skip to main content

retirement in Morelia, Mexico

16 years ago

My wife and I are interested in retiring to the Morelia area in Mexico. We would be on a fixed income of our social security. Are there any others out there that have done this or are thinking about it? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mariend
16 years ago
Remember, your medicare will not work outside the US, and if you have any supplement insurance you pay first, they maybe it pays.
Also if you do not speak the language it will be more difficut. Would I do it- NO WAY!
minnie_tx
16 years ago
I'd want to stay under the protection of the US Flag regardless of where it was in the USA IMHO
Related Discussions
Retire? Downsize? Leave NY? Oh No
Q
Comments (38)
I would like to discuss this part first "the words retire and downsize have entered our conversation. Not happy." To me, this part of your post should be the focus of discussion, not geography. Why retire, then? A lot of posters are responding as though you are in NYC or in a commuting area of NYC, but you are not. If you are 90 miles outside of NYC, then i would think you are not in a terribly high priced area, or at least that, you could move a town or two over if you are ... unless I am mistaken, other than some of the touristy areas, NY state outside of the ambit of NYC (which 90 miles certainly is), is rather depressed and not terribly expensive. So I would think you could reduce housing expenses without a drastic move. While not traditional retirees, our family was able to choose where we wanted to live and we did consider many areas. We looked at college towns because we assumed we would find kindred spirits and activities. One thing we discovered is that the places we really wanted to be were never terribly cheap. Cheaper than metro NYC, where we were, yes, but not compelling. The cheap places, we didn't like. In the end we were probably going to stay in our community, when by happenstance we came across our house in CT (an hour from our old town). I love our home and I think this community and it's wealth of private schools have made it a better place to raise our family, but I underestimated how much I would miss our friends and how valuable the time we had spent becoming part of that community was to us. I have friends that have moved to other areas of the country, particularly the South, and are surprised by how different the culture is versus this area, and were not happy there. I'm sure the feeling was mutual! All of this it to say that I think one of the most important factors in your happiness is community, friendships, family. Make sure your decisions optimize those parts of your life. or at least strongly weigh them.
...See More
Mexico
Q
Comments (8)
I did live in Mexico, I disagree that the land can be taken at will. Foreigners can own coastal land in a trust. Other land can be owned outright, none of it is leased. Coastal land is expensive, if you expect "Mexican prices" you will be shocked. There are large gringo communities, most in GDL area of Lake Chapala, personally I don't care for that area, but many love it. Really, in that area Spanish is not necessary, but nice. I do not believe medical care is very good, great for small stuff, but the big stuff I'd return to the USA. Make some trips to the area, coastal areas beyond TJ area get very hot in the summer.
...See More
Differences with spouse on where to live following retirement
Q
Comments (11)
I think you might try figuring out what you want your retirement to look like. Do you want to live near the beach, in a big city, in the country, mountains, in an over 55 community? Do you want to play golf a few times a week, or do you prefer visiting museums, or going on hikes? Is living near family a must or are you happy to fly or drive to visit a few times a year? Are you living in a high cost area and can you afford it in retirement or would moving to a low cost state ease you financially? I think writing down what is important to you can help clarify things.....cost of living, climate, access to good healthcare, activities, etc. I think the only way I would follow my kids would be if they or grand kids had a disability or something and they needed extra help on an ongoing basis. Would you want to live in an area you dislike just to be near the kids or family? And, as stated, job transfers happen...are you going to follow them every time?.....moving is expensive, finding new doctors, etc... We have the opposite dilemma. We're not retired yet but will be in a few years( I will go before DH). It looks pretty sure that two of our three kids will stay in this area..they are happy in pretty secure jobs. Do we move AWAY from them to a lower cost area, better climate, etc? They get a little upset when we talk about leaving, but they are busy and we don't see them every week anyway. Plus, as we age, I don't want to burden them with having to take care of us when they will have their own families to worry about. It's a lot to consider. Maybe you and your husband should pick a place where there isn't family that you both like and travel to visit each side. That's a fair compromise since it sounds like you won't be happy living near your step kids and he won't be happy living near your family.
...See More
Retiring to Mexico
Q
Comments (13)
I just have to believe those answering the OP are already in Mexico and don't want any more Norte Americanos to emmigrate. We lived there for 9 months about 2 years ago. No killings, no abductions, and all the services one is used to up here. Yes you can buy property in Mexico. The state insurance is about $30/person, and you can get personal health insurance very cheaply compared to the US. Dr. visits are so inexpensive that most of us just pay and forget it. We did live in the Chapala area, and there are many US and Canadian citizens there, so most of the natives speak passable English. Our next door neighbor was a Scot who played the bagpipes, so you never know. The border towns and Mexico city, some of the southern mountain states are questionable as to your absolute safety, but except for the border towns I wouldn't take any place off the table. Now I do have to say that Mexico is not for everyone. I personally felt like I had come home. It is like the 50's with shade tree mechanics, radios on, cervasas being consumed. I have to say my husband hated it, so like I said previously, not for everyone.
...See More
vala55
16 years ago
I had a Mexican friend and she said if you can't pass for Mexican you should not go, it's dangerous. I don't know for a fact, but I don't think you can't take anything with you when enter the country except your clothes and probably can't bring anything out if you want to move back, but am only guessing about the moving back part. From what I have read if they think you have committed a crime it's guilty until proven innocent. I don't know where you live but living is cheaper in the midwest, a lot cheaper than on either coast.
cbrines
16 years ago
I agree with minnie and vala55. Mexico is dangerous and its getting worse! I like going for a cruise once in a while, but no way would I ever live down there full time!
kudzu9
15 years ago
If all you ever visit in Mexico is border towns, then it is dangerous...maybe as dangerous as, say, inner city Detroit. But if you are in the other 99% of the country, it's another story. I've been to at least a dozen different areas in Mexico -- including central Mexico where Morelia is located -- and generally have felt safer than walking the streets of many American cities. I also know a number of people who have retired to Mexico, or live half of the year there and half in the U.S., and I have never heard of any problems. All of my daughters have visited there numerous times, and, trust me, none of us ever worried about trying to "pass for Mexican." There are many large expatriate American communities throughout Mexico, and their numbers are increasing each year.

