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Each of Mexico’s 32 states has unique physical and cultural characteristics. Many know Mexico’s legendary beach destination. But pick up a map and you may realize how little of the country you actually know. No matter where you decide to explore, you’ll quickly realize one of the Mexico for living mainstays: combining “foreign” and “familiar” into your overseas living future. Costco and Colonial cities. Pyramids and peanut butter. Ancient Amerindian traditions and just about every back-home comfort.
On the western coast, the Baja California region is a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean and borders the US state of California. Possessing some of Mexico’s most dramatic land and seascapes, this area covers everything from dormant volcanoes and vast deserts to old mission towns, marine ecosystems, and wine country. The Sea of Cortés is home to over 200 islands and a thriving biodiversity of marine and land species.
The Baja’s northern region has been home to US and Canadian snowbirds for decades. Thousands now live here year ‘round in places like Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada. Facing the Sea of Cortez are Loreto and La Paz, both popular with US retirees seeking a softer winter climate and aquatic adventure. At Land’s End is popular Los Cabos and a riviera of resorts, towns and now gentrified sport fishing camps. The Baja’s stark beauty, proximity, familiar amenities and the great outdoors lure year ‘round visitors and growing clusters of expat retirees.
Mexico’s Pacific mainland towns are a mix of industrial and agricultural ports, resort towns, fishing villages and mountain-framed coves and promontories. Mazatlán pioneered West Coast America’s introduction to the beach vacation in the 1950’s, while further south the towns of Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Ixtapa, and Acapulco became mainstay attractions for Mexican and US/Canadian long-stay visitors.
Central Mexico is home to states like Guanajuato, Queretaro, Aguascalientes and Michoacan, all places where US and Canadians are finding overseas living solutions. The nation’s capital, pulsating Mexico City is the economic and cultural center of the country. Divided into 16 boroughs, Mexico City is home to a plethora of historic landmarks, parks, museums, restaurants, bars and shops. Guadalajara, though considerably smaller than Mexico City, is still one of Mexico’s hubs for art, architecture, golf, live music, fine dining and higher education. Leafy neighborhoods throughout the city are home to thousands of expats. 45 minutes south is Lake Chapala, the birthplace of retirement living in Mexico (dating to the 1940’s).
The Yucatan Peninsula is the southeastern region of Mexico that separates the Gulf of Mexico and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. With splashy resorts, beach communities and ancient ruins it has become one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the world. Thousands now live here year ‘round. Yucatan State is home to Merida, a magnet for expats seeking the city’s unique tropical Spanish colonial past, historic buildings, sophisticated amenities, Mayan civilization, and an almost deserted seacoast.
Mexico also offers travelers plenty of ecological and activity-based tourism. Mexico is one of five countries labeled as “mega-diverse” in terms of plant and animal variety. Across its 32 states is an endless assortment of great outdoor living opportunities.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of a bohemian, student-based arts and music scene that’s creeping up in cities like Guadalajara, Puebla, Oaxaca, Mexico City and Monterrey. Mexico has garnered international acclaim for this revelry of the arts (especially film) and design.
It’s all here, and Mexico for Living can be your resource for retirement peace-of-mind. Schedule a consultation today.
