One of the many attractions Mexico offers to people who create a life situation here is the diversity of location types it has to offer.. We've mentioned in a related article how the country's topography and climate zones offer choices about the natural environments to live in across Mexico. U.S. News & World Report #4 Best Places to Visit in Mexico International Airport Seafood Lots of Outdoor Activities On the Beach. Its also a major port city, so it has a lot of commerce and industry going on. The weather here is fabulous, even in the summer. If youre only in it for the beer (who considering retirement in Mexico isnt? Zihuatanejo. 4) San Jose del Cabo. 2. Mrida is considered the safest city in Mexico, the best city to live in Mexico, and one of the best places to work remotely . Retiring next year and moving from Canada. Do I need to itemize everything? Cabo San Lucas. La Paz is particularly suitable for retirees looking for a quieter place with all the infrastructure necessary for daily life. Proximity to both a beautiful river and the ocean? But we all know retirement is all about laying in a hammock and gazing at the shoreline, anyways. If you want to have fun, Cancun is perfect for you. crime- 2/2. There is a large population of Americans and Canadians in the winter months. It is one of the two towns on the Los Cabos Corridor and also the bigger city. This is casual beach living--not an all inclusive beach resort area. We focused on the Baja Peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central Mexico. And if youre too lazy to learn Spanish, this may be just the place for you because of all the diversity around. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico is about 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. You wont have to worry about robbery or physical assault. Most people can communicate with you and go out of their way to help you. So here goes! San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. The capital and big city of Baja, this ones actually the fourth largest metropolitan city in all Mexico. Since some retirees may prefer an abundance of store options (or at least not to have an hour commute to Walmart), we considered this important too. Sayulita is the ideal location for nature lovers and surfers. and Mass Market Marketing. Deb, Hi Deb, please find the information on visas and residency in our Living In Mexico guide in Visa Section https://expatra.com/guides/mexico/living-in-mexico/ Seafood stands and raw bars pepper the beach. Deciding on a place to retire is no piece of cake. The best conditions for experienced surfers are in autumn and early winter. In general, the state is considered one of the safest. From Ensenada in Baja Norte all the way down to Puerto Escondido, these cities and towns boast beautiful beaches, warm weather and more. Another expat in PV said, "The north side of PV is flat. Summary: About 19 hours south on the Emerald Coast in the Mexican State of Oaxaca, you'll find Puerto Escondido. La Paz is a tranquil city that offers uncrowded beaches, all necessary services and complete infrastructure. San Miguel de Allende is a quiet, colonial-style city with a remarkable cultural life. This hidden treasure has long been a haven for travelers, surfers, artists . Winters are cooler in the north and with the cooler weather comes the rain. 10 best places to retire to in Baja Mexico. Even in the more expensive cities, modest housing can be found for less than $100,000. Mrida. Here are some of the more popular options that Expat Exchange members have lived in and taken the time to share their thoughts about. Plus, Tecate has a wide range of activities available for residents, from fishing to biking to hiking. There is national pride in tradition, and respect for ancestry and environment. "Ensenada is just 3-5 degrees warmer at most than San Diego. Another expat said, "Puerto Vallarta is over 200 K people with a bunch more in the high season. Towns with no medical facilities got zero points. The insurance that travels with you. The are has better year round weather, fabulous fishing and fresh seafood options as well as offering retirees some very affordable living opportunities. It is a great place to live! What is the difference between Baja California and Baja California Sur? I need strong internet (work) and we would like swimmable beach for toddler and other family-freindly activities (hiking, biking, etc). We added up all the scores for each town, with a highest possible score of 12 points. This location is considered a relatively big city in Baja, however, there is a quaint town nestled inside it called Punta Banda which has a gorgeous, peaceful 6-mile long beach where you can rent homes right on the beach which is not over ran by tourists. This may be just the place to retire. 