Close to Friends and Family… Lots of Social Activities… Perfect Weather… Extraordinarily Beautiful, With Charming Colonial Towns, World-Class Cities, 5,800 Miles of Sun-kissed Beaches… and Oh So Affordable…

Especially With Today's Dollar-to-Peso Exchange Rate!

Here's Why Now is the Best Time to Discover Mexico… One of the World's Top Retirement Destinations

Dear Reader,

Something extraordinary is happening in Mexico, and it's something you may not be aware of. As The New York Times has reported, Mexico is the "new land of opportunity."

And the strong dollar just made retiring to Mexico more affordable than at any time in recent history.

As the Los Angeles Times recently reported, "The battered Mexican peso has tumbled to historic new lows." Today it's trading at approximately 19 to the U.S. dollar.

And if you've traveled to Mexico any time in the last decade, you know what that means: Your dollar buys you twice as much in Mexico today than at any time in recent history.

The extreme affordability is just one reason Mexico constantly earns high marks on International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index.

Not only is Mexico more affordable than ever, but it ticks every box on a retiree's wish list. Gorgeous tropical beaches (more than 5,800 miles of them) charming, fair-weather colonial towns, sophisticated, world-class cities, excellent and affordable healthcare, fabulous infrastructure, you name it… Mexico has it.

Here at International Living, we don't take our responsibility lightly when it comes to naming safe and accommodating overseas retirement destinations. And I'd like to show you exactly why.

There has never been a better time to look at retiring, buying a vacation home or starting a business in Mexico than today, while the Mexican peso is trading so low against the dollar.

As mentioned, your dollar goes further than ever in Mexico…twice as far than any time in recent memory. A couple can enjoy a plentiful sit-down lunch for just $3 to $6. Just $25 can buy two entrees, a bottle of wine and dessert at an upscale restaurant.

Today's Mexico is not only amazingly affordable; it's also far more modern and developed than it was 20 or even 15 years ago. It's easier than ever to get your official residence visa. Healthcare is exceptional and affordable. And Mexico is far safer than news media would have you believe.

For all these reasons and more, more retirees than ever are choosing Mexico.

But this isn't a new phenomenon, of course. American and Canadian retirees have been flocking to Mexico for generations now. The Lake Chapala area is home to the largest community of U.S. retirees outside the U.S. And U.S. citizens who live lakeside are likely matched person for person by Canadians. It's estimated that nearly 15,000 native English speakers live in this area of Mexico, depending on the season.

As a retired police officer and attorney from Dallas says about the Lake Chapala area (the most popular expat retirement enclave in Mexico) where he lives, if you spend wisely, you can have a "caviar lifestyle on a tuna fish pension."

"For a couple," he says, "I think if your home is paid for here you can live a very nice lifestyle on $1,500 a month. The more you have above this, the more luxury you will have. Remember, your property taxes will be a small fraction of North American taxes (mine have always been under $99), and you will likely save on utilities given the temperate climate, and the lack of crazy weather…no hurricanes, typhoons, floods or major earthquakes means you don't need to insure against weather disasters.

"Very few people carry fire insurance given the near fireproof construction; and the homes are built with security in mind so many folks don't carry break-in insurance either. I carry NONE of the above and pocket the savings."

Best of all, Mexico offers a retirement discount program that offers all foreign residents some very nice discounts.

As our friend from Chapala adds, "With free discount cards for folks 60 and over you save on a variety of goods and services. Half price fares on the luxury buses allows you to have affordable vacations all over Mexico, and more…"

But I know what you're thinking? Isn't Mexico dangerous? The truth may surprise you.

My name is Suzan Haskins. I'm a senior editor at International Living, which has been researching and reporting on retirement in Mexico for over 40 years now. We would never suggest that you retire in any place that wasn't safe.

From a personal standpoint, I've been writing about, and living in, Latin America for over 15 years now…much of that time in Mexico, where I now live with my husband Dan. I've lived in three different communities in Mexico, in fact, and visited many, many more. (My husband, Dan, and I once spent nearly two months driving the width and length of the country.)

I know how wonderfully safe and affordable Mexico can be. I wouldn't live any place that wasn't safe…nor would I recommend it to you. Having said that, there are some places in Mexico that are best avoided…specifically, near some border areas and in a few other pinpointed "hot spots."

But Mexico is a huge country—roughly about three times larger than the state of Texas. A record-breaking 39 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2017—almost half of them U.S. citizens, followed by Canadian citizens. They know what you should know: Mexico is, overall, a safe place to visit. And it remains a very safe place to retire…rejuvenate…reinvent yourself…to live the kind of life you want to live.

