Top Reasons Why Retirees Choose Mexico As Their Ultimate Retirement Destination!

[@AdeleFrizzell-j7e]

I love living in Lake Chapala and the more time I spend in Mexico, the more it feels like “home.”

[@PC800Fixes]

Very interesting & informative. I'm glad the algorithms finally pointed me to travel videos with info I can use! Cheers.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful! 😄

[@sunmand6136]

Thanks!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We appreciate you watching! 😄 Thank you so much!!!

[@tonycarlson7159]

Hola. Just for your information, I am from Canada and live full time in Los Cabos, the 330,000 population is divided up to approximately 200,000 in Cabo San Lucas and 100,000 in San Jose del Cabo. Also there are around 33,000 expats in this area. Love your videos, keep up with the great work.

[@RG-cz1tc]

Always important to remember that the money that allows expats to live "cheaply" in Mexico comes from their home country, where, yes, it was fast paced, colder, but the roads were much better and the sewage did not run untreated into the waterways. The locals in Mexico don't find it "cheap" because they are earning the low wages. So there is a divide, which I think can be uncomfortable if you fail to ignore it. The "slower pace", the "chill" shows in marginal construction of homes for the local people, questionable water, and of course the lack of proper sewage treatment facilities. Look at the Tijuana River, the U.S. has been sending millions to Tijuana to clean it up and it is still a sewer running into the beach areas near the border. So I am not saying that expats should not look at these places, or for a sun break, it helps the Mexican economy, but it is the wealth of our northern countries that allow you to be there without selling trinkets to tourists at the market like the locals have to do. Just sayin.......

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for adding your thoughts!! ❤️

[@phill7573]

Mexico was my retirement destination. Unfortunately, it just became too expensive for me to live on a smaller budget. I'm now in Thailand and love it here. I do miss Mexico, though.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It seems that everywhere is getting more expensive! 😒

[@calvinmcdowell8328]

Great video do you have plans to do the same for other countries?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have done similar ones in the past and plan to do more in the future! 😊 Thank you for watching!! 😁

[@2010katak]

Great info, we are headed there soon. Btw, do you have any recommendations for travel insurance? We are shopping now and want to stay more than the 45 days some limit people to.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We use Safetywing. Here is a link. Travel Insurance we use: safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=brianandcarrie&Ambassador

[@2010katak]

@@BrianandCarriethank you!

[@scp240]

On the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. I just spent two weeks in Tulum and Cozumel so allow me to fill in. The Cozumel airport is probably not an option for most people, just fly into Cancun which has many international flight especially direct flights from East Coast US. Bus transport on ADO from the airport will get you to Playa or other destinations. Tulum also has an airport but I doubt it’s suitable for most travelers, just fly to Cancun and take the bus right into Tulum Pueblo. I don’t think the train is operating on a regular or frequent schedule yet but may be in the future. Don’t take a taxi or shuttle from the airport unless you are in a big group, it will cost a fortune compared to the bus. Ferry service to Cozumel is frequent, cheap and fast. Three different companies operate this route, just pick the one leaving at the time of your choice and buy a one-way ticket at the desk. Don’t purchase from the hustlers near the ferry in Playa, they will rip you off and only take cash. By the way, Tulum Pueblo is dirty and rundown, more of a party spot for spring break types, but lots of good restaurants and authentic food. The beach is fantastic if you can afford to stay there for a week or so it is worth it. Many tours to cenotes and ruins are available and worthwhile. The turtle sanctuary in Akumal is a must see, midway between Playa and Tulum. If you are in the area I recommend a trip to Cozumel for some of the best snorkeling in the area. Also some great restaurants and a cute little town center, although very touristy due to the large number of cruise ships coming and going. Not to be missed is a trip to the eastern side of the island, almost completely undeveloped and some free swimming in a few protected spots like Chen Rio. Try visiting Coconuts for a cervesa and you will step back in time to the 1960s, with a magnificent view high on the cliff overlooking the crashing surf. If you are up for it you can rent a scooter to get around Cozumel.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the tips!! We may be back in the spring!

