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. Mexico is full of overlooked retirement havens where you can retire in luxury without spending a fortune.
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Population: 113,724,226 (July 2011 est.)
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
- Your Issue this Month – 5 Top Stories
Posted on February 2, 2012 by Eoin Bassett
Jessica has been on the road, exploring the best of Panama’s “close-in” havens. And in your February issue she reveals the places you’ll enjoy stunning natural beauty, yet have the modern amenities of Panama City on your doorstep… Farther north and closer to home, IL Mexico Editor, Glynna Prentice, discovers big discounts on beach-town properties in beautiful Baja California. Lisa Marie Mercer moved to the coastal town of Atlantida, Uruguay, to benefit her health, but she’s staying for the affordability and quality of life. In your issue this month she explains how much she saves on health care and what she likes most about her friendly, convenient new home. Also in your latest issue, expat Terry Coles and her husband Clyde explain why they love their new affordable life in Capira, Panama, while New York native Chuck Kruger describes the moment he and his wife Nell first arrived on their island home off the coast of County Cork, Ireland. After traveling to 92 countries Renee Pyburn finally found her retirement dream on another European island. It’s English-speaking, with a mild, sunny climate and great health care, steeped in history and there’s plenty to do…find out why Renee chose Malta as the place to buy her overseas home.
- Enjoy Freedom, Opportunity, and Adventure When You Move Overseas
Posted on January 24, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
Five years into my expat life, I look forward to downsizing. In fact, I recently bought a small, manageable, lock-and-leave property in Guanajuato, in the Colonial Highlands. It’s a far cry from what I thought I wanted when I first moved to Mexico… Then, I’d wanted a good-sized house, instead of an apartment as I’d had in the U.S.
- You Could Be Living in Paradise Right Now… For a Lot Less than It Costs You to Stay Home
Posted on January 23, 2012 by International Living
In a place where your dollar goes further… where today’s economic crisis is creating new opportunities… instead of taking them away.
Where costs of living, healthcare, and property are still affordable – like they once were in the US. And you can still live luxuriously… even hire a maid… on nothing more than your social security check.
Discover our top retirement destinations for 2012 at International Living’s Seventh Annual Ultimate Event.
- How to Escape The Undertow
Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
What Life Overseas Really Looks Like…
Skeptics inquire: Are the opportunities overseas really as great as we at IL portray them to be? The short answer is “yes.” But don’t take my word for it… Listen, instead, to the many firsthand stories we’ve collected in this month’s issue—on-the-ground reports from folks who decided to answer the question for themselves…at the beach…in the hills…in cities…or on islands…
- Five Places at the Profit Tipping Point
Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
When Ernest Hemmingway was asked how he went broke, he replied, “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” It’s the same pattern with hot new beach destinations (only instead of going broke, you could make money…gradually, then suddenly).
- Baja Beaches: 25% Off on the Shores of the Sea of Cortez
Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
If you want to live with world-class natural beauty without the world-class price tag, come to Mexico’s Baja California Sur. And be sure to bring a camera. This is a desert land of sharp, clear lines. The mountain peaks in the distance gleam a delicate mauve. I drive up a hill and suddenly there is the sea; a vast expanse of blue dotted with rocky, deserted islands.
- Reclaim Your Retirement Beyond America’s Borders
Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
A round-up of the events you should be chalking down on your callendar.
- One of the World’s Best-Kept Caribbean Secrets – For Now
Posted on January 13, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Tulum’s beaches are mesmerizing.
Nestled at the end of a stunning powder sand Caribbean coastline, surrounded by untamed jungle, ancient forest cities, a protected nature reserve, and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, Tulum is one of the world’s best-kept secrets…for now.
Close by is the exclusive development called Tao. It’s a project made up of condos, town homes and residences. RETA members bought pre-release and pre-construction here 18 months ago. Back then, not a single sod had been turned. But developer Benjamin Beja had a vision, a hard-working team and a truly special piece of land.
- The Most Fun Way to Make Money in Mexico
Posted on January 11, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
A fun way to fund your vacations is by having an import-export business—it’s not as complicated as it might sound. It could be simply buying local products in Mexico, like handicrafts, and selling them back home when you return. Mexico makes so many handicrafts that you have plenty of options, from Mexican rugs to silver to pottery and more. Several regions of Mexico are particularly known for their handicrafts.
- Head-to-Head with Mexico’s ‘Crazy Potato’
Posted on January 11, 2012 by J. Keith Howie
The afternoon sun beat down on the concrete building radiating heat around the pool, making it mandatory to take a dip in the cool refreshing water and to enjoy the extraordinary view across Mexico’s Zihuatenejo Bay. It provided me with a great opportunity to take some photos from the pool to sell on one of the Micro-Stock agencies I post to.
