I would suggest you visit Merida.

The safest city in Mexico and one of the safest in the continent. Warm weather all year round (sometimes too hot). Lovely neighbors, Cancún only 3 hours away so family can come and party. Also, the real state is not expensive, you can probably have a pool for those hot days.

Also, you can check out San Miguel de Allende. A lot of American retirees (around 10,000) live there so a lot of folks to hang out with. A cool, beautiful town with a great cultural vibe. Lots of art galleries, a bunch or artists live there. Moderate weather all year round.

Very similar to San Miguel de Allende is Ajijic, near Guadalajara. Lots of American boomers living there. With a big city nearby for every service you need.

I’ve been here in Mexico almost 20 years and wouldn’t return to the US for a million bucks. Vetereans love Chapala, in Jalisco - rich ones Ajijic nearby on Lake Chapala. The ones who want to study art go to San Miguel de Allende, in Guanajuato. Some live in Puerto Vallarta, the poorer ones in smaller beach towns like Melaque. Sure there is corruption and danger if you get involved with drugs…. but life in Mexico is totally great - I’m almost 74, visited here since my 20’s - and it gets better and better. Amazingly the most US Vets I’ve met are in Jalisco on the lake called Chapala and mostly in the town of Chapala on the lake. They say it’s not too expensive, and life is good.

Since every retiree has their own needs, wants, budget and background, it is impossible to definitively answer this question. And I, personally, am not familiar with enough different places in Mexico to do an adequate compare and contrast. I can tell you, as Michael Darnell mentioned in responding to this question, that there are two areas of Mexico that are well known “expat enclaves” for people from the U.S. and Canada; San Miguel de Allende and Ajijic.

But, I am happy to tell you a little about where I live; the town of Colima in Colima state, Mexico. I personally like the size of Colima. If you include Villa de Alvarez (the two towns really make up one metropolitan area) the population is about 350,000 (mas o menos). This makes Colima large enough to have some nice restaurants and shopping areas, decent cultural events and attractions and a fairly good infrastructure. But it is still small enough to avoid a lot of big city problems like traffic and pollution.

Also, the cost of living in Colima is lower than it is in the larger cities and expat enclaves. There are nice houses (not large but nice) for rent for around $4,000 MXN (around $225 USD). And there are more upscale neighborhoods where you can purchase a house that would compare very nicely to many middle class houses in the U.S. for around $150,000 USD.

The weather in Colima is best from November through April; particularly in the norther parts of the city where the elevation is higher. The rainy season is over and the daytime highs run in the mid-eighties with nightly lows in the mid- to upper-sixties. However, during the summer months, actually from June through October, there can be rain almost any day, which means humidity every day, with daytime high temperatures sometimes reaching the nineties.

Colima is very near the Pacific coast; we are about half an hour from the nearest beaches and an hour away from the port city of Manzanillo with some very nice resort hotels. Going north, it is just a little over two hours to drive into Guadalajara and everything a major metropolitan area has to offer.

There are many wonderful places in Mexico to retire; small beach communities to major ocean-side resorts, small towns to huge cities, high mountain ranges and vast deserts. It all depends on what you need to enjoy your retirement.

I am going to retire in Mexico, and I have already chosen the city. In fact, I am already living there, although I am still working online for a U.S. company.

To be perfectly honest, I did not exactly choose this city. My wife did. And she chose it long before we even met. But once I came here, saw the area, met the people, tasted the food and enjoyed the weather, I was more than delighted with her choice.

The city I am talking about is Colima; the capital city of the state with the same name. Here are some of the reasons I like Colima so much. First, for me at least, the size is just about perfect. It is big enough to have a good variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options; but still small enough to avoid major traffic, crime and pollution issues.

I also like the location. While Colima is not a beach or resort city, I can drive to the nearest beach in just about 30 minutes. And in an hour, I can be at a nice resort hotel on the beach in Manzanillo. Colima has a very small airport with about three flights a day to Mexico City, and a flight to Tijuana once or twice a week. But, we are only about two hours from the airport in Guadalajara. And from there we can fly just about anywhere. In fact, there is bus service, really nice, big, comfortable buses (think something like a first class airline seat) that go from Colima directly to the Guadalajara airport non-stop.

And because Colima is fairly small, and not a beach town or a place overrun with expats, the cost of living here is fantastic. I live in a very middle class neighborhood. It is not gated and there is no HOA (so no HOA fees). Houses in this neighborhood are generally between 1,500 and 4,000 square feet in size and sell for about $75 USD per square foot. And property taxes are generally in the range of $300 to $600 USD per year.

The food here is incredibly fresh; a very large percentage of it is grown and harvested within a 200 mile radius. We are close enough to the ocean to get really fresh seafood. There are ranches nearby that provide most of the beef, pork, lamb and chicken. And a large variety of fruits and vegetables are grown all around us.

There are some warm days, OK, some hot days, during the summer months. But those are also the months where it rains four or five times a week. Those rains always cool things down a little. But still, the summer months in Colima are not nearly as hot as places like Dallas or Houston, because we are at higher elevation (about 2,000 feet in my neighborhood). And the winter months, actually from late October until mid-March or so, are just about perfect. At night it dips down to the low-60’s, sometimes even the high-50’s; but still warms up to the low- to mid-80’s during the day.

There are lots and lots of other places in Mexico that might be better suited for some retirees. People who are used to life in a major metropolitan area would, no doubt, prefer Mexico City. And those that dream of retiring on the beach would likely prefer places like Puerto Vallarta, or Cancun. And for those that want to be around lots of other English speaking expats, there is the area around Lake Chapala or San Miguel de Allende.

But for me, Colima is just about perfect. We’re not on the beach, but we’re not far from it. We’re not an expat enclave, but there are definitely a few other U.S. and Canadian retirees here. We’re not a huge city, but Guadalajara is a two hour drive away, and Mexico City a two hour flight. And because we are smaller and less well known, we have a very affordable cost of living. So, I have chosen to retire in Colima Mexico, and I am already happily living here.

I have been living in Mexico for almost ten years. For the first four years I lived in Mexico City in the Polanco neighborhood. If I was to live in Mexico City again I would live in the Roma neighborhood.

