5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF FIRST
By Janet Blaser
You’re at that point in your life where you’re starting to think seriously about retirement. And while that means different things to different people, where to live can be at the top of your considerations.
Buying property in Mexico has become more and more popular in the last few years—and it’s an excellent option! Covid changed the way we look at the world (and our lives), and many of us are looking carefully at how we want to spend the last years of our lives. Traditional homebuying formulas don’t necessarily apply like they used to; 2022 statistics say 1.6 million Americans live in Mexico, the #1 destination for living abroad.
Why is Mexico coming out on top when Americans retire abroad? Chances are you’ve heard the basic reasons: a low cost of living, wonderful climate, easy visa process, welcoming people, a beautiful country and most, if not all, of the conveniences we’re used to.
Here are some other things to consider before buying your dream home in Mexico.
#1: Where?
Mexico is a big country; the 13th largest in the world, in fact, stretching between the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Cortez, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico and bordered by the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. There’s a climate and topography for every taste, and it’s worth your while to explore a little before settling down. You’ll find big cities like Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey; historic mountain towns like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Queretero; coastal paradises including Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and Mazatlán on the Pacific, and Cancun, Tulum and Veracruz on the Gulf. Which leads us to…
#1: An expat community
This is kind of a biggie, and something you have to be honest about. How comfortable will you really be if your community is mostly—or completely—Spanish-speaking? Maybe you’re dabbling in Duo-Lingo or taking language classes, but that’s very different than trying to find or communicate successfully with a plumber, say, or a bank. Expat groups on Facebook and a host of video travel blogs can also be good sources ofon-the-ground information. Expat communities can be great places to begin your Mexican adventure, providing a foundation, if you will, for starting your new life.
#1: Big City Vs. More Rural
Retirement offers us a chance to re-imagine our lives, for sure. But if you’ve always been the type who prefers the hustle-bustle of the city you may not really be happy with a sleepy pueblo, no matter how charming it seems at first. Again, do your due diligence: visit, explore and research. I once lived in a tiny postcard-perfect town on the Pacific coast that didn’t have much of anything in terms of “modern” services. At first I loved it—but then the basic things I wanted in my life (reliable internet and cell service, easy access to a bank, clean, dependable water supply) became too difficult. Reluctantly I moved back to a bigger city, but I’m happier and more satisfied now. Lesson learned.
#1: Health Care
You’ll want to explore what healthcare options are available; don’t assume every town has a hospital, an MRI machine or even ambulance service. It’s worthwhile to ask on the local expat Facebook pages what facilities are on hand, and whether any (or many!) doctors, dentists and other practitioners speak English. It’s also not a bad idea to tour local hospitals and medical centers to see for yourself what’s available. If you’re considering applying for the Mexican IMSS health insurance (which isn’t free; costs depend on your age and physical condition) you’ll definitely want to visit the local General Hospital before signing up. And while Medicare doesn’t cover costs out of the country, some insurances have international plans that do; see if hospitals in your desired area accept them.
#1: Proximity to the U.S.
One of the main reasons Mexico is so popular with American retirees is its proximity to the U.S. Depending on where you are, flights can be direct, inexpensive and available year-round; Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City, for example, have affordable daily flights to a variety of U.S. locations. That makes it easy for family and friends to visit—and for you to travel should you want or need to. Less well-traveled cities, like Puerto Escondido or Merida, may not have as many flights or airlines serving them. Local taxi drivers—who usually speak at least some English—can be good sources of information about what’s going on at the airport, when busy seasons are, etc.
