Moved to France and admitted they would have been financially ruined had they remained in California.
In the picturesque Dordogne Valley of France, Debra and Eric Stillwell have found their dream retirement destination. The couple, who relocated from California five years ago after three decades, have been living in France for three months now.
Debra, 67, and Eric, 62, had long harboured a dream of retiring in Europe, inspired by Debra's mother's early retirement experience. They have toured France extensively, visiting various regions and attending "Star Trek" conventions and cruises. Their travels have led them to regularly visit the vibrant cities of Paris and Lyon, and more recently, they have considered visiting Bordeaux and exploring castles in the region.
The Stillwells' dream of living in France was made possible when they moved into their chalet-style house in the Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club for approximately 70,000 euros in 2020. Since settling into their new home, they have quickly become part of a built-in community of neighbours, including British, Dutch, French, and Irish families.
Debra, who has difficulty with the French language, can communicate effectively 99% of the time. However, her husband Eric, who was let go from his job at Disney around the same time Debra retired, struggles with the French accent and finds conversation difficult.
Despite these challenges, the Stillwells have no desire to abandon their new life in France, despite returning to the US for family commitments. They find their money stretches far in France compared to the US, as they primarily live on Social Security. Moreover, they pay no premiums and few related charges for their healthcare, a significant advantage over the US system.
However, Debra's dream of applying for French citizenship was dashed by a recent rule change that disqualifies retirees earning most of their income from abroad. Nevertheless, Debra aims to live another 30 years in France, strolling along cobblestone streets and visiting open-air markets in medieval towns.
The Stillwells are enjoying their new life in France and have no regrets about their decision to move. Their dream of retiring in Europe has become a reality, and they are looking forward to many more years of exploring the beauty and culture that France has to offer.