- Affordable-living in La Paz, Mexico
Posted on January 10, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
I’m in an SUV in La Paz, in Mexico’s Baja California Sur. The sun is hot and we’ve rolled down the windows as we drive through town. We go at a leisurely pace, stopping at street corners to obey the four-way stop signs; La Paz is too low-key to need many stop lights.
- How One Jobless American Turned Things Around in Mexico
Posted on January 3, 2012 by Arthur Hoffman
When Cheryl Finnegan lost her job, she considered putting up a fight. She could stay in San Francisco—maybe get back into another firm with another position in corporate marketing. Or she could do something else with her life.
- 3 Lots Only – Big Land Near the Caribbean
Posted on December 27, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
In Tulum, you’ll find some of the world’s finest white powder beaches…backed by palm trees that rustle in the Caribbean breezes… and you’ll find the world-famous Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, too.
A 12-minute drive from the white sand and sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea you’ll find a one-of-a-kind project called Los Arboles Tulum.
- How to Escape The Undertow
Posted on December 20, 2011 by anon
Old beliefs die hard—but we’re doing our best here at International Living to speed them on their way. From Penang, Malaysia to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico… Dublin, Ireland to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua… from Bilbao, Spain to Bangkok, Thailand, … this month’s issue is packed with boots-on-the-ground revelations about destinations you may think you know…
- The World’s Best Retirement Havens
Posted on December 20, 2011 by anon
Look at the right places beyond our borders today, and you’ll find you have more good choices than ever for a comfortable – even a pampered – retirement. In any one of our top 19 havens for 2012, a lifestyle well beyond your reach in the States could be yours for pennies on the dollar.
- Why Ecuador is the World’s Best Retirement Haven
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Why did Ecuador top the 2012 Retirement Index? One of the key strengths that …
- Cheapest Places to Retire
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador 97/100 Ecuador stormed to the top of our list in the cost of …
- The Best Retiree Benefits
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Panama, Scored: 100/100 Panama has put together the most appealing program of special benefits …
- The Best-Value Real Estate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador, Scored 97/100 Ecuador topped the real estate category in this year’s Retirement Index—and …
- Healthcare in our Havens
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Panama, Scored 91/100 Panama offers high quality health care and modern hospitals in the …
- The Best Climate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Italy, Scored 98/100 Scoring a country on its climate is difficult, because everyone has …
- Reclaim Your Retirement Beyond America’s Borders
Posted on December 20, 2011 by anon
A round-up of the events you should be chalking down on your callendar.
- An Early Christmas Present
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
With any real estate opportunity I strongly urge you to use you own independent legal advice and to visit.
Visiting is where your due diligence meets fun and adventure. The best way to do it is on a special member-only scouting trip or “chill weekend”. Some of these gatherings are free.
- Happy Holidays Overseas
Posted on December 8, 2011 by Kent Zimmerman
When my old boss asked us if we wanted to go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, over Christmas week, we jumped at the chance. It was such an amazing experience we never looked back. A Christmas in Mexico with all its color, warmth and vibrancy became our new family tradition. We didn’t miss the snow. The gorgeous blue waters and the long, warm evenings saw to that.
- Tossing out the Stereotypes: With Boots-on-the-Ground Revelations from Penang to Bilbao
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Jennifer Stevens
Old beliefs die hard—but we’re doing our best here at International Living to speed them on their way. From Penang, Malaysia to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico… Dublin, Ireland to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua… from Bilbao, Spain to Bangkok, Thailand, … this month’s issue is packed with boots-on-the-ground revelations about destinations you may think you know…
- Unemployed in the U.S., International Designer in Mexico
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Arthur Hoffman
When Cheryl Finnegan lost her job, she considered putting up a fight. She could stay in San Francisco – maybe get back into another firm with another position in corporate marketing. Or she could do something else with her life. At the age of 39, in the middle of a divorce and with a generous severance package from her former employer, Levi Strauss, Cheryl did just that. She went to Paris at first and spent time enjoying the city and French culture. After a few wonderful months, she returned to the Americas and to the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
- Reclaim Your Retirement Beyond America’s Borders
Posted on November 24, 2011 by International Living
A round-up of the events you should be chalking down on your callendar.
- Own a Home in an Art City
Posted on November 24, 2011 by International Living
Panama City $185,000. For the artistically inclined, Panama City is the ultimate new frontier. …
- Video: The Cost of Living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s prettiest colonial towns and an expat favorite. But it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find properties there now starting at about $150,000, and enjoy San Miguel’s vibrant atmosphere and many amenities. And your cost of living in San Miguel will be low, too.
