New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019

Just for the record, we are retirees having lived as such in Mexico at Lake Chapala and in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas for almost 20 years, The reason we reside in those two high elevation locations (about 5,000 and 7,000 feet respectively) is because of their fine high-altitude climates-especially Lake Chapala. When we first married in 1972 we lived for a couple of years on Alabama’s Gulf Coast - a fine and beautiful  place but after 40 years in San Francisco, we like cool refreshing breezes so no more coastal heat and humidity for us. Our preference for cool, sunny climates is why we live in the Jalisco and Chiapas Highlands  but we are quite fond of both the coasts of Quintana Roo and Veracruz both if which we visit often.  As far as we are aware, neither  Cancun nor Veracruz are cartel controlled and dangerous places to live as posted by a previous correspondent above. If you like coastal living, either the Quintana Roo (outside of Cancun proper which is a bit too crowded for us) or Veracruz coasts would br fine places to settle.

razworld wrote:

Thank you, Can you suggest other locations?

Hi "razworld", personal opinion. Just like "travellight" said make a list, visit various areas, what are your needs (WM, mega centers, playa, etc...).

My wife and I travelled Mexico since 1993 (vacations, RVing, renting winters)  before deciding in 2016 to move and completed in August 2017 and became fulltime residents of Mexico.

Loved Zihuatanejo but moved to a cooler climate and smaller area on the Riviera Nayarit coast.

Also, as far as the cost of living is concerned it varies from person to person and the area you live in, if you own a big house or rent, have a vehicule or not, go to restaurants or eat in, etc....

Buena suerte en su proyecto, GyC.

Hi everyone!

I'm Laura... thinking about moving to Rosarito

razworld wrote:

Thank you, Can you suggest other locations?

First, you need to be aware of what is important to you.

There are very popular places which are also expensive like Cancun, Cabo P.V. SMA, etc. You will pay more in those places.
There are places that are less safe which tend to be border towns and cartel vacation spots like Acapulco. Border towns on the east side tend to be more dangerous than on the west side... Yet with all of the generated border hysteria, it would be best to avoid the border areas.

So then it boils down to the beach ? hot, cool with even possible snow, peaceful small mostly native city with few English speakers and few expats, gated English speaking communities. Or what? It's up to you

Hello,

You should really consider moving to Yucatan if you plan to live near the beach, it's a peninsula so you have beaches all around, cheap priced lots that you can buy now and build the house of your dreams with  6 years to do so. 

I recommend that you rent a place in Merida,  it's at the center of it all and there is a huge Expat community ready to help with great insight. I have Canadian Family who have a huge property in the Centro (Spanish settled cities have an epicenter and are built outward from them, it's the colonial part of town and the houses that are left over by Mexicans that move to the modern infrastructured ouskirsts of town are bought and remodeled by Expats) they rent two apartments in the property and have been living in Mexico for over 5 years, they also host great parties and you get to meet all the locals.

From there you can visit all of the Pueblos, cenotes, beaches and sights but i'm sure you won't get to see all of it in a month's time, it's so much to see that you will need years to even get half way done discovering new places.

Regards,

Eddy

Hello , my family and I are moving to southern Yucatan area , Mahahual most likely or Xcalak.
We are going to rent for a year or so then hopefully buy something . All of us are determined to get asa certified in sailing as well. We plan to spend lots of time on a boat!
That’s our rap! Thanks

Hi all,

I'm a Pakistani Canadian who has been thinking about settling in Mexico. In a previous life, Ive been a journalist and have travelled the world producing interesting content.

Im curious about the society and the opportunities. Would love to connect with like-minded folks

Stay cool!

Ali

My name is Allen and I’m moving to SAN in September.  I need a change and I’m hoping Mexico will be the change that I need.  I retired in 2015 from my job at the Veterans Hospital, here in Portland, Oregon.  I want to become fluent in Spanish.  I hope to meet and make friends.  I want to explore and experience Mexico and eventually make it my home base. 
I have many questions about Mexico and SAN especially.  I welcome any information that will help me in my adventure.

