Romania: from mundane city life to a retirement oasis

I would like to start with a straightforward remark – just consider Romania as an unique and unexpected option of retiring abroad.

As an expat who has lived in several countries, I never expected to consider Romania as a retirement destination. However, after visiting the country and experiencing its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable cost of living, I began to see it as an unexpected oasis for retirees.

Main topics that I will cover in our story below:

  • Climate
  • Cost of living
  • Safety
  • Medical Care
  • Things to Do
  • Relation to USA
  • Quality of Life
  • Conclusion

Climate Benefits in Romania, such as mild winters and warm summers

Climate-wise, Romania has a temperate-continental climate, with four distinct seasons.

Summers are warm, with average temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F) and winters are mild, with average temperatures around 0-5°C (32-41°F) depending on the region.

According to the World Bank, Romania has an average of 1,964 hours of sunshine per year, which is one of the highest in Europe.

According to the National Meteorological Administration of Romania, the country receives an average of 600-700 mm of precipitation per year. The distribution of precipitation is not equal throughout the country, with the mountainous regions receiving more precipitation than the lowland regions.

The summer months (June to August) are typically the driest, with an average of 50-70 mm of precipitation per month. On the other hand, the winter months (December to February) are typically the wettest, with an average of 80-100 mm of precipitation per month.

Source: Pixabay

Affordable Cost of Living in Romania but high quality of housing, food, healthcare

When it comes to cost of living, Romania is significantly more affordable than many other European countries.

According to Numbeo, a website that provides cost of living comparisons, the cost of living in Romania is around 50-60% lower than in Western European countries.

The cost of housing, food and healthcare are particularly affordable. According to Eurostat, in 2021 the average price for a 120 square meter apartment in Romania was €814/month, which is much lower than the EU average of €1,056/month.

Details with costs per each topic – rent, groceries, transportation, restaurants, utilities, childcare, leisure etc – can be found here.

Summary:

Source: Numbeo

Highly safe and secure environment

Safety is another important consideration for retirees, and Romania is generally considered a very safe country.

According to the Global Peace Index 2022, Romania is ranked as the 31th most peaceful country in the world.

Crime rates are relatively low, and the country is considered safe to travel to, very similar to, if not better than, some Western or Southern European countries.

Source: Institute for Economics & Peace IEP

Elevated quality of Medical Care

When it comes to medical care, Romania has a public healthcare system that is accessible to all citizens and legal residents.

The country has a good number of qualified doctors and hospitals, and the quality of care is generally considered to be good.

In addition, the cost of healthcare is relatively low in comparison to other European countries.

However, there is also a growing private healthcare system in Romania. Private healthcare facilities in Romania are generally considered to have better equipment and facilities than public hospitals, and they also have shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures. Many private hospitals and clinics in Romania have international accreditation, and most of them have English-speaking staff.

Some of the best private healthcare providers in Romania include:

  • Medicover Romania: A private healthcare provider with a network of clinics and hospitals across the country. They offer a range of medical services, including general medicine, dentistry, and specialized care.
  • Regina Maria: A private healthcare provider with a network of clinics and hospitals across the country. They offer a range of medical services, including general medicine, dentistry, and specialized care.
  • MedLife: A private healthcare provider with a network of clinics and hospitals across the country. They offer a range of medical services, including general medicine, dentistry, and specialized care.
Source: medicover.com

Popular tourist attractions and cultural activities

Romania is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape that offers a wide variety of tourist attractions and activities. Here are some popular tourist attractions and cultural activities in Romania:

