At the risk of sounding preachy, what is it that you want from your retirement home? Have you considered your health needs as you age?
I have no direct experience but by BiL and wife have upped sticks and gone to live in Portugal, in the arsehole of beyond. They have a property that is very nice indeed in grounds with swimming pool. But.
1 - They are 2Km from the nearest village with shops.
2 - Their social life is all around what they have found to be a community of ex-pats. Having joined in a social event once, having to pass the time of day with these people, politely, would be a strain on my sanity
3 - They live in the middle of Portugal. So do forest fires. Being told "make sure your passport is by your bed in case we have to run for it" is not my idea of fun.
4 - They are still registered with UK doctors and come back for hospital treatment
Oh, and Mrs Ham's sister doesn't drive. I think they are total fuckwits, but hey, what do I know?
There's normally a reason why property is cheap. And, (2) would be a show stopper for me, even if I didn't revel in life in the city
Sure you've thought of some of these questions, but I think asking yourself what you want from the location then finding places to match would be the way to go rather than where, but maybe that's what you are doing.