Man, I’ve been a lazy Pigg… first post in four months…
While I think the danger for Americans in Mexico (to specify one country) is over-hyped (as another poster pointed out, most of the murders in Mexico are drug related… although certainly not all of them), it certainly is not as safe as life in most of the US. I do, however, think that we’re going to see a huge number of Americans retiring abroad over the next couple of decades as a result of relative costs.
A few examples.
I was in Panama on business recently but had a couple of days to check out the canal and some of Panama City’s neighborhoods. Lots of expats of all stripes in Panama. There’s a lot of money in Panama, particularly banking-related as it’s a huge offshore banking center. Inexpensive real estate, fully dollarized economy, low crime, great healthcare. Panama City is as modern as any large US metro. You can buy a 3 bed/2 bath 1500 square foot condo in a nice building (less than 10 years old) with a fantastic view for ~$225K. Generally, the cost of living is probably 60% of San Diego’s for a retiree. I distinguish between retirees and “others” because if you move there with a family, for example, you’re probably going to be paying for private school and other stuff retirees can avoid. The biggest drawback is the weather – it’s hotter than balls… and humid. But if you’re a retiree and don’t need to wear a suit anymore… Panama City’s pretty nice. And I think that view is spreading.
La Paz, Mexico. Northeast of Cabo on the Sea of Cortez. Safest municipality in Mexico – very low crime rate, virtually no cartel influence. Hot, desert-like weather much of the year, very little rain. Inexpensive, probably a little cheaper than Panama City (although not nearly as cosmopolitan). You can buy a very nice house or condo for precious little money. Cheap direct flights on Volaris to Tijuana, LA and several other US cities. I’ve vacationed there a few times and love it. If time permitted I could spend half of my year there and be pretty happy.
Closer to the border – and I’ve mentioned this before – Las Playas is very livable. (Las Playas is the section of Tijuana on the Pacific that abuts the border – you pass it on the way to Rosarito if you use the Scenic Route.) Very little crime and all of the modern conveniences without the hassles of Tijuana proper. Lots of expats there. Nice housing, restaurants, etc. Also very inexpensive.
Would I live in any of these places with kids? Nope. But as a singleton with a lot of work/travel flexibility or a retiree? I’d seriously consider it.
