34 Comments for Retiring in Mexico? Good Thought!

• 1. Barbara Parks  |  December 31st, 1969 at 6:00 pm

  Is there a Canadian contact, ( ie,club in Mazatlan) such as the one in Ajijic?

  Thanks
  David Waterhouse

  PS Should one wait until they arrive in Mazatlan to look into long term rentals, or is there someone I can contact before we go? I’ve been told that word of mouth is the best way of contacting those listings that are reasonably priced.

  Dear David, Yes, word of mouth is usually best. But don’t go down withour having a place to stay at least for a while. How about just walking into Canuks?

• 2. Toni Marie Belmonts  |  December 31st, 1969 at 6:00 pm

  Hi Barbie,
  I wish I had you as a friend to keep in touch with the truths about retiring in Mexico. I just can’t do it right now. I’m 62 and cannot afford to retire as yet. My pension starts in 2009. I am single, and want to live in Mexico, but don’t know where. I would love to own my own little house. Just two bedrooms. Is that feasable? Or would you chose a condo? What are the retirement communities like? Do they have the condo fees like we do? All I do know is that I/m tired of the cold here in Mass., the taxes, and the cost of living.

  Thanking you in advance,
  Toni Marie Belmonte

  Good for you - only two years until pension! Wonderful! Use the time to get information about retiring. Get all your finances in order so you can really enjoy yourself. Sure - two bedrooms - why not? A condo - yep - you’re going to be faced with condo fees - but then, you don’t have to mow the yard nor paint! Please, go to http://www.retireinluxury.com and download all my FREE newsletters - start a file - If you are ready for specific info on Mexico, buy my books. Get ready now - you’ll be surprised how fast those two years are going to fly, I’ll bet!

• 3. Chris  |  September 30th, 2007 at 10:57 pm

  Nice site. Lots of great articles! Keep up the good work. Looking forward to reading more!

  Chris

• 4. Renee Cowan  |  October 1st, 2007 at 4:37 am

  Hi Barbie: I love all your information on Mexico retirement and you made it very hard to choose which I like the best. However, I do like to keep abreast of the trends in costs associated with living in Mexico and how the real estate market it doing.

  Since we are specifically targeting the Lake Chapala/Ajijic area, I find the real estate listings really helpful.

  However, I also like all the other topics that you present and enjoy reading everything.

  Thank you so much for your continued updates on Living in Mexico.

• 5. kiwi  |  October 1st, 2007 at 5:54 am

  I am thinking about retiring in Mexico but I wil only have $2500 a month to live on. I would like to hear more about how to do THAT. There will be no big houses like on your website for me unfortunately.

• 6. Judy  |  October 1st, 2007 at 6:01 am

  Hi, Barbie!
  I got your email asking for comments on the new blog! Yes…I did read the ENTIRE page…each and every section. I found it ALL very informative!
  The one subject not mentioned was about bringing your animals with you. Perhaps you could add this information, along with some info on “renting”, both homes and apartments (if they have them), in future updates.
  It won’t be long before I make my decision as to where I’m going to retire and living in Mexico is at the top my list. Thank you so much for all your information!

• 7. George Halaby  |  October 1st, 2007 at 6:05 am

  Barbie, your articles are valuable and very much on target. You provide an excellent service for those of us who are looking for an alternative retirement adventure.
  Thanks.

• 8. Judy  |  October 1st, 2007 at 6:18 am

  All your articles provide information for when the time comes for my husband and I to retire - we just haven’t decided where exactly yet. Thanks for the information.

• 9. Sherry  |  October 1st, 2007 at 6:34 am

  Barb just wanted to say that your little book has helped us more here in Mexico than any book we have bought of a shelf. Thanks so much !!!! We now live in Mexico, a little town call Dolores Hidalgo and love it. We have come to Mexico to help the Spanish read and speak English. We are needgreaters and are Jehovah’s Witness. It has been so rewarding. Not much money to spend when you support yourself on a retirment but you are right Mx. is the place to live where you can at least enjoy it. The people are friendly and kind. The Temp here in the mountians is great…… Please keep writing. I especially like recipes for Mx. Hard to learn different spices, and the photo of the Money I still have hanging on the wall Dream of coming your way someday to see the ocean. Thanks again the the Blog is perfect for all the friends you have made. bye now Trainors in Mexico.

