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Mexico Named Best Place To Retire
Been to Mexico? I have a few times and I love it. It's not just the hot weather and the gorgeous beaches -- Mexico is a really friendly, vibrant place with a lot of energy and culture. At least what I've seen of it. Anyway, I digress. The point of this post is to write about how Mexico was named the best place to retire by an annual retirement index in International Living magazine. It used to be that Panama held this coveted title, but housing prices have since sky-rocketed -- I hope this doesn't happen to Mexico too!  Want to see what all the fuss is about? Check out our Travel Guide for Mexico. Not interested in Mexico? Learn more about Australia or South Africa. |
I couldn't find a copy of the whole list -- I wonder if my native Canada made the cut? There are definitely some retirement-worthy places here too. But given the choice between Mexico and the prairie winters, you know which one I'm going with.
(Of course, there are plenty of great places in the U.S. to retire. Check out Money & Finance's great retirement spots in the U.S. and decide if any of them are for you.)
Reader Comments (Page 7 of 7)
J. Shultz Oct 2nd 2007 4:58PM
Mexico is fast becoming the armpit of the Americas because of their incessant corruption from top to bottom, their high crime, drug wars and police shakedowns of gringos. The drug murders have spread to once safe tourist destinations. Anyone who goes to Mexico, for any reason, is nuts and is taking their life in their hands.
Rob Oct 2nd 2007 6:39PM
not a single Mexican resident has answered my question about their concern for government laws that may allow officals to confiscate foreign owned property. You may love it there. You may be very happy there - now. But if there are no laws to protect your property rights...your risk far outweighs any benefits described on any of these posts.
gsigis1362 Oct 2nd 2007 8:14PM
I looked at 1875 properties all over the world before I bought my retirement home......Mexico was on the list, being American and it is so close.
Did you know that when you buy a home in Mexico, that you truly do not own it, it is considered a lease and reverts back to the government in 99 years.
I know I will never live that long, but what a great thing to do to your kids, leave them nothing.
I bought in Brazil three years ago....outside of Rio de Janeiro in the most beautiful spot in the world. Best thing I ever did.....I go there every three months for a month. No regrets. Its heaven on earth.
Miriam Oct 2nd 2007 8:34PM
I don't agree with 87. People retire to another country because that's what they want to do. Not because they don't have enough money. People that come from a low-middle class background usually have not traveled that much outside the US during their working years to even think of looking into something like that.
sra. buffington Oct 3rd 2007 7:46PM
As an American very happily retired in Mexico, I simply want to address the angry, ignorant, probably young, and prejudiced posters who can't understand why Mexico would be a great place to retire when "lousy" Mexican "illegals" are coming to the US to work.
Duh??????
The very definition of "retiring" is to quit working!!! This means you have to have assets to live on. Few expats go to Mexico to work for a living. Your US assets will go a lot farther in Mexico than they will in the US. I'm not even going to address the issue of why it is so nice to retire here. Frankly, most of us expats do not want to see a bigger influx of gringos here.
But, for you young, ignorant, prejudiced types, think about what kind of retirement you might expect in the US...probably you don't have inherited wealth, and you don't sound intelligent enough to hold down a decent long-term job. So, you are going to be poor in your retirement, which may come for you around age...80? Who do you think is going to take care of you when you are old and infirm? Your family?? What a laugh! Who is going to pay your atrocious medical bills? Do you have, oh, a half-million bucks stashed away? There are many considerations to retiring, and leaving the US is a most salient point to consider.
Rob Oct 4th 2007 11:31AM
This, from post 91:
91. I don't agree with 87. People retire to another country because that's what they want to do. Not because they don't have enough money. People that come from a low-middle class background usually have not traveled that much outside the US during their working years to even think of looking into something like that.
Doesn't fit with this from post 94:
The very definition of "retiring" is to quit working!!! This means you have to have assets to live on. Few expats go to Mexico to work for a living. Your US assets will go a lot farther in Mexico than they will in the US.
Sounds like money actually IS a big factor. And 94 actually IS a resident in Mexico.
To Post 93: Thanks for a very well presented and reasonable response. I've read alot from residents that say all is great so there are no problems. But have they been pro-active enough to check on issues such as crime statistics? It only takes one bad experience to change a perception forever.
Dick Lyman Oct 10th 2007 5:45AM
I know I'm wasting my time, but I have the time to waste. Several people have pointed out that they do own their homes and the land upon which they are built. THAT IS TRUE WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS:
I'm not exactly sure of the exact locations, but some places on the coast one cannot own the land. They must purchase it in trust. Some say this is safer than actual ownership. Again, I'm not sure. Those people who lost their homes in Baja had bought Indian lands from people who didn't own it. They were also in the zone in which they couldn't own land and it was before the trust system was set up. Although I feel sorry for them, they just did not do enough research.
In the interior, one can own his/her land and home. We have a deed that is exactly the same as that of a Mexican citizen. If you hear stories of people in our area losing their home and property, it is because they have bought land from someone who didn't own it or have bought ejido (basically like reservations - a little) land illegally. Ejido land can be purchased, but it is a long and very difficult process requiring agreement from all members of the ejido - almost impossible to get. There is no such thing as title insurance and it is essential to be very careful when purchasing a home in Mexico. BUT YOU CAN PURCHASE ONE AND YOU DO OWN THE LAND EXCEPT AS INDICATED ABOVE.
Another misconception is that people only come here to live because they can't afford to live elsewhere. That is true for some. One can live here comfortably on Social Security (no kibbles and bits, no tumble down single wides in the paths of hurricanes, etc.) For many of us, however, we live here because we choose to even though we can live elsewhere comfortably.
Mexico isn't for everyone. The beauty of it is that for those who have expressed ignorant and bigotted comments above, it would not be a desirable living environment. For those who are flexible and adventurous, as well as able to deal with some degree of change, it is a great place to live.
In my previous comment #74, I said we pay our maid $35 (US) for 5 hours. I was wrong. We pay $220 pesos (about $21 US).
usfighter Oct 12th 2007 7:38PM
You should stay in america.It is a great place to live.America#1
Marsha Nov 6th 2007 10:16AM
I've read the comments on Mexico. I am trying to get info on moving there. After all the different opinions that I read, I feel more confused. If anyone has a book to suggest that I can read that will help me please respond. I would to understand the truth about moving to Mexico. Thank You Marsha
Dave Jun 8th 2008 11:25AM
Well...to Marsha...the negative comments are generally from bigoted non insightful individuals who more on a podium to speak their uninformed views than those like myself who actually live here. I'm 41 and still working. I researched several diff countries but finally decided on MX because it's close to the states...it has all the amenities (sp) and the myths about MX are like those Americans have about Canada. You ask any American why they have such a lesser degree of violent crime...You'll get the pantheon of responses...they don't have movies like the us...they don't have the guns like the us..they don't have social problems like in the US..complete BS...you only notice the difference when you look up at the TV and listen to their politicians. My God...is he actually making sense? Something American policiticians could take a lesson from. Stop worrying and narrow your choices...I love it here but since I'm not even close to retiring I'm going to try some other latin nations and possibly the far east. You only have one life so why not live it. Family is gone...I'm divorced...no kids...2 step daughters grown and married...so what the heck right...How about some adventure for once in my life...All those who want to stay in the US...guess what...STAY THERE!!!!!! Please don't come here...we don't need your ridiculous bullheaded antiquated ignorant views here. We're all doing just fine thank you very much. Good Luck Marsha..God Bless
rovoo Nov 19th 2007 11:03AM
I think Denmark is a great place to retire.
http://www.rovoo.com/