10 best places to retire to in Baja Mexico. ensenada baja best place to retire in mexico, los barriles baja places to go for retirement, mulege baja best places to retire in mexico, How to Best Use Insider Monkey to Increase Your Returns, 6 Things You Didn't Know About Hedge Funds. Towns with great shopping got a two, towns with basically only grocery stores and tourist shops got a one, and towns where you have to grow your own food got a zero. About 4 hours south of Puerto Vallarta and an hour north of Manzanillo is a laid-back beach town called Melaque (aka San Patricio-Melaque). Medical is good. By corinnewinkler1. Population: approximately 110,000 From the city of San Jose del Cabo down to Cabo San Lucas, is a region referred to as Los Cabos or Cabo. Separated by almost 500 km, both towns have the benevolence of geography bounded by natural areas and stunning waters. There are also many affordable options available, so everyone can find a home that meets their needs. Manzanillo is about an hour north of Tecoman. The coastal Yucatan Peninsula town of Playa del Carmen has gained popularity over the years as one of the most beautiful places in the country. Cancun has really managed to keep the crime rate down. Yet another expat described how he choose Puerto Vallarta, "My decision was Puerto Vallarta. Expats enjoy the peaceful environment of San Miguel de Allende, one of Mexico's safest cities. We also have a new Gold's gym. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. Here you can find all types of food from fresh seafood to sizzling fajitas; leisure and night entertainments are abundant. "We are in Nuevo Vallarta, just north of PV (Puerto Vallarta). That is why I suggest renting for a while, if all is well, take the plunge. Even with unparalleled views, Best-Rated hotels in Baja California Sur start at just $123 per night when booking through Apple Vacations. After spending the day surfing and on the beach, expats enjoy Puerto Escondido's restaurants, bars and nightlife. Just outside the spring-break hot spot of Rosarito, a 35-minute drive south of Tijuana, is Popotla, a cheerfully anarchic fishing village that sits in the shadow of Baja Studios, the oceanside movie lot that was built by Twentieth Century Fox for the filming of Titanic. Beaches. Its also close to the major tourist destinations in the area, so you wont have to spend too much time on your own. lamos. We feel very safe in PV and Nuevo. Why We Love It: The town of San Ignacio functions as the gateway to the San Ignacio Lagoon (about an hour south of town on a road that is nearly all paved), the premier spot for gray whale watching on the peninsula. Towns with a high cost of living got a zero, low cost of living locations received a one, and great cost of living a two. Get a Quote from Now Health International. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Do I need to worry about a permanent retirement visa yet or can this be done once I am there? It offers various opportunities for recreation and pleasure: pristine beaches. Petty crime happens but is not over the top. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Once youve determined which city or towns fits your needs best, make your move! Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico, has warm weather, lively culture, adventure hotspots, and an affordable cost of living with . We added up all the scores for each town, with a highest possible score of 12 points. Its sometimes referred to as Cabo and has a population of over 280,000. Of course, petty crime happens, so be careful when out and about, and beware of pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Looking forward to hearing from you. An easy drive south of Mexico City, this unspoilt destination is still mostly unknown. Theres also an option to cross the border to use the facilities of the neighbouring United States in case of specialist interventions. In winter, it often snows in the northern mountain ranges. La Paz, the capital, boasts an energetic atmosphere, excellent seafood restaurants and a rich calendar of events. The best luxury addresses on the water will sell two-bedroom, 2,100-square-foot units . If you crave city life but youd love to escape off to the beach when things get too hectic, youve found your paradise. Better yet, there are mountain ranges involved. It has a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a great infrastructure. Some of its architecture dates back to the 18th century. Your email address will not be published. These areas offer great weather, beautiful scenery, and plenty of . Maybe a little more expensive, as opposed to the east coast, but great people, and few major hurricanes, as we are protected in the bay. This means that there are a lot of jobs available, and the cost of living is low. 6. Its an oasis of peace and tranquillity, thanks to the lush nature of its coast, although fragmented urbanisation is rapidly expanding within beautiful palm groves. We have golf groups, tennis, bridge, cards, a church service or two in English. Not much a big. La Paz is quite a safe place to live. I'm 65 and retired here and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! 