• 10. Jim Lamer  |  October 1st, 2007 at 6:41 am

  Very good. This time, I actually found houses with prices for consideration.
  Thanks.

• 11. christopher eccher  |  October 1st, 2007 at 7:11 am

  ALL OF YOUR ARTICLES ARE HELPFUL AND NO ONE CLASS OR TYPE WOULD BE ENOUGH.
  ALL ARTICLES ARE READ SO KEEP UP THE
  GOOD WORK BYE 4 NOW FROM CHICAGO!

• 12. James  |  October 1st, 2007 at 7:17 am

  Barbie–

  I think your web page is terrific!!!!! Your articles and the information you present are factual and informative. You have taken much of the guesswork and “the trial & error” out of the process of SUCCESSFULLY becoming an ex-pat. When I get ready to make the move, I will be much better prepared due to you and your web page and the help you so graciously provide.

  I appreciate you!!!!!

• 13. SANDY LEVINE  |  October 1st, 2007 at 7:18 am

  Hi Barbie, We’ll be in Mazatlan on October 17th. Could you reccommend a realtor who could show us some properties for sale.? We are looking for a larger community with many amenities…especially a good gym and a safe area for jogging. We are considering retirement in Mexico, but need to find the best spot for us. We are American and are used to living in a more “trendy” type of location. Our area in Florida, has gotten very expensive to live and we would like to find a comparable lifestyle at a lower cost. Are we dreaming, or does this exist in Mexico? We appreciate your help. Sandy

• 14. jJohn Spillyards  |  October 1st, 2007 at 8:03 am

  Your articles are well written and informative;however,as you obviously live in Mazatlan, your focus is rather restrictive. I would love to lear more about retiring in Bucerias,Chapala,Jalapa,Morelia,etc…

• 15. Lynda Alexander  |  October 1st, 2007 at 8:16 am

  You do d a wonderful job keeping us infomed! Good writing and great topics!

• 16. David Lloyd  |  October 1st, 2007 at 8:17 am

  Always look forward to your monthly updates. These keep our interest alive in the hopes of one day retiring in Mexico.

  David

• 17. Cass  |  October 1st, 2007 at 8:38 am

  I’m a map person so I wish when speaking of different place to retire I wish you would show it on the map so one could begin to get idea of where the different communities are located.
  Cass

• 18. Yvonne  |  October 1st, 2007 at 8:47 am

  All your articles are great and so full of information…. keep up the good work….

• 19. carol  |  October 1st, 2007 at 9:45 am

  Thank you so much for all the information you have been sharing with all of us. I am still working but hope to retire in the next couple of years. I am thinking very seriously about retiring to Mexico, maybe Mazatlan! I will make a point to spend some more quality time looking at this new website.
  Carol

• 20. Blaine Kimball  |  October 1st, 2007 at 11:50 am

  Barbie thanks for all the great articles on your web site. As someone who visits Mexico on a regular basis….My wife is there at least once a month….I read every new newsletter you send and dream about the day I may be living there too. Keep up the good work.

• 21. Bob  |  October 1st, 2007 at 12:17 pm

  I’ve been following your site and newsletters for several years and have found a lot of helpful information. I need to find a less expensive alternative to the U.S. or I’ll never get to retire. One day soon I hope to be ready!

• 22. Tom Berryman  |  October 1st, 2007 at 12:30 pm

  info on english speaking local papers

• 23. Robert Phelps  |  October 1st, 2007 at 2:11 pm

  I like the website. Seems most of the emphasis is on the Lake Chapala area, which is okay as a lot of the information applies to the whole country. Would like to see more about other retirement spots in Mexico and maybe something more about security and safety. If there are retirements hot spots that have safety issues in or around them this should be pointed out. A mention about the political and economic stablitiy both nationally and locally, would be nice. All news is good news when it comes to the decision of whether or not to move to a foreign land. Thanks.

• 24. John Killlilea  |  October 1st, 2007 at 2:23 pm

  The article on healthcare in Mexico was helpful. This is an issue facing my wife and me as we move to Mexico.

• 25. susan kirkpaqtrick  |  October 1st, 2007 at 5:34 pm

  Dear Barbie I love all the articles because each one offers something different they are all very informative and some answer guestions that i didn’t even think to ask but really need to know I really do appreiciate all the effort you put in to helping us gringos acheive our dreams thank you susan kirkpatrick

• 26. Joseph Fahey  |  October 1st, 2007 at 6:39 pm

  Barbie,

  I wish there would be more articles aoubt American communities in Mexico. I know there are several — but where are they? And how do they differ? And are there adquate medical facilities there?

