1. Mazatlán, Mexico
Located midway along the country’s Pacific coast, Mazatlán is our number one choice in Mexico. It’s a resort town that manages to feel homey and exotic at the same time—and is one of the few places in the world where you can walk for miles on an uncrowded beach within the city limits.
In recent years, the city’s historic zone has undergone a facelift, and the colonial heart of the city now rivals the city’s 20 miles of beach in drawing the attention of tourists and expats. Plazuela Machado is the centerpiece of this renewal, now surrounded by busy outdoor cafés and international restaurants.
The Centro Histórico is the place to base yourself if you want more Mexico, less resort. The areas around Plazuela Machado and Olas Altas—Mazatlán’s longest beach—are populated by tourists and expats, but the rest of Centro Histórico is old-fashioned Mexico.
Another hidden benefit of Mazatlán, and Mexico in general, is proximity. Mazatlán lies about 720 miles south of the Arizona border, making it a 13-hour straight shot down Highway 15D.
What a luxury to be able to throw everything you need in the car and drive to your new life overseas without worrying about what the airlines will or won’t let you bring with you. And no need to worry about missing friends or family—if they can’t drive to you, flying here is easy and quick, too.
Nor will you need to worry about homesickness here… Everything will seem very familiar, from the Home Depot to Costco to Walmart. You’ll also find a thriving expat community and all manner of entertainment options from art galleries and museums to bars, restaurants, cafés, gyms, malls, and more.
Plus, for general day to day living you can get by in English although we would always recommend you make an effort to learn at least a little of the local language wherever you go.
Mazatlán is tropical, with a wet and a dry season and little temperature fluctuation throughout the year. From December through March, daytime temperatures range between the high 70s and the low 60s, and there’s little to no rain. Between July and October, it’s hotter and much more humid, with temperatures regularly in the mid 80 degrees and warmer. This is also when you’ll get the majority of rain for the year.
One of the big reasons Mazatlán is gaining popularity among North Americans is its excellent winter weather, making this city an ideal choice for snowbirding.
No natural disasters are common to Mazatlán, but you might experience high winds at certain times of year.
Health care in Mexico can be excellent, with first-rate technology and low prices. Most medical workers at all levels speak English fluently and many Mexican doctors are trained in the United States, Europe, or Canada.
Sharp Hospital is recognized as the best facility in Mazatlán, followed by Hospital Marina. Both are well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified doctors. Sharp even has an English-speaking concierge.
Why Live Or Retire Here:
- Bargain beachfront living
- A great climate
- Excellent health care
- Home comforts
2. San Miguel De Allende, Mexico
In 1937 the American writer and artist Stirling Dickinson and the wealthy Peruvian artist Cossio del Pomar arrived in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico.
Cossio was so impressed with the potential of the colonial city when he saw it that he purchased and renovated several properties in the center of town.
His efforts attracted famous artists, actors, writers, musicians, and other creative people of the time, who, likewise, invested in further restoration of San Miguel’s beautiful old haciendas.
Cossio’s and Dickinson also established an art school. They marketed their curriculum throughout North and South America and opened the doors of their Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes in 1938.
The first group of 12 students arrived to find a town without a single restaurant or adequate lodging, but the opening of the school quickly created a commercial boom… Stores, eateries, lodgings, and cantinas popped up to service the students and faculty.
The school suffered declining enrollments during World War II, but the post-war G.I. Bill kick-started interest again as American veterans took advantage of education subsidies to attend the school starting in 1946. The gifted artists and teachers who settled in San Miguel during this period played a significant part in converting the town into a world-class artist colony, attracting first artists but, as time passed, another group of folks who appreciated the community the artists had formed—retirees.
The explosion of foreign retirees moving to San Miguel began in earnest in the 1970s. At the start of that decade, the city had a total estimated population of about 15,000, including 1,000 expats. The expat population increased to about 2,500 by 1990 today it’s north of 17,000 (among a total current-day population of about 175,000).
San Miguel de Allende is one of today’s best snowbird destinations, attracting Americans keen to escape winter up north. San Miguel’s climate is mild and springlike year-round thanks to its elevation (almost 2,000 meters; over 6,000 feet).
