Living in Mexico

"Learn basic phrases in Spanish, be patient and kind. Remember Mexico is a foreign country and nothing like the United States. If you are an arts and crafts person and are retired or have your own income, I think you would like it here," remarked one expat who made the move to Patzcuaro.

"I have a 3 bedroom, 3 bath in a nice gated community. Very safe and quiet well except for the fireworks!!! Be prepared for 2 weeks in September. The weeks from Sept 6 to Sept 20th, Magdelena has a Saints Festival with almost nonstop fireworks,fiestas, parades and music. Then it goes into the week of Sept 16 fireworks, fiestas and music!! In December we have the posadas. The rest of the time it is quiet. We have marvelous hot air balloons, or on the ground tours of all the marvelous wineries," explained one expat living in Tequisquiapan, Mexico.

"I would say, "Brother, you will not find a more excellent choice for a place to retire here in Mexico". Sure, there are more exciting places with nightclubs, wild bars with loud music and perhaps an ocean to frolic in, but with that comes a lot of undesireable "junk". The weekdays here are very quiet and relaxing, while the weekends are fun filled due to tourists and special functions designed by the Presidencia municipal. The elevation here is about 6,000 feet, which means we do not get hot. Most days are in the 75-80 degree range, though it can get a little chilly at night during the winter. I enjoy a second floor two bedroom apartment right across from the main town plaza. I keep the balcony doors open at all times and revere in the almost constant breeze that keeps my place cool, night & day. Rent? Under $300 US per month. Try and beat that in the US," said one expat in Tequisquiapan.

"Be aware, be safe. Learn the language and adapt. Don't expect the same efficient service you get in the US. Enjoy it," said one expat who made the move to Mexico City.

"Living costs are about 2/3 of those in the states. This is a relatively new area. 60 years ago there was nothing here but a fishing village. Not as cheap as in other parts of Mexico, but still a savings. Bring a good sturdy vehicle. The weather and the waters are sublime (although hot and humid in the summer months). Very low crime area, but petty theft is here as it is everywhere. You feel welcome wherever you go. Relax. Sometimes you have water and electricity...sometimes you don't. Bring butter," explained one expat living in San Carlos, Mexico.

"Make learning Spanish a priority. Hire locals to clean your house or build your house or walk your dog or wash your car... whatever. Force yourself to interact as much as possible," remarked one expat living in Yucatan, Mexico.

"It depends on who you want to meet. There is an English library inside the restaurant, Lupita's, a few steps from the Bascilica on Arciga Street. A volunteer group has their meetings there. English is spoken. They would welcome volunteers. If you want to meet Indigenous Purepecha, Mulle (dock) San Pedrito is run by them and it is a beautiful park next to the lake. Also they sell their art on the street and in the mercado in Centro ( open every day-even Christmas.) They also sell fruits and vegetables, clothes, shoes, socks, anything you need. To become friends with local people, it is necessary to speak Spanish and they are friendly. There are usually English speakers sitting outdoors at a cafe on Plaza Grande. One can take Spanish lessons as well," wrote one member in Patzcuaro.

"There are lots of activities in San Carlos. In the winter, Club Deportivo hosts an Educational series along with the usual bingo and such. There are several non-profit organizations to join, The Rescate (EMS) thrift store collects and sells items to support ambulance service. The Castaway Kids supports the local orphanage. The Rotary - and more. If you want to be involved there are many avenues. Most of the support groups are run by English speaking people, so there should be no hesitation if you haven't entirely grasped the language," remarked one expat who made the move to San Carlos.

"Saltillo appears to be a much friendlier city than others I have lived in (Puebla, Cuernavaca, Toluca). However, it was not easy to get to know people until I got connected with the Saltillo International Church (www.saltillointerationalchurch.com). They have bilingual services on Sundays, and for those who may not be "church-y" (or, like me, prefer the neighborhood church) have book studies for adults, men, and women throughout the week. Also, if your Spanish is decent www.desaltillo.com is helpful to find out events that are going on in town. If you friend them on facebook, they'll send daily updates--so helpful for me, as we don't regularly buy the newspaper," explained one expat living in Saltillo, Mexico.

