Where to Retire in Mexico

Top Places to Retire in Mexico

Cancun

Most people associate Cancun with expensive resorts and crowds of tourists and partygoers. But in reality, there are two sides to Cancun – Zona Hotelera and El Centro. Zona Hotelera is a beach strip lined with hotels, and El Centro is the downtown district populated by residents.

The downtown area is much more affordable and has become highly sought after among foreigners. Most locals speak English thanks to the tourist economy, so it’s easy for expats to navigate and make connections. Staying in El Centro, you are far enough from the holidaymakers and business, yet close enough if you decide to join in on the fun. There are plenty of things to do, such as diving in cenotes, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and discovering new cuisines in the abundant gastronomy scene. The city is well developed, supplying all the amenities you may need, including large supermarkets, shopping malls, and modern healthcare facilities. And if you ever find yourself missing home, the nearby international airport has flights departing daily and you will be reunited with friends and family in no time.

View Our Guide to Living in Cancun

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a former fishing village located on the Riviera Maya an hour from Cancun. Today, Playa del Carmen is a bustling beach town, popular among tourists, snowbirds, and many foreign residents, enamored by its charm. The Fifth Avenue pedestrian street is at the center of town, running parallel to the turquoise sea, and is home to excellent restaurants that are almost as big of a draw as the pristine beaches. There are hospitals in the area that offer first-class medical care, and the town offers numerous recreational facilities like malls, diving, boating, and snorkeling.

View our Guide to Living in PDC

Tulum

Located just 45 minutes away from Playa del Carmen, Tulum feels like a world of its own, with a very different vibe. The bohemian village is home to about 18,000 people and the town is constantly expanding during high season and due to growing popularity. The high influx of tourists in the area means that English is commonly spoken, and you won’t have any difficulty communicating. And once again, you won’t find yourself short of any modern amenities and entertainment, with many things to do, including yoga, ancient Mayan sites, and natural attractions.

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Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is one of the more budget-friendly towns on the Riviera Maya. Located just south of Cancun on the way to Playa del Carmen, it’s a small fishing village that has turned into an expat sanctuary. The town provides its residents with direct access to the sea and a small village-type lifestyle with close-knit communities that care for sustainability. But bigger cities are easily accessible when necessary. There are plenty of activities that will keep you occupied, like barrier reef exploration, yoga, volunteer animal protection projects, and more.

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Puerto Vallarta

Located on lush mountains in Banderas Bay, the bustling Puerto Vallarta excels when it comes to views of the Pacific Ocean. With so many things to do in the area, the city has been on many people’s radars. It is estimated that about 40,000 of the 300,000 residents are from the USA and Canada. And although the city is tourist focused, it maintains an atmosphere perfect for retirement. So, you will have access to the best entertainment and a community of like-minded people.

The oceanfront Malecon promenade is busy day and night, and the surrounding jungles, caves, and hidden beaches are perfect for exploring. So bring your dancing and hiking shoes. The infrastructure in the city is modern and well-developed. And if you get a little homesick, the international airport nearby has flights departing daily.

View our Guide to Living in Puerto Vallarta

Sayulita

The small town of Sayulita is located north of Puerto Vallarta. A former fishing village, it has expanded into a stunning beach getaway. Living here as an expat you will find excellent amenities, yoga retreats, shopping, and local markets. Surf culture is strong in Sayulita, which is the main draw for the majority of visitors. So, if you want to spend your retirement surfing away, the waves are great for beginners and experienced surfers. If you seek more advanced infrastructure, like proper hospitals and large supermarkets, the larger town of Puerto Vallarta is not far away.

View Our Guide to Living in Sayulita

Cabo San Lucas

Another amazing place to retire, Cabo San Lucas is a vibrant city with a strong expat community. Most expats are from the US, and a big percentage of the population speaks conversational English. So, the language barrier won’t be an issue.

Despite some of these destinations being so popular among tourists, there are affordable neighborhoods where you can enjoy the tranquility and get the best of both worlds. Contact our Far Homes’ professionals, who will walk you through your options tailored to your budget. Get your questions answered with no obligation or commitment!

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