Retiring in Mexico
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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
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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,
Mexico real estate, rentals, hotels, restaurants, weather, map, and travel guides.
Ask the Guru what is the best place to retire in Mexico.
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