World Wide Property Sales
There Are Countless Reasons to Live in Mexico
By www.internationalliving.com
When you live in Mexico you can truly enjoy the good life
Just across the border from the U.S., Mexico is now "closer than ever"--that's a
motto used by the Mexican Tourism Association--and as many expats are choosing
to live in Mexico, we couldn't agree more.
What does that mean, exactly? Well, in terms of physical proximity, Mexico is
the closest southern neighbor to the U.S. and a NAFTA partner, with all the good
roads, high-speed communications, and
top-notch health care that you'd expect up north. Those
who move to Mexico find living in Mexico and doing business
there to be very easy.
Mexico is served by a large number of international airports with regularly
scheduled flights from all over the world. But imagine having the option of
driving from the U.S. or Canada to explore this magnificent country in your own
car, at your own pace. Imagine returning to the U.S. and not having to worry
about skyrocketing airfare or--perish the thought--disrupted air service caused
by strikes, weather, or other delays.
By living in Mexico you will be able to enjoy its rich culture and customs
Previous administrations did little in the way of infrastructure improvements,
but President Felipe Calderón seems committed to allocating funds for new and
expanded roads, ports, and telecommunication infrastructure. This goes hand in
hand with increased privatization, which will allow concessions in the national
airport network and the telecommunications sector. The idea is that all of those
improvements will further encourage and facilitate commerce.
A Low Cost of Living in Mexico Means a High Quality of Life
Everyone seems to agree: the quality of your life improves when you live in
Mexico. Things take longer…so you'll need to learn to slow down. Goods and
services cost less…so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy
enjoy up north--like a maid, a cook, and a gardener. When you can afford to hire
help, all of a sudden you have time to read…time to volunteer at the local
school…time to golf…time to relax on the beach…time to savor life.
The key to smart shopping in Mexico is local shopping. You'll pay about 50 cents
a kilo (that's about 2.2 pounds) for fresh fruit like mangos, oranges, or pears.
A kilo of avocados sells for about $1.55--which is roughly what you'd pay for
one avocado in the U.S. While it is true that you can find just about any
product you're used to having up north--from Campbell's Soup to Tide--it's also
true that you'll probably pay more for the convenience of a brand name. But if
you shop at the local produce markets and the stores where locals buy, you're
sure to pay less for your goods.
Live a Long Life in Mexico With Its First-Rate Health Care
You will find that, in general, health care in Mexico is very good…and in many
places it is excellent. Most doctors and dentists in Mexico received at least
part of their training in the U.S. (And many U.S. doctors have trained in
Mexico, notably in Guadalajara.) Many continue to go to the U.S. or Europe for
ongoing training.
Every medium to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital. A big
plus is the cost of health care in Mexico is generally one-half or less what you
might pay in the U.S. The same goes for prescription drugs. Those manufactured
in Mexico cost, on average, about 50% less than the same drugs in the U.S.
Visits to the dentist are an attractive draw for travelers to Mexico, since
quality dental work costs a fraction what it does in the U.S. or Canada. Many
dentists and other medical doctors in Mexico have trained in the U.S. and speak
excellent English.
The paradox to Mexico's increasing modernity--and its attractiveness--is that
things still move a bit slower. You can enjoy a relaxed and refreshing
lifestyle, like something out of a 19th-century travelogue, and yet it isn't
half a world away.
That's a plus that other destinations with this kind of weather, culture, and
lifestyle just can't match.