The economy in this nation, our no. 2 pick, has strengthened of late, and democratic elections have calmed fears of political upheaval. Mexico remains one of the most affordable countries in the world, but property prices in the areas where we ve always recommended you settle San Miguel de Allende, the Lake Chapala area, and the Pacific coast near Zihuatanejo have begun to rise. But, as I said earlier, there s more to a good location than pricing alone. And though property prices have inched up over the years, the cost of living remains very affordable. The quality of health care here is superior many physicians and dentists are trained in the States and it s much less expensive than across the border.
Pharmaceuticals are cheap, too.
In addition, Mexico is easily accessible for northerners who want to be close to home. The climate is comfortable, and the sun shines nearly 365 days a year. You ll still hear stories in the news about kidnappings and worse, but the truth is, prudent foreigners are seldom the victims of such attacks. And though there are pockets of rebels still active here and there, they do not pose a serious threat in most of the country. Thousands of English-speaking retirees already call Mexico home.