Best Places to Retire in Mexico

Mexico has wonderful retirement destinations for those who want to enjoy the local scenery and culture. Those who prefer cooler climates should look at destinations like San Miguel de Allende, as well as Lake Chapala and Ajijic, which sit at high elevations. Sun worshippers will like well-known expat hotspots like Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. 

Here is a deeper look at some of the best-loved retirement destinations across Mexico:

Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen and Tulum

These communities are a great starting point for individuals first dipping their toes into expat waters. They offer American-style amenities, access to shopping, and pristine beaches.

Some of the best local and international food that Mexico has to offer can be found here. First-time visitors who don’t speak Spanish will have little trouble because many locals in tourist districts can speak English quite well. 

The stunning cenotes (spring water sinkholes) that dot the local landscape offer a cool respite and much-needed shade on a hot day. The area is also home to a range of scuba diving activities and ancient cultural sites waiting to be explored.

Puerto Vallarta

Nestled between the mountains and sea, Puerto Vallarta has both natural beauty and modern amenities due to its long-standing popularity with tourists. While sunny like its cousin Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta has substantially cooler temperatures in the evenings. This is because the Pacific Ocean currents drag cold water from Alaska. The cool ocean breeze is trapped by the surrounding mountains and keeps overnight temps in the 70s. 

Culturally, the city is rich in art. The boardwalk offers impressive sculptures to marvel at while out for a stroll. During the tourist high season, art galleries are now open in the evenings for visitors as part of the city’s Art Walk initiative that showcases local artists. The nearby Sierra Madre Mountains have plenty of outdoor activities to keep adventurists busy for years to come.

Ajijic

Many people have no idea that much of Mexico’s vast interior sits on a massive plateau roughly a mile high. This elevation means temperatures are nearly perfect year-round. With daily highs in the 80s and overnight lows in the 50s and 60s, the climate is similar to many places in the Rocky Mountains. 

Situated on Lake Chapala, Ajijic is popular with retirees and expats precisely because it isn’t a tourist town. There are no massive shopping malls, condo high-rises, or cruise ships. Ajijic offers a quiet life in a small Spanish colonial town. However, it also has plenty of amenities such as international food and regular expat meetups to keep everyone active and engaged. 

San Miguel de Allende

Another quiet Spanish colonial getaway, San Miguel de Allende is popular with Europeans, Americans, and wealthy Mexicans. If you’re looking to choose a location where you feel secure, this may be the right place. 

The small-town vibe means residents know each other and crime isn’t a problem like it can be in some larger towns and cities. Much of the city is walkable and it has many open-air cafes and a rich cultural history. Like Ajijic, the climate is also comfortable due to its higher elevation.   

Need Additional Help? 

If you’re serious about taking the leap and moving to Mexico, there is a lot you should know. To help navigate it all, the Mexico Relocation Guide offers general and location-specific information and resources for retirees and expats that cover the best cities, healthcare, retirement communities, and more. Let us help make your move to Mexico as convenient as possible!