[@josepadilla7052]

Great reviews on more well known places. Close to Merida you have Campeche which is smaller and more relaxed than Merida, but a beautiful fortified colonial city by the water and cheaper than Merida. Maybe you should add it to the list since your in the area already. Saludos!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks for the tips, Jose!!

[@josepadilla7052]

@@BrianandCarrie welcome✌

[@lolaz1936]

Going to Puerto Vallarta next year but taking my daughter and family. So for 6 people, I am finding flights to be very expensive! Nearly 1k pp! I still haven't bought yet hoping they would come down. That isn't much less than Europe flights. I do agree with you about loving PV though.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is a lot for flights to Mexico! From Seattle they are much less.

[@TimToWander]

Love your travel videos, Brian and Carrie. This video really hit home for me. I closed on a studio condo in Playa del Carmen in May and am living here for my first full winter before returning to Utah. The wonderful local people, the culture, the food, the weather, the expat community, the affordability. It is amazing! This was the first pre-retirement domino I needed to fall so I can build a budget global travel plan for the future. Thanks for all the great information and inspiration!!!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks for sharing and watching the channel, Tim!! We are excited to get to Playa del Carman next spring!! 😊

[@sunmand6136]

@Brian and Carrie - The buzz that I am hearing is Mexico is putting a lot of obstructions for expats primarily Americans. As in, you have to show a monthly income of a certain amount. Is that what you are hearing ? And someone below has already mentioned this, that their healthcare is not as affordable as the rumor is. They seem to have one price for locals and another for Americans. It would be great if you could do a video on Mexican healthcare.

[@shaun2435]

Minimum income requirement is almost $5k per month. The health care is very good and cheap, unless you have a medical emergency in a tourist location, in which case you might get gouged.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Shaun! We have done health care videos in the past but didn't get to it in Mexico. There are several countries around the world that are changing policies for expats. That is one of the reasons why we decided to slow travel and not relocate. 😊

[@sunmand6136]

@@BrianandCarrie Thanks Brian and Carrie .

[@suzannerodio1744]

I love Mazatlan!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We may have to visit soon!! 😊

[@Fell214]

Yep, you seem well suited for Mexico. Be careful will hospital costs though, not as cheap as many think in areas with advanced care facilities.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's one of the biggest things we have to consider wherever we go for a long term stay now. Getting old!! 😒😁

[@Fell214]

@@BrianandCarrie Safety and police corruption can be an issue also, even in places like SMA. Won’t forget the day we walked just south of the central area in SMA and watched three military vehicles loaded with machine guns supervise an armored car transfer to a bank. Love SMA, but that certainly got our attention.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Police ride around like this all-around Mexico. Other countries do the same.

[@ProgRockPianoBar]

Can you please list all the Mexican cities and towns you visited in order from your least favorite to most?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We would say Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato are the top three and Puebla, Mexico City and Merida would be 4,5, and 6. 😊

[@ProgRockPianoBar]

@@BrianandCarrie I thought you loved SMA! Sorry we're missing you in Merida. We've covered quite a bit of Mexico if you want any recs ☺️

[@bob-d3908]

Minnesota here. Go Vikings-Skol-Skol-Skol.

[@BrianandCarrie]

My Hawks are so disappointing!! Just when I think they may be ok they nosedive!! 😔

[@raidermanjeff]

hey guys how are the fish tacos I love them as kid when I used to rosarito

[@BrianandCarrie]

Fantastic!!! 😁

[@hectorsalmoran9235]

US citizens Will be always welcome to México

[@BrianandCarrie]

We hope so, Hector! We plan on coming back soon!! 😊 Thank you for the invite!! ❤️

[@FLANNELSHIRT]

US citizens ** with money ** 😊

[@ElizabethA-y3c]