"It's really no different that meeting people anywhere, with the exception that Mexicans - in general - are more welcoming. Smile, laugh, wave, learn simple greetings. Breathe..," said one expat in Mexico.

"Generally the expats are retired and their lives revolve around golf, tennis, bridge, socializing, walking or swimming in the ocean, reading, and whatever else they feel like. We have quite a few artists and others willing to share their knowledge. There are charities and animal welfare groups always looking for help," wrote a member in Manzanillo.

"People tend to work long hours during the week, not much on the weekends which is generally reserved for families. If you have kids you will be invited to tons of birthday parties, parents are expected to attend, not just drop the kids off. The parties are quite extravagant compared to the US," commented one expat who made the move to Mexico City.

"Saltillo is a small city/large town, so it's relatively quiet here. People here seem more respectful of their neighbors than in other areas of Mexico. For example, in general people don't blare their music from their homes or use their car horns as doorbells. People work hard and enjoy their families. While social stratification runs the gamut here, in general people are friendly and laid-back. While soccer is still a huge pastime, baseball appears to be just as popular, if not more popular, than soccer. Saltillo's professional baseball team won the 2009 national championship, and I always hear my neighbor kids hitting a ball around. Saltillenses are good runners, too. Every June, the city hosts a half-marathon, and throughout the year there are a variety of 5K and 10K races. Saltillo also boasts a plethora of good public parks--great for picnics, enjoying some green spaces, or playgrounds for kids," remarked one expat living in Saltillo, Mexico.

"Renovating old colonial homes, enjoying the beach, learning about the Mayan culture," wrote one member in Yucatan.

"People here, like other cities, love fiestas of which their are many. Family and socializing are the priorities for my friends. Men are macho and kind to women and children. People sit outdoors and love to talk. Of course, they must make a living. Couples marry young here and the young women and their beautiful children are often the only ones on the little buses during the day. People like to follow soccer on t.v," remarked one expat who made the move to Patzcuaro.

"There is less crime here than where we lived NOB. There is some petty crime.. burglaries and an occasional mugging. But these appear to be no worse than many places up north," remarked one expat living in Ajijic, Mexico.

"No. We have a little petty crime, which is new for us, but it is much safer here than any Us city . We all walk around at night and do not worry," wrote one member in Manzanillo.

"Tlaxcala State has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. But there is always petty crime everywhere and a person should always be alert and cautious," remarked one expat who made the move to Apizaco.

"I would think that most people are Catholic. I haven't seen any other churches and the children attend Catholic schools. As anywhere the wealthy are interested in making more money. Mexicans are very polite here and would rather lie than hurt your feelings. So it is difficult to know," said one expat who made the move to Patzcuaro.

"Like most of Mexico, Saltillo is fairly homogeneous, both racially, culturally, and religiously (although at times it feels that there are nearly as many tiny, hole-in-the-wall Protestant churches as there are large Catholic ones). While I fit the mold, I can't really say whether they are accepting of differences. But the prevailing attitude seems to be that of "live and let live"," explained one expat living in Saltillo, Mexico.

"Mexico boasts an incredibly diverse population that reflects their country's mixed heritage and history. People in Mexico are generally very accepting of differences and strive to celebrate the variety of cultures that make up their nation. Mexico's culture is a blending of many customs, values, and traditions from different backgrounds, which has created a unique atmosphere of acceptance and respect for people from all walks of life," mentioned one in Mexico.

"The population here is at least 90% native Mexican, with a small cadre of Americans, Canadians, British, French, Germans & Austrians. The people are very open to anyone who chooses to relocate here. There is no discrimination as far as I can tell. As an American, I feel I am treated just the same as the locals. Even the police are very accepting and never chase after the dreaded "MORDITA" like they do in bigger cities, ie; Mexico City," explained one expat who made the move to Tequisquiapan.