For the last five years I have lived in Estado de Mexico, in the area of Satelite about a 30 minute (depending on traffic) drive to Mexico City. I pay about $400 a month for a furnished one bedroom apartment with indoor parking and all utilities. I use a co-working space within walking distance and pay $100 a month, with fast internet. All is within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and book shops. Within a short drive I can be at one of more than one hundred museums in Mexico City.

I love Mexico City and would be hard pressed to move elsewhere. I can go to top notch doctors and pay out of pocket less than $50 for an appointment. Can go for a spa weekend within a two hour drive for less than $300. I am within a hour drive to the airport (uber for $20). From MEX I can be anywhere in the USA within five hours. Love that Mexico City is in the middle of the USA. For authors Mexico City is about as perfect a location any author would want.

Have traveled to many locations in Mexico, but keep coming back to Mexico City. Other places I might consider would be Tulum (very hip now), Baja (also very hip now), Chiapas, Huatulco (very relaxed and beautiful beaches), Cozumel (great scuba and beaches), Isla Mujeres (great beaches), and Zihuatanejo (great beaches and food).

I do dream of a second home near Mexico City, my short list would include, all a short drive (less than two hours) to CDMX:

1. Queretaro - Lots to do, great food, great centro
2. Cuernavaca - Great weather, great food
3. Malinalco - Great ruin, great food, nice museum
4. Ixtapan de la Sal - Great weather, known for hot springs and spas
5. San Miguel Allende - Great food, lots to do, to many gringos
6. Tlaxcala - Small pueblo, very pretty architecture, relaxed
7. Mineral del Chico - Lovely small pueblo
8. Avandaro - Great food, lots of fancy people and shops
9. Cuetzalán del Progreso - Wonderful quiet pueblo
10. Tepoztlán - Lots of drunk people weekends, but beautiful ruin and landscape

Someday I might buy a ski house in the USA, maybe Colorado or Utah. But I love Mexico and it would be difficult to move back to the USA.

Prior to Living in Mexico City have lived in NYC, San Francisco, Orange County, Indianapolis, Bali, and Saigon. Work as a consultant and author, travel to the USA about every six weeks for work. Have traveled USA, Asia, Europe and South America.

We receive questions on this topic frequently. Indeed, I have written a number of articles outlining my suggestions. I am going to approach my response a little different in that I have not addressed this topic in the past year.

The “best” places to retire in México depends on the specific requirements of the expat AND their proficiency in Spanish. I am going to share my opinion and then share a couple of articles from others written a few years ago.

Though not retired, I have lived in Cuernavaca, Morelos since October 1969. I was born in Veracruz, so I have no issue with the language or culture. My credential in offering an informed opinion is that I am married to a girl I imported from Texas. For her this was like retiring in that she faced a culture shock and was required to learn a new language at the age of 21. She is heavily involved with the local expat community which consists of citizens from France, England, Scotland, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Puerto Rico, Japan, Philippines, United States and Canada.

Cuernavaca is located about an hour south of CDMX or about an hour and a half from the International Airport in CDMX. There is a smaller commercial local airport offering a few flights to various destinations. Cuernavaca is located about two and a half hours from the beaches of Acapulco and Punta Diamante, and forty-five minutes from Taxco.

Cuernavaca offers some of the best climate in the world and offers residents a choice in that the city is built on the side of a mountain. If one prefers a warmer climate the year round, then one resides at a lower elevation. If one prefers a cooler to almost cold climate as well as wetter, then one chooses the higher elevations in the forest.

There is abundant housing available to rent and purchase at fairly reasonable prices when compared to housing costs in the United States and Europe. Access to fabulous shopping, Cinema, dining, entertainment, hiking, water parks, supermarkets, hospitals and medical services. Living close to CDMX one has access to world class live entertainment of every genre, museums and restaurants.

The negatives are the general cost of living is higher when compared to Queretaro, Puebla, Morelia, Zacatecas, Guadalajara, Ajijic, Baja California, Oaxaca, and the Riviera Maya. This is due to the fact that many Chilangos from CDMX have second homes in Cuernavaca due to its close proximity.

Currently, in December 2022 there are approximately 1.5 million expats from the United States alone residing permanently in México. The largest community of expats is located in Ajijic, Jalisco near Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Allow me to share some suggestions from other contributors from a few years ago.

From Jay C Polmar

I lived in Arizona for one summer - the heat was 112 degrees and to cool off i jumped in the jacuzzi which was only 105 degrees. That was enough for me. I also lived in Florida, in Miami, near Ft. Lauderdale, and in Clearwater, and near St. Pete beach. I enjoyed Florida more than Arizona for certain. But, as I got older, I discovered American communities in Mexico. Ajijic and San Juan Cosala and Chapala on Lake Chapala - is rumored to have the second best climate in the world. I lived there and visited the hot springs for two years. Later, I moved to San Miguel de Allende - tons of Americans, Canadians and Europeans and it’s in the mountains, cool - lots of rich people and of course, hot springs. Later one. I moved to a beach San Patricio de Melaque - between Pueerto Vallarta and Manzanilla. Stayed there three years, Americans and Canadians, especially Canadians - love how inexpensive it is to live there. After a category 4 hurricane, we decided that - although we were safe and on a small hill - the town went under water - with storm floods and damage was extensive. We moved to Cuautla - 90 min. from Mexico City - it also has mineral springs - not hot, but healing power, all owned by the government at simple spas. We’ve been here 5 years - bought a house - annual taxes are $44.00. Car insurance is $35 a year. Water bill $50 a year. Electricity about $35 a month, cable tv, internet, landline phone … $58 a month. Taxes are on investment gains and interest only - 16%, no other taxes for retirees. Invest $100,000 in Cetes - government investment, 7, 15,28, 60 days - rates are right now 7.5–8.1% (you pay taxes on that interest only). I have been here 19 years, have traveled through the country - lived in many great places and I have others lined up for when I’m 77 years old and sell the house - and we can travel like tourists and see the country from another great places that are there just to make us feel welcome and very happy.