I love your videos. I’ve been contemplating selling my California home and retiring a little earlier then expected. But I do worry if hiking is actually safe with knowing that the cartel drug farms hide in the mountains and what if you stumbled onto them then you’d get shot according to the documentary I’ve watched on the cartel. So how do you know where it’s safe to hike? I’d love to know. It’s my biggest concern since I’m a big hiker where I live now and it’s my favorite sport.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It is a good question. We have found that most of Mexico is very safe. We always recommend doing your research for the area you are going to. We have never had a problem, but we tend to avoid the more remote areas. Thank you for watching!! ❤️

[@k.k.9897]

Ask the locals and heed their advice

[@googlegoogler6694]

I haven’t been to Mexico in 40 years. (Puerto Vallarta) Is tap water an issue for drinking in many places?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Every place that we went they supplied large 5-gallon water bottles. We also use our Larq filtered water bottles and didn't have any issues.

[@FLANNELSHIRT]

NO ONE drinks the tap water in Mexico, unless they live where they can have their own well and/or have a whole-house water filtration system. And even then, regular water testing is recommended.

[@jd3422]

You didn't mention Mexico City. That would be the place where I want to spend a lot of time.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We did not. We preferred other destinations that we visited over Mexico City. 😁

[@Peter-m5n7m]

Brian and Carrie, Excellent and informative videos!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@elenabost5974]

I liked Mexico, until went to explore the Panama. In comparison Panama is much better, safety, healthcare, costs and better living standards, dollar as a currency. Too hot and humid, but Panama has mountains. What do you think?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Elena. We have not made our way to Panama yet but could make our way in 2025! We are currently planning our South America trip! 😊

[@elenabost5974]

@ Great! Would like to know your opinion 😀

[@pamelanurse2024]

I became a permanent resident of Mexico a few years ago but chose to make my permanent home in USA for several reasons. Mexico is not handicapped accessible at all. Walking on the cobblestones is treacherous in many cities. I can’t go above 5000 feet because of my heart so lake chapala is my limit. I like the summer green season in Chapala because it’s less crowded. It rains at night and is sunny during the day. Traffic is horrible there in the winter and prices have been skyrocketing. Another downside is gringo pricing and gentrification in many popular areas in Mexico. I finally became functional in Spanish through Warren Hardy’s workbooks. He also has a school in San Miguel. I enjoyed PV and Matzalan but don’t go in the summer! I almost died of heat stroke in Matzalan in July. So I love to visit Mexico. The people are very warm and friendly for the most part. I will continue to visit but probably will never live there full-time.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We enjoy Mexico and love the culture, but understand that it may not be for everyone, especially with mobility and health issues. Thank you for sharing, Pamela! ❤️

[@Every_State_Park]

We appreciate you too, thanks for sharing.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We’re so happy you’re enjoying our channel! 😊

[@Every_State_Park]

@@BrianandCarrie Quick question: when you enter expenses into TravelSpend, how do you create a trip? Is it a different trip for each month? Is it a different trip for each location? Is it one big trip for the whole year? I like a monthly breakdown, but I also like how you break out each location.

[@BrianandCarrie]

The free version that we use is one trip at a time.

[@ProgRockPianoBar]

Omg, skip playa del carmen and go to Puerto Morelos instead. It's SO much smaller and friendlier, and it's between Cancún and PDC, so you can easily visit either for a day trip, which is more than enough. It does get very hot and humid in July & August though.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Good to know! We still haven't planned our next trip to Mexico.

[@Chris-hw2nx]

I can't wait to be in the position where I've enjoyed a place, moved on, and someone tells me about something I missed nearby. It gives me fuel to keep traveling and return later!

[@AZMarine513]

Lake Chapala is a huge lake. Unfortunately it is so polluted you can't swim in it or eat the fish from it.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is sad to hear. Weve never been there but know that it is a popular place for expats. Thank you for the info!

