Advice on Mexico

[Sailorman375]

Looking to retire and was thinking Mexico as a possibility. Looking for advice on reasonable and safe marinas.

[Rearsteer]

Marina de La Paz in La Paz is a good place to start. La Paz has five marinas but I like Marina de La Paz best. As you get to know Mexico, you may want to head south for the winter and up the Sea for the summer. But Le Paz is a good place to start.

[senormechanico]

On the mainland, take a look at Marina Mazatlan.

[zeehag]

my friends a in marina mazatlan--the only schooner in maz. there are many places that are "safe"-- san carlos has been recommended, as has la paz and zihuatenejo---i personally do not enjoy marina life. i prefer to anchor and enjoy the solitude, but i am joining my friends for a bit of time-until they come to sd for summer this year.

[osirissail]

From Texas look at Yukalpeten on the north side of the Yucatan. It is convenient to Merida, a popular retirement area.

[krafthaus]

Peurto Aventuras south of Cancun could be worth a look.

[zeehag]

i know folks in isla mujeres..... they love it there....

[David M]

There is Puerto Vallarta. I have only visited by land.

Cabo as well.

[markpierce]

I'm curious as to why one would want to retire in Mexico unless one was Mexican. What are the advantages? Does/should one reside in an "Gringo ghetto" or live among Mexicans?

[RickD]

Originally Posted by markpierce

I'm curious as to why one would want to retire in Mexico unless one was Mexican. What are the advantages? Does/should one reside in an "Gringo ghetto" or live among Mexicans?

Having visited the area a few times, I'd say...

1) Nice weather
2) your money goes a long way
3) if you have a boat, nice sailing

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by markpierce

I'm curious as to why one would want to retire in Mexico unless one was Mexican. What are the advantages? Does/should one reside in an "Gringo ghetto" or live among Mexicans?

Everybody gets through life differently. Sounds like you have spent no time in Mexico, or at least in the right spots. Mexico can be many wonderful things. Just as the USA can be many horrible things. Depnds on location..........i2f

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by RickD

1) Nice weather
2) your money goes a long way
3) if you have a boat, nice sailing

Too hot for me. ... Found prices comparable to the U.S. even at such off-the-track places like Queretaro and Guanajato although I'd expect "going native" would be cheaper.

[Capt Phil]

Wonderful, hospitable country, at least for cruisers. I've spent time in most major west coast spots from Z-town to San Carlos. San Filippe at the top of the Sea of Cortez was once a great spot but a little run down now from what I've heard. I'd give Cabo a pass unless you like higher prices, wild nightlife and noise. Nuevo Vallarta just north of PV proper, is pleasant but busy with the large high rise hotels and time shares. La Paz, across the Sea of Cortez is a cruisers paradise with good shopping, shipyards and marinas, anchorages. My favorite spot on the whole coast is Barre Navidad, south of PV. Quiet little town, protected anchorage, far enough south you get some shoreside greenery and a 5 star hotel on the south side of the bay if you want to indulge yourself. Stayed for over a year at El Cid marina, north of Mazatlan when it was just built. Probably pricey now but cheap then... 3 pools, easy pulmania ride into town or down to the Zona Dorado for great restaurants... yep... love Mexico... salud, Capt Phil

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by Capt Phil

I'd give Cabo a pass unless you like higher prices, wild nightlife and noise.

High-rise hotels and condos on the beach have no appeal to me. Spent only one day at Cabo. One positive, however, is the "edge of the earth" feel of the place. San Jose del Cabo, a few miles north, was more appealing.

[osirissail]

It might be rather difficult to find a place in Mexico or the rest of Central America where you could live only amongst the "natives."
- - Seems "Gringos" are everywhere. You can even observe this in the Caribbean Basin islands, it appears folks are fleeing the 1st World over-hyped environments and high costs of living to retire to a "simpler" life on an island or places like Mexico/C. America.