Retiring in México


 
According to multiple sources, there has been a 160% surge in online searches for terms like “move overseas” and “expats overseas” post Trump election.

In the wake of the presidential election results, the trend already underway of retirees going overseas for better-value living, more affordable healthcare, and warmer weather appears to be poised to accelerate.

Already the Social Security Administration sends 660,528 payments overseas…and anecdotally, according to the editors of International Living, the number of U.S. retirees receiving Social Security benefits abroad is likely higher than that, as many simply continue to bank in the States while living outside the country.

While Canada seems to top the list of target destinations for many potential escapees–in fact, that nation’s immigration website reportedly crashed on election night — International Living recommend havens where the climate is milder and the cost of living lower.

Mexico has become the top pick for many Americans looking for a place to retire.

Mexico is one of the world’s top destinations for those dreaming of a relaxed and romantic new life abroad. America’s closest southern neighbor consistently makes International Living’s list of the best countries to live in.

Many expats choose to live in Mexico’s Colonial Highlands. Three popular towns in the region are San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, and Guanajuato. Each has a colonial centro histórico–all UNESCO World Heritage sites–where grand colonial homes have been converted to hip restaurants, chic boutiques, hotels…or sometimes just tiny mom-and-pop corner stores or simple eateries where you can get a meal for a couple of dollars. And, of course, many of the colonials have also been renovated to become homes.

Beach Towns

Mexico is unique in that it offers options for beach towns on a number of coasts. There’s the Baja Peninsula which is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. On the eastern side of the country is the Gulf of Mexico and, on the southern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Caribbean Sea. Among all those shores are sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and shores that give way to lush mountains or even deserts.

Ensenada – Dubbed the “Cinderella of the Pacific,” this city is a popular cruise ship destination, a wine-growing region, and a haven for a variety of exotic flora and fauna. It’s home to the great white shark, Guadalupe fur seal, puma, ocelot, roadrunner, and more. It’s also popular among North American snowbirds, as well as young Californians who want to work in California but enjoy a lower cost of living.

Playas de Rosarito – Located on the Baja Peninsula, this area has always had a largely tourist-based economy. During prohibition when many U.S. residents began to cross the border into the speakeasies of Tijuana, Rosarito became a popular getaway among the more affluent clientele and the Hollywood crowd.

Puerto Vallarta – Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most highly developed tourist destinations. It caters to a large number of tourists and expats, including cruise ships and a growing LGBT population. It’s been called the “San Francisco of Mexico.”

Los Cabos – Composed of the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, this area was once a fishing community. Today its economy is geared towards tourism, although sport fishing is one of its largest draws, as is golf. It’s also one of the top spots in the country for whale watching.

Money-wise, it’s a great time to be anywhere in Mexico–the exchange rate today on average 18 pesos to $1. Combine that with already low costs for real estate, food, restaurants, entertainment, and transportation, and you have the spending power to live very well on around $1,800 a month for a retired couple.