Where to Retire in Mexico

When you make the decision that Mexico will be your destination for retiring, you can be assured that you have made the right decision. If the weather and proximity to some of the most beautiful landscapes and beaches in the world aren´t enough to entice you, then by the time you experience Mexico, it will be the people, culture, and cuisine that keep you happily settled. When making the right decision regarding the location you want to live in, you need to ask yourself what it is you want. Is your dream of retiring living very basic, free of traffic, pollution, noise? Or is your dream to move to one of the greatest and biggest cities in the world surrounded by international culture, music, museums, and city life? In Mexico there are many cities and states that will fit the picture of what retirement means to you. One great thing is that every region is dramatically different from the rest, allowing immense opportunities to enjoy an array of different cultures and ways of life. Mexico holds something for everyone. Now go find what you are looking for!

Cities in Mexico

Click on Cities in Mexico to go our directory of cities. Here you will find a brief description of the city, where it is located, the weather, and the overall impression it has on foreigners. 

Location Descriptions in Mexico City

Click on Location Descriptions for neighborhood locations and descriptions when thinking of retiring to Mexico City, D.F.

Top places to Retire in Mexico: Near the Ocean

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is Mexico's largest commercial port and one of its most popular beach resorts. Mazatlan is the second largest coastal city in Mexico and that includes being a popular destination for travelers and retirees. The weather is perfect for those wanting sun and a casual laid back beach atmosphere. Retirees choose Mazatlan due to the relaxed attitude of the city, the temperate climate and the overall Mexican city vibe. For more information on Mazatlan, click here.

Loreto, Baja California

This is the ideal place if your idea of retirement involves the sun, ocean, and endless outdoor activities at your fingertips. Loreto is considered the best place for both a simple or luxurious retirement. The temperature stays in the 80s year round, and right behind the main town of Loreto lies the restored mission of San Javier high up in the mountains. If you are looking to retire in a smaller area in Mexico, one where you can be at close proximity to the ocean while at the same time enjoy other outdoor activities, then Loreto may be just what you are looking for. For more information on Loreto, Baja California, click here.  

Mayan Riviera

Many people have already heard of the Mayan Riviera. It is internationally known for its majestic blue sea, white sand beaches, and the hospitality of the Mayan people. Here retirees enjoy an array of water activities and sports always near by, not to mention coral reefs, amazing sea life and archeological sites in abundance! There is never a dull moment here, nor a moment where you are not awed by the beautiful landscape of the natural environment. There are high-class restaurants, shops and jewelry. If you imagine living in a luxury area of beach, sand and sun, then this is the location for you! For more information on the Mayan Riviera, Mexico, click here.  

Acapulco

Acapulco is a city set by the ocean. Retirees come to Acapulco to enjoy both the city attractions and the easy-going feel of living in a beach resort town. It is known for being home to many international celebrities, as well as a home away from home for many expatriates and retirees. You will find a mixture of international travelers, ranging from the age of 18 to 65+. There are more than enough shops, restaurants, and water sports to keep one satisfied and content. For more information on Acapulco, click here.

Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta is considered the most important resort town in the State of Nayarit. It provides tourists, travelers and retirees alike to some of the best luxury resorts and beach front property in Mexico. Beautiful facilities for all water sports, a modern marina, bird watching and residential living areas are at the disposal of all of those who decide to call Nuevo Vallarta home. Retirees here can afford to live the good life, with virtually everything from golf, tennis and cycling to shopping and fine restaurants. For more information on Nuevo Vallarta, click here. 

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen sits south of Cancun and is centered in the perfect location for the retirees who want to be able to explore, travel and enjoy meeting people from all over the world. Due to the proximity of Cancun, the only downfall of picking this as your retirement destination are the months of March and April; this town becomes quite popular with college students, due to spring break. This can cause the town to be crowded, and the prices of hotels, transportation and food have been known to increase dramatically. For more information on Playa del Carmen, click here. 

Top Places to Retire in Mexico: Near the United States

Rocky Point

Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) has become very popular as a destination for travelers and retirees with trailers and RVs due to its proximity to the U.S. border and the state of Arizona. It is one and a half hours from the Sonoita, which is Arizona´s closest beach. This Sonoran town is located on a stretch of the Sea of Cortes that is rich in marine-life and very popular with fisherman. It combines a small town feel with a large number of retirees from around the world. For more information on Rocky Point, click here.