[@bh8138]

@@BrianandCarrie Have heard so many expats there, too, that it feels like an American retirement community - doesn't sound like the local culture of living abroad experience I'd be looking for. P.S. I suggest any Americans who want don't like the incoming **##@ administration be out of the country as much as possible the first year because I have a feeling we may not be allowed to leave at some point....don't think people are really aware how bad it's going to get in the U.S.

[@GuitarDaveBenicia1]

@@AZMarine513 The pollution information has been debunked but still gets repeated as gospel. But it's still a very silty, shallow lake with lots of fluctuations in water level. That plus restrictions on commercial activities/building on the shoreline makes water activities very limited.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Well done 👍 tons of great information. I didn't know they put in a train that runs down from the airport to Playa del Carmine. I remember when they were building the highway there. Back in the mid to late 90s. The ruins is Tulum had very little people. You'd be just about the only ones swimming at the little beach with the big bolder. 🪨 I was able to rock climb it and "might have even known someone who had been able to rock climb on the pyramid itself "😉😳 Now it's packed with people. If you are able to get to Tulum they have a very earthy/ naturalistic meets Hipster/ Mother Nature architecture style. Very cool place.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have heard that Tulum has change a lot in recent years, but we still plan on going to see for ourselves!

[@freetowandernow]

I do keep mentioning that we bought a condo in Bucerias (30 minutes north of PV)a couple of years ago - the first year of our nomadic adventures-and we are glad we did for many of the reasons you've mentioned. The fact that you paid quite a bit to stay in Mexico underlines the ROI that real estate can generate which allows us to offset the costs. This is also why we are freezing here in Ontario, Canada and look forward to getting down there early January. ☺

[@BrianandCarrie]

It’s great to hear about your Bucerias! We are looking forward to visiting PV next spring! Maybe we will get north to Bucerias. 😊

[@freetowandernow]

@@BrianandCarrie Awesome! We are there until May and then head to Vancouver Island until Ontario warms up in June:)

[@GuitarDaveBenicia1]

My wife and I have been watching your channel for a while and appreciate what you guys do! We relocated to Mexico 2 years ago and have been super happy with our decision. We spent the first 6 months in San Miguel de Allende and then moved to Ajijic. We are weather snobs so these are both great choices. I recommend visiting both.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We love hearing from expats who moved to Mexico. There is such a negative perception of what it is really like.

[@andreablack4573]

Great video thanks team. How does it compare for you to the Algarve?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We still love the Algarve! 😁

[@miguelb.3951]

In our 6th year outside La Paz, BCS. Traveled to many areas of the main land over the years. No plans to return to Seattle”The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end that’s all there is.” Bill Perkins, Die with Zero:

[@margog9604]

I'm so glad you are enjoying Mexico. We just love it. I think you'll find Cabo and Playa Del Carmen to be very Americanized, like Cancun... not our favorite, but worth seeing for yourself of course. Great video. Keep having fun!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks for watching and we are definitely going back to explore more of Mexico soon! 😁

[@sublimemugs]

Brian, I love the statement that your favorite season is the next one. I always thought I was a fall person but I do look forward to each one as it approaches.

[@BrianandCarrie]

I don't like winter, but I love the snow!! 😁

[@stoneycreekstorm7287]

Love the comment "or anywhere in Canada" Speaking as a Canadian...I completely agree. Bonus feature....Mexico has no Trudeau or Trump. 😝

[@BrianandCarrie]

Very true!!

[@NicoleT-d7k]

I’ve always been a little hesitant towards Mexico due to the crime and clean water issue. How safe did you feel and could you compare it to another location you’ve been to.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Mexico is safe. Yes, there are pockets that you don't go to, but you wouldn't be going to those places anyway. Mexico is as safe as anyplace that we have traveled to. As far as the water, we were supplied with filtered water everyplace that we stayed. We also used our Larq water bottles and didn't have any issues. 😊

[@InMyBrz]

