
Retire in Arles, France - EP 205
03/02/25 • 68 min
Karen Espig took early retirement from her government job in Ottawa, Canada, to dedicate more time to her passion for art. Concerned that her pension wouldn’t provide a comfortable lifestyle in Canada, she explored more affordable options in Europe. She initially settled in the small town of Pogradec, Albania, which met her financial criteria but ultimately felt isolating and unfulfilling. After two years, Karen discovered a far better fit in Arles, a charming town in the south of France renowned for its rich artistic heritage. It seems she has truly found her place in Arles! To hear more about Karen’s journey from Albania to France, tune in to Episode 205 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
Learn more about Karen’s art and travels go to Karen’s website, KarenEspig.com. Karen has written two books on Albania. They are Albania: A First-Timer’s Guide for Visitors & Expats and Pogradec, Albania: Tips for Tourists, Slow Travellers, & Digital Nomads. She has also published a number of date and birthday books.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #arles #arlesfrance #france #thesouthoffrance #southoffrance #pogradecalbania #albania #karenespig #karenespigart
Karen Espig took early retirement from her government job in Ottawa, Canada, to dedicate more time to her passion for art. Concerned that her pension wouldn’t provide a comfortable lifestyle in Canada, she explored more affordable options in Europe. She initially settled in the small town of Pogradec, Albania, which met her financial criteria but ultimately felt isolating and unfulfilling. After two years, Karen discovered a far better fit in Arles, a charming town in the south of France renowned for its rich artistic heritage. It seems she has truly found her place in Arles! To hear more about Karen’s journey from Albania to France, tune in to Episode 205 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
Learn more about Karen’s art and travels go to Karen’s website, KarenEspig.com. Karen has written two books on Albania. They are Albania: A First-Timer’s Guide for Visitors & Expats and Pogradec, Albania: Tips for Tourists, Slow Travellers, & Digital Nomads. She has also published a number of date and birthday books.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #arles #arlesfrance #france #thesouthoffrance #southoffrance #pogradecalbania #albania #karenespig #karenespigart
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Retire in Coronado, Panama - EP 204
Greg Kitzmiller and his wife, Jen, dreamed of retiring early after years of hard work and enduring chilly Michigan winters. However, since they were still in their 50s, they faced the challenge of securing affordable health insurance, as their jobs would no longer cover it once they retired. In their search for a warm, budget-friendly destination with excellent healthcare, they found Coronado, Panama. This charming beach town offered stunning condos, a relaxing atmosphere, and a lower cost of living. The couple found their perfect spot in a condo community with a country club, and they couldn't be happier with their decision. Tune in to Episode 204 of Retire There with Gil & Gene to explore the ins and outs of condo living in Coronado, Panama!
Greg’s website about living in Panama is 2RetireInPanama.com. His book on the subject is Retired in Panama: A Comprehensive Guide for Retiring and Adventuring in Panama. Murder in Eagle Cove is Greg’s first mystery novel.
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #coronado #coronadopanama #panama #retiredinpanama #2retireinpanama
Next Episode

Retire in Old City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - EP 206
Diane made a life-changing decision—she was done with suburban living and yearned to return to the energy of the city. She initially considered condos and co-ops in New York City, where her three adult children lived, but quickly realized the Big Apple was out of her financial reach. Declaring that she had “broken up with New York City,” Diane expanded her search to cities within a two-hour train ride of New York.
Her journey led her to Philadelphia, where she found herself drawn to the charm of Old City—a neighborhood renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and affordable living. Diane purchased a one-bedroom condo in a renovated factory building for $306,000.
To hear more about why Diane fell in love with the City of Brotherly Love, tune in to Episode 206 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.
Additionally, if you’re interested in publishing a book, check out Diane’s company, Rebel Books Press at https://rebelbookspress.com/
Diane has authored fiction and non-fiction books, including The Last Invention: The Day Death Died and How to Stop Project 2025
#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #oldcity #oldcityphilly #efrethsalley #philadelphia #philly #pennsylvania #visitphilly, #historicphilly #libertybell #phillygram #igers_philly #rebelbookpress
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