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Biggles

May 4, 2003, 1:15 PM

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Advice on retirement areas

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This is my first time posting, so please have patience. I've just joined this site and love it.

Anyway, hubby and I are getting close to retiring and I'm doing my darnedest to retire south, way south. I've been a real Mexicophile for decades. Anyway, could you please recommend some areas for me to show him as potential retirement spots? I'm going to be taking him on a trip in the very near future and want to show him areas that he might like. Obviously, we're not going to pack up everything and move right away, but I just need to get him to realize that we could have a very nice retirement if we go south. We're both a bit heartsick at the way the US is changing (fast paced, courtesy dying, blah, blah, blah). This is kind of what we're looking for:

--good social environment with other ex-pats but also a nice local mixture

--not too hilly/mountainous because walking long distances or up too many inclines is difficult

--not too humid

--not a super-large city (I love Guadalajara, but I'm just not too good around a large crowd)

Is this realistic? There are so many places that have caught my eye, but I really want to "sell" hubby on this so ANYTHING at all would help.

Oops, should add that he's 57 & I'm 45. While we're not Trumps (in my dreams!) and won't be buying any million dollar mansions (again, I dream!), we'll be retiring with a comfortable monthly income.

Sorry this is so long but advanced thanks to all that answer!

Cheri

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(This post was edited by Biggles on May 4, 2003, 1:21 PM)

"El Gringo Jalapeño"

May 4, 2003, 9:26 PM

Post #2 of 8 (1100 views)

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Re: [Biggles] Advice on retirement areas

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You might like the Xalapa, Veracruz area, especially Coatepec(apx. 60,000 population) where more expats are moving. It is not as hilly as Xalapa, but it's only 10 minutes away so you can have the advantages of the 800,000 population of Xalapa with it's cultural and social attractions. You will need to have a basic knowledge of Spanish to get around easier, but that's part of the enjoyment of being here.

I rent a "casita" next to my home in downtown Xalapa where one can stay to explore the options. Feel free to contact me. ¡Hasta pronto!
Roy B. Dudley "El Gringo Jalapeño" See more about Xalapa at www.xalaparoy.com

Biggles

May 5, 2003, 4:59 AM

Post #3 of 8 (1089 views)

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Re: ["El Gringo Jalapeño"] Advice on retirement areas

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Roy,

Thanks so much for your reply. It sounds great and about the right number of people. I like the idea of a larger city being close. It's not that I'm antisocial, but I grew up in a small town (5,000) and where we live now (70,000 and growing) is just about right. Funny enough, I had looked at Xalapa once before but then read that it was hilly. Other than that, it sounded perfect so the smaller city of Coatepec could fill the bill.

Hubby doesn't speak Spanish (yet, but he's about to start) and mine is serviceable but rusty. Heck, I'm not proud--I'm willing to practice my fractured Spanish on anyone polite enough to pretend they understand me!

It's early morning so my memory hasn't been jogged yet, but don't you have a web site about Xalapa? If it's the one I remember, it's really well done (and one of the reasons that I was interested in that area).

Anyway, muchas gracias! (yes, I know...but I don't know how to find the spanish punctuation marks on my computer...I'm a dinosaur).

Cheri

"El Gringo Jalapeño"

May 5, 2003, 6:57 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1081 views)

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Re: [Biggles] Advice on retirement areas

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Cheri:

My orientation seminars are at www.xalapa.net/roy

Also read my article "Xalapa de mis sueños" here on Mexico Connect.

Xalapa is hilly and the traffic is a nightmare, but that makes me walk a lot and I'd be a lot fatter than I am now if I didn't.

Don't expect to find a large expat community here like in Ajijic or San Miguel de Allende. However with the Symphony Orchestra, English teachers, retired, etc. there are possible 500 or more in the area so if you actively look for them they are here.

¡Suerte!
Roy B. Dudley "El Gringo Jalapeño" See more about Xalapa at www.xalaparoy.com

Biggles

May 5, 2003, 8:16 AM

Post #5 of 8 (1065 views)

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Re: ["El Gringo Jalapeño"] Advice on retirement areas

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Roy,

Otra vez, muchas gracias! When we get a little closer to firming our dates (Feb next year, unfortunately), I'll be in contact w/you because your tour sounds exactly what we'd be interested in. I'm planning on taking him to the Lake Chapala area (and do a little reminiscing in Guadalajara) to start, but I really don't think that's what either of us will want for the long term. Meanwhile, I'll have to start singing the praises of the Xalapa area to him and mention that it's good for coffee--very important to him! ;) Before I forget, how is it for internet connections? We do a lot of our personal finances, etc, online. I'm a dinosaur w/computers, but I sure know how to bank and shop!

Cheri

Caddo

May 5, 2003, 1:03 PM

Post #6 of 8 (1042 views)

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Re: ["El Gringo Jalapeño"] Advice on retirement areas

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I would suggest Ajijic, about 20 minutes from Guadalajara airport, beautiful homes, and many things for American's to do.

Carol Schmidt

May 5, 2003, 1:08 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1041 views)

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Re: [Biggles] Advice on retirement areas

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San Miguel de Allende is the ultimate gringo retirement community--Conde Nast and Money Magazine are among those who have rated it among the top ten retirement sites in the world in recent years, though not this year, thank heavens. Lots on this website and on the web about SMA so I won't repeat it, just recommend that you check it out.

Carol Schmidt

Biggles

May 5, 2003, 4:38 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1019 views)

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Re: [Carol Schmidt] Advice on retirement areas

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Thanks Carol & Caddo!

This is exactly what I'm looking for--personal recommendations. You can only get so much out of a book (and boy, have I ever tried!). I'm pretty happy anywhere as long as I can read and swim. Hubby is more the social butterfly, so we can't be too isolated. Other than no major hills (bad ankle), we're pretty flexible.

Cheri