From Elias Gonzalez

If the answer comes from an American perspective as to in which state should I retire or expatriate to, the answer depends of how Americanized do you want your new home to be. The biggest American community outside the US is in Ajijic, Jalisco. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato also has a large American community. If you are trying to immerse yourself in the local culture, then the options abound. Merida in Yucatán is a great city but climate can be hot and humid. Mexico City is a multicultural megalopolis that never sleeps. There are beautiful places in Baja California and someone mentioned Morelia in Michoacán.

If this comes as a question for Mexicans, we don’t tend to move around as much because of our deep family and friends roots, but we do change residence. I personally, moved to Guadajara, Jalisco after growing up in Mexico City and made my life here. I would like to give Baja California a shot. I’ve heard interesting things about it: safe, multicultural community, awesome climate, beautiful landscape and booming economy.

There are many good cities to retire in Mexico.

If you want to live in a wonderful metropolis with a plethora of archaeological, architectural, art and cultural experiences, as well as wonderful weather, Mexico City is a great choice; Guadalajara would not be a bad choice as well.

If you want to live a more quiet, retired and peaceful life, then there are many good choices, including Cuernavaca, Taxco, San Miguel Allende, Tepoztlan, San Juan del Rio, etc.

If you want to live seaside, and enjoy a birds-eye view of the ocean, then Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Veracruz, Can Cun, Ensenada, Rosarito and Playas de Tijuana are all affordable alternatives

If what you need is an affordable lifestyle with access to American Medicare or Medical coverage, then you might consider Tijuana, or other border towns that would give you ready access to medical attention in the USA.

I would say it depends on your hobbies and what you have in mind now on what your retirement looks like to you.

If you like beaches, and want a city that is quiet and affordable, I would choose la Paz or surrounding cities/towns in Baja California Sur.

They have awesome beaches, like Balandra:

Malecón from la Paz.

Town Todos Santos. Near la Paz and Los Cabos.

If you are more into culture and be able to drive to big cities close to you I would go with Quora User answer. Also I would add Tepoztlan in Morelos, Real de Catorce in San Luis and basically any city in the state of Oaxaca.

I have been retired here since 2012. I didn´t intend to do so initially but I accompanied my friend who was retiring here at the age of 50. He died at 52 unexpectedly but had the best time of his life. I bought a home with the money I got from the sale of my US home in a Mexican neighborhood about a block and a half from a lake in the mountains. I knew that I needed to make Mexican friends (more useful than foreign friends in the long run). I taught English several times a week and that opened a whole world to me in the Mexican community. I put solar panels and solar water tank on my roof for about $6,000.00 when I bought the house and bought all electric appliances (hard to do in Mexico where electricity is very expensive). I still can´t replace my gas dryer because I cannot find an all-electric one. So, I beat the costs of electricity and natural gas. My monthly bills are minimal. I have learned enough Spanish to just make my needs known. There are multiple English-speaking clubs and groups here so that if I need to wade into the English-speaking community I can. My neighborhood has gone from almost all Mexicans to almost all foreigners. I hated snow and ice and I haven´t seen it since I moved here a mile high into the mountains. Food is fresh (lots of farms in my area) and easy to buy. We are never out of anything that the farmers locally do not grow—fruit, vegetables, meat of all types, etc. I do miss pie which is not something my Mexican neighbors eat—except the ubiquitous apple pie. I have a gardener ($19.00 a week) and my smartest move was to hire a house manager who takes care of all of my bills, my house tax ($70.00 a year for 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms), cooks one meal a day for me, shops for food daily and cleans the whole house. He does get a salary but will be mostly paid by inheriting my house. I am also paying for his first class university education (tuition $122.00 a term plus books and uniforms supplies and transportation). He was living on $200.00 a month at a Walmart which was about average here so it was a win -win situation for us both. He learned English in 3 months just living here (room and board included).

Can you retire here? Yes. You can get reasonable rents or a nice house for a reasonable price. Is your money easily accessible? Yes. I keep it in my US bank and use the local ATMs to get it out when I need it. Can you make friends? Yes, if you open yourself to new experiences and adventures. Can you get reasonable vacations throughout Mexico? Yes. You make friends on those trips usually with other foreigners, too. Beaches, Haciendas, forests, parks, pyramids, archeological sites, wonderful restaurants and a myriad other things all for a fraction of the cost in the US. An average round trip flight from my airport to most of the big sites is between $100.00 and $150.00. First class bus from my home to the next big city (air conditioned, nice seats, running every 30 minutes) is now $2.85. The subway in the city is new and clean and costs $0.48. Moving to Mexico was the best choice of my life. Cable TV is $45.00 a month (US and Canadian channels). On my income I could never have enjoyed my lifestyle or been able to spend money on the poor to help make a difference in the world. I will never go back to the States. I even bought my niche for my ashes in the local church built in 1745. Life is good. The downside is that the area is growing by leaps and bounds—with foreigners from the US, Canada and Europe. Someone said that we should put billboards up in the US and Canada saying do not come here because we are full. It is a joke but at the same time my students were visiting my town and they thought that they were in the US or Canada!

Smaller areas are very, very inexpensive and if you speak enough Spanish yo can really live well. I do not know your income but if it is reasonable you can make it here. Think internationally rather than just your own country. Here we are all one big population and we are open to everyone. Visit different areas first. Move to where you really feel at home down here. Check out prices. If you are a bigot life will not go well for you here. Be open, friendly and at least somewhat outgoing. This is not the US or Canada so leave the politics at the door before you come or you may have a miserable time.

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a beautiful small colonial city with a large expat community, then San Miguel de Allende is ideal. It has a great art scene, food scene, a small opera house and library with lots of activities for retirees. Also good places to study Spanish and art. You can get by with English, but of course, it’s always a plus to know at least some Spanish. However because it’s such a popular place for Americans and Canadiens to live and visit, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Mexico, although much less expensive than most retirement places in the States.

