Originally Posted by synthia

I'm looking for a place to retire. I used to think I wanted to be on a remote beach somewhere, but now that I am actually old enough, I think I'd like a more urban environment, possibly even a big city, if I could get to the beach on, say, an overnight bus ride.

I've been trying staying in different places for a few months, and I've learned that I need high speed internet, easy access to English language books, current movies, cable TV with a fair amount of American programs, air-conditioning, and at least a one-bedroom apartment. I want to be able to buy things easily, not have to travel for two hours to get anythng more than the basics. If it's not at the beach, then I want a pool. I want sunny, fairly hot weather.

And, oh, yes, I want all this on a budget of less than $1000 US a month. I realize I'm not going to find such a place, but where, in your opinion, comes closest.