Dont Just Watch wrote:

My name is Allen and I’m moving to SAN in September.  I need a change and I’m hoping Mexico will be the change that I need.  I retired in 2015 from my job at the Veterans Hospital, here in Portland, Oregon.  I want to become fluent in Spanish.  I hope to meet and make friends.  I want to explore and experience Mexico and eventually make it my home base. 
I have many questions about Mexico and SAN especially.  I welcome any information that will help me in my adventure.

Bienvenido Allen,

By SAN, do you mean SMA ? If not could you write the name of the city? with SAN I'm drawing a blank? Of course, I haven't been in every part of Mexico, but I have seen a lot of Mexico.

I suggest you Start your Spanish with Duolingo which is a useful FREE app.

Buena Suerte

Hi, I’m moving to San Miguel-de-Allende.  I have rented for one year, which should give me time to travel around and decide where I will settle.  I have arranged to meet with Patty Garcia who will assist me through immigration. 
I welcome any information that might help with my transition to Mexico.

Widowed, 60 yr old will have 1 service dog with me.
Just beginning the journey to research what is needed to make the move to Ensenada Baja Mexico,
I will still own a house in Tulsa OK, rented out.
Just looking for step by step guide on how and what needs to be done with governments and when it should be done.
Will my Social Security and Medicare work in Ensenada? or do I drive back to San Diego
I have a license to carry in the US, what are the rule in Mexico on gun ownership?
I have housing arranged in the LaBouf Adora area
How do I register to live in Mexico almost full time, how often do I have to come back to the states?
Do I have to change banks? I have Chase, and AMX they will still function in Mexico correct?
Internet, I work for my company via internet, and cell phone will my current providers work in Mexico or cost me an arm & a Leg? Verizon
Is there a step by step how to guide?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Hello mexicogc.
I want to know more about the location Riviera Nayarit you mentioned.  But when I Googled it something different came up.  Please tell me more.
Thank you.
Alan

alvpackman wrote:

Hello mexicogc.
I want to know more about the location Riviera Nayarit you mentioned.  But when I Googled it something different came up.  Please tell me more.
Thank you.
Alan

Hi Alan, here's a link of a web page for our area (https://explorenayarit.com), also there are other web pages for San Pancho and Sayulita areas.

The Riviera Nayarit is along the coast for the State of Nayarit http://www.rivieranayarit.com/trip-planner/map/

Hope these links wll help, within the area, we live in La Peñita de Jaltemba (Jaltemba bay which includes various little towns) https://mapcarta.com/La_Peñita_de_Jaltemba

Adios y buen dia, GyC

Canadian. Musician and DJ. I lived in SMA for about a year in the late 90's. It was the best living experience of my life. Looking to return to Mexico and live, though unsure of where just yet. Considering places like Guanajuato ciudad, or in Oaxaca at the moment. I love music, the arts and culture. Mexico was the place I felt most at home with the people I most enjoyed having as friends.

hello every body
am abdelkerim from egypt
iam newly living in the puerto de veracruz
iam graduate of faculty of arts and education , english department
till now i have no job in mexico
don,t know where to begin and when to start ???
so please help me  to live successful and better
many thanks

Hello--wondering if you have an update?  I am interested in Puerto Escondido, Loreto, La Paz or really anywhere in Baja Sur.  I'm planning on going to PE very soon for at least a couple months.  Where did you end up? How's it all going?

hello laura nice to meet u
iam living in the puerto de veracruz

Buenos días nuevos amigos.

New guy from Virginia USA checking in.  I visited Mérida last month and loved it.  I am seeing a wonderful lady from Mérida, but looking for local resources and contacts.

