Why Are One Million Americans Moving to Mexico?
In many ways, Mexico today is like the U.S. was 50 years ago…before big government, big business, and special interests whittled away the lifestyle our parents took for granted. It is full of overlooked retirement havens where you can retire in luxury without spending a fortune.
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Population: 114,975,406
Capital City: Mexico City
Climate: Varies from arid to tropical
Time Zone: GMT-8 to -6
Language: Spanish
Country Code: 52
Coastline: 9,330 km
Location: Mexico borders the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Pacific Ocean
Mexico Articles
Wanted: English Speakers Who Love to TravelPosted on May 16, 2013 by Kary Vannice
As you know, you have a skill that can easily translate into a steady …
This Sure Beats California…Posted on May 9, 2013 by Patti Morrow
Margit Gantt wanted to find a more fulfilling lifestyle than the one she had in California. She was looking for great weather every day.
Chill On The Riviera MayaPosted on April 29, 2013 by Margaret Summerfield
Thirty million Tripadvisor readers voted Tulum #2 in their top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations worldwide in 2010. When you see the beaches, it’s easy to see why … silky white sand, dotted with palm trees, and washed by bright-aquamarine Caribbean waves. Offshore, the coral reef beckons, with a rainbow of exotic fish.
A Condo Next to One of the World’s Best Beaches—Just $150,000Posted on April 22, 2013 by Ronan McMahon
As an International Living reader, you know that I’m bullish on the opportunity we have in the Tulúm area of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. I’m here on a 10-day scouting trip— my seventh visit—and I’ve lucked out. Through a local contact, I’ve managed to get a last-minute rental in the high-quality condo closest to the beach at Tulúm.
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on April 22, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
Colonial Highland Life in Guanajuato, MexicoPosted on April 18, 2013 by Glynna Prentice
Sandra Ward was introduced to the idea of living in Mexico early. The love of the country followed her for 45 years…into retirement. Sandra’s journey to Mexico began in 1952, when she was just a girl.
Sun, Surf, and Sightseeing on the Riviera Maya, MexicoPosted on March 27, 2013 by Glynna Prentice
Recently some friends in the U.S. emailed me to say that they were planning a short trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun is a direct, four-hour flight from their East-Coast home, so they could be snorkeling in the Caribbean by early afternoon. That’s about as close to instant gratification as international travel gets. And it makes a three- or four-day mini-vacation very feasible.
Balloons, Bangkok and Burning “Bööggs”Posted on March 25, 2013 by John Joe Worrall
On April 1 only a fool would miss the feast on offer at Le Pince d’Or Crab Festival in Martinique, an island in the eastern Caribbean. In the capital of Fort-de-France, riverfront restaurants each set up a stall to sell matoutou (a spicy crab stew), as chefs compete to make the best bowl.
The Upside of Opening a Bank Account in Your New HomePosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
There are good reasons to consider opening a bank account in your adopted home country. And it doesn’t mean you need to close any of your U.S. accounts, either. So what exactly are the advantages of having a local bank account?
The Seven Best Havens for Quality Care OverseasPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
There is something amazing about the medical system here, and something not quite right with ours,” says Shane Simons, who moved to the tropical island of Penang, Malaysia, eight months ago from Los Angeles. “My doctor in L.A. told me I needed a mole removed from my neck.
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
Need to Fund Your Overseas Adventure? Try This…Posted on March 14, 2013 by Tara Lowry
The early morning sky is cluttered with color. The large crowd that woke up as early as 5.00 a.m. to be here oohs and aahs in unison as yet another balloon inflates and calmly lifts off the ground. There must be nearly 30 of them up in the skies of north-central Mexico by now and many more to take off.
In Mexico, Partying is Hard Work…But Someone Has to Do ItPosted on March 5, 2013 by Glynna Prentice
In the months leading up to mid-February, I went to sleep frequently to the sound of music. It comes with the territory in Mexico. From Virgin of Guadalupe Day (December 12) right through to Epiphany (January 6), Mexico is one long fiesta: a time to loosen your belt, let down your hair, and party down. Mexicans jokingly refer to it as the “Guadalupe to Reyes (Epiphany) marathon.”
Where to Find an Endless Summer…Posted on March 5, 2013 by Michael J. Fitzgerald
In our part of coastal Mexico, there is a cadre of people who migrate annually from the Northern U.S. or Canada. Like us they enjoy the warm months in the north, and the warm winter months in Mexico. We sometimes call our lifestyle, “the endless summer.” I rarely have to wear long pants and own more pairs of sandals than shoes. During our time in Mexico, we rent out the small mother-in-law apartment attached to our main two-bedroom house…
Values on This Stunning Caribbean Outpost Are Set to Skyrocket…Posted on March 4, 2013 by International Living
Four days in a five-star resort….with a golf course, restaurants and bars, and a stunning stretch of powder-sand beach washed by the turquoise Caribbean Sea. It’s luxurious Caribbean resort living at its best…where you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy cocktails under the stars – and get the inside track on the area’s hottest real estate opportunity. All your meals, drinks and accommodation are included in your 4-day stay – yet it will only cost you $180.
