Bridges connecting Nghe An Province's Vinh city with Ha Tinh Province's Nghi Xuan District. Photo by Read/Duc Hung
With a monthly pension of VND20 million (US$787) and 300 square meters of inherited land, retiring in the countryside would seem ideal—if not for the lack of amenities.
My wife and I plan to move to our rural hometown but are hesitant after reading about the challenges of leaving the city for country life.
Having lived and worked in HCMC for over 40 years, we are now retired and have few financial concerns. Our monthly pension exceeds VND20 million, and we have good health insurance coverage. We have a daughter and a son, both employed in government jobs.
Our parents have passed away, and while I did not inherit any land, my wife inherited a 300-square-meter residential plot in the countryside of the central Nghe An Province.
We both love the idea of a peaceful life in the countryside and often talk about moving there to enjoy our retirement. However, after hearing stories and real-life experiences regarding rural life, we are having second thoughts about the plan.
Living in the city offers many advantages, such as proximity to our children and grandchildren, access to hospitals, parks, airports, and modern services. Moving to the countryside would mean starting over, although we are financially prepared for that. Our concerns include the potential lack of healthcare options compared to HCMC and the possibility of missing out on being close to our children.
On the other hand, relocating to the countryside would allow us to reconnect with family, traditions, and ancestral practices, offering a chance to care for family rituals and customs.
Where would be the best place for us to enjoy our retirement?
*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match Read’ viewpoints.
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