9 Best Places to Retire in Mexico, According to Real Estate Experts

While Mexico — with its picture-perfect beaches, lush mountains, fascinating culture, world-class cuisine, and friendly people — remains one of the most popular tourist destinations for Americans, the country is also emerging as a retirement haven. 

“According to social security data, the number of American retirees in Mexico has nearly doubled since 2016, up from 36,000 to 62,000 retirees in 2023,” said Chet Kittleson, co-founder and CEO of Far Homes, an online marketplace for international real estate. “These folks are drawn to the quality of life, incredible weather, beautiful beaches, lower cost of living, more affordable health care, and the list goes on.” American seniors can save, on average, $44,144 per year, including $8,000 or more on health care alone, if they move to Mexico, Far Homes’ data shows.

So, we asked Mexico-based real estate agents to give us the lowdown on the most sought-after communities for retirees looking to move south of the border.

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Merida, Yucatán

“With its safety, cultural richness, recreation, amenities, and health care, Merida provides retirees with an exceptional lifestyle,” Ana Alicia López, a broker with Riviera Maya Sotheby’s International Realty, said, adding that the capital of Yucatán is home to the best health care facilities in southern Mexico. The city is about 45 minutes from some of Yucatán’s most beautiful beaches, including Puerto Progreso, San Crisanto, and El Cuyo, which are just as picture-perfect as those in Riviera Maya, but not nearly as crowded. 

López explained that retirees have plenty of options when it comes to property types in Merida — from historic colonial homes with traditional architecture and courtyards in the downtown area to modern condos with resort-type amenities in gated communities like the popular Yucatan Country Club and La Ceiba in the northern part of the city.

She noted that prices also vary depending on the property’s location, size, and condition. Renovated homes in the historic center start from $700,000, while contemporary residences start from $300,000, and spacious single-family homes in the suburbs from $400,000.

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Riviera Maya and Cancun

The area that stretches from bustling Cancun to trendy Tulum is a magnet for travelers, with its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and top-notch entertainment and dining. The region will welcome a new airport in Tulum later this year, and the Mayan Train will pass through five different states in the southeast. Residents also profit from some of the best health care services in the region, with hospitals and clinics staffed with specialists. 

“Cancun is one of the best tourist destinations to address any health and recovery problems since there are more than 700 doctors specializing in ophthalmology, dentistry, orthopedics, rehabilitation, elective surgery, and aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery,” said Patricia Herrera of Riviera Maya Sotheby’s International Realty. 

If you have Riviera Maya on your mind as the place to spend your golden years, you’re in luck because the construction boom means you can find pretty much any property. And the price points also vary — from $270,000 for a two-bedroom condo to several million for a waterfront home.

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Lake Chapala, Jalisco

You’ll hear plenty of English in the towns and villages surrounding Mexico’s largest lake. There’s a large veteran community here (Chapala is home to American Legion Post 7), with many services and amenities catering to Lake Chapala’s international residents, most of whom live in Ajijic on the north shore of the lake.

“Chapala offers a more affordable lifestyle. Budgets vary depending on where you live in the communities at Lake Chapala. In general, the estimated cost of living for a reasonable style in Chapala can range from $1,400 to $4,000 [per month],” Roxana Cruz of Guadalajara Sotheby’s International Realty said, adding that some of the most popular spots for retirees in the area include Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, San Juan Cosalá, La Floresta, and Jocotepec.

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Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

With daily flights from many U.S. destinations, it’s no wonder Puerto Vallarta remains one of Mexico’s most popular places to live and retire. The destination draws expats with its idyllic location on the Pacific Coast, backed by the lush Sierra Madre mountains; vibrant hospitality scene; international cruise port and private marinas; golf courses; rich cultural program; and excellent medical services and hospital facilities.

The most popular types of properties with retirees are oceanfront residences and condos with amenities such as beach clubs, pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and concierge services, according to Graciela Zamudio from Puerto Vallarta Sotheby’s International Realty.

Home prices start from $280,000, but if you’d like to wake up to panoramic ocean views daily, you should be ready to spend at least $700,000.

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Bucerias, Nayarit

This small beach town is emerging as one of the most popular destinations in this picture-perfect corner of Mexico’s Pacific coastline, north of Puerto Vallarta.

Zamudio explained that Bucerias is an excellent option for those who’d like to live in a quiet, small town, but still have the convenience of being close to resorts, restaurants, beach clubs, and health care facilities. She added that the town’s oceanfront area, called Zona Dorada, is the most sought-after neighborhood for homebuyers. 

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Punta Mita, Nayarit

This fisherman town is now home to one of Mexico’s most exclusive gated communities, boasting 1,500 lush acres. Hiking and biking trails, beach clubs, two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, and many five-star amenities await residents (and guests, as there are two luxury hotels here as well) of this heavenly region of Banderas Bay.

Homes in Punta Mita do not come cheap, though: $2 million is the starting price, but if you’re looking for something more wallet-friendly, consider some of the surrounding communities such as Litibu, Imanta, Higuera Blanca, Los Veneros, Susurros del Corazon, Punta del Burro, suggested Zamudio.

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San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Named one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende has a thriving expat community where retirees will feel right at home. 

“The city offers an abundance of cultural and recreational activities, making it easy to stay engaged and active in retirement. There are so many options such as art, language, yoga, and music classes. There are active book clubs, political clubs, and outdoor sports, including two golf courses and enthusiastic pickleball players,” Larry Stebbins, a real estate agent from Agave Sotheby’s International Realty, said, noting that many senior expats have decided to move here as part of their “aging in place” plan. 

“The warm, cultural, and familial viewpoint allows folks to remain in their own homes with care provided by loving and compassionate employees,” Stebbins added.

He explained that there are many condominium developments, where prices start at $200,000, and residents benefit from resort amenities and common area maintenance. 

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Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico

This historic town with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture is home to about 61,000 residents and sits on the banks of Lake Avándaro. It offers endless recreational opportunities (golfing, hiking, and water sports, to name a few) that keep its senior community active and engaged. 

“The town’s heartwarming charm extends to its walkable center, adorned with an abundance of shops, artisan markets, delectable restaurants, and inspiring art galleries. Here, retirees can truly savor the essence of Mexican culture,” said Mirari García, an agent at Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty.

Properties vary between traditional houses, modern villas, cozy condos, and sprawling ranches.

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Oaxaca

“Retirees love Oaxaca because it’s so peaceful,” Lupita Guemes of Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty said, adding that the city’s dining scene, together with its museums, shops, and excellent year-round weather, make it a top choice for seniors.

“Beyond its culture and beauty, Oaxaca is a developed city with good hospitals and health care, grocery stores, shops, and all the amenities of a big city,” she added.

She suggested looking up properties in San Felipe del Agua, a charming spot close to downtown, with many restaurants, haciendas, and a church.

For matters pertaining to real estate in Puerto Vallarta, or real estate in Bahia de Banderas, property management, buying houses in Puerto Vallarta, buying condos in Puerto Vallarta or the surrounding areas Mexpat Realtors in Puerto Vallarta is a great resource call them or go to their website www.mexpatrealtors.com for more information.

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-retire-in-mexico-8410786