Shear Sheep, Hunt Eggs, and Buy ArtPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and where better to celebrate it than Dublin, Ireland, where, from March 14 to 18, the city revels in traditional music, fireworks, and a huge parade on the day itself. Sotheby’s Paris auction house will see 300 works from Mexico, Central and South America—including a Chupicuaro ceramic statue (estimated to be from 500 to 100 B.C.)—go under the hammer as part of the eagerly-awaited Barbier-Mueller Collection on March 22 and 23.
News from Around the World…Historic GranadaPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
Panama is the world’s most upbeat country. That’s according to a recent Gallup poll measuring people’s positive emotions in 148 countries. The poll asked locals questions like whether they felt respected and well-rested… whether they smiled or laughed…or learned something interesting the previous day.
The Pleasures of an Endless SummerPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
My wife Sylvia and I landed in this Pacific coast village of 302 (300 Mexicans, two gringos) six years ago. We bought a half-acre vacant lot in the center to build a modest, hacienda-style place. We had sailed from San Francisco on our 48-foot sailboat, Sabbatical but were easily lured ashore by the tranquil lifestyle.
International Living’s Calendar of EventsPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
Panama’s a place of sunshine, 365 days a year. You have hundreds of miles of beach…highland retreats with green valleys where the weather is spring-like, even in January and August…and a genuinely cosmopolitan capital city, too, with one of the world’s largest financial districts. And Panama offers the world’s most generous retiree benefits.
A Secure and Private HideawayPosted on February 14, 2013 by Ronan McMahon
A 15-minute drive from the white sand and sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, where I spent last weekend, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind project called Los Arboles de Tulum. I negotiated a special off-market deal here where you can buy a five-acre lot at a discount to list price, with interest-free finance for two years
What Caribbean Opportunities Remain in Tulum?Posted on February 13, 2013 by Ronan McMahon
I’m recently returned from Tulum on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. These white sands are deservedly regarded as among the top five beaches on earth. I’ve told you about the opportunity to buy condos pre-construction in an established high-end community called Tao that’s close to here. And if you have been a member for a couple of years, you will recall the opportunity to buy five acres of pristine jungle in an eco-community at Los Arboles de Tulum. I’m here to review progress at these projects.
An Easy Overseas Job and Paid VacationsPosted on January 29, 2013 by Kary Vannice
Standing in front of my 6th grade English class in Orizaba, Mexico, I could feel my students’ urge to break free for 12 days of fun and freedom. Few places have a palpable energy of excitement to compete with that of a classroom full of students getting ready to escape for spring break.
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula: Home to the MayansPosted on December 20, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
There’s been a lot of talk this year about the Mayan apocalypse, due to take place tomorrow—December 21. Whatever happens, I figure I’m pretty much at ground zero for it: I live in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, home to the Mayans.
Voodoo, “The Great Clamor,” and VikingsPosted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
Take to the streets in Santiago, Chile, from January 3 to 20 for the Santiago a Mil international theater festival. You’ll find large-scale spectacles like “the noise of colors” extravaganza, a forest of paper giraffes, and outdoor performances of Romeo and Juliet.
The World’s Best Retirement Havens in 2013Posted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
Exotic tropical islands, temperate mountain valleys, miles of deserted beaches, First-World cities packed with ultra-modern amenities, and ancient vineyard-shrouded hill towns… Among the top retirement spots in the world this year, you’ll find great variety in the cultural offerings, climates and lifestyles.
- More on Mexico
Posted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
Mexico secured third place in the 2013 Retirement Index. While it scored solidly across all categories, it excelled in two main areas. First up is the Ease of Integration category, in which Mexico clocked up a maximum score of 100 from 100. Mexico is right on the U.S.’s doorstep. And settling in becomes that bit more easy when you’re just a short trip from your family and friends.
The 2013 Global Retirement Index: How it’s ScoredPosted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
Accurately scoring the world’s top retirement locations is a complex process. So, we’ve broken down each of our categories to give you a “behind the curtain” look at how we put the Index together.
13 Great-Value Buys in the World’s Top HavensPosted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
Whether you dream of a pastel-painted, old colonial home surrounded by lush gardens or a super-modern condo just yards from the beach, in locations all over the planet you’ll find incredible value. Affordable, good-value real estate is a “stand-out” factor of the world’s best retirement havens.
- Real Estate Contacts in the World’s Top Havens
Posted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
We’ve called on our network of experts and in-country editors to reveal their real estate contacts in each of the countries that performed best in our 2013 Global Retirement Index. Knowing the right people will help you negotiate the real estate landscapes in whichever country you’re interested in.
Panama: Trade Up in ParadisePosted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
Panama’s a place of sunshine, 365 days a year. You have hundreds of miles of beach…highland retreats with green valleys where the weather is spring-like, even in January and August…and a genuinely cosmopolitan capital city, too, with one of the world’s largest financial districts.