  • Bran Castle: Also known as “Dracula’s Castle”, this 14th-century fortress is located in the Carpathian Mountains. It is a popular tourist attraction that is said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula”.
romania-bran-castle
  • The painted monasteries of Bucovina: Eight of the painted monasteries of Bucovina are included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. These monasteries are remarkable examples of Byzantine art, with colorful frescoes that cover their exterior walls.
  • The Danube Delta: The Danube Delta is the second largest river delta in Europe, and it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. It is a popular destination for bird-watching and boat trips.
romania-danube-delta
Source: Pixabay
  • The Black Sea Coast: The Black Sea Coast is a popular destination for tourists, it offers a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The resorts on the Black Sea Coast are famous for their beaches, nightlife, and spa treatments.
romania-black-sea-coast
Source: www.infoghidromania.com

Other unique sightseeing spots

  • The fortified churches of Transylvania: Transylvania is home to a number of fortified churches that date back to the medieval period. These churches are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and history.
  • The Palace of Parliament: The Palace of Parliament is the second largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon in the United States. It is a popular tourist attraction that offers tours of the palace and its grounds.
  • The Merry Cemetery: The Merry Cemetery in the village of Sapanta is a unique cemetery where the tombstones are decorated with humorous and colorful epitaphs.
  • Transfagarasan Highway: This winding mountain road offers breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains, it’s one of the most spectacular roads in the world.

Strong relationship between Romania and the United States

The relationship between Romania and the United States is generally strong and friendly. The two countries have a history of cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, and military.

Politically, the United States and Romania have a strategic partnership, established in 1997. This partnership has been strengthened in recent years, with the United States supporting Romania’s efforts to join the European Union and NATO.

Source: Pixabay

Economically, the United States is one of Romania’s major trading partners, with trade between the two countries totaling over $2 billion in 2019. The United States is also a significant investor in Romania, with American companies investing in various sectors of the Romanian economy.

In terms of military cooperation, Romania is a member of the NATO alliance, and the United States has maintained a military presence in the country since the 1990s. The two countries have also cooperated on peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations.

Culturally, the relationship between Romania and the United States is also strong, with a large Romanian-American community in the United States and cultural exchange programs between the two countries.

Renowned athletes and Sports

Romania has produced many renowned athletes in various sports throughout the years. Here are some examples of famous athletes and sports in Romania:

Gymnastics:

Nadia Comăneci, who was the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games, she won three gold medals at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Other famous gymnasts from Romania include Ecaterina Szabo, who won four Olympic gold medals, and Simone Biles, who won 25 Olympic and World Championship medals, including 19 golds.

Football:

Gheorghe Hagi, often considered as one of the greatest players in the history of Romania. He was a playmaker and captain of the Romanian national team, he won numerous individual awards and played for top European clubs like Steaua București, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

Tennis:

Ilie Năstase, he was one of the top players in the 1970s and early 1980s, he won the French Open in 1973 and the US Open in 1972, he also ranked World No. 1 in 1973.

Simona Halep, she’s a professional tennis player who ranked world No.1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) on two occasions, she won two Grand Slam tournaments at the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019.

  • Handball: Gheorghe Gruia, considered as one of the greatest handball players of all time, he won the Olympics in 1972, the European Championship in 1970, and the World Championship in 1974.
  • Boxing: Lucian Bute, professional boxer and former IBF super middleweight champion, he was one of the best boxers in his weight class and had a successful professional career.
  • Athletics: Paula Ivan, Olympic champion in the marathon at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, she was also a three-time world champion in the marathon.
  • Weightlifting: Nicu Vlad, Olympic champion in the featherweight class in 1972 and 1976, he also won multiple world and European championships.

Improved Quality of Life

Overall, Romania offers retirees an affordable and unique retirement destination with a good quality of life. With its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and low cost of living, Romania provides a peaceful and fulfilling retirement experience.

The country’s public healthcare system, activities and things to do, and proximity to the United States make it an attractive option for American retirees and not only for them.

However, I can say that Romania is a hidden gem worth considering for expats looking for an unique and fulfilling retirement oasis.

Conclusion – consider Romania as a retirement destination

In conclusion, after my research and personal experience, I can confidently say that Romania is an unexpected but worthy option for retirees looking for a change of pace, an unique experience and value for money at retirement.