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You have heard the buzz. Millions of Americans and Canadians nearing retirement age are seeking south. Mexico draws thousands of foreign retirees every year. And those numbers will explode as much more baby boomers hit the magical number to let them quit working and commence living.
Here's a list, in no unique order, of 12 points that could have you saying "Hasta la vista" to residence and heading south of the border.
1. Excellent of Life: Intangible and difficult to put a value on, this is the one factor most expatriates cite very first when asked why they retired to Mexico. It is a combination of various of the other reasons listed below--the consumers, the culture, the pace, the cost, even the food.
2. Weather: Mexico's a big country, with a wide range of weather conditions. What you will not do there is shovel snow and chip ice off your windshield. In retirement havens like San Miguel de Allende, Ajijic, and Cuernavaca, the weather is close to excellent all the year. Spring-like conditions are the norm. You will live outdoors far more, dining al fresco, chatting with pals on a park bench. For foreign retirees tired of mufflers and snow-blowers, this can be a significant reason to retire in Mexico.
three. Cost of Living: Lots of parts of Mexico, particularly those that appeal most to American and Canadian expatriates like San Miguel de Allende, are not as low-cost as they applied to be. But housing costs are still far lower than a comparable community up north. Property taxes are laughably low. Rentals are rather reasonable. Shopping the outdoor markets is a joy, and you get a lot much more for your cash. Overall, you can count on about a 25% lower price of living than you'd pay for a comparable lifestyle back property.
four. Domestic Aid: Just before moving to Mexico, I by no means thought I'd begin a sentence with "My maid...." In Mexico, I can. Since wages are still low, most foreign retirees can afford household aid, at least portion time. A maid, a cook, a gardener... all are within reach.
five. Contemporary Infrastructure: If you still feel Mexico's a third-world country full of hovels with no running water, you will be amazed to get modern cities with everything you require to live comfortably and to stay in touch with family back household--or even run a business enterprise lengthy distance. Reliable high-speed world wide web and phone connections, cable Television (with important US programming where expats congregate), superb wellness care--there is no want to give up the modern conveniences you are utilised to.
6. Simpler Pace: The mañana complex is not entirely myth. There never seems to be a reason to hurry in Mexico. Once you adapt to this slower pace, you'll wonder why you had been in such a hurry all those years. Your body begins to relax your mind slows down. You have time to literally "smell the flowers," (which are everywhere in Mexico!) There always seems to be time to chat with a friend, linger over a cafe con leche, decide on the best papaya from the pile.
7. Culture: Mexico has a lengthy, rich history and a complex culture. In San Miguel de Allende, you'll constantly be asking "What fiesta is it at this time?" The color, the fireworks, music, dances, the people's really like of a fantastic party will soon enter your soul. In places like San Miguel, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Mexico City you have access to world-class cultural activities: ballet, symphony, a fabulous chamber music festival, art galleries, theater presentations in English and Spanish, film festivals, lectures, art classes, writing classes, yoga classes.... nicely, you get the notion.
8. The Folks: Mexicans are a warm and welcoming folks. Hospitality is a way of life. "Mi casa es su casa" is not just a phrase on a wall plaque here. It is their reality. They also have a fantastic sense of humor and will even be patient with your attempts to speak their language. The Mexicans' really like of color, of music and dancing and parties will spill onto you. And the sooner you understand to speak some Spanish, the much more welcome you will be... and the richer your expertise of living amongst them.
9. Sense of Community: Perhaps it's since persons tend to invest much more time in public, but you will easily develop a powerful sense of community. It is painless to make pals. The volunteer opportunities in most Mexican towns also give you a chance to give back, to make a distinction--a different fulfilling tie to the community.
10. Communication: Though you will need to be attempting to understand Spanish, you will come across where northern retirees congregate, English is fairly wide-spoken. The individuals you interact with on a every day basis are much more likely to speak it. Waiters, businesspeople, government officials, even taxi drivers will be trying challenging to communicate with you.
11. Breathtaking Location: Mexico is a diverse and attractive country. The central plateau offers mountains and lakes, high desert and prairie. The coasts has exquisite beaches. The south has jungles and ancient ruins. Everywhere you go in Mexico, there is spectacular scenery to appreciate and enrich you. And you are by no means far from an airport, a superhighway, or a deluxe inter-city bus to get you there or take you household again.
12. Safety: Regardless of what you can have noticed on the news, most of Mexico is quite secure for foreigners. In towns like Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Ajijic, crime rates are extremely low compared to comparable towns up north. People really feel safe walking the streets. You'll be even more relaxed as you recognize you're less most likely to be a victim of a crime than you were back residence.
Maybe you, too, will need to contemplate retiring in Mexico. After a lifetime of nose-to-the-grindstone, which tends to limit one's view, retirement is a time to spread your wings, to find out new issues, start off a new hobby, make new friends from distinct backgrounds. Mexico is a amazing launching field for that. You will be studying a new language, discovering a new culture, possibly studying to paint or make jewelry or play golf. And you will be surrounded by other people with a amazing spirit of adventure, not afraid to take on new tests.
Are you up for the challenge?
