For those who have chosen to live their Mexico retirement, the allure of new adventures is an ever-present companion. While the daily tranquility of Mexican life is cherished, the occasional change of scenery is always nice. So what a better place to heed this call than Bacalar? A weekend getaway to Bacalar’s is the opportunity to experience the magic of a different Mexico.
Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, Sotuta de Peón is a living testament to the region’s rich history and culture. As the only functioning hacienda open to the public, Sotuta de Peón offers an immersive experience that takes visitors on a captivating journey back in time. In this article we will take you on a brief tour to this hacienda. Moreover, we will also be highlighting the booming Yucatan Real Estate market.
There are many thrilling activities to do when you’re in the Riviera Maya. One of the most interesting and refreshing is snorkeling! And there is no shortage of places for you to indulge. Continue reading
Retirement in the Riviera Maya – what’s to know is a guest blog by Betty White, whose bio you can find at the bottom of this article.
In the modern era, we are living faster than ever and working much more than relaxing. When we are young and full of ambition, we even find pleasure in the adrenaline that this lifestyle brings us. But as the years go by, we become tired. Continue reading
Retirement is different for each person. Some people seek retirement to simply sit out on a porch, overlooking the ocean and relax for good. Others are out to find adventures that they couldn’t quite have while working the 9 to 5 job. Continue reading
About half of all Americans and Canadians are experiencing stress about being able to retire comfortably. But the good news is that while those fears may be well-founded for those who decide to stay home, others who are interested in moving may find a better option to the south. The International Living Global Retirement Index recently released their rankings on the best places to retire, and Mexico was ranked as the penultimate destination. From the quality of life to the culture to the climate, there are innumerable reasons why retiring to the Mayan Riviera is an excellent option. Here are the top five reasons why you should retire to Mexico.
Many retirees are living on a fixed income which is often a challenge to get by on in our increasingly expensive world. However, in Mexico, a couple can easily live on as little as $1,500USD per month, including housing and healthcare. A couple can easily grab a round-trip taxi, a fancy dinner and do some shopping for less than $20USD. Moreover, there is no need to be thrifty.
Thanks to such a low cost of living, individuals with what might seem like a low income can still live a full and active life when they retire to Mexico. Exploring ancient Mayan ruins or deserted beaches might be a great option for the more physically able. Or for those who prefer to stay city-side there is no shortage of restaurants or amenities. Moreover, there are hundreds of inexpensive flights available to destinations all over the Americas.
With a mean annual temperature of 75-77 °F (24-25 °C), the Mayan Riviera is an ideal destination for anybody looking to escape the cold and dreary weathers we experience in most of the rest of North America. Cooling down is never a problem. Between the pristine beaches along the coast, beautiful cenotes located all around the area, or the full amenity pools open to guests at countless resorts and beach-side clubs, there is no excuse.
For those who are over 60 and are legal residents of Mexico, the public healthcare system is completely free! And for those who are taking advantage of an early retirement, public healthcare can be acquired for a mere few hundred dollars a year. Even private health insurance can be purchased for less than half the cost of US prices. Besides, medical tourism in the Riviera Maya has become increasingly popular due to the state-of-art technologies and professionals. This is one of the top reasons why Americans and Canadians decide to retire to Mexico.
From Day of the Dead to Mexican Independence Day, there is no shortage of celebrations and events to take part in to celebrate the incredible history of the country. On days without national celebrations, you can still take part in any number of activities. These range from shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking, mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, going to concerts, or fine dining. The list is endless!
So, start planning your very-well reserved retirement in the most beautiful part of Mexico – the Riviera Maya! Thousands of Americans and Canadians have already decided to retire to Mexico, living an affordable, comfortable and enticing life. There are also thousands of retirement-friendly communities, properties and options. And they’re just a phone call away.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
The Riviera Maya is known to be one of the most popular places in the world for retirees. In fact, in Mexico it only comes second to the San Miguel de Allende expat community. The bright sunshine, consistent warm weather and affordability make it a top destination for retirement. Without missing a beat, developers have started to create retirement-friendly communities throughout the Riviera Maya. They offer great quality of life, culture and friendliness. Moreover, hospitals and clinics offer some top technology medical facilities and treatment. These are the best retirement-friendly communities today.
Many retirees choose Playa del Carmen due to the proximity to the Cancun International Airport. It is also the heart of the Riviera Maya and has access to the main cities and attractions. But mostly it is the services of a big city while still being a small town that attract those who want to retire.
Moreover, the real estate market in Playa del Carmen is very affordable. In comparison to the United States, living in Playa del Carmen can also be over 50% cheaper. Playa del Carmen is home to big supermarkets such as Walmart and has international shops, bars and restaurants like Starbucks, H&M, Apple, and others.
