Why Retire in Mexico?

Mexico has become one of the most popular places for Americans and Canadians to retire, but people from as far as Europe travel to Mexico to spend their golden years in a low-cost environment that is slow-paced, rich with culture and full of healthy and delicious foods.

Close to Home

One of the main reasons Americans and Canadians choose to retire in Mexico is because it is close to home. Retirees can pack up a car and drive to Mexico, making it less difficult to make the move than it would be to retire in a place where a plane ride is required. In addition to its proximity, Mexico is also ready to welcome foreigners. Mexican stores carry many products and foods commonly sold in American and European cities, and most of Mexico is modern enough to be "wired." This means that anyone who moves to Mexico is only a satellite or cable connection away from global networks and news from back home.

Cheap

Retirees who move to Mexico can live fulfilling lives at a bargain compared to what they are used to spending back home. It is said that homes are as much as 80 percent cheaper in Mexico than elsewhere, and many other living expenses are about 50 percent of what they are in the United States and Canada.

Relaxing

Life in Mexico runs at a slower pace than it does in the United States and Canada. In Mexico, people have the mentality that not everything has to be done "today" and they spend time enjoying their lives. For a retiree, stopping to smell the roses and taking time to learn a new craft are what life is all about. Retiring in Mexico makes the lifestyle easy because relaxation is welcomed.

Fresh and Healthy

Produce in Mexico is sold in season and at its peak. Elsewhere, produce is often picked before it is ripe so that it can ripen as it makes the transition to market. Also, processed foods in Mexico are less likely to contain preservatives commonly found on grocery shelves in other countries. Fewer chemicals means healthier food.

Diverse Locations

Whether a retiree chooses to live in a condo with an ocean view or would prefer a small home in the mountains, Mexico is a diverse country with colorful terrain. Even if a retiree decides to live in the mountains, he likely has saved so much money by moving to Mexico he will have enough to splurge on luxurious visits to beach resorts.

Tip

If you are considering moving to Mexico, but aren't sure where in Mexico you would like to live, five common locations where Americans and Canadians relocate are: Oaxaca, Acapulco, Guadalajara, Mazatlan and Lake Chapala.

Resources

• Where to Retire in Mexico