Is Mexico Still The Place To Retire?
Posted on : Jun-02-2010 | By : Barbie | In : Best Place to Retire
17
Mexico
Retirement
In both 2008
and 2009,
Mexico placed
#1 for
retirement, by
International Living.
The next four high rankings for retirement
are Ecuador, Panama, Uruguay and Italy.
Just about the biggest plus to me, for the selection of Mexico for retirement, above the others, is the proximity to the United States. Even at most distant locations, you can usually drive rather than needing to get an expensive airplane to get back and forth to see family and friends in the States. Though, those friends and family are probably going to be the ones who do the traveling to visit the luck person living in Mexico. And, while driving may take time, we’re enjoying our retirement, aren’t we? No more meetings scheduled for us – so just enjoy the trip.
Fresh clams and wine - a great life
High-speed internet, cable and satellite tv, and options like Magic Jack for phone, are all available so you’ll still have all the conveniences you are used to and expect in retirement, or relocation.
In Mexico, during the first 6 months that you hold an FM2 or FM3 Visas, you can import your used (not new) household items with no import taxes. Read More.
Talking about retirement ratings, there’s sort of a funny ranking that is “Living in a Corona commercial”, by Money magazine, that lists #1, On a boat, #2, In Greenville, SC, and #3 in Mazatlan, Mexico!
Right now, because of the financial crisis (maybe that’s a little strong for some of you – how about “problems”) in the states, property prices in Mexico have also dropped. There are fewer folks looking for real estate right now in Mexico, especially in retirement, so if you have a real “horse trader” mentality and capability, you may find some real deals.
Mexico, long ago, realized the importance of North American’s and others in their retirement moving to Mexico – even on strict budgets, they have so much more than the average Mexican has. Remember, the average wage in Mexico is still $5 a day. Mexico has made it easy for retirees to get their various permits, visas, and – as I said in another article – there’s even a senior discount card! Love that :)
So what do you think about Mexico as a retirement destination? Let me know what you think. If you don’t see the comment box below, follow this link to get the full article on retirement and at the bottom you’ll find a space to submit your comments or questions.
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
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Barbie Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Tell you cousin Hi, and I said “thanks”. And – EMT – you made me day :) Barbie
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My husband and I bought a place in Erendira, BC. It’s about 1 hour south of Ensenada on the coast. This is a small farming and fishing village of about 2000 folks. We live in the town. I really like it here as it is close to the states and the kids and grandkids come down often. I speak Spanish and my husband is Mexican so we blend in and are part of the community. I’ve volunteered at the local high school and participate in the community activities. Mexico for us is a great place for retirement. We have a couple of doctors at the community clinic. They charge me $5.00 for an office visit. If there is a problem they can’t handle they refer us to Ensenada. Our dentist is in Ensenada. We do all our staple shopping in Ensenada too. Fresh vegetables and fruits are usually in abundance as if fresh fish here in town. This is not a community for everyone but we sure like it alot.
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Barbie Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Dear Patricia – Sounds as though you’ve found your Shangri La! Keep in touch! Barbie
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Hi, Barbie,
I am still considering Mexico as my number one place to retire. Just have to wait until can find an income source to supplement, sell the house, and then convince my wife. My next choices would be either Belize or Nicaragua.
I enjoy your blogs, and hope you keep them coming.
Dave
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Barbie Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Dear Dave, Please read all my articles, and also all my newsletters and articles at http://www.retireinluxury.com – you can never have too much info! In the meantime, while you’re gathering all the info, sounds as though you have a couple of serious items to take care of :) Barbie
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HI BARBIE, JUST READ YOUR LATEST BLOG AND I MUST SAY YOU ARE RIGHT ON POINT, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVING PART. I’M SICK AND TIRED OF UNDRESSING AND DRESSING AT THE SECURITY POINT IN THE AIRPORT AND LIKE YOU SAID WE RETIREES HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD TO DRIVE. LAST YEAR I DROVE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO MAZATLAN WITH NO TROUBLE ON A 4 LANE HIWAY. THIS JUNE WE PLAN TO GO FURTHER HOPEFULLY MANZANILLO. I HEAR THAT’S A GREAT TOWN FOR A RETIREE. I’LL LET YOU KNOW. KEEP SENDING THOSE BLOGS. YOUR INFORMATION IS ENJOYABLE AND VALUABLE
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Barbie Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Well, thank you, Clarence! Do be careful, but ENJOY! Barbie
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Hi Barbie, I am interested in living in Mexico in an rv until I can find a permanent residence. Can you tell me a little about things i will need to know? You have the best site I have ever seen, thanks for your help. Terry.
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Barbie Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Hi Terry – Read all my info on my sites, both moneysavingmexico and retireinluxury.com – if there’s something then, unanswered, I’m here. Barbie
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i believe i wrote to this site before. i visited mazatlan 6 years ago. i loved it, and the people. however, i hear so many different things in regards to the danger to americans. i have lost touch with two friends i met while i was there, and would love to reach out to them. actually, i have, but have not been successful, one letter came back, another one didn’t. i see sites for the “mexican detectives”, don’t know what to think of that, but it probably would be less expensive than travelling to mazatlan, which would be my first choice; however, i am “house poor”.
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Barbie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Just do the regular cautions and I see no problems. Barbie
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Hi Barbie, I love your articles, however, you never mention La Paz. Can you enlighten us on retiring to La Paz? thanks, Jackie
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Barbie Reply:
March 31st, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Hi! Please put “La Paz” in the search box – top right – there is one article that has La Paz mentioned. And, I will get busy with an article on La Paz – keep checking. Barbie
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Hello- Thanks for your website- lots of good info. I have been trying to get information about renting a small, updated and of coarse safe apartment in or around San Miguel. Seems difficult to obtain the average cost for a long term rental and if there’s any? Can you give me some ideas on how to go about finding an apartment- small cottage is fine too. Thanks
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Looking for place to retire in Mexico. Trying not to get tooo hot or at least AC. My husband would like near water and I want to play bridge. Any advice would be great. Thanks
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Barbie Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Read my articles here on the various areas, then, Readers, do you have any input for Virginia? She wants your help! Barbie
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