648. San Felipe is located in the northeastern region of the Baja peninsula. Deciding on a place to retire is no piece of cake. The place offers one of the highest standards of living in Mexico. La Joya is one of the most popular places to live in Baja California. Puerto Escondido, which means "Hidden Port" is beloved by surfers and beach lovers. Most of us foreigners that still live here have made major adjustments with downsizing and/or looking for other ways to make a living. As far as Mexican cities go, this is one of the most distinctive. The citys gorgeous waterfront is very often the primary reason expats choose to live in the area. We added up all the scores for each town, with a highest possible score of 12 points. with a BA in International Business and German. Digital nomads feel right at home in Mexico City with its many cafes and co-working . shopping- 1/2. If you are looking for an unspoilt, enchanting and uncrowded beach, go to the MUERTITO which is a 20-minute drive east of La Paz. North of Puerto Vallarta the hurricanes don't seem to get past the point of Punta Mita, which Sayulita and San Pancho are North of. Although the cost of living is quite high compared to the other federal states of Mexico, you can live with a good standard of comfort and still not spend too much. This is mainly because of the violent crimes that come with the drug war and rival gangs fighting for influence. It will take you about 25 mins to drive from San Diego to Baja California and ease of access is one of the main reasons US citizens love Baja. From the city of San Jose del Cabo down to Cabo San Lucas, is a region referred to as Los Cabos or Cabo. When it comes to beaches with crystal-clear water shallow enough that you can wade out for what feels like miles, Balandra Beach may be reason enough to entice you to relocate to La Paz in Baja California Sur. Todos Santos - a magical town. "If you want remote, peaceful tropical living, Puerto Escondido or Puerto Angel are your places," advised one expat. La Joya is also known for its friendly residents and its low crime rate. Its right near the Rio de Santa Rosalia, too. Moreover, the city has many amenities and businesses that are perfect for residents. Check out the town website for upcoming events! If youre only in it for the beer (who considering retirement in Mexico isnt? I recommend visiting Puebla for the food, for the view, and for the lower numbers of mind-numbing tourists. The town has a wide variety of restaurants and bars, as well as shops and galleries. And although you are limiting it to Baja California Sur, there are still a lot of options. Cancun. Some of the best places include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and San Jose del Cabo. Any beach community south of Ensenada either on Baja or the Mainland will be hot, hot, humid, humid all summer. It is a location of choice for expats from all over the world, offering an excellent climate, good infrastructure and affordable cost of living. I live in Cabo, and the idea that Sept. is the only uncomfortable month is nonsense. With a population of over 280,000, Los Cabos is a popular tourist region. Beautiful Balandra Beach. New York Magazine: Travel - Puerto Escondido. A Little Expat Living Cost of Living in a Mexican Beach Town (2017). Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? The town has a population of just over 2,000 people and its located in the municipality of San Jose del Cabo. 10 best places to retire to in Baja Mexico. Plus, the people here are friendly and welcoming.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smartexplora_com-leader-1','ezslot_15',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smartexplora_com-leader-1-0'); Related Article // Best places to live in California near the beach. This location is most formally referred to as Baja California Sur, though it is a Mexican state. Even though retirees have been saving practically all their lives for this moment, the idea is not to blow all the money in the first five years, so cost of living is also an important retirement location factor. Lets start with the positives. A waterfront home in the marina district will go for $189,000 for a three-bedroom, 2,100-square-foot unit. The US government recommends increased caution to all visitors to the state. Theres a whole world out there, so where on earth do you spend your latter days and your long saved for retirement money? Popotla and Puerto Nuevo. Live Healthier, Live Happier with award winning international health insurance. Now Health International's insurance plans, 