Why four women over 50 retired to Europe

New Census figures show net international migration to the US has fallen sharply in recent years, and a number of older Americans are choosing to live abroad. Four women who relocated to Europe describe a mix of practical and personal reasons for leaving: rising costs at home, the chance to slow down, and the opportunity to start new chapters.

Cindy Sheahan, 64, took a sabbatical and never returned. She has visited nearly 50 countries and in 2025 made Palermo her base. With $1,500 a month in Social Security, she says rent in Denver would have been unaffordable, while her $800-a-month apartment in Sicily leaves room for groceries and nights out; she notes cheaper healthcare and that, "I eat better, I've made new friends, I've cut down on expenses — and most importantly, I'm happy." Sandy Adam retired after a 2025 layoff and worried that $3,608 a month in Social Security plus roughly $6,900 a year in property taxes would leave her financially stretched in Pittsburgh.

United States, Palermo, Sicily

retire abroad, europe, social security, palermo, sicily, net migration, census, living costs, healthcare, property taxes