I am from Florida, only an hour flight to Mexico I travelled the world- 45 countries all over but never been to Mexico Honestly I think the culture and food are ugly and not interesting I don't like Asian culture either even tho I spent a lot of time in the Phillipines, Singapore, Guam, Yokohama for work Much prefer European culture, food and people especially European South America

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for adding your thoughts and watching the channel! South America is our next destination!! 😁

[@Fell214]

@@BrianandCarrie Mexico’s overall murder rate is near 28 per 100,000. The U.S. rate is about six per 100,000. Less than 10 cities in the U.S. exceed the average murder rate across Mexico. Rates are even lower across Europe. Police corruption is another issue to consider. According to USAID and other sources, over 90% of crimes go unreported or are not investigated in Mexico. More than two-thirds of Mexican citizens believe that some or all Mexican Police officers are corrupt.

[@BrianandCarrie]

This is from another thread from a viewer: @davidsebastianelli1326 • 13 days ago (edited) @joeshmooo5327As long as you are looking at statistics, statistically speaking, most all of those homicides are targeted and between cartels or gangs. Most of the places here that are considered dangerous are very well-known smaller pockets and are very easy to avoid. Fun fact-The US State Department reports that 120 US Americans of the 5.7 million who visited in 2023 were murdered, which is rate of 2.1 out of 100.00 visitors. That's including those who came down and worked to smuggle drugs or other things like guns. Those are pretty good odds compared to Anytown, USA...Just saying. Buena suerte con eso!

[@kat7544-t1h]

Greetings from our beloved winter home - PV! In any of the Mexico beach communities, the typical temperature ranges don't tell the whole story. Temperatures between winter and summer may not be vastly different, but the humidity level is. We all vary and some people just can''t tolerate the summer humidity. Hence the great appeal to some of inland communities at a higher elevation. Friends of ours who live in PV full time value the less hectic pace of life in the summer, but may plan some summer travels to a more temperate location. The winter climate is glorious - pretty much guaranteed weather (low humidity, almost no rainfall).

[@BrianandCarrie]

We're going to have to check out PV soon! I (Brian) have been there twice and loved it! We may be there in the spring. Thank you for watching and commenting!! 😊

[@GPosner8]

I’m so happy that you two enjoy Mexico. It is a beautiful country filled with lovely people, amazing landscape and of course, delicious food. I love Mexico because it also is a close flight home to the US in case of emergency. Safe travels and happy holidays to my favorite travel couple 👏🏻👍🏻✌🏻🤙🏻🫶🏻🍻

[@BrianandCarrie]

We love it too! Thank you for watching and happy holidays!! 😊❤️

[@pitts64lb]

Love your videos. Could you please put banners at the bottom with location spelling?

[@JimK1020]

Nice informative video, as always. Were I to permanently live in the country, it would be Mexico City, one of my favorite capitals in the world. But, I’m a New Yorker! I love slow traveling through all areas-rural, mountainous, towns, small cities- but “settling down” brings out the big city in me. One way my spouse and I differ with you guys is that we love winter. Mexico’s weather wouldn’t provide what I enjoy about winter. Currently we are in Taiwan, a phenomenal country (it’s amazing!), but the warm weather has me not believing it is December! I keep thinking Christmas is months away. I’m enjoying our stay, but permanently staying somewhere would have to include a cold winter. That’s just me, and that’s what makes the world go around! Smile!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We may not differ as much as you think! 😊 We are currently back in Washington enjoying the holidays with family and praying for the snow!! 😁 Marry Christmas to you and yours, Jim!! ❤️

[@Mr.S65]

@@BrianandCarrieIt has snowed in Mexico City and it gets very cold in the winter due to its altitude. The volcano in Puebla gets its summit covered in snow. Christmas in Mexico City is actually very picturesque with beautiful Christmas decorations everywhere. It’s more like Seattle weather wise. NYC and Boston are much colder and get snow (nothing to do with altitude!) of course. Ice skating at the Boston Common is great and obviously nothing can beat Rockefeller Center for the same. We live in the Algarve but we will spend Christmas in Lisbon looking for the same as you, the vibe of the city plus colder temperatures, but after that, ready to come back to the Algarve and avoid the freezing cold of Boston. Would that work for you too?