San Felipe

San Felipe is an easy two and a half hour drive south of the border from California. The waterfront areas around San Felipe are very active, and due to a renovation of the downtown area, San Felipe is now considered somewhat modern and unique. Retirees find San Felipe somewhat exceptional and fascinating, due to having both a North American touch combined with Mexican flavor. The only drawback to living in San Felipe are the months of March and April. It becomes a bit crowded with tourists and college students on spring break, due to its close proximity to Southern California. For more information on San Felipe, click here.

Top Places to Retire in Mexico: Near a Lake or Coastal Town

Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad is considered a sleepy coastal town when compared with other Mexican beach resort cities. It attracts a huge number of regular visitors as well as retirees from around the world. It is a typical coastal town, and many retirees find the ambience of this small town the exact vision they had in mind when they thought of retiring in Mexico. It is home to a downtown market with largely unpaved streets. As well, most of the stores and restaurants still stand under thatched, beachfront roofs. For more information on Barra de Navidad, click here. 

Retire in Lake Chapala and Ajijic

Lake Chapala and Ajijic are home to approximately 25,000 North Americans who began residing here nearly a century ago. The north shore of Lake Chapala is ideally situated 35 minutes from Guadalajara International airport with good highway access to many other popular destinations. The Lake Chapala area is fast becoming the region´s supplier of quality crafts such as tapestries, glassware, rugs and pottery. Many retirees love these areas due to the mild climate, old-town feel and a sense of being home, due to the huge amount of North Americans that also reside here. For more information on Lake Chapala and Ajijic, click here.  

Top Places to Retire in Mexico: Join a Traditional Mexican Community

Cuernavaca

Cuernrnavaca is the captial city of the state of Morelos, Mexico. It is located only 45 minutes from Mexico City, making this a huge asset to this serene city. It is considered one of the top places to retire in Mexico, due to the weather, location and proximity to other popular surrounding cities in Mexico. It is known as ¨The City of Eternal Spring¨ due to its temperate climate. There are huge enclaves of North Americans that reside here both on a permanent and semi-permanent basis. For more information on Cuernavaca, click here.

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende holds all the charm of a traditional Mexican city, with a flavor of modern society. The expatriate population is considered to have reached 5,000 out of a total population of 80,000. San Miguel is considered to be a veritable haven for retirees. An extended American retirement community lives here, but San Miguel also offers famous art school programs that tend to drawn in a younger crowd. This town achieves a balance between the young, old, retired and world traveler all in one, making it a very flavorful city. For more information on San Miguel de Allende, click here.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is known as being one of the best cities in all of Mexico. The natural beauty surrounding the city, draws travlers from every part of the world. Many people hear about Oaxaca due to the moderate standard of living, the temperate climate, and the natural preservations that make this a key destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Retirees here feel no need to travel outside of this city, due to the variety of activites and happenings around town. This is ideal for the retiree who wants a traditional Mexican city, but with modern amenenities to keep one active, inspired, and content. For more information regarding Oaxaca, click here.

Morelia

Morelia is a city that has recently become a new hot spot for retirees and students. Morelia is an old, traditional city with cobble streets and original architecture dating back to the 16th century. The weather here is perfect for retirees in Mexico who want to experience the seasons. It has a typical winter, spring, and a moderate summer. Retirees here enjoy the small university feel of Morelia, where coffee shops and restaurants are always filled with students and professionals. For more information on Morelia, click here.

Guanajuato

Guanajuato is one of Mexico´s best preserved colonial cities. Previously known to be the top mining city of all of Mexico, this town now remains as Mexico´s best kept secret. Retirees here either live in the city proximity or in the surrounding areas, where there are various smaller towns and ranches that extend out from the main downtown of Guanajuato. Many events come through Guanajuato, making it a thriving city, its people diverse, and the city life exciting. Retirees here enjoy the apsect of having a decent sized city, as well as the option to live nearby in a more relaxed and rural community. For more information on Guanajuato, click here.

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