I'm a retired public broadcasting manager and my wife is retired as a senior manager with SC State Govt.  We met in a summer camp in 1966.  During university and careers, we both traveled for work, but only she spent two months for three summers in France for immersion French.  My time in 18 nations typically was 2 - 3 weeks, working on documentary production.  So, neither of us has been year around "wake up to your day" abroad. I'm researching thoroughly, focusing first on San Miguel de Allende, now Ajijic with its Lake Chapala Society and proximity to Guadalajara.  After the first wave of research, we spoke at length to my childhood friend who lived and owned a business in Costa Rica for years, who echoed what is essential - an immersive, scouting trip first.  However, we are yet to receive our lease for our coastal home and if the owners decide to sell the house instead of leasing, we're at highway speed in the passing lane.  Should they sign, as is likely, a move to Mexico is #1 for our family deliberations.  This forum is excellent.

Hello, I'm John Humphries of New Orleans. I'm seeking to relocate to city of Merida, with the goal of restarting my jewelry design production enterprise, this time me as leader. I've visited Merida twice as an adult, once as teenager and having good experiences at every visit!
I'm planning a first visit in a month hoping for good guidance in learning and arranging life basic needs as far as I can. I don't yet converse in Spanish yet hope to learn as I hack allong.
In special category - there is a good amount of jewelry mfg. In and around Merida - Stuller as a newer very successful facility.
I want to make contact with a labor broker, one or more whom can match my needs with appropriate fair shops for processing and hand assembly to finished product.
My Son JM is now as us Navy sailor. I have an elderly standard poodle.
I think Mexico & Merida or nearby is the place for me to explore, and assemble a new life and I'm ready to go!

I was in Mérida last month and fell in love with the city and a young lady who lives there!  I will be back in a few weeks, and could see myself living there.

I would suggest you go to several places (below), enjoy the beautiful city and the beautiful people. 

Everywhere on Montejo Avenue.  What a beautiful boulevard.
Take a 25 minute drive to Progreso beach.  Eat at Crabster, or Flamingo's.
Eat at Alma Calma, I had breakfast there on many days.  The wait staff is great as is the food.
The Plaza Grande is amazing.  The local dancers were fantastic, the video mapping of the cathedral was awe inspiring.
See the  planetarium in the Governor’s Office, I think it was the Centro Cultural Olimpo building; also check out the art gallery.
The Hacienda Sotuta de Peon is amazing, they have tours in English also.  a must see.
La Tratto Italian restaurant is good.
The Monumento à la Patria shows a beautiful history of México, while you are there eat the street tamales they are delicious! The seller is in front of the Corner of the Panificadora Montejo bakery; try the Yucatan variety.
Go to the Myan museum of gastronomy and ask for a tour with dinner.  It is delicious food and history!
See the Uxmal pyramid, my favorite pyramid!  Google tour guide Jorge Mex Solis on Facebook for a great tour and tell him that his friend from Virginia who was with the most beautiful girl in México said hello.
While in Uxmal see the Choco Story chocolate museum, Mayan culture, ritual of asking Gods for water, chocolate, jaguars, birds, monkeys.
Eat dinner one night at the Oliva Enoteca Italian restaurant, $$, but nice.
Of course you have to see  Chichén Itzá.
Carrige rides in Centro Mérida.
Go to the Amaro restaurant, this is my favorite restaurant in the world.  Just what you would expect in México, open to the sky, a perfect romantic moon over Mérida, live music, great food.
Go to the La Hacienda Xcantun Casa de Piedra for breakfast or dinner, ask for a tour - Amazing.
Visit the El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida.
Sit in the  “romantica sillas” (romantic chairs) with someone you love.
Try the restaurants at Merida Paseo 60 Crabster was nice, grab some ice cream after dinner and listen to live music.

Hi
My husband and I are retiring from the US to the San Antonio Del Mar community in Tijuana, near Rosarito.

We are in search of a good contractor for remodeling our kitchen. I’d appreciate any recommendations! Must be English speaking as my Spanish is mostly food related.

Thanks!

Hi All!  I'm Donna. I'm an ex screenwriter from L.A.,  and my husband, Armando, is Mexican.  He's a Tour Guide, from Puerto Vallarta.  That's where we met. 