But don't just take my word for it… I'd like to introduce you to the best of Mexico…

Here's More of What Mexico Offers…

• It's close—There are direct flights to the U.S. from many of Mexico's major airports, and most of them take less than two hours and cost about the same as a flight anywhere in the U.S.
• Excellent weather—The Tropic of Cancer splits the country in two, so northern regions experience cooler temperatures during the winter months while southern areas remain fairly constant year round. Because of the country's topography, Mexico has one of the world's most diverse climate systems. Forget about snowfall, but from temperate year-round to warm and sultry…you'll find it in Mexico.
• Top-quality healthcare—You'll find health care in Mexico's major metropolitan areas similar to what you are used to in the U.S., but at a significantly lower price tag. And thanks to its proximity to the U.S., Mexico is emerging not only as a medical tourism destination, but as a long-term and elder care destination, too.
• A great economy—Mexico has one of the strongest economies in the Western Hemisphere, and it's surprisingly diversified. Oil, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture all contribute to Mexico's economic strength, which translates into many First-World amenities lacking in some other smaller, less prosperous destinations.
• All the comforts of home—Speaking of those First-World amenities…you'll find supermarkets (with all your familiar brands from home), shopping malls, theaters, museums, great cell phone coverage, and high-speed internet almost everywhere.
• Low, low taxes—If you own real estate in Mexico, you'll find property taxes are a fraction of those paid in the U.S. and Canada.
• Affordability—Even with all the modern amenities of a global economic powerhouse, it's still possible to live well in many places in Mexico on much less than comparable places in the U.S., thanks to significant savings on healthcare, taxes, and utilities, especially in the temperate highlands.

Expats in Mexico—especially in temperate climates like San Miguel de Allende and Lake Chapala, where I live, and where you won't need air conditioning or heat for your home—report they're living quite happily on as little as $1,200 a month. If your income is a bit more…say $2,000 a month for a couple…you can live well, indeed.

Mexico is one of the most value-packed destinations on the planet for budget-minded expats:

• For $3 a ticket, you and a friend can take in a just-released movie (in English).
• For less than $3, you can enjoy a more-than-you-can-eat breakfast or lunch at an open-air restaurant.
• For less than $4, get a haircut and a shave.
• Doctors still make house calls—in Ajijic, on the shores of Lake Chapala, one expat tells me her doctor charges just 300 pesos (about $14) for a house call.
• Healthcare (as well as private health insurance) typically costs one-third less than what you'll pay on the States.
• For $500 a month or less, you can rent a nicely furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment in many locations.

Add to all this some advantages unique to Mexico:

• You'll find lots of English-speaking company—With major U.S. and Canadian expat communities throughout Mexico, you're never far away from English conversation and like-minded people. And thanks to Mexico's huge foreign tourism industry and global trading capacity, you'll find that many Mexicans speak English as their second language.
• Familiarity—Even if you've never been to Mexico, you're probably familiar with Mexico's colorful culture—especially its food, music, and arts and crafts. Visiting or residing in any of Mexico's most popular destinations will not result in major culture shock. And that makes Mexico a relatively easy place to settle.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Mexico?

Of course, you can spend as much or as little as you want to live almost anywhere in the world. That's certainly true of Mexico, which is home to one of the largest cities on the planet as well as some of the tiniest and most picturesque fishing villages. Your cost of living will depend completely on where and how you want to live.

That said, my husband and I find that our cost of living in Mexico is significantly less than in the U.S. The following chart gives you an idea of the monthly expenses you might incur living comfortably in Mexico. I've rounded up the numbers and provided this imaginary couple with a weekly maid and gardener (try THAT in the U.S.!).

I've included rent—though keep in mind that if you buy your home, you won't have this expense (though you would want to include property taxes—rarely more than $200 per year—and regular maintenance). I haven't included a few other expenses that you may well want to consider—more about those in a minute.

Prices will differ depending on where in Mexico you live. All prices are in U.S. dollars:

This adds up to $22,880 per year.

Additionally, you might consider:

Maintenance, fuel, insurance for one car: $100 or…public transportation: $15.

But, as we said, everyone's lifestyle requirements are different. You could live on less. It's possible to rent a home or apartment for $300 a month or less. If you don't need cable TV or internet, you can save on those expenses. As I've said, if you live in the highlands, you probably won't need heat or air conditioning, a big savings on utility bills.

If, though, you like to eat out frequently, travel, play golf, scuba dive, and the likes, you will obviously spend more money. But still, all these costs are much less than you probably would spend for a similar lifestyle in the U.S. (And with much better weather!)

