Best Places to Retire

Retire to Lake Chapala

If you've ever spent a vacation in Mexico, you've probably enjoyed yourself thoroughly -- beautiful beaches, marvelous scenery, fascinating cities.

Did you ever start thinking about something more permanent -- like retiring in Mexico for example?

Even if retirement is still a few years away, if you have had the thought, that what counts.

As it happens, more and more expatriates are tending to favor Mexico as the perfect place to retire.

The fact is that you will be able to live in Mexico at about half the cost that you would normally pay and still have most, if not all of the conveniences you are used to.

While it is the prospect of living more economically that prompts most people to choose Mexico as a destination for retirement, this is not the only reason.

One of these is the stability of the Mexican economy and the fact that English is spoken in many parts of Mexico.

Another reason is that expatriates can travel to and from the United States with relative ease.

They are also permitted to buy and sell property in Mexico.

In addition, it is perfectly possible to spend six months in the country at a stretch.

And then again, you'll find that in Mexico, older people command respect.

Although there is a popular misconception that health care and insurance are not up to the mark in Mexico, the reality is quite different.

This is the case with the Americas hospital.

Blue Cross and other insurance schemes are accepted here.

However, Medicaid and Medicare are not considered valid outside the United States.

Even so, you'll find many other plans that are accepted in Mexico.

This is because dental treatment is available in Mexico for a third of the cost that you would pay in the United States.

On the other hand, you'll find that in the Lake Chapala area, which has become home to as many as 40,000 Americans, two people can live comfortably for as little as $ 1,200.

This is Mexico's largest lake and became a retirement haven for expatriates just after World War II. English is widely spoken and understood and expatriates have established a strong presence here.

The climate of Lake Chapala is mild and there's no dearth of things to do, so you won't be bored to say the least.

There are a number of towns around the lakeside, the most important of which is Ajijic.