  Finally, is it possible to rent a place for a month there, just to try it out?

• 27. Mary Hayes  |  October 1st, 2007 at 10:32 pm

  We love Mex City but know there are serious crime issues there and as well in Oaxoaca, Puerto Escondido and several areas surrounding Acapulco. Know Puerto Vallarta is safe with good American Hospital but does Mazatlan have crime issues?

• 28. Jeffrey Soukup  |  October 2nd, 2007 at 12:45 pm

  Hi Barbie,
  I think you and your work you’ve done on all your articles are a hit! I guess good things come from good people still. I haven’t read the article yet and perhaps you have already told me what I’m about to ask? Does it show the records and backgrounds of the doctors in Mexico. This is something I’m very concerned about here, even in the United States. As I’m aware that the majority of doctors practicing medicine are very good, however over the years I’ve ran into a few who I wonder how they ever got their medical practice? Does your site tell how to find a good doctor and then whom they can recommend other doctor’s that they know that are qualified? This is something that always concerns me anywhere,since money comes into play as to if one get’s human care or no care, from someone who may hold your life in their hands.

• 29. Harold  |  October 2nd, 2007 at 5:00 pm

  Our whole purpose for being on the website is because we agree with you about Mexico. I taught at the University de Puebla several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the people and the climate. I have since retired and bought into a retirement community condominium complex in Hamilton, Ontario which my wife and I are thoroughly enjoying. However, we are considering the purchase of a second home either in Mexico, Arizona or Florida. Thus, your information is crucial. We have a two month vacation booked for Florida in January and February, 2008 and wintered in Arizona last year. We prefer to rent in a particular location for several months to get a feel for the area, climate, people, etc. Is this possible in your area meaning that can a person rent with the option of purchasing? Thank you.
  Harold Best

• 30. Barbie  |  October 2nd, 2007 at 7:57 pm

  Jeffrey, #28: Good question. I guess, talking to friends is my favorite way to find a doctor for Dick and myself. Then, I always tend to read all their diplomas that are hanging all over their walls…then, I hope for the best – in the States and Mexico.

  Harold, #29: Thanks! And just fyi: we have friends who live in Fla. And are trying desperately to sell their properties. Because of the weather – hurricanes – insurance is sky-high, if you can even get it – taxes are going up, up, up – same reason – so, research the costs there. AZ – especially in a couple of places I could tell you about – very good cost of living and conveniences.
  In Mazatlan – sure – you can probably find someone who might do that – rent/option to buy. But, there are lots of just rentals – then you can take your time in finding the right home for you – just my thoughts.

• 31. Joy Mace  |  October 2nd, 2007 at 9:27 pm

  Great info I have visit and it brings back great memories thank you for making your web site available to us working people looking to retire to Mexico

• 32. Elenita  |  October 5th, 2007 at 8:20 am

  Hola Barbie!

  I just wanted to say Thank-you, Muchisimas Gracias for a wonderful newsletter. I find all of it interesting but especially the Retirement section since we will be moving to San Miguel de Allende as soon as our house in CA sells!
  I know its more expensive there but for now thats okay, we love it there. Our goal is to travel all around Mexico, so reading all your sections is very helpful.

  Thanks again for a great resource!

• 33. Deborah Rumple  |  November 9th, 2007 at 1:13 pm

  hi Barbie,
  So nice to hear from you. My boyfriend & i have went to cancun the last 2 summers & of course fell completly over hills it is amasing, like seeing a picture of paradise. Yes we have given some thought to go there & live. But i have not heard the greatest information as far as health care there. This is what my physician has told me. And i have looked into the medicare assistance program & understand they have nothing like that. I am in remission from cancer but have to have follow up treatments when needed & have to have regular blood work. Could you please let me know if this is available? Of course this is very important to us. Thank you for the e-mails & information you give.

• 34. Barbie  |  November 9th, 2007 at 11:38 pm

  Dear Deborah, #34, I think, if I were you, I would stay in the States until you recooperate. Medicare is NOT available in Mexico. You can get Mexican national insurance, but I would not make the move now, if I were you. Just take a vacation now and then - and wait for the right time. Best to you, Barbie

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