The Most Affordable…the Safest…and the Best Places in Mexico to Retire or Start A new

Mexico is a large and varied country, and there are literally hundreds of wonderful cities and towns where foreign retirees have settled. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Just an hour's drive from San Diego you'll find two beachside towns where home prices are 40% to 50% less than similar homes just across the border to the north. (And we're sure you can't even touch the price of an ocean view home in San Diego for less than $750,000. In this part of Mexico, water sports dominate the scene, including beachcombing, swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating. There's also horseback riding, dune biking, bicycling, tennis, and, of course, golf. There are at least five 18-hole courses in the area. Or maybe you're interested in taking in a rock concert or going to an amusement park, or digging into a gourmet meal in a truly world-class restaurant. All of these can be found here. And just a 40-minute drive and you're in the heart of Mexico's wine- and olive-growing region.
• On the Sea of Cortez you'll find a small town that boasts one of the world's most prolific salt-water habitats with sport fishing tours available for avid anglers. If you're a fisherman, you'll be in your element here. It's close enough to the U.S. border to make it a great weekend destination and just far enough to feel like you have really gotten away from it all. Here, thanks to high technology and low labor costs, quality homes are being constructed for less than half the cost in the U.S.
• A secret island paradise—Millions of tourists make it to Cancún every year…but what few know is that a secret little island straight out of a children's fairytale book is just a 15-minute boat ride away. (No, I'm not talking about Cozumel.) On this island the most popular form of transport is by golf-cart. And you can buy a condominium here for as little as $150,000.
• The Riviera Maya's next big thing—If you're looking for casual beach living in a picture-perfect setting, put this little town, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, on your radar. With pure white sand and turquoise waters, these beaches are the stuff of dreams. But infrastructure is being put in place that's making this Mexico's new hot spot. Get there now and you'll be in on the ground floor of something very special (and with commitment to a small eco-footprint).
• The Pacific Coast's most romantic destination—It's a place where misty tropical mountains wrap around a crescent moon-shaped bay. (Liz Taylor and Richard Burton fell in love here.) Today, it's one of the world's top tourist destinations, with an international airport, pro-tournament golf courses, designer shopping, world-class restaurants, and spectacular sunset views over the seventh largest bay in the world. And you can buy an apartment in the city's Old Town neighborhood just a block or two from the beach for just $149,000. Or rent a furnished one-bedroom apartment with an ocean view for just $500 a month.
• "The Carmel of Mexico"—Where have all the flower children gone? Some have ended up in a chic little bohemian oasis smack dab on the Tropic of Cancer. In the past 25 years, artists, painters, and writers have come here to escape the stress of their former lives. Perched on a hill overlooking the glorious Pacific Ocean to the west and a lush green valley to the north, this sleepy little desert town is a retiree's dream.
• One of the loveliest small cities in Mexico—A fabled storybook colonial town set against the spectacular Sierra Madre Mountains, and where the weather is spring-like all year round, is one of the most popular places in Mexico for U.S. expats. About 10,000 of them live full time in this city of 140,000. And for good reason. With its rich culture, bustling energy, friendly population, and delightful climate, it's quite simply one of the loveliest small cities in all of Mexico. Several major motion pictures have been filmed here. It's also a haven for writers and artists. And just recently, you could buy a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment here with a large, open-plan living room in a development with a pool, club, and garden areas for less than $200,000.
• "One of the World's Top 5 Dive Spots" (named by Jacques Cousteau)—Off the coast of this magical island the waters are so clear you can see 200 feet down on a sunny day. And you can find properties like a one-bedroom, beach-view condo for just $135,000.
• "One of the 10 Best Places to Retire"—Baja California is the largely unexplored thousand-mile tail that hangs down from the bottom of Southern California. You can explore wild mountain trails on a dune buggy…hike over endless desert canyons and hills…watch the whales swim by in February and the dolphins in summer…sail across the Sea of Cortez…or settle in the sophisticated seaside town that Money Magazine named "One of the 10 Best Places to Retire."

So…let's say YOU are interested in finding a place with better weather, a lower cost of living, a slower pace…but where there are plenty of activities to keep you healthy and happy…a place like Mexico…You want to learn more about the villages, towns, islands, and peninsulas (and more like them) I've mentioned here. Or you want to earn an income or buy a home in Mexico, where it's easy to start a business and opportunities abound.

I honestly can't think of a better way to take that all-important first step than by getting your hands on the latest edition of International Living's Escape to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

No other publication today gives you more COMPREHENSIVE, RELIABLE, and UP-TO-DATE information about becoming an expat in Mexico as quickly and easily as possible.

I'll tell you more about Escape to Mexico in just a moment. But first, here's how some folks just like you are enjoying life in Mexico RIGHT NOW…

TV Reporter from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Discovers Amazingly Affordable Beach Town near the Pacific Coast

International Living reader Laura Michels, a television news anchor and reporter, sent us a note. And if one thing's for sure, Laura LOVES the U.S. dollar to Mexican peso exchange rate right now.

She said: