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Kenito
Site Admin
Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:30 am
Posts: 656
Location: Rosarito, Baja California, MX
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 Thinking about moving to Mexico... Retiring in Mexico?
(I have been having this conversation privately and decided to post it here... hopefully others will join in.)
I have seriously thought of "retiring" in Mexico. I have some friends, a gay couple together many years outside of Guadalajara, whom I visited 3 years ago and I found a home to buy there but couldn't get a Mexico mortgage. Was going to lease it as a vacation property and then have a place to vacation or retire. They have lived down there about 10 years or so.
I'd like to relocate in Mexico and have some sort of business; too restless to not do anything and also for financial reasons. How long have you been living there? What kind of work/profession had you done before moving there?
Actually I had my house sold in 1998 and was going to relocate to San Diego. The sale fell apart and I changed jobs and decided against moving out there plus cost of living in SD was through the roof.
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Kenito
Site Admin
Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:30 am
Posts: 656
Location: Rosarito, Baja California, MX
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Re: Thinking about moving to Mexico... There are two theories about the "where" of retiring in Mexico.
Places like Chapala and San Miguel de Allende are very well populated by ex-patriot residents. This tends to drive some of the costs up, and moving there is a real commitment. Moving, as I did, to Baja is a lot easier, and if it does not work... you just drive back!
People who have VA, Medicare, or other insurance can still take advantage of it with a short drive to the San Diego area. Our mail is delivered to a PO box in the US and someone picks it up and brings it here to a private mail box. So with a US PO box that gets delivery 3-5 days a week, a VOIPhone line, and internet... some don't even realize that I live full time in Mexico.
Is Rosarito Beach the "real" Mexico? Hardly! But I also contend that the folks who move to the other ex-pat favorite cities and then only associate with other ex-pats... they are not living in the "real" Mexico either. My best times here were when I had a Mexican boyfriend and could really integrate myself in Mexican culture and lifestyle. To me, that is a principal reason for coming here... if you appreciate the Latin culture, and of course... Latin men!
In the developing areas where the market is driven by ex-pat residents, you will find lots of new projects where the developers are offering financing. It won't be for 30 years... but maybe ten. Qualification is a snap because they hold title until you pay them off. So, this could be a consideration for you.
As far as having something to do... unless it is to generate extra income, you will find plenty to do. There are all kinds of activities to support local non-profits. I am on the board of the Friends of the Library... and believe me, it is more work than I want! We have an active community here, and you can find plenty to keep busy. Finding something to generate extra income is more problematic. I suggest you work on something on-line that is portable and you can take it wherever you are. Plus, being close to the border it is easier to maintains some kind of home business than being in the interior. Easier said than done, I know... but that seems to work the best. Guess it depends on what your interests are and how you can capitalize on them. Of course, it depends on how much you want to make. I retired early and am one of those guys who will actually have an increase in my income when I draw social security and qualify for Medicare. I too would like to supplement my income with something because it is always more month at the end of my money. But living cheaply in Mexico is far more doable then in the US.
Most of us come and buy... but I recommend you come and rent for a year... then find exactly what you want at a bargain. If you have sold your place up there and have cash in your pocket... my goodness... Cash is King! That's how you make a great buy. I think that is good advice whether you decide to look here or farther to the interior.
I hope you keep up the questioning... we'd love to welcome you south of the border!
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