"This town is the perfect blend of the local community and expats. Although one would recommend learning the language of any country where you live, English speakers can get by very well in San Carlos without it. So many expats have made San Carlos their home, that it is a well known "English" community. If you are looking for total immersion in the Mexican culture this may not be the place," said one expat living in San Carlos, Mexico.

"Look at other schools. It is worth it. 38 teachers left in 2013, the administration is hidden in an office. The headmaster, jonathan Robins has no qualification what so ever for the job. The new teachers do not work as a team, and it does not help when your child is in 11grade or 12 grade. It is way too expensive for what it is. We are not sure the kids are happy now/," remarked one parent with kids at Greengates School in Mexico City.

"The British School of Monterrey (BSM) is the best international school in Mexico. Located in the north of the country, BSM offers a curriculum based on the UK National curriculum and an education that prepares students for university studies worldwide. Additionally, the school promotes bilingualism in Spanish and English. The school is home to many facilities like art and sports complexes as well as an extensive library. The Monterrey Institute of International Studies (TEC De Monterrey) is another great international school in Mexico, offering a learning environment that promotes the collective communal use and exploration of knowledge, preparing students to become highly educated, bilingual global citizens. This institute offers Dual Degree programs and Exchange of Studies both nationally and internationally, as well as five specialized programs; study abroad, foreign languages, bilingual studies, Pre-University and founding studies. The American School Foundation of Guadalajara is among the best bilingual schools in Mexico. They follow an American-based model of learning, offering both English and Spanish language instruction. The school provides quality education and facilities in an environment where diverse nationalities are valued. It also has Advanced Placements, an International Baccalaureate Program, and an extensive range of clubs and activities. Finally, the American School Foundation of Mexico City is a widely recognized bilingual school. It offers diverse academic programs ranging from Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten to College Preparatory and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. ASF has full bilingual language instruction in Spanish and English, as well as enrichment activities including international exchanges and competitions, robotics, and participation in sports leagues," explained one expat living in Mexico.

"I live in San Miguel de Allende and this is a tourist and expat destination with a dollar economy. Supermarket and utility prices are on par with the rest of Mexico but rents, wages for staff and service providers are high. A meal in a mid market restaurant will cost $US100 for 2 without going overboard and nearer US200 if you go for expensive cocktails, brandy or tequila. Rents var enormously depending upon location so you can find a 3 bed house in a so so area for US$450 but in a better area will be $900-1200 and in the historic center the sky the limit. Medical costs - a consultation with a general doctor or specialist US$40-50, blood/urine analysis US$100. Excellent medical services but if you need hospitalisation, long term cancer treatment etc you need to budget US$1m+ say for 5 years of chemo, radio, surgery and end of life care. Although private medical care is far less expensive than in developed countries it soon adds up and for me at age 68 in pretty good health, medical expenses insurance premiums and pay as you go represent 30% of my monthly expenditure. For young families you must budget for private education and medical/dental care," wrote a member in Mexico.

"I think that is a very personal question. You CAN find rental houses for about 5000 pesos per month, plus power and water, telephone and satellite. Then it depends on wether you eat the local fruits and vegetables or want something imported. Beer and alchohol are very reasonably priced, walking on the beach is free. I expect that for about 1000.00 US a person could live here comfortably. For 2000.00 you can live VERY well," commented one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"San Miguel de Allende is now one of the more expensive locations in Mexico with prices recently reported as being higher than many of the beach resorts. The town is promoted by the local politicians as an "up market" destination and it is no longer the ideal destination for ex-pats on limited budgets that it was 20 to 30 years ago. The plans to develop an international airport just outside the city will further drive this type of tourism. Obviously, it is possible to live cheaply if you avoid renting near the historic center and go for one of the more "popular" non-expat colonias. Shopping in local markets and avoiding eating out too much can also minimize expenses. The recent strength of the peso combined with high inflation has also made Mexico more expensive for ex-pats," remarked one expat living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

"If one buys local or Mexican brands, food is relatively inexpensive. Eating out is 1/2 or less than in the U.S. The cost of living monthly is dependent on: a. If you own a home.
b. your lifestyle. We projected that we will save between $8 -10,000 annually by living here. Gone are the $150/mo. water and sewer bills and the $180 / gas and electricity. Every little bit of savings adds up," wrote one member in Ajijic.

