Just in case anyone is considering Mexico as a place to live/retire.

[Starboard Tack]

I am, by no means, an expert on Mexico, but I'd like to share some thoughts I have about it, especially in terms of living here. We've been in Mexico for a little over six months. We've sailed 2,000+ miles of the coastline, Pacific and Sea of Cortes, and we've driven 5,000+ miles through 20 of the 31 states.

Some of you may have considered moving here, especially those who are retired, or close to retirement. If there is nothing tying you down, I highly recommend it, for many reasons.

Here are a few:
1. The cost of living is a fraction of what is in the US (20%-30%), depending on location and other preferences. You can live like royalty on less than $1000/month. You can live frugally on less than $500.
2. The culture is rich in history and art, and the climate is great.
3. The people are unbelievably friendly and gracious.
4. Stress is virtually unknown outside of Mexico City and a handful of other places, where you wouldn't want to live anyway.
5. The choices of great places to settle range from Gringo enclaves like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, to self sufficient, off the grid locations where you'll seldom encounter a gringo, from desert to jungle, and everything in between.
There are a myriad of towns and villages throughout the country, with small expat communities, usually comprising artists, writers and musicians. An interesting mix from all over the world.
6. Cell service and internet is good, virtually everywhere.
7. The food is amazing.
8. The markets are abundant with fresh organic produce.
9. In spite of what one hears on MSM in the US, Mexico is very safe. The violence is extremely localized and rarely random. I is mostly between the cartels and other gangs and local vigilantes. My wife and I never felt threatened at any time and we took a lot of back roads throughout the country.
10. The language is beautiful and not difficult to learn with a little effort.

That said, if Mexico is not to your taste, you may want to consider Belize. We only spent a few days there, but enjoyed it immensely and learned a few things. Even cheaper than Mexico. English is the official language, if language is an issue. Real estate is cheap. The currency is locked into the US$ ($2 Belize=$1 US). They welcome expats. People are friendly, but Mexicans are even friendlier.