Running an Import-Export Business Part-TimePosted on December 4, 2012 by Judy Miranda
Shortly after arriving in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, I stepped into the home of a family of weavers. The room was swept and straw mats were spread over the meticulous dirt floor ready for the day’s work to get underway.
Taken with Tao: Chill on the Riviera MayaPosted on December 3, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
I’d like you to invite you to a special event – open exclusively to members of RETA. It’s an opportunity to visit and experience first-hand a stunning Caribbean resort community in increasingly popular Tulum. And this is real community. Not just bricks, mortar and a white-sand beach, but a full lifestyle.
Piñatas, the Sphinx and Waltzing in ViennaPosted on November 26, 2012 by John Joe Worrall
Begin your holiday season in earnest in Mexico City with a huge Christmas Market running throughout December. In amongst the stalls, piñatas and ice rinks you’ll find the world’s tallest Christmas tree. In Europe, Christmas markets large and small brim with handicrafts, mulled wine and seasonal fare, but Germany is king of them all.
Mexico’s Caribbean Coast – $893/monthPosted on November 15, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
I’m bullish on Tulum. The appreciation potential is strong. You can buy a condo for $186,930 (that includes a 7% discount). Payment terms include financing of $893 a month. Without the financing, there are other member bonuses like free golf club memberhip.
Running a Coffee Shop in Guanajuato, MexicoPosted on October 29, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
Café Tal “was born of the need for decent coffee in Guanajuato,” says the 53-year-old from Tucson, Arizona—a classic case of spotting a need and satisfying it. Today Café Tal, in operation for nearly eight years, is a favorite with both locals and expats. But Greg didn’t start out planning to be a coffee mogul.
Living and Working in MexicoPosted on October 25, 2012 by Kary Vannice
I was soon on a flight to Orizaba, Mexico, to take up my first job teaching English at a private school. I had traveled a little in Mexico, but those short trips were nothing compared to immersing myself in the local culture. The job allowed me plenty of time to explore…and what a country to find yourself in! I had no idea just how many religious holidays Mexico had and I got time off for all of them.
- Accidental Entrepreneurs Embrace Opportunity Overseas
Posted on October 22, 2012 by Jennifer Stevens
In exotic, welcoming, warm-weather destinations all over the world—from Colombia to Korea—you can live better for less. But, alas, you can’t live for free. Many retirees fund their lives overseas through savings, Social Security, and pensions. But those aren’t your only options. In this golden age of the portable career, we know readers cashing in with freelance work from every corner of the planet.
From Peppers to Hardwoods—Farming in the YucatánPosted on October 22, 2012 by John Luoma
Growing habanero peppers wasn’t on my bucket list when I first visited Mexico. Nor was developing a 48-acre forest. In fact, when my wife Janet and I crossed the border in 2005, it was to explore our retirement options. Janet was 59, I was 64, and we wanted to explore Mexico, get to know its people, and see if living there was something that could work for us. I had visited our daughter in Mexico in 2004, where she was on a student exchange. It was summer and the balmy weather meant we ate outdoors. The food, full of peppers and tropical fruits, was outstanding. I fell in love with the culture—slow-paced, quiet, dignified, and peaceful. I had started and managed my own businesses in the U.S., but connecting with the land, a culture, and its people had always been my passion.
Find Your Niche When Opportunity Knocks in an Overseas ParadisePosted on October 22, 2012 by International Living
In the U.S., you cannot do what I have done here in Ecuador… you’d have too much debt to worry about,” says Kevin Sheehy, who bank-rolled his first venture—a Vietnamese restaurant—in the cool-weather capital of Quito with just $14,000. One business opportunity led to another, and today his success overseas means that Kevin enjoys the flexibility to live in a place he loves (the weather is spring-like year-round) and spend four months every year traveling.
Mexico: Why Investing South of the Border is a Winning PlayPosted on October 22, 2012 by Chris Hunter
The case for investing in Mexico has never been so compelling. And there are four important factors why. First, the Mexican government is planning to introduce important pro-market reforms under newly-elected president Enrique Peña Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, who takes office next year. He is supported in these reforms by the opposition, center-right National Action Party.
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September 27-29, Las Vegas,NV
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Welcome to IL
More About Mexico
- Investing in Mexico
- Mexico Visa and Residency Information
- Travel in Mexico
- Beachfront Property in Mexico
- Living in Mexico
- Health Care in Mexico
- Living in Mexico: Easy, Inexpensive, and Close to Home
- One Million Americans in Mexico Can’t All Be Wrong
- Mexico Fact File
- Taxes in Mexico
- Retire in Mexico
- Why Mexico?
- Moving to Mexico
- Mexico Real Estate
- Rolodex: Contacts in Mexico
- Medicare Benefits for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
- Retiree Benefits in Mexico
- Making Money in Mexico
- Cost of Living in Mexico
- Free Mexico Report
- Mexico Classified Ads
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