You’ll experience two pronounced seasons here: wet and dry. Mid-May through mid-October is the rainy season, with average monthly rainfall of almost 5 inches during the wettest months. The rains cool the temperatures throughout the summer making June through September very pleasant.
Temperatures fluctuate from about 45°F at the coldest (January) and 83°F or so at the hottest (May). Humidity hovers at a tolerable 39% or so.
The historic center is a time-warp back to the 18th century. Spanish-colonial architecture dominates, including close to 50 public fountains and hundreds of private patio fountains. Most streets are cobblestoned, either round or flat stones that make walking in high heels a perilous adventure. On the other hand, as long as you’ve got the shoes for it, this is a city that begs to be explored on foot, with some 20 churches hidden among the crooked streets and everywhere balconies overflowing with bougainvillea.
The large, colorful buildings in San Miguel’s historic center have been increasingly renovated into restaurants, hotels, and tourist shops. Walking through town, it can seem that nearly every dwelling has been converted to commercial use. San Miguel is a fully mature tourist destination approaching international service levels. The resident retiree benefits from all this infrastructure.
For expats, San Miguel is a social town par excellence.
Opportunities to meet other expats abound. Classes in two-to-three dozen subjects are available at all times, and the number of charitable organizations is reported to exceed 100. Volunteer work is an excellent means to make new friends among both expats and Mexicans.
Attracting artists, musicians, scholars, and bohemians for over half a century, San Miguel has a truly unique lifestyle and community to offer retiring expats.
San Miguel is not one of the world’s cheapest places to retire—a monthly budget of $2,500 is a good guide for a couple. The stores and restaurants in the historic center have uniformly become priced at levels of international tourism. It is, though, a top choice if you want your reasonable retirement budget to buy you an extraordinary quality of life.
San Miguel de Allende is a top choice for vacationers and retirees alike—it’s one of the largest U.S. communities in Mexico. If you want to, you could get along fine without Spanish here, there’s plenty to cater to the gringo population, including newspapers and the local library, Biblioteca Pública, with the second largest collection of English books in Mexico.
Why Live Or Retire Here:
- A thriving arts scene
- A Spring-like climate year-round
- You can get by in English
- Lots of further education and volunteering opportunities
3. Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is the capital of the southwestern Mexican state of the same name. It’s famous for its cuisine (such as the versatile mole sauce) and its potent libation—mezcal.
Your taste buds are certainly in for a treat if you relocate here. In its bustling Centro, you’ll find colorful colonial buildings and even more colorful clothing and wares from the various indigenous groups that call the area home.
The state of Oaxaca is home to about a third of the indigenous population of Mexico. This city is surrounded by mountains, making for a stunning backdrop and plenty of opportunities for adventure. It doesn’t take long to reach the ancient ruins at Monte Albán or the jaw-dropping petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua.
There are some great options for hiking in the area, and it’s not that far to the chilled-out beach towns on the Oaxaca coast. OK, it is a hair-raising ride through the curvy mountain roads, but a quick flight is also an option.
Compared to places like Mexico City or Guadalajara, Oaxaca feels like a small town. It’s easy enough to get around on foot, and local buses are cheap and easy to figure out if you need them. You’ve got all the conveniences of a big city without many of the annoyances.
It’s worth it to try to figure out the local bus system. Most locals get around by public buses and colectivos. Trips typically cost 8 pesos around town and a bit more for destinations outside of the center.
To use the local public transportation, you’ll need a basic grasp of Spanish. You also need to familiarize yourself with the routes so you know where to get on and when to call for a stop, either by pushing a button or just hollering “Bajar!”
While not nearly as big as in places like San Miguel de Allende or Mazatlán, the expat community in Oaxaca is sizable. A great resource for prospective and current expats is the Oaxaca Lending Library. They offer a weekly “Introduction to Oaxaca” program, language exchanges, community programs, day trips, and more. You want to be a part of this group if relocating to Oaxaca.