- “My Life Is My Own in Mexico”
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Kandy Stahl
This isn’t five days a week; it’s closer to seven with 12- to 14-hour days. The stress has mounted, your health has suffered, and forget a personal life. You think constantly of retirement, but it is five years in the future. Sound familiar? Fifteen months ago, that was my life…and it was certainly not my own.
- Full Details on That Secret Caribbean Property Deal I Told You About
Posted on November 23, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Last year I told you about an opportunity near Tulum, on the Southern edge of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The project is called Los Arboles Tulum.
Real Estate Trend Alert members snapped up all 62 lots available last year, with member-only pricing and terms. This year, developer Greg Schnurr moved to the next phase of the project—home and lot packages, and community building. Twelve homes are under construction or at permitting stage. Many more are at the planning stage.Greg has just opened up a new and final phase (called Tejon) of 20 lots. Eleven of these lots are only available “off market” to members of our little group. We get special pricing and interest-free finance.
- Video: The Cost of Living in Lake Chapala, Mexico
Posted on November 16, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
In this video, IL’s Mexico editor Glynna Prentice talks about the cost of living in Lake Chapala, Mexico. Lake Chapala, located in central Mexico, is an affordable expat haven that is one of the easiest places to retire abroad, thanks to thousands of English-speaking expats and US-style amenities. It’s a part of the world where it’s easy to afford a cook, a maid, and a gardener.
- The Best Climate in Mexico
Posted on November 11, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
Someone asked me recently what city in Mexico has the best climate. Questions like this are subjective, so at the time I said, “It depends.” It depends, of course, on your own tastes and temperament. But the question made me think about climate a bit… and some places do stand out. So here are my picks for the best climate in Mexico.
- Next Phase at Tao – Our Caribbean Favorite
Posted on November 11, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
On January 28th developer Benjamin Beja will launch the next phase of the Tao project. Last Friday I gave you a heads-up about this. Real Estate Trend Alert members can get in pre-release at special member-only pricing and terms.
- Where to Look in the Year Ahead for the Best Property Deals
Posted on November 9, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Greetings from Quito, Ecuador. In a few moments, I leave for the north coast. This is Ecuador’s nicest stretch of coast. We have the opportunity to buy lots here with monthly payments of $500 or less. Because of the new highway we’ll reach the coast by 9.30 a.m. or so. In time for morning ceviche on the beach.
I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements in the coastal highway that runs south to Canoa since I last visited. I’ll send you my full report soon on the infrastructure developments and improvements at the Jama Campay project.
In fact, while the year is winding down…my travel schedule and deal pipeline is filling up. These are exciting times.
- How to Profit From Mexico’s Best Beaches
Posted on November 5, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
This is what can happen when the Path of Progress rolls through. Real estate prices rise faster than the rate at which shiny high-rises spurt from beachfront sites. In Cancun, Mexico owners of little fishing huts became millionaires.
- All-in Trip to Tulum This December
Posted on November 4, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
The Tulum area at the southern edge of Mexico’s Riviera Maya has been on my radar since I first gazed from a rustic palapa along the white-sand beach to the turquoise waters beyond. With warm powder sand between my toes, and warm sea breezes rustling through the palm trees, my jaw hit the floor.
It’s that stunning.
That was seven years ago. It was a special place then. It’s a special place now. With government plans to improve infrastructure (roads, bridges and an international airport) and boost tourist number (from 3 million to 11 million a year) this area is set to take off.
It’s not too late to get in. Here’s how…
- Colonial Highland Life in Mexico
Posted on November 3, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
I spent a month in Guanajuato, in Mexico’s Colonial Highlands, this past spring. I loved it so much that I plan to spend a lot more time in the Highlands this next year. (In fact, I just bought a house here.) There’s so much to like about this region… Guanajuato—like much of the Colonial Highlands—has four seasons, so I look forward to getting out fall and winter clothes.
- IL’s Calendar of Events – November Issue
Posted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
Here’s a round-up of events, trips and excursions to some of the most exotic parts of the world – which you can book a place on.
- Property Picks: Dive Destination Homes
Posted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
In this month’s Property Picks, we’re highlighting properties next to some of the world’s best dive destinations.
Upcoming Event
-
You Could Be Living in Paradise Right Now… For a Lot Less than It Costs You to Stay Home
Event Date: Feb 21, 2012
In a place where your dollar goes further... where today's economic crisis is creating new opportunities... instead of taking them away.
Where costs of living, healthcare, and property are still affordable – like they once were in the US. And you can still live luxuriously... even hire a maid... on nothing more than your social security check.
Discover our top retirement destinations for 2012 at International Living’s Seventh Annual Ultimate Event.
Read More.
IL’s Seventh Annual Ultimate Event
More About Mexico
- Invest in Mexico
- Mexico Visa and Residency Information
- Travel in Mexico
- Beachfront Property in Mexico
- Live 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?
- Move 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
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