I just love getting email from expats. They are always inspiring and they just show how more and more people are making a new life in Mexico, and living far better on less! Here are two stories (edited for brevity).

Hi,Barbie,
My husband and I (and our dogs and cats) have now been just outside of Ajijic since Sept. AND WE ARE LOVING IT!!

The Mexican people are so friendly, and the support from the expatiates and the local clubs, like LCS, are great.

I think our children and other relatives first thought their parents were crazy, but more and more we hear from everybody how much happier we sound since we no longer deal with all the issues in the States!

The big question has always been “yea, but what about crime?”  Well, we feel much safer here than in Little Rock, AR!  Maria W.

[Note from Barbie: I have, in some of the newsletters and reports stated that most problems are at the border towns, and are associated with the drug problem.  Border towns are creatures apart from most of Mexico.  However, I do also try to tell people to be cautions;  don't flash cash, don't wear great watches, etc.  And don't have anything to do with anyone who would even consider doing drugs - there are millions of us out here... we have lots of good company!]

Hi Barbie,
Tim W. here.  I now live in Nuevo, Laredo Mexico.

I live where the Mexicans live and rent, utilities, food are very affordable (I drink bottled water).

All the girls here want to get married (that’s not much different than the USA).

I’m on my way to Mazatlan but I’m making sure all my retirement money knows how to find me while the border is in walking distance.

Social Security claims to be more understanding and will deposit my money in any bank except in barred countries (like China).

I have cable internet now with hyper cable (pronounced hyper cowly).

There are very nice 2 bed, 1 bath new homes here on the outer part of Neuvo, Laredo, Mx.  They sell for $195/mo.  If a person learns Spanish it would be a great place to live.  No one there speaks English and I have to take along someone bilingual.

Are there places in that price range in Mazatlan?  A one room place where I can see the water way off in the distance (or not) will be fine.  (I answered – maybe not within view of the water)

Everyone in Mexico thinks USA types have money, so I keep one hand on my wallet at all times.

Final note from Barbie: Dick and I have never felt threatened – anyplace –we always try to be careful and wise and well prepared in the first place.  Taking unnecessary chances – just not part of our lives…we’ll leave that to the Acapulco cliff divers… :)