Where to retire in Mexico?

5 min read

When it comes time to retire, many Americans are choosing to make the move south of the border and settle down in Mexico. What’s more, there are also increasing numbers of UK citizens and European Union citizens following suit. Even retirees from as far away as Australia and New Zealand are packing their bags and moving to Mexico to spend their golden years.

Why retire in Mexico?

What is it about Mexico that makes it such an attractive retirement destination?

  1. A low cost of living: Mexico is incredibly affordable in comparison to countries like the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, and the EU.
  2. Geography: Mexico is right next to the USA, so it’s simple to hop in the car and visit America whenever you like.
  3. Healthcare is cheaper in Mexico, which is a major concern for many older people.
  4. Amazing food, a rich culture, great weather, amazing beaches, historic architecture, and a laid-back lifestyle.
  5. Property prices in Mexico are cheaper than many other retirement destinations in the world.

But where is the best place to retire in Mexico? Mexico is a big country with many different areas to choose from. If you’re wondering where to retire in Mexico, keep reading. We’ve taken a close look at some of the best places to retire in Mexico. Better start brushing up on your Spanish!

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Choosing the right location

When you’re choosing a place to live, it’s all about the location. Whether you’re looking for the best places in Mexico to retire in luxury or the best places to retire in Mexico on a budget, location is important. Do you want to be by the beach? Or would you prefer to be in the mountains? Do you want a bustling city lifestyle or a quieter life in a rural setting? Are you wondering what is the safest place to retire in Mexico?

It’s well worth the time to consider your needs and wants carefully. Do your research well, and you’re sure to find the ideal place to retire in Mexico. Take a look at our list of some of the best places to retire in Mexico.

Life in Mexico

Merida

Located in the Yucatán Peninsula, Merida is a cultural hub regarded as one of the safest cities in all of Mexico for retirees. If you’re looking for a beautiful city with a rich heritage, great food, friendly people, and its own airport, then Merida might be for you. The price per square metre to buy real estate in Merida is approximately £1,004 (US $1,310.76).

Good to know

Merida isn’t on the coast, so the temperatures can get a little higher here in the summer than in other areas.

Cancun

Cancun has long been a major Mexican tourist attraction. The area boasts stunning turquoise-coloured water, white sand beaches and a wide range of restaurants and bars. For history buffs, there are stunning Mayan ruins just outside of the city.

Cancun itself is a bustling metropolis with a great shopping district. Situated on Mexico’s famous Riveria Maya, Cancun has gorgeous weather all year round. There’s also a large number of English-speaking immigrants and retirees in Cancun. Healthcare isn´t an issue as there are more than 700 specialist doctors within the city. The price per square metre to buy real estate in Cancun is approximately £2,555 (US $3,335.66).

Good to know

The cost of living in Cancun can be higher than in other areas, depending on what part of the city you settle in.

Playa del Carmen

Another jewel of the Riveria Maya is Playa del Carmen. About an hour’s drive from Cancun,. Playa del Carmen is a more affordable option . But it’s very popular! Despite a highly competitive property market, Playa del Carmen still has affordable apartments available in gated communities.

As one of the hot tourist spots on the Riveria, Playa del Carmen combines a beach lifestyle with all the modern conveniences you might want from a major city. The price per square metre to buy real estate in Playa del Carmen is approximately £3,257 (US $4,252.18).

Lake Chapala

If you want to retire in a place that combines majestic natural beauty with charming Mexican architecture, then Lake Chapala is a great choice. Because it is on the exact same latitude as Hawaii, Lake Chapala has an abundance of tropical plants, flowers and wildlife. The lake is magnificent plus there are numerous hikes to local waterfalls and natural hot springs.

The area is famous for its murals, with locals painting vivid pictures on homes, businesses, and even utility poles. Lake Chapala has one of the oldest immigrant communities in Mexico and is just half an hour’s drive to Guadalajara International Airport and a 12-hour drive to the Mexico-United States border. The price per square metre to buy real estate in Lake Chapala is approximately £3,100 (US $4,047.18).

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San Miguel de Allende

Located deep in the Mexican interior San Miguel de Allende is often referred to as one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. A UNESCO World Heritage site, San Miguel de Allende is breathtaking. The city is full of historic architecture that retains its original condition.

San Miguel de Allende has attracted painters, artists, actors, and musicians since the second world war. It also has a temperate climate and a low cost of living in comparison to some of the more popular areas in Mexico. The price per square metre to buy real estate in San Miguel de Allende is approximately £1,500 (US $1,958.31).

How to plan your retirement dream in Mexico?

Planning retirement in Mexico requires time and thought. Once you’ve settled on a place to move to, you’ll need to make sure your finances are in order, decide what you want to take with you and arrange for your belongings to be moved.

The other important thing to consider is your visa. If you’re under 64, you’ll need to apply for a normal permanent residence visa. If you’re 64 or over, you can apply for a retirement visa.

3 key things to remember
  • Mexico has plenty of affordable property to choose from.
  • Inland Mexico can get very hot.
  • It’s easy to visit the USA from Mexico.

How iad Overseas can help you retire in Mexico

Retiring to another country can be challenging. We can provide you with all the advice and guidance you need to make your retirement in Mexico easy, affordable, and enjoyable.

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