If you’re looking for a big city, Mexico City is great, but like all mega cities, can be noisy, crowded, and a bit difficult to navigate. For me, it’s a great city to visit regularly, but as a retiree, I would prefer a smaller city like San Miguel. Other great colonial cities include Guanajuato, Morelia, and Queretero. Quretero is actually a fairly large city with a colonial center and modern big city surroundings. Oaxaca is also a beautiful and very special colonial city. All of these cities and others are wonderful. If you speak Spanish and are more independent, they may work well for you. If you want a larger expat community, but still a beautiful colonial city with a great art and food scene, you might prefer San Miguel or other places with larger expat communities like Guadalarja and Puerta Vallarta.

Just so you know, I have only lived in San Miguel for a month or so at a time for many years. As much as I like the idea of retiring in Mexico, I live most of the year in Palm Springs, California and speak a modest amount of Spanish.

One final thought - I have always found Mexico to be safe and have never had any problems. However, there have been recent reports of increases in crime, even in well-trafficked cities like San Miguel. I would recommend spending some time in potential retirement places and getting a feel for how comfortable you might be in different settings and environments.

I am surprised to received the invitation to respond to this question from Mike Stack considering there are already 11 responses posted. I do notice that the other posts are a year or older and more possible out of date.

My story is a little different. I was born in Veracruz of German parents and moved to San Antonio, Texas at the age of six months and then returned to attend university at the age of 19 and have pretty much lived here from then on. I am qualified to respond to this question because my wife is from the United States and as a petroleum engineer, I have worked in every part of this vast country.

As others have suggested you need to answer the question as to what you and your family’s needs and preferences are? Does retired mean no longer working? What will be your medical needs? From which country are you retiring and moving from? How often will you return to your country of origin for a visit? What are your creature comforts requirements? How fluent are you in Spanish? Other than Ecuador, México offers some of the best climate in the world. What type of climate will suit you?

I have read the other 11 responses and all provide accurate and valuable information and I agree with the advice and counsel they offer. Most of the expats currently living in México are from the United States. Around 900,000 citizens of the United States currently reside in México on a permeant basis according to INEGI.

Considering I have spent considerable time in the locals suggested by the other respondents and I concur with the data, information and advise they offer. My suggestion is you answer the questions I have posed as captioned above. Based on these responses you can decide which geographical location best suits your needs.

If your language skills in Spanish are limited then, immediately I suggest you consider any of the areas suggested in Baja California as there are many expats from the United States located there. The same goes for Ajijic, Jalisco and San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.

Now I will share my suggestion. I have lived in Hermosillo, Sonora, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Toluca, Edo. de México, Cd. de México, D.F. and Cuernavaca, Morelos. I have lived in Cuernavaca for fifty years. The reason I chose Cuernavaca as my permanent residence are the following.

1) Convenience. I travel internationally frequently and the México City airport is between one hour to an hour and a half from my home, offering direct flights to virtually every important destination in the world with emphasis on flights to the United States.

2) Medical Services. México City offers some of the most modern and up to date hospitals anywhere. Both of my children were born in Cuernavaca in state-of-the-art local hospitals.

3) Entertainment. World class entertainment opportunities are available nonstop in México City.

4) World class dining is available in México City as well as Cuernavaca.

5) Large International Expat Community lives in Cuernavaca, principally from the United States, Canada, England, France, Japan and Germany.

6) Recreation. Golf, tennis, fronton/racquet ball, water parks, river sports, mountain hiking trails, water sports, and the list goes on. Numerous archeological sites and caves to explore.

7) Centrally Located. Cuernavaca is a one hour drive south of México City on a high speed six lane autopista. Two-and-a-half-hour drive south to Acapulco, on a modern autopista. Thirty minutes to Tepoztlán, a magical village offering excellent dining, hiking, shopping and visiting he various 500-year-old structures. Thirty minutes to Tequesquitengo lake, offering water skiing, sky diving, renting ultralights, etc., and Hacienda Vista Hermosa. Forty minutes to Taxco, Guerrero, the silver capital of the world.

8) Climate. Cuernavaca is built on the side of a mountain. I live at a higher elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, however the city extends down to 1,240 meters above sea level. The zocalo is about 1,500 meters above sea level. What this means is there can be a ten-degree temperature variance in the city of Cuernavaca. If you prefer warm and sunny weather then you live in the lower sea level areas of the city. The higher you go the cooler and wetter the climate will be. Cuernavaca enjoys a rainy season beginning in mid-May and ending around the first of November. If you prefer less rain, then live at the lower elevations. The temperatures are moderate during the entire year, never hot and never cold. Cuernavaca is known as the City of Eternal Springtime. Flowers bloom the year round. I like to point out the temperature at my home in the middle of August at mid-day is around 20°C/68°F when the temperature in Dallas is hovering around 105°F!

9) Scenery/View. The higher colonias boast the most spectacular views imaginable. We have views of the Tepozteca which is the mountain overlooking the village of Tepoztlán and views of both snow-capped volcanos. Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl have snow covering the tops the year round. The view to the east and north are mountain peaks covered with green forest.

Ajijic, Jalisco

San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato

Cuernavaca, Morelos

The first time my wife and I came to Merida was 13 years ago and spent a couple of days. I must say that Mexico was one of the last countries I intended to visit, having a wrongful opinion about almost everything concerning the country. A few hours after our arrival in Mexico, I found out how wrong I was. We simply loved the city. When we came back to Canada, my wife mentioned it to some of her co-workers. One of them owned a house in Merida and told her that if we ever decided to return there, he could rent us his house. We accepted and spent two weeks in his beautiful restored Spanish colonial-style house. This gave us the opportunity to discover Merida and the region even more. The cost of living, the quality of life, the fascinating socio-cultural opportunities resulted in us wanting to spend more time in Merida.

Back in Canada, I became interested in Spanish colonial architecture and looked into the available real estate in Merida. I noticed many really nice houses were fitting in anyone's budget. The following year, we returned, but this time for three weeks, the goal being buying a house. We had a pretty good idea of the kind of colonial house we wanted. Many NOBs will rent a house instead of buying one. It's a matter of personal choice. We had made prior arrangments with our bank which would allow us to buy a house within our budget. We opened an account in an international bank that had branches in Canada and in Mexico allowing us to make quick and easy money transfers. After visiting many houses with a real estate agent, we found what we were looking for and made a written offer which was accepted. That was 11 years ago and we never regretted it. Members of the family and friends come and visit us from time to time. We spend at least six months a year here in Merida and have a property manager taking care of it when we're in Canada. We're permanent residents now.

