Retiring in the Yucatan

Retiring in the Yucatan

White sandy beaches, rich culture and caring vibrant people have elevated Mexico into one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Known equally as a spring break mecca for college students and as an charming paradise to retreat and relax, foreigners are beginning to see the appeal and choosing Mexico as a retirement location. Although Mexico has many beautiful beach cities, the surrounding area of the city of Merida on the Yucatan peninsula encompasses all of the benefits that make Mexico such an ideal spot to retire.

Merida is a fantastic retirement location for countless reasons, and anyone who has visited the area and fallen into its enchantment would understand why. Merida combines the allure and old flare of Mexico with the conveniences of a modern city. Having a home on the Emerald Coast allows for a perfect balance in being far enough from the city to relax and yet close enough to enjoy the vast amenities Merida has to offer. Eat international cuisine at five star restaurants, enjoy delicious Mexican food at street stands for less than the cost of burger; or, when you have that craving for all-American food, you have that option as well. Merida, one of the oldest cities in the Americas, is proud of its richly rooted history and continually celebrates its Mayan and Mexican culture. Appreciate the history with shows of folklore dance and songs, yet also enjoy the modernity of the city by going to a jazz club or watching the latest Hollywood movie in a high-end theater.

One of the best reasons for retiring in Merida, besides of course the beautiful climate year-round, is that Americans enjoy a better standard of living than they would elsewhere because the cost of living is much less in Mexico. Building your dream home costs a fraction of what it would in the US, and things such as groceries and eating out are much less expensive than they would be back home. Once you have your beautiful home built, your family will not be able to resist coming to visit, and conveniently, Merida has an international airport for them to fly into.

Take a walk down Paseo Montejo, eat the fresh fruits of the area, enjoy a frozen Margarita and lay out on the beaches of the Emerald Coast. You will quickly see how easily you could call this home.By: Athena P. Jackson