Retirement in Mexico represents a wonderful opportunity to experience your golden years on the golden shores in one of the most sought-after destinations for US retirees in the world. Retirement itself will depend on your age, health and financial status, as well as what you plan to do with the rest of your life. Mexico offers the kind of experience you may never have had: the chance to live abroad in an easy, comfortable environment with many options to interact with new people in an alluring place. Here are some things to remember when considering where to spend your retirement:
Weather: As we age, we become less tolerant to temperature shifts and a cold climate. Bound by two oceans, Mexico offers mile after mile of beaches that feature varying kinds of weather – mostly warm and sunny. That’s not to suggest that Mexico doesn’t have its weather challenges – hurricanes off the Gulf of Mexico, for example, are as common in Mexico as in the United States – but the country is known for warm sea breezes and tropical weather. Back to top
Proximity: As next-door neighbors to the United States, Mexico is close enough to get to easily, both for you to visit the US, as well as for the family and friends you left behind to come visit you in your new home. Back to top
Affordability: Although there are plenty of ways to spend lots of money south of the border, Mexico traditionally is a place where the simple things in life – sunshine, sea breezes and a friendly environment – are totally free. The day-to-day necessities are usually reasonably priced( especially for a “local” which is what you'll be) and the financial requirements of life in most of Mexico suit people living on fixed incomes. Back to top
Safety: You’ve spent a lifetime working for your own security. As a retiree, the last thing you need to worry about is your own safety. Each year between 15 and 16 million US citizens visit Mexico, with more than 385,000 Americans living there throughout the year. Like the United States, Mexico has varying degrees of crime. In some areas of the country (such as the southern state of Chiapas), politically motivated demonstrations can sometimes become violent. In metropolitan areas, as well as along the Atlantic and Pacific coastal vacation towns, crime is relatively low and rarely violent. As in the United State, common sense prevails. If you have one, you’ll want to use a safe for valuables left behind while you go out. And when you go out, don’t dress in a way that would make you a victim. Avoid attracting attention by wearing flashy jewelry, watches or clothing. Don't flash large amounts of cash and use caution at ATM's, and naturally, women should avoid walking alone at night. The US Department of State continually updates security information on its website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html.
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Healthcare: Mexico’s healthcare system has been improving for many years and, while it is still not on par with the United States, there are several factors that can contribute to your well-being:
a. Many of Mexico’s doctors are English-speaking and trained in the United States
b. Most of Mexico's doctors have a wide range of skills, and even specialists can mend broken bones or treat general illness
c. Cities with a large number of retirees tend to have a large number of specialists in the fields of heart, cancer and cosmetic surgery
d. Mexico’s proximity to the United States makes it easy to return home for specialized care
e. Retirement in Mexico can be virtually stress-free, ensuring greater health due to environmental factors
f. Mexico offers year round fresh fruit and vegetables picked and eaten at their peak for better taste, so you eat more of them Back to top
English: Because of its location next to the US, Mexico has a large percentage of the population who speak English. This is especially true in metropolitan areas and where US citizens live and vacation. Back to top
Friendly Environment: Mexico’s population is overwhelmingly friendly – Puerto Vallarta, for example, was voted the “friendliest city in the world” by Condé Nast. Because most of the country realizes that American investment in tourism, second-home ownership and retirement is a critical boom to the Mexican economy, Americans are welcomed with opened arms. Back to top
There are others like you: It is estimated that almost one-in-four of the 4 million Americans living overseas is living in Mexico – more than 600,000 permanent citizens, in fact. When you retire there, you’re going to enjoy the company of others just like you – old enough to do something exciting with their lives and smart enough to do it in a place that is easy, warm, friendly and comfortable. Back to top
