by Robert Borges on September 20, 2024
As your retirement creeps closer and closer, you might hear more stories about Americans moving to Mexico to retire because of its lower cost of living and wonderful weather. However, language and cultural barriers, infrastructure issues, and distance from your friends and family are all strong reasons why choosing a retirement community in the states might be a better move.
If you are prioritizing affordability, you may want to explore retirement communities in Virginia for unexpected gems, or dive into the underrated Southern California retirement cities for homes within your budget. Cities like Austin also offer similar climates with all the benefits of a vibrant art and culture scene.
In this post, we’ll discuss the downsides to retiring in Mexico and alternatives right here in the US that can offer everything you’re looking for!
The Disadvantages of Retiring in Mexico
Mexico is a beautiful country for vacationing, but living there full-time as an American can come with a unique set of challenges that may be more than you bargained for.
Language and Cultural Barriers
If you aren’t already fluent in Spanish or familiar with Mexican culture, you will likely hit many obstacles once you move to Mexico full-time. Living in the cities and villages is very different from vacationing at the resorts, where many of the people you encounter speak English. Navigating your bills, setting up utilities, and seeing the doctor becomes a much more complicated ordeal when you don’t know the language.
Additionally, many parts of Mexico are notorious for being noisy. This can be due to dogs barking, street musicians, late-night parties, and cultural events that run all through the night. If you want to have peaceful nights by the ocean, choose your neighborhood carefully.
Distance From Loved Ones
Adjusting to a foreign country can also make you feel lonely. Even if you move down to Mexico with your partner, trying to make friends when you don’t know anyone and don’t know the language can be isolating. There will definitely be a longer adjustment period than if you move to a retirement community in the US.
Infrastructure Issues
In Mexico, power outages and plumbing issues can be quite common. These outages tend to be short, but because of their frequency, many residents rely on battery-powered electronics and lights. Not to mention–some toilets won’t allow you to flush toilet paper because the pipes can’t handle it.
Speaking of the plumbing, the tap water in Mexico is not potable. This means it is not reliably safe or clean enough to drink in much of the country. The water is safe enough to clean and cook with, but you will need to purchase bottled water to drink. Even then, some people still choose bottled water for cooking because of the bacteria in the water, which can create additional costs.
Trash and Littering
While Mexico is renowned for its beautiful coastal resorts, it's important to recognize the diverse environmental challenges faced by different regions of the country. Some urban and rural areas struggle with waste management issues, leading to litter accumulation in certain neighborhoods and public spaces. Air quality can vary across the country, partly due to differing vehicle emission regulations between Mexico and some other nations.
The Alternative: Private Communities
Wherever you move, you’ll need to account for an adjustment period and changes in your lifestyle and expectations. Everyone has their reasons for retiring in the places they do, but sometimes, it makes sense to spend more time enjoying retirement rather than adjusting.
Private Communities offers a range of luxurious gated communities for retirees and older adults in more than twenty states in the US, ranging from sunny and warm California to lush and green Virginia. You’re sure to find a safe and clean gated community that offers a range of unique amenities that will empower you to get out, connect with other retirees, and make the most of your retirement.
Looking for a community in a warm climate that’s near a golf course? We’ve got you covered. Searching for a single-family home in a gated community that’s not far from the beach? You got it. Check out our user-friendly search tool to get started today!