Tulum is a great beach town with everything one could possibly need. Although it is slightly further from the Cancun International Airport, it has easy accessibility through the Federal Highway 307. Tulum’s exponential growth has led it to become a sustainable community with many real estate developments taking into consideration the damage to the environment and tackling the issue.
In Tulum you will find high-end developments that mix a natural and tranquil lifestyle with luxury living. Accommodation and cost of living is affordable altogether. Tulum is also growing when it comes to medical attention, having opened clinics and hospitals recently. It is also home to select and premium supermarkets, as well as boutique shops, 5-star restaurants and, of course, the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.
Tulum has garnered international attention due to its winning beaches and amazing amenities. It is the perfect retirement destination for those who wish to spend their golden years chilling by the clear-blue sea.
Just 20 minutes south of Cancun you will find Puerto Morelos. It is quickly attracting more and more attention to visitors to the region, with many visiting it for a day at the beach. Its large California-style beaches are laidback and tend to be emptier than other regions in the Riviera Maya. It has a small population of approximately 9,000 and it offers great real estate infrastructure for anyone looking to retire to a still hidden gem.
It is a more laidback version of Playa del Carmen, and much smaller than Cancun. Retirees looking for something tropical are keeping an eye out for this small fishing town. Puerto Morelos is small enough that it feels like private, yet it has main access to the Federal Highway 307 and a large supermarket for every need.
Taking the Caribbean experience one step further is retiring to an actual island. Cozumel is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen and it has infrastructure that requires you never actually leave the island. It is great for retirement because you get A-class beaches, plenty of tourism, delicious seafood and it has everything one might need such as clinics and doctors, large supermarkets and plenty of shops.
It is quite fast and affordable to commute to the mainland, however, should you need to do so. Those who retire to Cozumel are often big on fishing and scuba diving – two things the island offers better than most other regions in the Riviera Maya.
Real estate in Cozumel is very affordable, as well. Because it is mainly a tourist destination and not so much a permanent living destination for foreigners, real estate prices are kept at very competitive prices. And if you’re a snowbird, you surely will rent out your property for vacations.
Last but not least is Chetumal. This isn’t actually in the Riviera Maya, but rather the Costa Maya which starts at the south of Tulum and ends at the border with Belize. Just at the border lays Chetumal, the capital city of the state of Quintana Roo. While it is located a four-hour drive from the Cancun International Airport, it has become a hotspot for foreign retirees.
The city is very quiet and its proximity to Belize has made it popular amongst retirees that are often searching for scuba diving and fishing opportunities beyond the Mexican border. Chetumal has grown in retirement opportunities due to its excellent medical treatment facilities. Because it is a city it has plenty of supermarkets, banks, and activities to engage in.
When you think of retirement in the Riviera Maya, you should think of endless opportunities and a comfortable lifestyle. There are thousands of available real estate projects throughout. Check them out and start planning your paradise retirement today.
Expats in Mexico are the happiest people in the world, according to a recent InterNations survey. They surveyed over 18,000 expats from 163 countries, taking into consideration different factors of moving and living abroad. Mexico ranked first – out of 68 countries – for personal happiness. It ranked second for leisure, ease of settling in and cost of living. Thanks to the investments being made in safety and quality of life in the Yucatan Peninsula, many foreigners continue choosing it as their perfect retirement destination. Others find it to be ideal as a snowbird destination.
According to other studies, 39% of expats living in Mexico are, in fact, retirees. Out of all expats in Mexico 20% have said that they moved down here for the weather and quality of life. No wonder it ranked second for leisure, ease of settling in and cost of living. 85% of the expats mentioned that settling down in Mexico was really easy. They mentioned the ease with which the local culture has made them feel at home. In fact, if you compare cities such as Sarasota to Playa del Carmen you will notice that it is over 50% more affordable to live in Mexico than it is to retire in the United States.
Another aspect of the survey that made Mexico stand out was the friendliness of the Mexican people. 64% of those surveyed said that Mexicans are some of the friendliest people they’ve encountered. Because of this, it ranks first in friendliness. Over half of them reported that the local’s attitude towards foreigners is very friendly, which is why making friends in Mexico is easy. And the language barrier is no problem. In fact, 96% of them reported that they already speak Spanish to some level.
But it is probably the financial benefits of moving to Mexico that is the driving force of retirees wanting to move down here. The survey revealed Mexico to be second in cost of living and third in the personal finance index. Actually, 17% of expats in Mexico reported that they have more money than they need.
Overall, Mexico remains a top-of-mind retirement destination for many reasons. But personal happiness is perhaps the most important one. That is why 88% of expats surveyed said they were quite satisfied with their lives in Mexico placing it in fourth place in the overall ranking. And the truth is, that purchasing a retirement home in Mexico is really simple. With so many Mexico real estate options available, it also comes as no surprise that people are choosing this beautiful place to spend their winters and benefit from their home the rest of the year.
