Retirement in Mexico

After retirement, MaryBeth DiCecco became disenchanted with life in the United States. So she settled down in Mexico instead.

"It's enriching," DiCecco said of her home in La Misión, B.C.N. "I get to do charity work and live within a wonderful community of people."

With 76 million baby boomers approaching retirement in a country with an ailing economy and rising health care costs, many are choosing to move south of the border to live more comfortable lives for less money.

Retirement experts in Mexico say the cost of living for American citizens in Mexico is about 40 percent cheaper there. And a visit to a general doctor there typically costs about $35.

DiCecco, 65, purchased a two-bedroom, two-bath condominium with an ocean view at the Pyramid Resort for $150,000 two years ago. She was hesitant to leave her home in Los Angeles because she was worried she wouldn't meet any new friends in a foreign country. But after spending a vacation in nearby San Ignacio petting whales from a boat and strolling through the city's picturesque beach, she realized what she was missing out on in the United States. And, she said, making American friends there was easy.

"It's just one mall after another (in the U.S.)," said DiCecco, 65. "The condominium is spectacular ... something like this would have cost three, four times as much over there."

SAME QUALITY OF LIFE

There are currently about 10 retired living communities in Mexico and experts predict that number will double in a decade after an estimated 8 million baby boomers move to the country and drive up their demand.

"Many groups in Mexico want to develop these housing projects," said Javier Godínez, president of the Mexican Association of Retirement Communities. "People want to keep the same quality of life they have in the United States but they want it for a fairer price."

About 1.2 million retired Americans and Canadians already live in Mexico, and Godínez said that number will grow as people discover how modern and safe life can be in Mexico.

In fact, Godínez said, despite ghastly headlines of cartel violence and government corruption, many cities in Mexico offer a relaxed lifestyle far removed from danger.

"We recognize that there are problems in Mexico," Godínez said. "But in some cities, people are more worried about what to do with their time than they are about violence."

NO CHANGE HERE

The Rio Grande Valley can rest assured that this trend will probably not diminish the number of Winter Texans who flock here every year by the thousands, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy.

"(Winter Texans) move to the Valley because they want to stay in the United States," said Penny Simpson, who heads the Valley Markets and Tourism Research Center at The University of Texas-Pan American. "They can go right over the border if they want from here."

Godínez said that although the millions of retirees expected to move to Mexico is significant to that country's economy, it will affect a negligible percentage of the entire baby boomer population.

"We're not even going to affect (the Valley) a little bit," Godínez said. "One percent of retired Americans won't change things much."

A CONVENIENT ADVENTURE

Americans don't just move to Mexico to stretch their retirement dollar — many do it in search for adventure. And moving into retirement communities offers them the convenience of being around other English speakers.

"I keep busy here," said Ruth Eaton, 72, who moved to the Pyramid Resort from California. "There are so many delightful activities."
Dr. George Ruwwe, 73, says he enjoys living in a different place and learning a new culture and language.

"Here older folks are very respected ... in the States people are a burden," Ruwwe said from his home in Ajijic, Jalisco. "It is very relaxed ... more like when I grew up in the ‘50s."

Mexico is also close enough for retirees to visit their families regularly in the United States.

"I can go home whenever I want," Eaton said. "But it's hard to get me back to the States ... even to see my family."

Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.