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Being nearly two million square kilometres in size, Mexico is a big country with lots to choose from in terms of living environment.
Most people start off considering a Mexican retirement because of its low cost of living – it is possible to live in
Mexico in considerable style with much less money than is required in most of North America. Most come south of the border
because of the warm winter climate, its great beauty and new adventures. Homes and condos in beautiful neighbourhoods can
typically be purchased for half the U.S. or Canada cost. The relative luxury and feasibility will range from place to place –
check out realtors in various communities to get a better idea. Another popular trend with many North Americans is to choose to
live in retirement gated communities. There are many wonderful gated communities all over Mexico and many more are being
developed every year to meet the demands! Golf is becoming more popular all over Mexico and new courses and planned golf retirement
communities are springing up all over this beautiful sun kissed country.
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Puerto Vallarta has a history and reputation all its own: this is one of Mexico's fastest-growing
cities and the influx of foreign expats and retirees has been unprecedented.
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The reasons are clear:
Puerto Vallarta has an authentic colonial city feel to it and a wonderful ocean-side seat on Mexico's
Pacific coastline. The climate is idyllic, the amenities are comprehensive and getting better every year,
it's readily accessible with good road and air connections, world class restaurants, gorgeous beaches and
fantastic shopping, with many major stores moving in to simplify life a bit, such as Wal Mart and Costco .
In recent years, Nuevo Vallarta has also become popular and about 20 miles north is Punta de Mita,
where development is ongoing. Expect Puerto Vallarta to remain popular and Punta de Mita to be the next
'big place' in this area in years to come. The state of Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta has received
major attention by the government of Mexico with intention of it becoming the next big attraction as far as
tourism, retirement and investment. Sayulita has made headlines as the hidden gem, but this is just the
first leg of the many villages that spiral up the whole coastline, ending in San Blas. Major highways as
well as an international airport are in the works, while the jungle fringed beautiful beachside villages
are transformed into first class hotels, spas and communities. The prices are very cheap as it goes, at
least for now, paradise is still affordable. Many appreciate the good life that comes with beautiful
beaches, hills, and a relaxed, inexpensive lifestyle.
Baja Cabo San Lucas is the southernmost point on the long Baja Peninsula, which starts with the
border city of Tijuana and nearby Ensenada. By contrast with these northern towns, Cabo is a
playground for the rich and famous. North Americans have settled all along this beautiful and
extremely dry coast. Gorgeous golf courses, hotel and resorts are plentiful in this amazing area!
Many new gated golf communities are found here.
Lake Chapala' and Aijic The most popular place for American and Canadian retirees is in the
Lake Chapala region, either in Chapala (Lakeside) or nearby Aijic. Lake Chapala is Mexico’s
largest fresh water lake. North Americans tend to live side by side in Chapala (it is a popular
weekend spot for folks from nearby Guadalajara), whereas Ajijic tends to be more homogenously populated
by those from north of the border. Planned, gated communities dominate there.
Guadalajara This stately city in north central Mexico used to be one of the hotter spots to retire.
In recent years it has ceded its popularity to the Lake Chapala region some 45 minutes to the south.
Still, many prefer Guadalajara because of its culture, shopping which includes big-box American stores
like Wal-Mart and Costco, graceful architecture, and old-style Mexican ambience. Guadalajara is Mexico’s
second largest city with 5 million people. The State Department estimates some 50,000 Americans live in the Guadalajara area.
San Miguel San Miguel de Allende is a former colonial silver town that many consider to be the crown jewel
of central Mexico. It has the cobblestone streets and charm that reminds one of old Mexico. It also has
terrific shopping (art and folk-art), many excellent restaurants, and attracts many wealthy people.
Acapulco Located far down the Pacific coast is the resort town of Acapulco. There are many parts
of this city, new and old. There are exclusive communities in the hills and along the coast.
Acapulco is about 190 miles southwest of Mexico City.
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