11 Retirement Havens in Mexico Where You Can Live Like a King

Steve Cummings

Guanajuato, Mexico

Mexico is a favorite retirement destination for people from the United States and Canada, and it is home to more than 1.5 million digital nomads, expatriates, and retirees. It is all due to its warm climate, affordable cost of living, and rich culture Mexico offers. 

But with so many cities and towns to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to settle down. In this blog post, we will explore the top 11 places in Mexico for retirees.

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
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Guanajuato's San Miguel de Allende is a cultural mecca and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In central Mexico, it is a stunning city that attracts many visitors. Roughly 174,000 people call this place home. Thanks to the influx of retirees and international workers from more than 60 nations, it's a melting pot of cultures. 

San Miguel de Allende has over 300 sunny days a year, and the average temperature is a comfortable 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). 

The Hospital General and other local clinics have been operating for years, guaranteeing the community's seniors access to high-quality medical treatment.

2. Mérida

Mérida
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Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán state, stands out for its rich Mayan heritage and stunning colonial architecture. This city boasts a lower cost of living compared to many U.S. cities, with an average monthly rent of around $350 for a one-bedroom apartment. 

It's famous for its local cuisine, including Cochinita Pibil and panuchos. Mérida has modern healthcare facilities, including the Star Médica Hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission International.

3. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen
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For retirees seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure, Playa del Carmen is ideal. It is a little town with everything you'd expect from a much larger one. 

There are many opportunities to meet new people and learn more about the area through participation in community events, such as weekly beach clean-ups, poker clubs, and gatherings for older people.

The expat community is growing, with many young professionals and retirees making the move. Playa del Carmen's all-inclusive resorts attract diverse visitors worldwide, including those from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

4. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on the Pacific coast, is a retirement paradise. In the 1960s and 1970s, its stunning beaches suddenly became a major draw for tourists worldwide. 

Various oceanfront apartments in the city are available for rent between $ 700 and $ 1500 per month. 

Puerto Vallarta has a full range of medical facilities, including the bilingual AmeriMed Hospital. Retirees are likely to feel safe and secure in the city because of the large expat population.

Food enthusiasts can savor fresh seafood at Los Muertos Pier, while those interested in local healthcare can rely on the bilingual staff at AmeriMed Hospital.

5. Cabo San Lucas

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Cabo San Lucas, or simply Cabo, is a popular tourist destination in Baja California, Mexico.  

Golfing, cultural events, and water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving are just some activities for retirees.

A large North American expat community in Cabo San Lucas facilitates cultural integration for newcomers. 

Cabo San Lucas has more expensive real estate than other Mexican retirement hotspots, although it is still cheaper than in the United States. In the $300,000 range, you can get a modest apartment or condo. A one-bedroom condo can be rented for $750 per month.

6. Guanajuato

Guanajuato
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Guanajuato's charm lies in its stunning architecture and cultural vibrancy. Retirees can reside in colorful homes and access Hospital General de Guanajuato's healthcare system. 

The Callejón del Beso, a narrow alley with a romantic legend, is a must-visit. The city's heart, the Teatro Juárez, hosts various performances, and the annual Cervantino Festival celebrates international arts. 

The low crime rate ensures a  peaceful yet safe retirement, and that’s the reason a lot of people migrate here after retirement.

7. Mexico City

Mexico
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Ciudad de México, located in the Valle de México, has more than 21 million residents, making it the sixth-largest metropolitan region in the world. It is one of the oldest capitals in the Americas, founded by the Mexica.

The city of Mexico truly has it all, from world-class dining and shopping to a vibrant nightlife and more than 150 museums, parks, and cultural events. You won't find a livelier spot to retire than CDMX if you're looking for a city with enough to do in your golden years.

There are many international expats living in Mexico City. People have settled there from throughout Mexico. Making friends is simple because everyone is a newcomer here.

8. Ajijic

‎Ajijic
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Ajijic is a quiet town on the shores of Lake Chapala, perfect for retirees. Enjoy peaceful lakeside strolls along the Malecón, and feed your creative spirit at the Ajijic Cultural Center.

 Local markets provide a flavor of Mexican culture, while the Lake Chapala Society stands as a meeting place for expats. 

In this area, you'll have easy access to quality healthcare at Hospital San Antonio and neighboring Guadalajara, low housing and living costs, and opportunities to meet new people through groups like the Lake Chapala Society.

9. Cancun

Cancun, Mexico
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Ciudad de México, located in the Valle de México, has more than 21 million residents, making it the sixth-largest metropolitan region in the world. It is one of the oldest capitals in the Americas, founded by the Mexica. Its luxurious nightlife, expansive resorts, and stunning white sand beaches have made it famous. 

Expats and retirees generally gather in urban areas on the main island. This area of town is considerably cheaper than the more popular hotels farther downtown.

The city has first-rate infrastructure that is on par with any major metropolis in the developed world. The internet and power grid can be relied upon. The public transit network functions smoothly. 

The expat community in Cancun is enormous and quite dynamic. Join one of the many expat Facebook groups! They hold regular get-togethers and functions in various local watering holes. 

Because of the large number of international visitors to Cancn, English is also frequently spoken there. 

10. Oaxaca

Oaxaca
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Oaxaca City is an excellent place for retirees to taste authentic Mexican culture because of its rich indigenous history. Santo Domingo Church is just one of several architectural marvels in the city's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca provides classes for retirees interested in the visual arts. 

The City Hospital, Dr. Aurelio Valdivieso, serves the medical requirements of the city's residents. Oaxaca City is a lively place to retire due to its ease of life, many markets, and annual events.

11. Todos Santos

Todos Santos
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Todos Santos is a small town in Baja, California Sur, Mexico, between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific Coast. The desert, the Sierra Laguna Mountains, and the sea combine to create a landscape unlike any other, earning the area its reputation as a tropical paradise.

Art, painting, and jewelry have made Todos Santos a popular tourist destination. Artists of all stripes are drawn to the neighborhood's brilliantly colored buildings and abundance of galleries, boutiques, and eateries.

There are plenty of farmers' markets and organic food stands. Still, if you're looking to do some serious grocery shopping, you'll want to head to Cabo San Lucas, where you'll find an abundance of American and Mexican grocery stores and outlet malls.

Mexico is Great To Retire To

Isla Mujeres
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Expats who want to retire in Mexico have a lot of choices, each with its scent and perks. Retiring in Mexico, with its varied landscapes and warm culture, could fulfill your fantasies of living in a coastal paradise, a historical town, or an artistic community. 

When deciding where to spend your retirement years, it is crucial to consider your priorities, tastes, and way of life.

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