"The cost of living in Mexico can vary widely depending on the particular city, but generally speaking, it tends to be more affordable than in the United States. Food, housing, transportation, and many other everyday items are all significantly less expensive in Mexico than in the US. Groceries, in particular, are often much cheaper than their American counterparts. Additionally, the cost of entertainment, such as going to the movies or out to eat, is also much more affordable. Mexico is a great destination for travelers interested in stretching their travel budget further," remarked one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"It is still quite reasonable to live in Playa del Carmen, but prices have increased for restaurants significantly over the past few years. We used to eat on 5th Ave all the time. But now we tend to eat off the main tourist drag because the price and overall value of the food is better found outside," mentioned an expat living in Playa Del Carmen.

"Unfortunately due to major influx of Californians, New Yorkers and big oil Texans, Puerto Penasco aka Rocky Point is no longer a destination for moderate to lower income retiree. Its a sad fact. While many bloggers, RE professionals will disagree with my view, as a retiree with median range retirement income I have watched as cost of living for serviced based needs have gone up as much as 100%. In 2018 you could buy breakfast for two at a nice restaurant for near $18 USD. Now, the same place and breakfast for two ends up much closer to $38. Beach side margaritas used to be $5- $7 in 2018. Now $10 to $12 depending on the vendor. While there are a few spots remaining reasonable, its no longer cost effective for them to remain low priced because their competitor is raking in the Cali cash. Tours and seaside adventures have gone up as well. What used to be $80 for a day at sea is now $140 per person. Even panga banana boat operator's are charging more these days and its not due to gas. Upkeep of your house. It used to be usual to pay someone to work on little projects around your house (reapplying elastomeric) for about $200 including your balusters. Not no more. $400 and up. Rentals. Jesus! American developers renting out for 1200k monthly seems like alternate reality but it's not. Gone are the days of the reasonable, and sadly that also affects the locals. Yet, since Californians stating, "its so cheap," they are leaving the rest of us in a real pickle. So. Sorry to say. Good ole Rocky point, no longer for all of us," said an expat in Puerto Penasco.

"All around Playa del Carmen there are adventure area for zip lining, ATV riding, cave tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, tours to visit Mayan Ruins and nearby resorts, beaches and islands such as Cozumel, Tulum, Islas Mujeres etc," wrote one expat living in Playa del Carmen.

"Anything related to the beach, snorkeling, golf, exploring cenotes (caves), dining out. The food is amazing and the options are endless," commented one expat who moved to Playa Del Carmen.

"There is a large sport club here for tennis and golf. Every Sunday the streets are closed for bikeathons for the entire family to participate in. And any time you want to hike, go visit a ruin. Most of the cenotes allow swimming and are wonderfully cool and magical," said one expat.

"Boating, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, scuba, para sailing, sunset cruises, booze cruises, bird island tours, Jack Nicklaus golf courses and others, tennis, ultralight flying, ziplining, and lots of fine dining with ocean views," commented one expat living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

"In Mexico, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. Beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Parks provide a great place to relax, take a walk, or have a picnic. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as tennis, basketball, and soccer. Mexico also has a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Mexico has a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and mountain biking," remarked one expat living in Mexico.

"There is a fantastic web site called Weather Spark that allows you to investigate and compare climates throughout the year. You get graphs showing how the hi/lo temperature, how it feels throughout the day, the chance of clear skies, chance of precipitation, average rainfall, hours of daylight, chance of muggy conditions, and more. Be sure to scroll through all of the charts. Here is a link comparing Houston and Guadalajara; you can add and delete cities using controls at the top. ," wrote one expat living in Mexico.

