tradition, and people tend to settle in long-term once they arrive. All the excellent cheese must have contributed to their decision.