Additional Coverage:
- An American couple sold their house in California and retired in Malaysia. They love ‘not owning anything.’ (businessinsider.com)
Trading Sierra Nevada for Sun and Mahjong: A Couple’s Malaysian Retirement Adventure
After a lifetime of academia, college professors Paul and Ellen Eggers decided their golden years deserved a change of scenery. Inspired by a magazine article, the couple set their sights on Penang, Malaysia, a place they’d fondly remembered from their Peace Corps days in the 1970s.
In 2015, they embarked on a five-week exploratory trip, confirming their hunch that their savings would stretch much further in Malaysia. “We knew our income could go a lot farther…and we thought: ‘We could actually do this.
Why not?'” Ellen, 70, recalls.
The decision to relocate wasn’t difficult. They downsized drastically, donating most of their belongings, including their home, cars, and books. “It was a very easy decision for us,” says Paul, 71.
Seven years later, they’re thriving in a beachfront condo, their third home in Penang. While some friends and family back in the US questioned their move, the Eggers have no regrets.
The $1,800 monthly rent for their three-bedroom condo frees them from the responsibilities of homeownership, a lifestyle they relish. “Honestly, we really like the idea of not owning anything…it’s very freeing,” Ellen explains.
Their complex offers a pool, gym, and tennis courts, with shops and clinics within walking distance. Georgetown, Penang’s capital, is a short drive away. They estimate their monthly expenses, including rent, to be between $2,800 and $3,060.
Retirement in Penang is filled with reading, exercise, and a newfound love for Mahjong. “I’ve met many people through that,” Ellen shares, highlighting the diverse social scene. The couple enjoys easy access to international travel, thanks to Penang’s airport and their lower cost of living.
Adapting to the tropical heat has been the biggest challenge. “It seems like a minor thing,” Ellen cautions, “but a lot of people are quite shocked at the tropical heat.”
For the Eggers, Penang offers the perfect blend of familiar comforts and exciting new experiences. They appreciate the Malaysian lifestyle, the food, the nature, the climate, and the friendly people. And, as Ellen adds with a smile, “no snow.”