Desmond: Good post and thanks for the weblink. The Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs and OSAC (Overseas Advisory Council) both report extensively on countries around the world. I would definitely do my research on Mexico and parts south.

The Mexican drug war has claimed some 70,000 lives and it shows no signs of abating. The cartels have expanded into kidnapping and murder for hire and have targeted expats as well as tourists. There is no trustworthy law enforcement presence down there and there are reports that the Mexican Army is now involved in the drug business.

I’d seriously think twice about relocation. I think EconProf makes some valid points about the Mexican economy and the great strides forward it’s making in terms of progress, but money don’t mean shit if you’re lying dead in a pool of your own blood.