I had moved to Vallarta after a very recent divorce and a mere 5 weeks later met Armando.  It was Just a strange, or lucky, destino type thing.  We literally bumped into each other one night on El Malecon at midnight. 

He and his friend were walking around, goofing off and playing guitar on a beautiful summer night and we struck up a conversation about music.  Music is both of our passion.  And he played a Bob Marley song for me and sang, "Is this love?  Is this love?  Is this love? Is this love that I'm feeling?"  hahaha.  Yes.  It was.   

That was a little over 5 years ago.  We've lived together in Mexico ever since, all over the country exploring, but never in La Ciudad!  We're very excited about it.  We love the city.  It's our favorite spot in Mexico next to Ensenada. 

We are renting in the Roma Norte area. 

We love to travel and spend time in Europe. Armando absolutely loves golf.  I love tennis. We'd like to learn to dance; I'm a Reggaeton fanatic.  We like to bike and hike.  Walk and talk. Like I said, we love music, art, culture, architecture -- and we're big time foodies.

And we're just a happy couple.  Very happy to be together in such a great city at such a great time in our lives.  We love to socialize and entertain. Would appreciate hearing from anybody out there!

I've lived all over Baja.  It's San Diego type weather.  So there's a beautiful beach but... too cold for me!  It's pretty but it's boring.  There's nothing going on there. Rosarita is tiny.  And it appears in real estate sites that everything is for sale.  Like a fire sale and I'm wondering, "Why?"   It's much like Malibu CA. One great Golf Course.  I mean spectacular.  Great restaurants. But really, what else is there to do there?

I know Playa and Cancun extremely well.  Don't like Cancun.  Too young, honeymooners, school break partiers, along with everything else but that's me.  I don't care for it.

Playa is lovely.  A truly charming town with tons of outstanding restaurants. Very nice sized population.  Lots of development going on.  It's a hot spot. 

Only thing is I find the Yucatan to be intolerable most the year because of the heat.

You may have more luck Googling Nuevo Vallarta.  That's in the state Nayarit which is next to the state of Jalisco with Puerto Vallarta being a 20 min tops drive from Nuevo Vallarta.  You'll problems get more sites to come up, garner more info.

Some of the Best surfing in Mexico I understand.  Jalisco and Nayarit are just alike.

Hi.

My name is Dan and my wife, Casey, and I are exploring relocating to the Baja California area of Mexico.  We are both retired and in our mid-late 60's.  We selected that area because of the access to the ocean/beaches, lower humidity (humidity is the Devil's work!) and affordability compared to the USA/Texas.  We have vacationed in Cancun and Acapulco plus been to Texas/Mexico border towns, so somewhat familiar with Mexico.  Neither of us speak much Spanish though willing to learn some to get by.  We plan to visit the Rosarito area this Fall to begin our quest.  Any and all help from other expats will always be appreciated.

danny_1951 wrote:

Hi.

We plan to visit the Rosarito area this Fall to begin our quest.  Any and all help from other expats will always be appreciated.

We are just about the same demographics, Dan.  We have bought a condo at La Jolla Excellence at Rosarito, which should be done being built in about a year.  We researched places and Rosarito met our needs.  Close to San Diego for Medicare if needed.  We have grandkids in Los Angeles and TX so still easy drive for us to go see them or them come see us without the expense of a flight. 

We are using Kenny Huseman at Baja123 as our realtor.  He's been great showing us places and holding our hands during the process so far.  We plan to sell our CA home and live full time in MX.  We will probably use our kids TX address as our tax homebase.

Hi James.

Thanks for the response and yes, it sounds like we are in the same demographic.  I appreciate the info you provided.  I also posted in the Accommodation forum requesting suggested internet sites to look for a month-long oceanfront rental in Rosarita area.  Any suggestions?

Dan

Contact Ken he does that plus his wife is the manager for several HOA in the area so she has a good feel for what's available.  Tell him Jim & Liz sent you.

Hello,

Thank you for providing this great service.
I'm moving to Rosarito, BC. at the end of September and I will need a lot of information on local services and pet services.