A Quick Guide to a Mexican Golfing Retirement is a contribution by Chrissy Jones.
With some of the best all-inclusive golf resorts in the world, it’s natural to assume that Mexico takes its golfing seriously. With 11 of these courses based in Cancun alone, it’s a haven for the golfing enthusiasts. The real estate market also loves golf courses. Because of this, they add a significant amount of value to the properties in the area. For retirees, good properties and plenty of golfing is the perfect combination. Mexico offers some of the best retirement spots, now with the added advantage of including a swing at golf.
Mexico is not necessarily known for its golfing. But an increased focus in the sport has resulted in two of the top ten golf courses in Latin America to be in Mexico. Jack Nicklaus designed the first, Cabo del Sol in Baja. At 36 holes, this is not a course to be trifled with. The second is designed by Forrest Richardson and is based in Las Palomas. This course features 18 holes, which is perfect for a quick round on a Sunday. Both Baja and las Palomas offer retirees the ideal mix of real estate to keep their purses and comfort levels satisfied.
Retirees who wish to take up golf as a hobby after retirement don’t need to worry about learning the perfect swing or putt. Plenty of beginners are retirees. In fact, many of the gated estates and resorts offer beginner golfing to their residents. This is a trump card on the real estate front. You can find many of these residences in the Riviera Maya, such as this one in Bahia Principe. Retirees don’t have to worry about starting out their golfing hobby in retirement, as many of them do. This is because many retirees never had the opportunity to take up a hobby before due to lack of time. Residents can request golfing lessons at the local golf courses. Participants can decide when they’re ready to go out on their own.
From the Tom Fazio signature golf course in Chileno Bay to the Jim McLean Golf School at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, luxury and golf go hand in hand. Sprawling residential resorts that offer more than just great views are the ideal location. Here, retirees can rest their wandering feet on Mexican soil. These destinations offer other spoils such as spa access and exclusive outdoor activities, as well. For retirees, this all comes at affordable prices and the temperate weather is a bonus.
From the sprawling beaches that provide the perfect backdrop to a great day’s golfing, to world-class accommodation, retiring in Mexico is one for the young at heart. With fresh greens and crisp lawns, there has never been a better time to take up golf.
When you’re thinking of your retirement, there are many things to consider. Amongst those, is the ease with which you will be able to move around. This means actually living in a city that is relaxing, close to everything, and where transportation is at hand. A place that requires you to drive everywhere most likely means traffic, and nobody wants to deal with such things during their retirement. It’s your turn to sit back, relax and enjoy. That is why retiring to Mexico has so many benefits. In fact, it is one of the top destinations in the country for Americans and Canadians to spend their golden years.
There are many benefits to retiring in places such as Playa del Carmen. Not only do the big expat communities help each other out constantly, but the quality of life is impressive. Walking everywhere is easy, everything is nearby, there are plenty of things to do, and there is also a great infrastructure.
One of the perks of retiring to the Riviera Maya is its top-notch medical industry. Many English-speaking professionals work here and cater to the well-being of American and Canadian expats. Retiring to Mexico means having the best possible medical care at hand with many private clinics and dentist’s offices available.
The Mexican peso is constantly fluctuating and the dollar gains more and more strength against it. While that may be bad news for our Mexican friends, it is a great opportunity for Americans and Canadians. Dollars will go a long way here not only because of its value but because living in Mexico is very cheap in comparison to other countries. Not only when it comes to real estate but also with simple things such as a meal out in a restaurant, or grocery shopping and even transportation.
The Riviera Maya is a friendly and welcoming place. It is home to a close-knit community that will help you find anything or recommend places to visit. Many people will also willingly volunteer to help you in translating documents, instructions, or anything else you may need. But because Mexicans are so friendly and open to foreigners, the quality of life is much better, too. Friends are found around every corner. Great food is served in every restaurant. Beers and cocktails flow by the beach nonstop. Activities to do include swimming, snorkeling, diving, yoga, fishing, and many others that keep everyone young at heart.
If for some reason you decide to use a vehicle, there are many trusted rental cars that offer incredibly low prices in comparison the USA. Renting a car to pick friends up at the airport, or to get around is an easy and affordable process. However, the transit system (bus and colectivos) are very reliable, timely and good. There are a few terminals scattered around the Riviera Maya that will take you anywhere and bring you back.
The weather in the Riviera Maya is very consistent with the sun always shining and warm temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature is 28°C, while it can fluctuate anywhere between 22°C and 36°C. The weather makes it a great place to retire due to the amount of activities one can enjoy under the sun.
All in all, there is no reason to avoid retiring to Mexico. It is affordable, fun, friendly, beautiful, and offers a great deal of Americanized standards that you are used to. Shopping is easy and cheap and moving around either driving or in public transportation is no hard feat. Mexico is definitely the number one choice for you to retire.