[@anthonypeter8652]

There’s so many amazing places in the world, but Mexico is good at stealing one’s heart.

[@anthonypeter8652]

Great video. Are you guys learning Spanish or any other language?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We try to learn key phrases in every country that we travel to. It is difficult to learn them all!! 😊

[@anthonypeter8652]

@ Totally understand! Please consider doing a language or immersion program for just one language - it’s so rewarding, and you make greater connections with the locals. I’m learning Spanish since it’s a language found on 3 different continents.

[@robertmcfarlane4151]

More quality content. Obviously the weather and affordability make this a prime destination. You don’t mention any issues about crime, drugs and safety. This is certainly what we see on the news back here. It would seem this is overblown. Also no mention of Monezuma’s revenge and any food or water-related issues. Likely also overblown. It all seems very enticing.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We do believe that what we hear on the news is overblown. We didn't have any problems with safety or illness.

[@bettyli6635]

I retired in Cozumel almost 11 years ago. I love it here. If you come over before January 30th, I'd love to meet up.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are back home for the holidays, Betty but we may be back next spring! 😁

[@Sbannmarie]

Used to surf there. Scared for cartels. Couple guys were shot and dumped in a ditch.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yeah, shootings happen a lot, it seems. Unfortunately, we have a problem with it here in the US.

[@InMyBrz]

We want ALL OF OUR YT friends to be SAFE as they travel and make videos for US ! Be careful, always watch your back, never do anything that ''feels'' like an '' OH SHIT ' '! Trust your intuition Travel safe and BE safe you guys I recall one guys Merida video where he exposes one of the cartel's scams Many cartel families live in Merida and they declared a ''safe'' place They have a dozen young girls being held in one house and they have to go out in public and sell tshirts and other tourist junk every day. Then they are picked up and taken back to this house where they are held prisoner till the next day This is just an example of what dirt many cities are hiding that they don't want the public or tourists to know about. Every city has a dirty side to it

[@BrianandCarrie]

Every city in Mexico, the US or the rest of the world? 🤔 Just remember that every country has problems with crime. 😁

[@MysticVoyagerGratitude]

how do you end up with a budget of only $2500 per month, when airbnb shows accommodation of at least $2500 in PDC????

[@BrianandCarrie]

If you are to retire or stay long term you won't be using Airbnb.

[@MysticVoyagerGratitude]

@@BrianandCarrie is 4 months long term? and where to find accommodation for 4 months? Thank you

[@GPosner8]

Airbnb is fine for short term but once you’re looking at long term stays you’ll always be better off finding an apartment to stay. There are numerous resources to use to find long term rentals.

[@Peter-m5n7m]

I've stayed in a hotel (Hotel McCoy, Breakfast included) in Centro Merida Yucatan Mexico and (Hotel Lois) Vera Cruz, Veracruz, México and paid $900-$1000/month for accommodation. I booked on Booking. Centro is walkable to more restaurants and events than you might think. I'm 71-year "old" man. I chose to walk 15 minutes to the Progreso Bus barn into Centro to catch the 45-minute bus ride to Progreso Beach. ($MX26 each way).

[@jh6392]

Wait, have you covered why you are there? It seems you have not relocated. Have you? Is it because you can't afford the USA or Canada?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We travel full time all around the world. Check out our portfolio of videos! 😁

[@petek5523]

Expats or immigrants 🧐😅

[@BrianandCarrie]

Whatever you prefer...

[@fernandomofreita79]

Hello there, How is it going? I would like to know from you the following please: In your honest opinion what would be a good budget (ALL included) for a single person in Mexico please? How is dental and medical care overall? Thank you

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have done a couple of budget videos while in Mexico that may be of help to you. The medical care is good in Mexico. In places like Cancun, the dental is exceptional!