Getting back to the question, wherever to think you could retire requires knowing the place, the neighborhood, its culture, the political environment, proximity of services, the costs in might involve and above all seeing if it honestly matches who you are and your capacity to adapt. Of course, good planning is a must. For example, we knew we would like to travel around considering the region is surrounded by Mayan sites, restored haciendas and close to a beautiful beach (Progreso), so we bought a car we could use on almost any kind of road. Merida will offer you almost everything you hope for. A very important number of expats from Canada and the USA live here or by the beach. You'll have events, fiestas and national holidays almost all the time and hell do they love fireworks here.

So my answer is 'YES'. It's worth living here in Merida. But don't forget. You don't improvise your retirement.

Tecate, almost halfway between Tijuana and Mexicali.

It may be a border town, but it’s void of all the tourist trappings.

It’s more rural than urban. I think the population is under 100,000.

Except for the Tecate Beer brewery, I don’t think there’s building larger than 4 stories there.

Tecate is home to many artists and writers.

It resembles what small town America must have looked like in the 50s.

Right across the border, if needed, there are banks, shopping, and services that offer things like a US address for mail, and PO boxes.

San Diego is less than an hour away, as are the beaches of Rosarito, Playas Tijuana, and San Diego.

When I get to near retirement age, I will at least consider Tecate without blinking. A lot will depend on my personal circumstances at that time which is too far off to foresee.

Viable financially or viable in terms of feeling comfortable?

While a person can live more easily on little money in Mexico than they could, say, in the US, Canada or most of Europe, I strongly advise people to never move to another country primarily for financial considerations.

Don’t move to Mexico because you could live in a larger home and go out to eat more often.

Move to Mexico because you love the country, the people and the culture. Because if you don’t you’re making a big mistake.

And if you’re unwilling to learn Spanish, forget about it. I’ve seen it happen and it’s a HUGE mistake. Your life will be very limited, your circle of acquaintances will consist only of other English-speakers, and you’ll rely far too much on bi-lingual people when you should be relying on yourself.

Hi -

The answer as you can tell from the other posts is maybe. It depends on you of course. But what seldom comes up in posts like these are the very specific tangibles, environmental factors, that are not negotiable. One or more may influence your decision.

Altitude - we are at 7,500′. The fact is that not everybody does well at this altitude. If you are constantly out of breath, have COPD, emphysema etc. this might not be your place.

Humidity - it is bone dry here. 15–20% humidity. If you have really dry skin, bloody noses and the like; or if you simply prefer swamp weather, this might not be your place

Seasons - Winter is real here. Are you physically fit enough to shovel a driveway or a porch? Do you enjoy cold weather? Can you afford the extra clothing, heating, and possibly a four-wheel drive vehicle? If not, this might not be your place.

Access - Taos is the way it is, in part because it is hard to get to. So if your idea of fun is a constant stream of visitors, or you still need or want to travel regularly, you may find Taos to be very inconvenient. It’s 5 hours to Denver, 90 minutes to the Santa Fe Airport and 2 1/2 hours to Albuquerque International Airport (Sunport.) Those times all assume good driving conditions. I won’t drive from Albuquerque or Santa Fe to Taos at night - the vast majority of the drive is not lit.

Health - New Mexico is one of the very poorest states in the Union. Its healthcare reflects that. My experience is that you can get good basic care here, though the waiting line for dermatologists both here and in Santa Fe is months long. If you need high tech treatments, or like to consult with specialists, you are on your way to Albuquerque, Houston, Denver or another major metro. If you need to do that a lot, this combined with the Access issue suggests that it might not be your place.

If you have a history of skin cancer, or very sensitive skin, or are very fair, you are going to need to pay a lot of attention. The sun here is intense. If you already have issues, this might not be your place.

One other thing - a lot of people suffer terribly from allergies here. Sage, chamisa, juniper and many others all pack a wallop. If you are highly sensitive, this might not be your place.

Dirt - most of us who live here like that it's not all paved. Particularly in the Spring, the wind howls for days and the dust devils fly. If you are ultra fastidious, or your idea of clean is the 30th floor in a sealed building, this might not be your place.

My point here is not to be negative. It is simply to say that for retirees these are factors that deserve serious consideration. If you start to check multiple ones, you know what, this might not be your place.

I am mexican and I’ve lived in many mexican cities. In Mexico there are a lot of Mexicos. If I go to Chiapas or Oaxaca I feel a foreigner in my own country. Diversity abounds in Mexico. So whether or not Mexico is a good place for retirement depends A LOT in which city you are thinking to do so.

I ’ve met a lot of people from Canada, Europe and the U.S that are retired and live in places like: San Miguel de Allende and Merida and they are really happy.

So pretty much, a little research would do good but, Mexico can be a nice place to retire, cheap and good weather for most people from other countries.

Here are some options:

Thailand:

Thailand now has a huge retirement population. Hot weather, good food and great beaches make life here easy for many., Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Chang Rai and Phuket are all popular expat destinations.

Medical facilities in Thailand are world-class, so much that Thailand is now a health tourism location. With world-class facilities offering heart bypass’ from $10,000, you can see why.

Expats coming from the UK and Europe are better off still getting expat insurance though, and for the over 65s, this will cost at least $200-$300 a month, so is a substantial extra cost compared to being in the UK or Spain. If you have pre-existing conditions, moreover, you may not get insured.

To get a retirement visa, there are some financial requirements. You need to have a bank account with THB 800,000 (about $25,000) and double that (close to $50,000) for a couple, or a monthly income of THB 65,000 (around $2,000 a month), or a combination of a bank account and income that exceeds THB 800,000.

After meeting this requirement, you must then obtain a one-year retirement visa. To get this you must be 50, have a Thai bank book and a letter from your bank in Thailand. In addition, you will need to provide pictures, a passport and departure cards.

