Choosing Mexico for Retirement

Have you ever dreamed of leaving behind harsh winter climates and high costs of living for a more laidback and affordable way of life? If so, then now is the time to look at Mexico for retirement. Recently named the top international retirement destination for 2007 in the Global Retirement Index, Mexico offers rich cultural heritage, diverse natural beauty and an inviting and varied climate.

While many US expatriates enjoy the low costs of living and high quality of life, Mexico retirement is not for everyone. However, many agree that the rewards of retiring in Mexico far outweigh the challenges.

Some of the numerous advantages of retiring in Mexico include warmer temperatures, accessibility to the US, and numerous outdoor and cultural activities. It costs about one third less to live in Mexico than to live in the US and a typical retired couple can live like royalty for less than $2000 a month. Many American expatriates say that the Mexican people are warm and inviting and a little knowledge of the Spanish language can go a long way. The Mexican health care system is fantastic, boasting low costs, world renowned facilities and doctors who make house calls!

Adjusting to a new culture in a foreign country can be challenging. Some expatriates welcome the challenges and choose to live in communities that offer a truly Mexican experience. Others choose to live in gated communities with fellow Americans and foreign retirees, limiting their exposure to the Mexican people and culture. The choice is yours: Mexico is a retirement destination offering many possibilities for different lifestyle choices.

With so many wonderful towns and cities to choose from, many have a difficult time deciding which city would best suit their lifestyle choices. For some, San Miguel de Allende and Lake Chapala are the obvious choices. While these towns boast large expatriate communities and many of the comforts of home that Americans are accustomed to, land prices and costs of living are slightly higher than in other parts of Mexico. For a more modest way of life and a truly Mexican experience, there are many places to choose from. If a small stucco hacienda on a wind-swept beach is your idea of the eternal paradise then have a look at the Yucatan Peninsula, Baja Peninsula, Oaxaca, and the Pacific Coast of Mexico. If you prefer a small town lifestyle, miles away from the hustle and bustle of large American cities, then have a look at towns like Cuernavaca and Merida.

There is a wealth of information available online to those who are interested in researching this topic. Although the Internet is a fantastic resource for more information about Mexico retirement, site viewers must be pragmatic about which websites offer the best and most realistic information.

For more information about the advantages and disadvantages of Mexican retirement, take a look at this new informative website: www.thewanderyears.com . Viewers can check out featured destinations, ask questions on the community forum and find out which towns in Mexico have the most to offer.