Mexico Expat Forum

osros
Joined 2018
Posts: 8

5 years ago

A good staring point, where to go first.

5 years ago

Firstly let me say I have been reading a lot of the posts and they give good info/advise but also can be confusing and opinions differ of course, it has me flip flopping my focus on where to land and start to live life. I hate to make these posts knowing its been beaten over and over again so I ask your understanding and help for my specific situation which I'm sure is no different than many. Sorry this will be a long post but I feel I need to get our situation across and get as much good info as possible.

Okay, the wife and I are looking to mexico to retire and it is just as much a fun and adventure thing as it is a survival thing. We will be on a tight budget of about $1500usd per month for the first few years with a small nest egg, this should double after when more benefits come in, so yes trying to retire a bit early but its been planned that way. Financially I don't see a home purchase happening unless something extraordinary comes along and we are 100% settled on the town and can afford it, so rent at first.

Our lifestyle is quiet, As long as I can wake up in a nice quiet place, thank the creator for another day, enjoy some sun some sights now and then and easy access to food/shops in relative safety I'm happy. Car is 50/50 if I want drive my own there or Do without a car I rather due without. Prefer water nearby but can leave it also, not too remote, Hospitals, police etc. reachable. On the question of safety we all know to be aware and not do stupid things and anything can happen to anyone anywhere, every town has its bad areas that's understood. But the question at times gets skirted around with those responses, if there are issues in certain places it would be nice to learn from others who been there and know before having to experience it for yourself is helpful.

To the main point I would like to make that first town/city the best possible decision if we are going to stay for at least a year we may stay or it will be a starting point/home base to explore other options that first year, where I'm looking:

Ajijic: I have focused here mainly due to expat community which my wife is for but for me a lake does not hurt but the same reasons for the ease of knowing others have made it a home, and I guess popular for a reason. However I been reading a lot about crowds, traffic, a high season I guess?, prices increasing, etc. So that has me flip flopping on that plan. I have put Lake Chapala in the same boat but if Im wrong LMK and other nice areas close by I should consider? I actually plan to visit Ajijic in its high season to see for myself I guess it best to experience something when it can be at it worst and go from there.

Merida: Just started researching, seems nice, if not as busy as Ajijic and if still a good place to go I'm interested, interested in knowing better areas to be in North, south east or west parts.

Mazatlan: Same just started researching, seen some nice videos and comments, interested in knowing better areas to be in North, south east or west parts.

I have not been to Mexico in many years I made short trip or two to a border town so lets face it I have NOT been to Mexico. Besides the three choices above I'm open to other places to start researching as well. We plan to make a few short trips and I decided to make each town above a destination 1-2 weeks each I know that's different than living there but need to start somewhere.

Again sorry for the long post and I appreciate any input/responses, I may post this same message to other forums to get as much input as possible.

Thanks

Oscar

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Mexico Guide

Our Living in Mexico Guide is an introduction to everything about the basics for moving to Mexico: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Mexico Forum
Join our Mexico forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Mexico.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.

Best Places to Live in Mexico

If you're thinking about living in Mexico, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Mexico in 2023.

Healthcare in Mexico

If you're moving to Mexico or an expat living in Mexico, understanding the Mexican healthcare system is essential. We offer an overview of the public and private healthcare systems in Mexico, health insurance for expats in Mexico, hospitals and prescription drugs.

Cost of Living in Mexico

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Mexico.

Moving to Mexico Guide

Expats in Mexico share important tips for people preparing to move to Mexico. From banking in Mexico to finding a safe city, read these 8 tips before moving to Mexico.

Real Estate in Mexico

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Mexico.

Pros & Cons of Living in Mexico

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Mexico.

Retiring in Mexico

Advice for people retiring in Mexico.

Mexico Visa & Residency Guide

If you plan to move to Mexico, you'll need to understand the process involved and the order in which requirements need to satisfied. Here is an excellent primer on what you'll need to do regardless of the amount of time you plan to spend in Mexico.

10 Tips for Living in Mexico

If you've recently arrived in Mexico, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Mexico.

Additional Information:

Visit our Mexico Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.