You will also need to get an `extension of stay’ notice and a re-entry permit. This will allow you to re-enter the country if you leave it. Finally, you must report to immigration every 90 days to check in and verify the address you are living in. If you have ever been deported from Thailand or had any sort of criminal history you may not get the visa.

For people under 50 who are financial independent and retired, you will need to find another solution. One is to enroll on a Thai language course or another education course. Spend a limited amount of money, and get a student visa. In 2017, a `digital nomad visa` was introduced. Called a Smart Visa, it is designed for business people.

They have currently limited the applicants to startup business owners, investors, high-level executives, or other highly-skilled professionals. Visa rules are always changing, but if you have a decent budget and you are under 50, you should be able to get a visa. Spending 2-3 months a year in Thailand on a tourist visa if you live elsewhere in SE Asia, is very easy.

One of the biggest mistakes I have seen in Thailand is underestimating costs. Many Thais live off $1,000 a month or less, and you can too. But this doesn’t include luxuries. To travel a bit domestically and internationally, sometimes eat out, get insured and so on will cost you between $1,500-$2,500 depending on your tastes and expectations. A luxury retirement with maids and big house, may cost at least $4,000-$5,000 a month.

Indonesia

I lived in Jakarta in 2013-2014. Indonesia does attract expats as it is the biggest economy in South East Asia. Jakarta is an expat destination but not a retirement destination. It has some of the worst traffic I have seen, prices are expensive (especially for alcohol) and it is a business city.

Bali and some other beach resorts, in comparison, are laid back and cheaper. You can live in Bali in a villa and enjoy a luxury lifestyle of spas and massages, all for $2000. A more modest lifestyle can be had for $1,000-$1,500.

What did surprise me about Indonesia was how strict immigration can be. I found Indonesians some of the friendliest people I have met, but immigration at the airport were an exception. It was curious for me, as for most foreigners from high-income countries, why would they go to Indonesia on a tourist visa to take money from the non-existence Indonesian welfare system?

Based on that experience, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are numerous requirements to retire in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the age in which you can get a retirement visa is 55, 5 years older than Thailand. The other requirements include:

• Possess a passport or travel documents with more than 18 months remaining validity

• Copy of all passport pages

• A copy of your resume

• A copy of your marriage certificate, if you are married

• Proof of $18,000 per year of income. This will come from statements from your bank or investment funds. Married retired couples must both prove an individual income of $1500/month and apply separately.

• Proof of medical/health Insurance, life insurance, and third-party personal liability insurance in country of origin or Indonesia

• Statement of living accommodation in Indonesia. Minimum cost of US$35,000 if purchased house/apartment or, a minimum rental cost of US$500/month in Jakarta, Bandung, and Bali; US$300/month for other cities in Java Island, Batam, and Medan, and other cities a minimum US$ 200/month.

• Statement to declare intent to employ an Indonesian maid and/or driver whilst living in Indonesia

• Payment of Immigration Fee based on effective regulations

• You must sign a lease for housing with a minimum one year period. Alternately you can supply proof that you own a house under an Indonesian spouse's name.

Cambodia

Cambodia is an off-the-beaten-track location, but is up and coming. People are friendly, it is cheap, growing fast and has an easy visa system. Retirees can come to the airport and get a business visa on arrival, and then renew for up to 2 years a time. Kep and Kampot, moreover, are more relaxed than Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Having lived in 5 countries, visited 35 and visited more than 200 cities, I haven’t seen a place as good value as Phnom Penh for some things. Not cheap, but good value. Basic goods like water are more expensive than China or Thailand, but you can go to an excellent French or other international restaurant for lunch for $10. And that is for three courses! A traditional Khmer massage can cost you $6-$7 including a tip.

Sihanoukville has a sleazy reputation, but like Pattaya, has been trying to change its image. Some of the beaches are beautiful. It doesn’t have the same amenities as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, but it does offer a more relaxed lifestyle.

Malaysia

One of the big positives about Malaysia is that they do have a specific retiree scheme. Started in 1997, it has become popular in particular amongst British retirees, which is unsurprising, given that Malaysia is a former UK colony. That fact means that over 90% of Malaysians speak fluent English. Coupled with the golf courses, natural scenery and excellent climate, this puts Malaysia high on an expat retirees list.

Under the My Malaysia Second Home Program, expats pay a one off fee of $3,000. The program then helps expats get a 10 year visa, and also helps with housing. Like Indonesia, the capital city is more expensive, but the traffic situation is much better. Outside the capital, expat retirees can buy a house for $75,000-$150,000.

Penang is a good destination for retirement. Cheaper and more laid back than Kuala Lumpur, with a good climate and the same excellent food, it offers retirees a great standard of living.

Vietnam

Vietnam doesn’t have as easy visa situation as Cambodia or Malaysia for retirees. But Vietnam is currently in the `sweet spot` of development in HCMC, the most developed city in Vietnam. It is still cheap, but it is developed enough to offer extra conveniences compared to Cambodia, such as readily available taxis and cheaper consumer goods due to economies of scale and other issues.

Even though Vietnam doesn’t currently offer retirement visas, it is relatively easy to stay on tourist and business visas long term. Another negative about Vietnam, is like Cambodia, excellent healthcare can only be found in bigger cities such as Ho Chi Minh. Thailand offers world-class healthcare these days, and health tourism has been their reward. If you get sick or need certain medicines, Vietnam isn’t the best option, even if you get expat medical insurance.

According to International Living (https://internationalliving.com/...), Vietnam comes way down the list when considering a good place to retire. Having said that, I would say most expats (both retirees and working age individuals) seem happy in Cambodia and Vietnam, if they can get used to the way of living.

Spain, Portugal and Greece

Spain is arguably the `original` retiree destination for British, Dutch, Germany and Scandinavian expats. With cheap or subsidized healthcare if you are from the EU (at least for British people until March 2019!), Spain can actually compete on cost with Thailand and Cambodia once you factor in this benefit.

With relatively good costs in some parts of the country, excellent climate and proximity to other European countries, Spain, Greece and Portugal will continue to be popular expat destinations.

In Portugal, retirees outside the EU usually hold Type I visas. That visa requires people to show proof of private health insurance valid in Europe, as well as proof of sufficient funds to support living and a criminal background check. After five years’ residence in Portugal, retirees can apply for a permanent residence visa, with associated healthcare benefits.

