Mexico Retirement

Retiring to Mexico is an option many a person has in mind when they start thinking about retiring and settling down someplace comfortable and yet inexpensive. Mexico is a beautiful place full of scenic beauty and yet, is not very expensive at all, especially in comparison to places like United States and Canada. It is the place of choice for those seeking a great place to retire to and resettle in because, among other reasons, it is extremely affordable and offers value for money when it comes to your retirement income.

• If you’re on the lookout for retirement communities in Mexico, you’ll have plenty of choices. Several of these turn out to be time-share resales, which might just be your cup of tea, if you’re planning on something that is part time. When it comes to Americans, resettling in Mexico is not a new trend. They have been doing so for many years and this is primarily because Mexico is not very far away from America, and it is affordable, scenic and has a lovely climate. The place has a very rich cultural heritage and is known to be foreigner friendly and very hospitable. So, if you’re looking to move to Mexico as well, your decision should be lauded. And there is a lot of information at your disposal if you want to take advantage of everything there is to enjoy in Mexico.

• Americans have flooded Mexico in every region possible, from cities to beach resorts, colonial towns to fishing villages. There are a few areas however which seem to bring in more people than others. They include Guadalajara and Lake Chapala, which consist of a large number of North American retirement communities. The services and facilities are also in English. Cuernavaca, also called “Land of Eternal Spring” and Mexico City are the other main hot spots. San Miguel de Allende, or The San Francisco of Mexico, is another clear favourite among Americans for its arty atmosphere. Merida and Oaxaca, although situated farther off, also have many expatriates.

• The retirement options are many and diverse. During winter, many go for the relatively warmer climates south of the border. Some take six month tourist visas every year to come stay. Some opt for working papers, generally to teach English, and these need to be renewed annually. And then there are those who go for “rentista” permits, retiring to Mexico the whole year round, provided they meet the minimum income requirements necessary.

• There are many reasons why Americans prefer Mexico. The first reason is its closeness to America. This means that the retirees are never really very far away from their families. Legal social security retirement benefits are also there for Americans who live in Mexico. Banking and buying a house a relatively simple affair, thanks to the internet, although houses on the coast and communal lands have special requirements and conditions that have to be met. Food is delicious, simple and affordable. Health care is affordable and cheap too, but Medicare coverage isn’t there in Mexico. Household help is very inexpensive. And last but not least, public transportation is cheap and available widely and in plenty.

On top of all that, retirement communities also include a large number of developments and housing options and arrangements meant for age-specific markets and for people with a wide range of needs and interests. These include private single family homes and apartments allowing for complete independent living, multi story buildings with assisted living facilities and finally, to nursing home care which is medically structured. Some communities might have all three or either one. In the end of the day, it depends on the individual’s health status, costs, the services available, and the amenities and to the extent the individual is capable of caring for himself for a short or long period of time.