"Hot. In the summer it is hot day and night, with no rain. In rainy season, it is very hot during the day but the nights usually cool off to pleasant 70's with a cooling wind, but not always. You can use sleeves at night but will not want them during the day," commented one expat who moved to Merida.

"The weather in Mexico is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot depending on the season. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to the mid-30s Celsius, while in the winter months they can drop to the mid-teens Celsius. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the summer months," said one expat.

"Hot, hot, and hotter! Humid, humid, and humider! Well the high season between Dec and April is still pleasant and not as humid. Summer is a killer," commented one expat living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

"It is hot, 95/100 is the norm for this time of year [June]. If you live in North Merida you can be in Progreso in 20 min. all highway, they have a full service marina there. Progreso is about 5 - 10 degrees cooler most days and seems like there is always wind from the water, we have breeze here too but when it is 115 heat index it doesn't help much. Mornings and evenings are beautiful though," remarked one expat living in Merida.

"EVERY type of restaurant. At one time, Playa had the largest amount of Italian expats. As a result we have ton of great Italian places. Ironically, there are not many "fine dining" Mexican restaurants. Many great taco carts and very casual places for Mexican. The nightlife scene has expanded in Playa as more and more younger people are visiting here," said one expat.

"Bars, restaurants, clubs, live music, DJ's, street food vendors come out at night and lines form. We have sushi, burgers, seafood, oyster farms, hot dogs Sonora style (wrapped in bacon) menudo, birria, cabeza and lengua tacos, Sopas, so much yummy food," commented one expat living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

"There are many night clubs with live music, from Salsa to Blues. There are too many restaurants to mention, from low end to high end. You will not want for a night life or if you are a foodie. I am a nght person, so I am speaking from personal experience," remarked one expat living in Merida.

"We have so many large grocery stores in Playa, that I wonder sometimes how they stay in business. We have two Walmarts. Local produce markets are not easy to find. There is one very small one in town once a week," said one expat.

"People living in Mexico typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and department stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Mexico," commented one expat living in Mexico.

"SHOPPING is great. Many do their grocery shopping at Wal-Mart, Sams Club, Chedraui (the Mexican version of Wal-Mart that is fantastic) the Mega store and others. Fifth Avenue is known for its lively, atmosphere with stores, restaurants with all types of specialty foods such as Mexican, Argentinian, Brazilian, French, Italian, Seafood, Steak and even fast food places like McDonald's and Burger King, Domino's Pizza, KFC. We have Office Depot, Home Depot, DHL, Fedex...just about everything," remarked one expat living in Playa del Carmen.

"This should be addressed at the immigration office here in Playa. Many come in on a Tourist Visa that is generally given for 180 days. After that, the person has to leave the country and return to hopefully get another Tourist Visa. However, their requirements for getting a Temporary or Permanent Visa are online and are affordable," mentioned one expat inPlaya del Carmen.

"I only have Medicare part A. It is pretty much useless stateside or elsewhere. For a time I purchase dental insurance but gave it up because it's cost was higher than the cost of the care I received," mentioned one expat inTijuana.

"Private healthcare is generally excellent and less expensive than the USA and Europe. Health insurance is available up to 70 years of age (renewable) but gets expensive with age. My daughter who is 30 pays about US $100/month and I pay US $450/month at age 68. The last increase in premium was 20%. This is with 10% co-seguro and a deductible of US$2500. I guess at some point it will be unaffordable," commented one expat who moved to Mexico.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Mexico can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a lower cost than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it often provides more comprehensive coverage and access to better quality care. Additionally, many employers in Mexico offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," remarked one expat living in Mexico.

"Medicare and supplements are only of use within the US except for certain life threatening emergencies when traveling. If you have substantial financial resources and a high respect for the health services in major cities you can pay for private care. Most insurance in MX will not cover preexisting conditions and the premiums are out of reach, especially for people over 70 or so. Staying connected with doctors and hospitals in the US is the most logical thing for us, we make several trips a year to see our doctors but are prepared to pay for care here in MX as needed," commented one expat.