Portugal has a great reputation of having friendly locals, an easy-going lifestyle and ease of opening bank accounts. Against that, driving is supposed to be dangerous and Portuguese is a more difficult language to learn for many expats compared to Spanish and French, but that will depend on your native language.

Bulgaria

Also in the EU, but certainly not a traditional retirement destination, Bulgaria is an up-and-coming retirement destination. With houses from $55,000, cheap costs and an ever increasing expat community, Bulgaria’s expat community is likely to continue to grow. Similar to Cambodia within Europe, in some ways.

One of the advantages of Bulgaria is it is in the EU, so expats from other EU countries don’t require visas. Non-EU citizens who are retired in their home country can apply for a Bulgarian Pensioner D visa and temporary residence permit. Documents submitted to the embassy will include:

1. Documents showing you are entitled to a retirement income, legalized with a notary public.
2. Document from a bank in Bulgaria ascertaining that the application has a valid bank account in Bulgaria, where regular transfers can be made
3. Evidence of address in Bulgaria
4. Medical insurance

Mexico/Dominican Republic/Panama/Costa Rica :

For Americans and Canadians, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are good destinations. The visa situation is very favorable in Dominican Republic, with even overstayers fined a relatively small amount of money.

Mexico has an easy-going lifestyle, but many people are worried about safety. Most of the crimes are committed by people who know each other, such as gang members, so retirees aren’t usually targeted.

For Americans all over the world, getting expat insurance will be cheaper than back home. From experience, most Americans are happier with the overseas insurance situation compared to Europeans. For British people who have grown up in a system where healthcare is free at the point of use, people can feel it is an extra cost.

One of the advantages of retiring in Panama is that you only need to prove funds of $600 a month. That doesn’t mean that it is recommended that you can only live on $600 a month in Panama, but it does show the rules are less strict than elsewhere.

In terms of safety and proximity, Costa Rica ticks many boxes. It has been a retirement destination for Canadians and Americans for 30+ years now for this reason, and many other factors.

Before going out consider all the emotional, financial and social consequences. One thing is I would avoid (for the most part) getting expat mortgages - How to get international or expat mortgage

Some reading:

How to Retire in Thailand: Considerations and Requirements

Is getting wealthy easy?

Fed up with 0% interest rates.

6 Steps to Financial Freedom

I voted for Puerto Vallarta, after driving all of Baja and the entire western coast down to Huatulco. We moved there for 2.4 years to kick-start our retirement. We have since moved on, but will returning for another visit in April. It is a nice sized town (about 350K metro area) with most amenities Americans and Canadians enjoy (lots of different restaurants, some major retailers like Walmart and Costco, a vibrant night life scene, a stunningly beautiful bay and extensive beach areas, a wide range of accommodations by type and price), a significant US and Canadian expat community with many more returning each year for 3-6 months in the winter, cheap public transit, etc. The summers are a bit humid but that is the main knock on the place. It is not as charmingly old as, say, San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato, but they lack the ocean. And the cobblestones streets make the Romantic Zone feel older than in fact it is. I recommend all potential expats looking at Mexico at least give it a look. Warm water all year long.

San Miguel de Allende has always, since I remember been a placid retirement paradise for people from the US.

But if I was in that position, I would rather pick either Guaymas, Sonora or Pátzcuaro, Michoacán. The first place if you want peace of mind, luxury houses in front of the beach, with many water related activities, since it is by the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the desert.

The second place would be a peaceful, slow in tempo, rich in anything from the earth (best food in Mexico), in the middle of gourgeous mountains and with people with a heart of gold in general (my own ancestors come from this place). The only disadvantage is that you will have to learn spanish and be humble, as purépechas don't beleive in such thing as superiority of the american man.

Best wishes.

It is for several hundred thousand Americans and Canadians.

This is similar to our plan. We’ve been tinkering with and looking at migration options. So while we keep considering Colombia and Chile, we are almost certainly going to decide on the location that is the closest to the US given that we still have family here and that as Americans, it may be important at some point in time to get back to the US.

We are focused on three options.

(I refuse to go down the rabbit hole of “is it safe?” If that is a concern of yours, I respect that. But I won’t be addressing here as I don’t consider that to be a pressing concern. Some of that is wealth. Most of it is just being savvy about the local language and culture.)

We are leaning toward Mazatlán. I love the city and the people are cien por cien, la mas genial y de buen humor del mundo. And, they sort of are. They make Tinerfeños seem stern and unapproachable, by comparison. To say that about any sub-group of Mexicans (some of the most kind people in the multiverse) is quite a statement.

We are also considering Cabo. Why Cabo? Well, we like the place well enough, though it is not as historic as some other cities. The entire region is busy growing, as foreigners spend money there at expensive hotels. While I do love a good all inclusive, we tend to rent a condo while we are there.

Lastly is Merida. We have not been there yet. I’ve read that Merida a really REALLY great town especially for American retirees. As fate would have it, the region has the weather and geography of Florida. The presence of an existing expat community and it’s cultural significance mean that it’s a good option.

Thank you for your question Luz. I think the best place to retire to is very personal and depends on a lot of factors. So I will write about our experiences and hope that is some help to you.

My husband and I both grew up on the prairies of Alberta. I have to admit that I love my land. Wide open big sky country.

When I was just a newly wed my husband and I used to holiday in Kelowna which is a beautiful city near one of the largest lakes in British Columbia. It had a reputation of being a great retirement spot for Albertans because of the beauty of the land and warmer winters. We thought we might retire there as we grew older. Many of my friends and working colleagues have now retired there or nearby so we were certainly not alone in thinking it would be a good place to move to.

Then about 20 years ago we started going on holidays to Vancouver Island. That is a beautiful spot of the world and has a very mild climate also. Many Albertans retired there for the same reasons. Beautiful country, mild winters near water. Us prairie people are landlocked and sometimes the allure of water front property proves overwhelming. We talked about buying some property there and my husband talked to a lot of people from Alberta who retired to that area. I was still working so I knew we would not be moving soon but dreaming is free and quite lovely while you are imagining starting a new life somewhere beautiful.