Bad stuff can happen wherever you live (like Tucson, or New York, or Columbine, or Virginia Tech), but broadly characterizing a country like Mexico as dangerous is a little excessive.

In answer to the original poster...just do a Google search for "Morelia, Mexico" plus "expatriate" or "U.S. community" for some information from people who live there or have other knowledge to offer.

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: East Meets Southwest in New Mexico Home

By Vanessa Brunner

Persian rugs, pieces by local artisans and a rich color scheme help an East Coast couple feel at home in sunny Santa Fe

LIFE Retirement Reinvention: Boomers Plot Their Next Big Move

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Choosing a place to settle in for the golden years? You're not alone. Where boomers are going and what it might look like

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Retired Soldier Creates Her Dream Home in Sweden

By A

A Swedish family's fantasy of a rural retreat becomes a reality after years of renovations

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: An Oregon Cottage With 21 Flavors of Color

By Sarah Greenman

A profusion of paint colors plus inviting porches and gathered pieces create a welcoming feel in a retired couple's 100-year-old home

ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: A Salvaged Airplane Becomes a Soaring Hillside Home

Made from a retired 747, this modern house in Malibu shows how architecturally stunning reuse can be

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: An 1850s Ancestral Home in Texas Rises Again

By Becky Harris

See how exacting research and meticulous renovations gave a retired couple their dream home on a regained family plantation

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Movie Inspiration for a Texas Guesthouse

By Becky Harris

Old-world German architecture and a modern-day film spur a Hill Country farmhouse's warm style

MY HOUZZ Houzz TV: A Couple’s Garage Becomes Their Chic New Home

By Robert Burns

Portland, Oregon, homeowners find freedom in a city-approved garage home with DIY industrial flair

PATIOS Room of the Day: Vacationing at Home in Louisiana

By Mary Jo Bowling

With a fireplace, kitchen, dining area and living room–style seating, this New Orleans patio brings the indoors out

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE Houzz Tour: A Modern Take on Southwest Style

By Mary Jo Bowling

A designer updates a classic adobe home with lighter furnishings, fresh finishes and complementary ethnic motifs

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Remodeling Company in New Albany, Ohio