I ran across an article on the AARP site ( yes, I've been a member of that organization since I was 50 because they persisted in sending me membership forms) recently on retiring in Mexico. I did not look any further for additional articles, but this is what they had to say.
 |
| Living the good life in Puerto Vallarta |
With its profoundly rich Indian and Spanish culture, its spectacular beaches and charming colonial hill towns, its real estate bargains and its proximity to the United States, Mexico is the undisputed number one destination for American retirees. It boasts thriving expat communities in Lake Chapala, near Guadalajara; San Miguel de Allende, in Guanajuato; Baja California; and Cancún, in the Yucatan. They all have their attractions, including a low-cost, laid-back lifestyle, but our choice in Mexico is the Puerto Vallarta region, located on the Pacific Coast.
I have no argument with their choice, it's an opinion, but I'm wondering why Mérida was not mentioned as a "thriving expat community." Could it be that no one from AARP has visited our wonderful city? Do they think that most retired people want a home in a ritzy, tourist town? No offense to ritzy, tourist locales.
 |
| A July evening in Plaza Grande, Mérida |
While I have not visited any of the aforementioned locations, I will venture to say that Mérida will match any of those places in terms of history, culture, cost of living, quality health care, and safety. I left a comment on the article suggesting that they take a look at Mérida. If it turns out that AARP has featured this cuidad de paz in the past, I'll have egg on my face.
In all of the places mentioned in the article, the number of expats is very large. Of course, there are more Mexicans than foreigners but it sometimes seems like the gringos outnumber the locals. I've been to all of them, nice places, with different attractions.
ReplyDeleteI think the perception that our weather is unbearable is what keeps the flood of expats to a small stream. I'm OK with that, grateful even.
You are right. I'm sure the heat is a huge factor and that will keep a lot of people away. I just thought it strange that Cancun was mentioned, but not Merida. Especially with all the recent publicity. And you are also right about not wanting it to be overrun with expats. Sometimes a 'best kept secret' should stay just that.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jonna. The foreigner communities in those other places are huge compared to that in Mérida. That's fine by me.
ReplyDelete