All sorts of events are going on in Oaxaca, so it’s easy to get out and meet people. Whether you’re into yoga, books, or hiking, there’s a club or class for you here.
The low cost of living is a big draw to Oaxaca. A couple with modest tastes can easily live on a monthly budget of around $2,000 and that’s including rent. Add another $500 to that and you can enjoy a few nights out on the town and occasional weekend trips to the coast or other nearby towns.
Eating and drinking are two of the main attractions in Oaxaca. This city is famous for its mole and mezcal. Pronounced “mo-lay,” this is a sauce typically made from chili peppers, fruits, nuts, and other spices. There are many different varieties of mole, and you can try most of them in Oaxaca’s central markets such as Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Oaxaca is quickly becoming a gastronomic destination with its burgeoning restaurant scene. The food is a major draw for tourists and one of the things expats love most about this charming city.
A major draw of living in Oaxaca (and Mexico in general) is the high-quality, affordable health care. Your medical bills will be a fraction of what they are up north if you relocate here. On the most basic level, you can see a doctor in the small offices that are attached to most pharmacies. This only costs 50 pesos ($3) or so and is great if you’re feeling under the weather and need a quick diagnosis.
They can give you a quick consultation and write a prescription to be filled next door. Don’t expect these doctors to speak English, so come with a friend or a translator if your medical Spanish isn’t up to par. Prescription drugs way, way cheaper here than they are in the States.
Should you prefer to visit a clinic where the doc speaks your language, you can expect to pay closer to 1,000 pesos ($50) for a basic visit.
Why Live Or Retire Here:
- Low-cost living
- A fabulous foodie scene
- Top-notch, affordable health care
- Small-town feel with big city conveniences
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the scenic Banderas Bay and surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains, Puerto Vallarta (PV as expats like to call it) is a beautiful city and despite being one of the most visited places in Mexico, it retains its traditional charm. While more and more high-rise condos dot the skyline, you can still walk the cobblestone streets and see men on horseback and women pressing fresh corn tortillas.
Long a favorite of retirees and spring-breakers, Puerto Vallarta now attracts plenty of expats and digital nomads as well. There’s a lot to like here…
For North Americans, Puerto Vallarta is a destination that checks all the boxes. It’s only a quick flight from the U.S. or Canada and is in a similar time zone. No need to worry about jet lag when you move here.
Puerto Vallarta is also warm year-round. The weather is downright perfect for four to five months out of the year. Temperatures range from 62°F (16.5°C) to 90°F (32°C) and there’s plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
There are only two seasons here: dry and rainy. The latter runs from June to October, and it’s when many snowbirds get out of town or hole up in their air conditioned homes. While the rainy season can be muggy, sweaty, and wet, it’s all worth it to watch the lightning storms move across the bay.
Real estate, although more expensive than in years past, remains a good bargain. It’s easy to move into a furnished condo with an ocean view and all the utilities turned on for a short or long-term stay. If you’re looking to buy, there’s a wide range of options and the process is relatively straightforward.
With the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other, there’s a wealth of activities at your fingertips here. Add to that an active and growing expat population plus the super-friendly locals, and you’ve got a recipe for lots of good times.
When it comes to options for wining and dining, you are absolutely spoiled here. You could try a new restaurant and bar every weekend and it would take you years to check them all off your list.
High-quality, affordable medical and dental care is readily available here. It’s easy to get by in English, even at the doctor’s office. It’s no wonder Puerto Vallarta is constantly named as one of the top retirement destinations in the Americas.
Why Live Or Retire Here:
- Modern conveniences and traditional charm
- A wealth of entertainment and dining options
- Beachside living amid a thriving expat community
- You can get by in English
5. Mérida, Mexico
Three hours west of tourist hotspot Cancún, lies Mérida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatán State.
Mérida’s modern infrastructure and low cost of living make it particularly appealing for North American retirees. The city boasts high-speed internet, a reliable international airport with regular direct flights to major U.S. cities, and an impressive health care system with top-notch private hospitals and English-speaking doctors, often at 50 to 70% lower costs than in the U.S.
