What Is the Safest Place to Retire in Mexico?

Mexico has long been an attractive option for retirees from the US and Canada, offering superb quality of life, low living costs, a near-perfect climate, and the cultural diversity of the cuisine, lively festivals, and warm, welcoming communities. However, we appreciate that it’s equally essential for those relocating to find somewhere foreign residents report feel safe and settled and where you’d be comfortable welcoming your grandkids and extended family for sun-kissed vacations.

Fortunately, Mexico is packed with charming towns, coastal villages, and sleepy enclaves with the lowest crime rates in the country, from Mérida, a perfect spot for Mayan history buffs, to the stunning yet peaceful town of Campeche based on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Choosing Where to Retire in Mexico

So many retirees prioritize beautiful beaches and a thriving expat community, and these elements mean you can make a real home from home while leaning into the outdoor ocean lifestyle that Mexico is all about.

Although, as in every country, the major cities tend to be depicted as hotbeds for crime, the reality of life immersed in the natural beauty of the rolling hills, tucked away from the tropical heat, is very different.

Let’s explore some of the ideal locations for retirees and look at what they offer.

The Beach Paradise of Sayulita, Nayarit

Our first stop is Sayulita, a calm town just an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. If you’ve visited, you’ll know Sayulita is a draw for nature lovers, with abundant wildlife that makes the most of every hour you spend in the fresh sea air.

Based on the West Coast, the town isn’t solely surf-oriented–we’d recommend visiting the brilliant galleries specializing in refined home décor, the local boutiques selling beachwear and art, and even an adventure to the zip lines if you’re feeling energetic!

Although tourists frequent Sayulita during peak season, it’s also one of those places where you can lay down roots and feel immediately part of the community, with an accessible three-mile stretch of beach that is a part of life here. The town is easy to reach via the Varas-Vallarta highway for trips back home.

Affordable Living in Campeche

A little off the beaten track and more tranquil for retirees searching for true peace, Campeche, the capital of the state of the same name, offers low living costs as a harbor town characterized by incredible Spanish colonial architecture.

As one of the ten UNESCO World Heritage cities in Mexico, Campeche is a step back in time, but it’s far from outdated, as it’s home to the oldest liveliest carnivals in Mexico. There are dozens of museums, and you’ll be about ninety minutes from Mérida for amenities.

The ancient walled city feels almost like a European town, but when relaxing on the beach with a cold paleta, you’ll know you’re in the heart of the country.

Mérida: The Culture Capital of Yucatán

Mérida is home to the colonial era Mérida Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, built from the local white limestone that gives the town its nickname of La Ciudad Blanca or the White City. History aside, Mérida is a multicultural place to live, affordable, and one of the safest cities in the world, with a robust police presence to ensure a feeling of calm and order.

The city often hosts cultural celebrations and is close to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The international airport makes travel straightforward, and the blend of restaurants, bars, craft vendors, and stalls selling fresh tamales along the Paseo Montejo is a great place to socialize!