Rentals
Real Estate
Hotels
Free Listings
 Search:
 

Retiring in Mexico

Ask the Guru! Click here to take the test to see where you should retire.

Why retire in Mexico? One obvious answer: it's cheaper. While prices vary from one place to the next, it is still possible to live modestly on $700 a month in some areas without having to move into someone's garage. For those on a more extravagant budget, you might be able to buy your dream home on the beach for $500k instead of $2 million. Food, clothing, gas and electronics tend to cost the same or more as in the US, but the cost of housing and eating out is usually much cheaper. Utilities are cheaper and house taxes are very low.

Another advantage of retiring in Mexico is the low cost of labor. It is easy to find help, whether you are looking for a maid, a gardener, a caretaker or someone to help with your home repairs. I might add that like everywhere else, home repairs are not likely to be without some problems and cost overruns, but the handicrafts, tiles and artwork in Mexico are so attractive that remodeling and decorating a home is a real pleasure.

Living in Mexico brings me back to a simpler lifestyle - more like when I was young. People are not afraid of each other and will always help you. It's ok to talk to children and they often come up and practice their English or ask questions. In fact your neighbor's children could become a big part of your life and you might end up with a few adopted Mexican grandchildren.

Need to change the date of your airline ticket with a Mexican Airlines? No problem, but it might cost $5. Need to make a phone call? Chances are someone will answer the phone. Plus, you really don't need a car to get around. And, noone will ever refuse to let you use their bathroom. Things like that just don't happen in Mexico.

There don't seem to be so many rules in Mexico. You can take your dog almost anywhere, even into many restaurants. My Mexican friend told me, "Oh, we have rules. We just ignore them". My friend went to take a test for his Mexican driver's license. When he got there at the appointed time there were many people waiting to take their tests, but no officials. An hour later the official arrived and declared "You all passed!" and issued the new licenses.

If you are living in Mexico with an FM3 (residency visa), you can sign up for IMSS medical insurance for about $250 a year. Prescription drugs are cheaper, and many drugs do not require a prescription. For minor ailments you can ask the advice of a pharmacist. Some Americans do prefer to get their medical treatment in the states.

There are about 250 nursing homes in Mexico ranging from independent living to Alzheimer's care facilities. The cost is about 1/10th of the cost in the US, and many retirees enjoy the good climate and casual atmosphere. The Lake Chapala area is popular due to it's good climate and proximity to excellent medical care in Guadalajara.

Alicia's Convalescent Complex in Ajijic is quite nice. The costs range from $1000 to $1200 depending on the level of care. The units have less than 10 people each. There are no planned activities but for those able to get around there are many activities at the Lake Chapala Society. See this article in USA today for more info.

So, where should I retire? There are many things to consider. Do you need to be close to the border or a major airport for frequent visits with the grandchildren? Do you like large cities, or living in the country? Do you need to be close to the best medical care? Steamy jungles or dry deserts? What are you hobbies? Do you like water sports or do you prefer art museums? Take our test and let the guru help you decide the best spot to retire. You just check off the questions

CLICK HERE FOR REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Where to retire in Mexico

Here is a list of rankings for some of the places we cover in Mexico.
Acapulco, Ajijic, Batopilas, Bucerias, Campeche, Cancun, Copper Canyon, Creel, Dolores Hidalgo, El Rosario, Ensenada, Guadalajara, Huatulco, Izamal, Loreto, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexico City, Mineral de Pozos, Morelia, Patzcuaro, Progreso, Puerto Escondido, Puerto Vallarta, Real de Catorce, San Blas, San Miguel de Allende, San Pancho, Sayulita, Teacapan, Tijuana, Todos Santos, Valladolid, Veracruz, Xilitla, Zacatecas, Zihuatanejo,



Gustavos Bungalows  
Rentals
San Blas, Nayarit
52 1 3231121870

More Info
CONTIGO SAN BLAS  
Rentals
145 CALLE ARISTA, SAN BLAS, Nayarit
323-285-1433

More Info

Put your listing here


real estate, rentals, hotels, restaurants, weather, map, and travel guides.





Ask the Guru what is the best place to retire in Mexico.

Mexican News

Mexico town inaugurates first church dedicated to exorcism
The first Mexican church dedicated to exorcisms has been inaugurated in the central city of Queretaro.There are no accurate figures for the number of exorcisms in Mexico. But the Roman Catholic Church...
Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:20:52 -0500
More Mexican News

Mexican Slang


Echale ganas

expression

Meaning: Give it your all

Example: [Diego] No puedo terminar la tarea. (I can’t finish the homework.) [Papá] ¡Echale ganas! (Do your best!)

More Mexican Slang

Articles

The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway

By Jane Onstott
The most popular way to visit the Copper Canyon, indeed the only route many people consider, is aboard the Chihuahua al Pacifico. ........more

Hammocks R Us

By Jane Onstott
TThink of a Venn diagram. Not all hammocks are beds, and not all beds are hammocks. ........more

TJ Nightlife...If You Dare!

By Jane Onstott
This is a short list of favorite nightclubs and bars provided by a younger, hipper friend of mine. ........more


Bookmark and Share


Privacy Policy  | Semana Santa 2010   | Feria de Leon   | Guadalajara Real Estate  | San Blas  | Tijuana Buenas Raices  | Where to Retire  
Guayabitos  | Teacapan  | Punta Banda  | Guaymas  | Morelia  | Mazatlan Carnival 2010  | Copper Canyon  | Costa Lora  | Huatulco
Zacatecas  | Sayulita  | Puerto Escondido  | Tepic  | Tijuana  | Guanajuato  | Progreso  | Izamal  | Puerto Vallarta Real Estate  
Yelapa  | La Manzanilla Real Estate  | Ferias  | Ajijic Weather  | Santa Rosalia  | Real de Catorce   | Creel   | Lake Chapala   | Batopilas
Map of Puerto Vallarta   | Boutique Hotels   | Patzcuaro Rentals   | Ajijic Bienes Raices   | Los Cabos Vacation Rentals  
Loreto Lots for Sale   | Tulum Real Estate   | Bucerias for Rent   | Mulege House for Sale   | Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals  | Ajijic Rentals
Maps  | Gay Travel  | Best Surf Spots  | Best Beaches  | Gay Mexico   | Weather Forecast Mazatlan   | Dentist in Mexico   | Best Snorkeling
Find Real Estate   | Long Term Rentals   | Puerto Morelos Condos   | Ensenada House for Sale   | Buses in Mexico   | Playa Del Carmen
La Penita   | Budget Travel   | Manzanillo Rentals  | Cozumel Property   | Budget Airlines   | Acapulco Real Estate   | Puerto Vallarta Hotels
Mazatlan Real Estate  | Chapala Apartments  | Housesitting   | Aerolineas   | Weather in Mexico   | Ferry   | Nuevo Vallarta   | FM3 Form
Spanish Slang   | Pendejo   | Mamacita Definition   | Felicidades Meaning   | Corazon   | Gabacho Means   | Pelon   | Chale   | Chingadera   | Orale   

Copyright 2009 by Mexico Guru, Mexico - All rights reserved.