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic, Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico, Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico. I have noticed that Mazatlan was not included in this list of the 9 best places to live on the Pacific Coast. Tijuana is known for its low crime rates and beautiful beaches. - Quiet, small town vibe- 1/2. You'll find higher prices than most tourist towns on the Baja Peninsula, but it is worth it for the eclectic mix of natural beauty and quirky culture. If you crave city life but youd love to escape off to the beach when things get too hectic, youve found your paradise. It is about 4.5 hours south of Puerto Vallarta. But its only 10 miles from the US border, and goodness, if youve been saving for retirement all your life, you deserve a little luxury, right? Free moving quote! 3. Towns with a high cost of living got a zero, low cost of living locations received a one, and great cost of living a two. Morelia. This small city is also within close proximity to the United States, so you wont feel completely isolated. It is mostly a destination for national and European tourists. If you are looking for a place to call home and want to experience amazing weather year-round, then Baja California might be the perfect destination for you. Join the Flock in San Miguel de Allende. Its also a popular tourist destination, so there are plenty of places to find work and entertainment. Plus for retirees and older expats, Mexico City has some of the best hospitals in Mexico. ", More Information about Manzanillo, Mexico. If you head a short distance north to San Diego or a little further to Cabo or Cancn, the same property will be in the millions. Home; Motor Hotel; Investment Oportunity; Own a piece of the cove; Golf Course Home In Loreto . Baja California Sur is definitely a great place to live. total: 8/12. 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But again, it is not for everyone. La Joya. 11. Add to this around $500 for groceries and $70 - 80 for utilities, and you will have a more or less exact number to help you plan your budget. Weather can also heavily affect the quality of life, so we gave more points to towns with cooler temperature averages (since the blazing Mexican sun beating down daily is probably not every seniors idea of a good time). While you are renting make extreme efforts to explore all aspects of daily (non-touristic) life in Baja. Very safe, lots of English spoken. One expat who retired in Manzanillo described life there saying, "We have a small but active ex-pat community. "Check out the very small community of Punta Banda 12 miles south of Ensenada (70 miles south of San Diego). Also Read // 13 Best and worst places to live in California, Also Read // Worst places to live in Dorset. Below is our list of ten best places to live in Baja California. If you are planning to move to Mexico and are looking for a perfect place to live, consider Baja California Sur. It is a sand beach and you can walk for miles. This small city is also within close proximity to the United States, so you wont feel completely isolated. 9. AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Proximity to both a beautiful river and the ocean? What more could a person need? Los Cabo Corridor is in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur on the peninsula's southern coast. Nestled on the bay of the Sea of Cortez, this small town has a motto of No Bad Days. Sounds like just the right kind of place. This small town has a lot to offer including lush green landscapes, world-class fishing, and plenty of activities for the whole family. When it comes to essentials, you can find almost everything here and what you cant find you can probably get online through Amazon, Mercado Libre or another online marketplace. Loreto. You wont be disappointed if you decide to make Ensenada your new home! While Loreto boasts higher real estate prices than San Lucas Cove, a lavish lifestyle can still be had at a fraction of the cost of any US or Canadian resort town. quiet, small town vibe- 2/2. This city is known for its nightlife and its diverse cultural scene. A good 3-bed furnished condo in La Paz can be rented for $1,500 and over. Having a vehicle helps!!" 3. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. Regarding what you can bring to Mexico, call Mexican customs, this way you will avoid ambiguity. No one wants to accidentally retire to a crime-infested town either, so those towns with very low crime rates were rated at two, and those with just a low crime rate received a one. Contribute And though there is one town on this list with a score of zero for crime, if you think the good outweighs the bad (and you have a black belt) feel free to give that one a try. Troncones - a tropical retreat. La Paz, which is the capital and cultural center of Baja California Sur, also features a permanent colony of sea lions and is well known for spectacular sunsets. Word of advice get here soon before the rest of the world does. width: 100%; . Ensenada, Mexico is a beachfront city with a population of over 500,000 that lies about 2 hours south of San Diego in Baja Norte. Try the West Coast, you'll love it! The northern regions border the United States. A popular day trip from La Paz, Playa Balandra often ranks among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico - in fact, USA Today named it No. weather- 2/2. Cabo San Lucas is a city of fun, buzz and various sports. I know of MANY who have had to go back home," warned one expat in Cabo. La Joya is one of the most popular places to live in Baja California. This location is considered a relatively big city in Baja, however, there is a quaint town nestled inside it called Punta Banda which has a gorgeous, peaceful 6-mile long beach where you can rent homes right on the beach which is not over ran by tourists. This may be just the place to retire. We focused on the Baja Peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central Mexico. There are many popular places for living in Baja California like Muleg, Loreto, La Paz, Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Cabo del Este with Los Barriles and Cabo Pulmo. But its only 10 miles from the US border, and goodness, if youve been saving for retirement all your life, you deserve a little luxury, right? They have customs and immigrations streamlined so it doesn't take long. We have a ladies lunch group once a month to hear speakers on local issues and meet other expats, plus keep up on what is happening in town. , Many Americans Want to Retire Early, Move Out of U.S.: Survey, Assisted Living, Nursing & Rehabilitation Facilities. To give you the best towns to retire to, we used a ranking scale including variables like small town life, healthcare availability, weather, crime rates, cost of living and shopping. Of course, if you live in Mexico and pass through daily, you will be granted a special express pass. This city is perfect to be used as a place to stay to visit all the wonders of the surrounding areas, but has so much to offer itself. Another quaint small town, Los Barriles is hardly the shoppers dream. Calls from the US and Canada are toll-free: 1-877-448-8728, Your email address will not be published. Baja California Sur is a relatively safe state. 7. Progreso Coast in Yucatan State (Chelem, Chuburna, Chicxulub, Telchac Puerto) This area has long been one of the best beach house bargain areas of Mexico because these towns are only 40-50 minutes from the international airport in Merida, the major . Playa Balandra, La Paz. The Airport is about 15 minutes from us. The hues of the . The rent is reasonable. Towns with only a small element of city life received a score of one, and towns with a heavy city atmosphere got a zero. Other popular locations in Mexico to consider: Our most popular evergreen guides are kept fresh and up-to-date by our in-house research team. Cabo San Lucas - the cape at land's end. Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. This city has a wide range of housing options, from apartments and villas to beachfront homes and rural cabins. It depends on the standard of living that you want to maintain. If youre looking for a place thats easy to get around in, Mexicali is definitely the right choice. These small towns between Tijuana and Ensenada are well worth the road trip . The local public transportation system is unmatched. A large ExPat community with many Canadians. Baja California Sur has a good healthcare infrastructure. Which is an awful mistake. The historic center feels too perfect for some, the most manicured spot in Mexico. Ajijic, Lake Chapala. My question is when I drive my vehicle down what border do you recommend? Ensenada is known for its beautiful beaches and mild climate. | Business Model Explained (2023), How does Patreon work for subscribers? And if youre too lazy to learn Spanish, this may be just the place for you because of all the diversity around. Sorry, no results has been found matching your query. However, high crime rates are limited to certain areas, and some of the safest places to live in Mexico are neighborhoods in Mexico City such as Roma, Condesa and Polanco. Its also a great place to raise a family, as it boasts excellent schools and plenty of activities and amenities for kids. Move in haste---repent in leisure," advised one expat in Puerto Vallarta. 8. From relaxing beach towns to cosmopolitan cities, the challenge is deciding where . Towns with only a small element of city life received a score of one, and towns with a heavy city atmosphere got a zero. The crime seems to be happening inland where the cartels are growing or making their contraband, and then of course the border towns where it is shipped to the ever-consuming USA.