Choosing from these countries:
Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Nicaragua. I am looking for:
– Safety
– Not too expensive
– Good climate (never gets too cold – rarely under 14C/57F, yet is not unbearably hot – rarely over 35C/95F)
– People are friendly, happy, open, accepting of foreigners, welcoming, hospitable etc
– Interesting country
– Good food
Response: Of those listed I have only lived in Costa Rica. One can pretty much pick the micro climate they want there by location, and the rest of the criteria fits. However it has become expensive, but there are still deals to be found and you can still live inexpensively there if you know/ learn where to go and how to go about it. In some areas, it is easily more expensive than the US, however in others much cheaper.
Never lived in Nicaragua but know some who have and some who have recently moved there – so it will not be inexpensive for long, but now may be a good time to take a look. Ortega apparently rules with an iron fist when it comes to crime, and surprisingly you will find many sites that actually rate Nicaragua as the safest place to live in Central America right now.
I see Uruguay mentioned. Never been there but worked with colleagues there and read up on it for investment, part time living and future retirement, and it rates well additionally. Check out some of the sites below, but keep in mind they may be somewhat biased for their own interests.
Let me know where you end up. I am looking for my next location.