And so, now I am at the point in my life where I can walk away from work. Although I am still working…very part time….I can retire if the job’s benefits outweigh the downsides. Right now they are about 50/50. But a few things have happened over the past few years. My husband has skin cancer and should see his doctor every three months. Once a year he is referred to a specialist and must go for surgery to remove new growths. Our health care here in Alberta is top notch. No small consideration. Also our sons live here. Over the past 5 years we have lost two close friends to cancer. Many of our friends have moved to warmer places and do not hold the same connections as they used to. Our family has become more important to us. We also have realized that our cute little bungalow is just the right size. No climbing a lot of stairs, we have a nice garden we both like to work at, I have my volunteer work that I do not want to give up and we realize that our life in our house,, where we have lived for almost 40 years…is the best place to retire. And so we have decided to stay here…right where we started. We are fortunate, not everyone has the ability to make choices as they age.

I think if I had retired 10 years ago when my husband wanted me to…we would have moved to the island. But I chose to work because I loved my job. Now, I think we have aged out…we do not want the lures that beckoned us in the past. We have looked over the horizon and found we liked our little spot in the world the best. Cheers.

There are two in particular.

San Miguel de Allende a beautiful town about a 2 1/2 hr. drive north of Mexico City. It attracts the more affluent retirees as prices tend to be high. Mexicans joke that it’s practically a US colony. As proof of that this small town is home to a US Consulate—unusual for such a small place.

The other is The Lake Chapala area one hr. from Guadalajara. It’s several small towns, the most popular with foreigners being Ajijic. As a rule it doesn’t attract the affluent. This is where many come who are simply looking for a way to stretch those small Social Security checks.

I lived in Chapala for almost a year and developed a negative opinion of it. It contains about 30,000 foreign residents, more than half from the US but also many from Canada and Europe.

The vast majority make no effort whatsoever to learn Spanish. I’ve met people who have lived in the area for 20 years and still can’t read a menu in Spanish. They’re tied up in their own little community and few have friends who are locals. The general attitude is that of The British Raj. The locals are there to serve us.

For anyone interested in experiencing Mexico I wouldn’t recommend either place. But, for some it’s what works for them.

The first thing to consider is the logistics. What of your personal belongings are you going to move and what are you going to get rid of before moving? How are you going to accomplish the move, yourself in your own vehicle(s) or by hiring someone to move for you? And about those vehicles, are you going to be able to nationalize them in Mexico or will you have to sell them in the U.S. and replace them after the move?

Next, consider where specifically in Mexico you will be moving. Mexico is a big country with a lot of different climates and environments. There is Mexico City, the largest city in North America, plus a several other large cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey. There are beach towns, large and small. There are smaller colonial cities and rural areas. Each will come with their own advantages and disadvantages. And even after picking a geographic destination, there is still picking the exact neighborhood within that city or area.

Finally, consider that when you move to Mexico, you are leaving the United States. Things are going to be a little different. Obviously, the language is going to be different, but so are certain “norms” and customs. You need to be prepared to adapt to some different ways of doing certain things.

I have been living in Mexico since 2012, and I love it here; I cannot imagine ever moving back to the U.S. Still, a sense of adventure and a willingness to accept that some things here are just different than “back home” will go a long way speeding the adjustment.

When chosing an expat retirement location there are several factors to consider that can filter down your options.

1. Is it important to be around other expats?
2. How well do you speak Spanish?
3. Do you want to feel like you are in a US version of Mexico or are you looking for a more authentic Mexican experience. Not that the two are not compatible and obtainable in some locations but just how "native" are you looking to go?
4. What climate do you like? Mexico has more ecological diversity than many other countries. You can go from desert, to jungle, temperate to tropical, high elevation to lowlamd, you get the picture.
5. Is being close to a major city important? If you are a senior, then access to quality acute care healthcare access might be important. There are even some retirement communities there that are an "age in place" model where the have from independent single family homes but also have assisted living and even skilled nursing.
6. You also have to consider how often you want to travel back and forth from your home country. If you will be traveling multiple times per year, you will likely want to be relatively close to a major city with international flights.

• If you want a more americanized experience, a desert climate that spills into the ocean then Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, MX is a great option. Beautiful golf courses, a nice mix of high end and more affordable options. You can get an inland condo or even single family home in a managed community with nice finishes and a distant ocean view for under $200,000, all the way up to multi million $ luxury ocean front. Cabo is broken up into 2 cities about 15 minutes apart, San Jose de los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas, the latter being more geared toward tourism and hospitality, and former being more of a local Mexican town bit there are lots of good options there as well. I like San Jose because you have nice housing options, beaches, golf, shopping, dining, but it has a lot more local color. In general Cabo is very different from other parts of México. It is very isolated from the rest of the country, it's Mexico's equivalent to Hawaii. It has been more less immune from the unrest from drug cartels that has plagued the rest of the country.
• If tropical humid climate is what you desire, there are many options in Quintana Roo (the Yucatan peninsula).
• Guadalajara is very popular retirement city with a large expat retirement community. Despite unrest in other parts of the country, Guadalajara has been largely spared. The rythm of the city is much more laid back than Mexico City, even though it has several million people. The climate is nice, food is great, it's cosmopolitan, lots of culture, but not the urban jungle of the capital.
• Monterrey in the north used to be a good spot, but the cartels have caused a lot of problems there in the last decade. I have friends from there and although it's gotten better in he last few years, it's still not what it used to be. I would take Guadalajara any day.
• Another place to consider, much more mexican, but one worth checking out is Queretaro, just outside the capital. It has some very nice golf course communities and a healthy upper middle class population. There are several developments there that cater to expat retirees. There is also a lot of high tec manufacturing there with international companies so there is a diverse expat community. That along with the slower pace makes it a nice spot. I spent time there on business and I would definitely consider living there.

Mexico is an amazing country with unparalleled ecogical and cultual diversity. You could spend a lifetime in the different parts of the country and never stop discovering different foods, cultures, languages (México has the most living indigenous dialects of any country in the world), and landscapes. Good luck in your search.