Where, oh where?.......Mexico

Mexico has a lot to offer potential retirees. Weather, culture, stability, safety, and low cost of living are big draws, but so is its proximity to the U.S and Canada for those who still want to stay close to family. From much of Mexico, going "home" could be as close as a day's drive. But even for those who live further away, or who don't have a car, or who don't want the long drive, all major airlines fly directly to most North American cities from the big Mexican airports.

The list of resources for Mexican retirement is immense, and I will cover specific topics relating to moving, buying property, pensions, taxes, and others in future posts. But I wanted to focus today on specific regions of Mexico that I have found attractive as retirement destinations.

You have a couple of general options. First, expatriate communities have sprouted up all over Mexico....small areas with a high concentration of American, Canadian, and, to a lesser extent, European, expats who have gathered together in communities that resemble small American suburbs. If that works for you, there is a lot of online data available to you. If you've read my previous posts you'll know I am not in favor of this arrangement, but for many people it provides the familiarity they need to feel comfortable. These small communities offer all the amenities of home at a fraction of the cost. If this idea appeals to you, you HAVE to check out Lake Chapala/Ajijic!

Your second option is to dive into the local culture and retire somewhere that isn't a carbon copy of your current situation. There are expats everywhere, so you can still get your "fix", but this option opens you up to a whole new world of experiences, and it is this option that I will explore in detail in future posts.

For now, I will briefly outline the areas that I have found most attractive based on the criteria I have set forth before. The top five on my list are:

1. Merida and vicinity on the Yucatan Peninsula. The Yucatan is still relatively isolated from the rest of Mexico, Cancun is near, as are the ruins of Chichen Itza, real estate is a bargain and readily available, it's a booming city with lots of culture, night life, and infrastructure that rivals North American standards. Plus, it's near the ocean.

2. Zihuatanejo, south of Ixtapa. Zihua, as it's known locally, is a quaint fishing village nestled in a valley. Living here would mean doing without some of the amenities you are accustomed to, but the charm and beauty far outweigh any negatives. Cost of living is extremely affordable here, and the locals are some of the friendliest in the nation. 

 

3. Oaxaca. The center of colonial charm in Mexico, Oaxaca is an intriguing mix of Mexican charm and European chic. Known as much for its exquisite chocolate as it is for its colonial architecture, Oaxaca is affordable, safe, and modern without losing its local charm.

4. Puerto Vallarta. I would not normally recommend a resort town, but PV is different. You have to do a bit of shopping to find real estate bargains because it is a resort town, but if you can find them it's definitely worth it. PV just has this "feel" to it that transcends the tackiness of most resort towns. It's nice to visit Cancun, Mazatlan, Ixtapa, Acapulco, and others, but PV is a place you could actually live. 

5. Guadalajara. The second biggest city in Mexico, Guadalajara offers affordability in a big city setting.  

Remember, for any of the above choices you don't actually have to live right in the city. The surrounding areas offer much of the same, and their proximity to these cities offers the dual advantage of small town living with big city amentities and attractions a short drive, or bus ride, away!