Affordability is another draw, with a monthly budget of $2,000 being sufficient to cover a couple’s living expenses here, rent included. Property taxes are notably low, averaging $200 to $500 annually.
Mérida enjoys a tropical climate with 300 days of sunshine each year. Temperatures peak in the 90s F from April through August with high humidity, making air conditioning and/or pool access a must for most expats. November to February offers milder weather, with temperatures averaging from 74 to 77 F.
Mérida is home to around 11,000 expats, many of them North American. You’ll find lots of expat groups and activities here. Art walks, wine tastings, and language exchanges are popular. Museums, markets, and a range of cultural events are also on offer. You’ll pay as little as $5 for museum entry and around $20 for a symphony performance.
Additionally, Mérida is known as the Cultural Capital of Yucatán and as such hosts festivals throughout the year. It’s also a short trip to Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Dzibilchaltún, or visit the cenotes and beaches in Progreso, just 40 minutes away.
Why Live Or Retire Here:
- A rich culture and abundance of cultural offerings
- Impressive amenities and infrastructure
- A thriving expat community
- 300 days of sunshine a year
FAQs About Living In Mexico
What is the best part of Mexico to live in?
That will depend on the lifestyle you’re after… if you want beach or jungle, mountains or city… A thriving expat community, to live like a local, or a mix. It will also depend on the climate which will best suit you and budget constraints, too. The good news is there’s somewhere to suit most everyone in Mexico.
What part of Mexico is the safest?
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is generally considered to be the safest part of the country though it’s advisable to take the same safety precautions there as you would anywhere.
Can you retire in Mexico on $2,000 a month?
You can in the right spots but one thing to be aware of is the financial requirements should you be seeking residency in Mexico. Currently, qualification thresholds are high because income requirements are based on multiples of the Mexican minimum wage, which has gone up dramatically in recent years. There are plans to correct this calculation, so that thresholds are more reasonable… but no timetable as to when it will happen. The amount varies from consulate to consulate but as a guide, take at least $3,100 a month needed for temporary residency and $5,200 a month for permanent residency. Of course, you won’t need to spend that amount each month but you will need to prove it.
U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days without a visa so if you’re a snowbird or just want to be there part-time you won’t have to worry about the residency requirements.
Is living in Mexico a good idea for retirees?
Yes, Mexico is a great place for retirement and hugely popular for many a good reason. It’s easy to get to from the U.S. or Canada and you’ll find all the comforts of home. In the resort towns you can get by in English, too, making the transition to expat life here as smooth as can be.
Other benefits include the lower cost of living, welcoming expat communities, rich culture, beautiful natural surroundings, glorious food, and the fact there are no restrictions on the ownership of residential property in Mexico meaning you can hold the title in your own name.
That will depend on the lifestyle you’re after… if you want beach or jungle, mountains or city… A thriving expat community, to live like a local, or a mix. It will also depend on the climate which will best suit you and budget constraints, too. The good news is there’s somewhere to suit most everyone in Mexico.
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is generally considered to be the safest part of the country though it’s advisable to take the same safety precautions there as you would anywhere.
You can in the right spots but one thing to be aware of is the financial requirements should you be seeking residency in Mexico. Currently, qualification thresholds are high because income requirements are based on multiples of the Mexican minimum wage, which has gone up dramatically in recent years. There are plans to correct this calculation, so that thresholds are more reasonable… but no timetable as to when it will happen. The amount varies from consulate to consulate but as a guide, take at least $3,100 a month needed for temporary residency and $5,200 a month for permanent residency. Of course, you won’t need to spend that amount each month but you will need to prove it.
U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days without a visa so if you’re a snowbird or just want to be there part-time you won’t have to worry about the residency requirements.
Yes, Mexico is a great place for retirement and hugely popular for many a good reason. It’s easy to get to from the U.S. or Canada and you’ll find all the comforts of home. In the resort towns you can get by in English, too, making the transition to expat life here as smooth as can be.
Other benefits include the lower cost of living, welcoming expat communities, rich culture, beautiful natural surroundings, glorious food, and the fact there are no restrictions on the ownership of residential property in Mexico meaning you can hold the title in your own name.