My husband and I bought a home in San Antonio Del Mar. Nice  community just 10 min north of Rosarito. A mix of Mexican and ex-pat residents, feels like you are in Mexico!

We are also the same demographic and have a son living in San Diego.

We worked with Claudia at baja123 and she’s been great. We signed papers in Jan but live in MI right now and the help we’ve gotten from her while we were not hear is invaluable. With Claudia, the relationship doesn't stop after you close.

Hi Jim.

I reached out to Baja123 about a month long rental in Oct or Nov and they advised me that they assist individuals looking for a minimum of 6 month rentals and had nothing for a 1 month rental.  I guess I'll look elsewhere.

Thanks for your help.

Dan

Have  no idea what I'm doing here just wanted to talk to expats living in the Yucatan.

Gracia's

Hola!
I am not in SMA yet but planning is underway!  I have never been to Mexico but have lived overseas some in my life (Afghanistan and Germany). I became a widow in July 2017. I had two sons but have lost both of them so have been bouncing around a bit for the past 2 years looking for a place to put down some roots with my furbaby, Smee. I retired from corporate life in 2005. Then I pursued a life-long dream of writing and I wrote a bunch of novels and screenplays, none of which I attempted to market. In 2012 I put everything on the shelf for a while and taught information technology as an adjunct professor until I retired 100% in June 2019. With my move to SMA, I am restarting my writer's life and hope to get some of my work to the final draft stage and marketed :-) You can check out what I'm working on at my website: www.pfkeen.com

I am cutting the cord (liquidating everything including my car) and flying into Leon on December 1st. I look forward to meeting everyone soon!

Tricia Diaz

P.S. From my last name, one might asume I speak Spanish. I don't! My husband, Michael, was hispanic and born and raised in Ventura, CA...but spoke very little Spanish himself. However, he won my heart with this beautiful phrase: un pájaro mojado nunca vuela de noche!

Were you able to "see" the property online and sign contracts etc without coming to SMA or did you need to fly down?

Hello, Retired chicky,

True a wet bird doesn't fly at night, but a smart traveler also doesn't go all in before they see where they are going. I would advise you to put the breaks on and come look and find out what Mexico is about.

Mexico does use computers and you can get pretty good computer service, but it is a face to face country. People meet and talk. You will not be able to conduct the sort of business you want to on line. It is hard to even get a consistent response on line. Mexico is nothing like the U.S.  Some people trying to get everything done online have been scammed. You do not speak Spanish so you really need help. Come visit and meet people you can talk to and see, people who also speak English.

Have you talked to the Mexican counsel in your area about visas?

solo Los murciélagos vuelan de Noche ningún pájaro vuela de Noche.
Be safe

Hi

We are from the Denver, CO area and are moving to cozumel probably in July or August, depending on how long it takes to sell our home.  We have been several times, and are in the process of buying a home now.  We just got back from our house hunting trip this week. 

Wondering about how complicated it is to bring your car with a few belongings.  We aren't planning to bring much, but need our work computers.  The things I've read are confusing. 

Any advice?

wico6768 wrote:

Hi

We are from the Denver, CO area and are moving to cozumel probably in July or August, depending on how long it takes to sell our home.  We have been several times, and are in the process of buying a home now.  We just got back from our house hunting trip this week. 

Wondering about how complicated it is to bring your car with a few belongings.  We aren't planning to bring much, but need our work computers.  The things I've read are confusing. 

Any advice?

Welcome,

Well, one of the things that have been required is import fees on that car. If you plan on seeking a permanent visa then the car would likely have to return to the U.S.  I'm using words like likely because there have been any changes in rules and regulations with the new government. I would suggest that you check with the Mexican counsel in your state to see what the current rules would likely be.

Previously it was just black and white. yes you could have your car for an import fee. You would have to pay that fee and get it back every six months when you returned over the border to renew your 6-month visa. I did it for two years before having to return the car to the U.S. when I became permanent.
If I were you I would consult the counsel in your area at least once before you move.