“Mesa, Arizona, is the best-value-for-money-spent place we’ve ever lived. So why don’t we live there full-time? Because it is bland. Everything looks the same. Houses are painted different shades of beige…there are strips malls on every corner…
“Here in Chapala, Mexico, horses wander down the cobblestone streets with and without their owners, vendors sell their wares door-to-door, and the houses are painted whatever color is on sale at the paint store. Kids play in the street or the park without fear, and everyone is proud of his community.
“We hear mariachi music from nearby restaurants wafting through the air each afternoon starting around 4. Neighbors greet us with smiles and questions about our family. There’s an openness that’s missing in the States. This place is colorful, engaging, and teeming with life.
“This retire overseas idea is not only about the money. There are places in the States where you can live very cheaply. But there’s much more to it than that. It’s the day-to-day quality of life living in a foreign place that’s so appealing.”
— Billy and Akaisha K., Chapala, Mexico
Billy and Akaisha have written a book about their experiences living abroad called “The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement.” You can buy it here.
Continue Reading: FAQs About Retiring or Moving Overseas
