The climate, the lower cost of living and the culture make Mexico one of the best places to retire. While there are some variations in climate depending on location and elevation, overall Mexico's climate is temperate and comfortable with few extreme changes in temperature. Compared to many countries like the United States, Europe and Canada, a quality lifestyle is less expensive for retirees in Mexico. Real estate, food and health-care costs are comparatively less costly in Mexico. In addition, the rich historical culture, friendly people and fresh foods make Mexico one of the best places to retire.
For many people, retirement in Mexico can be a challenging transition, so doing the research about security, costs and lifestyle changes are important. While some people from other countries enjoy retiring in Mexico among the locals, many expatriates retiring in Mexico tend to conglomerate in popular retirement communities in places like Mazatlan and Lake Chapala.
Retire in Mazatlan, Mexico
Mazatlan is one of the best places to retire in Mexico because of its location on the Pacific Coast, its large number of retirement communities and its quality medical facilities. Besides being a popular place to retire for expatriates, Mazatlan is also the second largest coastal city in Mexico and a popular tourist destination. Mazatlan houses Mexico's largest commercial port. According to Solutions Abroad, there are six main real estate zones in Mazatlan:
- Northern Mazatlan stretches across an uninterrupted portion of the Sabalo Cerritos Beach between the Mazatlan Marina and Brujas Point. There are several condominium and housing communities. Access to shopping, dining and entertainment is conveniently accessed by car, by public transportation and by foot.
- Marina Mazatlan is located between the Golden Zone and Northern Mazatlan and is an excellent place for boat lovers to retire in Mexico. There are many harbor-front residential neighborhoods and an 18-hole golf course. Marina Mazatlan is also in a convenient location close to many of the attractions of Mazatlan.
- The Golden Zone is Mazatlan's main area for shopping, dining and entertainment, so it attracts a lot of tourists. This active area contains many condominium communities and hotels. Nightclubs and restaurants are only a short walk away from most residences.
- The Malecon stretches along a few beaches and connects the Old Town and the Golden Zone. The Malecon is the most walker-friendly part of Mazatlan with a 4.2 mile esplanade for exercisers. There are several condominium developments in Malecon.
- Old Town is charming consisting of colonial style architecture and a lot of colorful houses. It is mainly a large community of locals set quite apart from the tourist environment in Golden Zone.
- Stone Island is a peninsula south of Mazatlan. Stone island boosts several coconut groves and a long uninterrupted beach. There are also some restaurants, a golf course and a few island activities like horseback riding and jet ski riding. The island is accessible by a ten minute shuttle boat ride or a highway. Real estate is typically limited on Stone Island because most of the land is classified as "Ejido" property or communal land.
Lake Chapala has become one of the top retirement communities in Mexico for thousands of Americans, Canadians and Europeans. Located approximately 50 minutes south of Guadalajara and only 30 minutes from an international airport, Lake Chapala offers little or no humidity with average temperatures in the 70s and low 80s throughout the year. According to the September 2, 2008 Focus on Mexico article "International Living Rates Mexico Number One," Lake Chapala has been rated by National Geographic to have the second best climate in the world. Lake Chapala, 50 miles long and approximately 5000 feet above sea level, is the largest lake in Mexico. While there is a lot of sun and people see very little haze, the lake does have a reputation for being polluted by industrial waste. There has been, however, progress by the Jalisco government in eliminating the pollution from the water.
Since the temperatures in Lake Chapala are so temperate all year around, the costs of utilities are comparably lower than most areas in Mexico where the prices of heating and air conditioning can be expensive. Like most places in Mexico, expatriates can rent or purchase a home for usually a fraction of the cost in their home countries. The costs of personal services like pedicures, facials, housekeeping and gardening are also relatively low in comparison to the United States, Canada and Europe. For major shopping excursions, there are large malls, a Sam's Club, a Super Wal-Mart and a Costco in nearby Guadalajara.
Many retired people live in gated communities in the town of Ajijic, which runs along the lake; however, locals and gringos get along side-by-side in the Mexican village of Lake Chapala. People will find the town quaint and charming. There are several restaurants and gift shops. Fresh fruit, vegetables and baked goods are sold daily. The locals in Lake Chapala have a reputation for being very friendly and many speak English as a second language. Thousands of expatriates have found Lake Chapala to be one of the best places to retire in Mexico.
Choosing the Best Place to Retire in Mexico
Mazatlan and Lake Chapala are considered two of the best places to retire in Mexico. Both locations are already home to thousands of expatriates living in Mexico. The climate, affordable lifestyle and laid-back atmosphere make retiring in Mexico an excellent option for many people.
References:
SolutionsAbroad, "Where to Retire in Mexico" (accessed April 19, 2010).
SolutionsAbroad, "Mexico Mazatlan Real Estate" (accessed April 19, 2010).
VeteransToday, "Lake Chapala Mexico, The Number One Retirement Destination for U.S. Veterans" (accessed April 21, 2010).
AARP, "La Vida Cheapo" (accessed April 21, 2010).
ChapalaClub, "What's the Pollution Score for Lake Chapala?" (accessed April 21, 2010).
FocusOnMexico, "Ajijic Mexico" (accessed April 22, 2010).
Cathy Herold - Cathy Herold lives in southern California. She has a BA in English and minor in African American Studies from UCLA and a master's degree ...
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