Places in Mexico to retire

I am looking to retire in the next 5 years. I am looking for suggestions on were to stay in different areas of Mexico in order to try them out on my next few vacations. I do not want to stay at hotels so if you have suggestions on rentals that would be great.

look into baja california- lots of retireers there, esp, cabo, san felipe, plus close access to the US.

hello all,
I think you need to say what you like, re beach areas or inland, mountains or that sort of thing?!

The Bay of Banderos on the Pacific coast is great for long walks on the beach. Near Bucerias or even Neuvo Vallarta area, a lot of Canadians live there and own restaurants or stores.

You may find some in the business listings, then contact them for tips----they will likely help you out.

Hello!

Definitely, traveling is one of the top things to do after retiring, at least for me, I hope I will do that too. Good for you!
I agree with the last posting, say what you like the most, cold or hot weather, big or small cities, the beach or high places so people can help you out. However, you should try traveling by the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, La Paz which is my beautiful hometown, is the capital of the Baja Peninsula. Nowadays, this small city and places around the area are one of the most requested destinations for retired people, especially from North America. Many people like you have chosen La Paz for vacations and ever for living part of the year. Let me tell that the weather in Summer time is extremely hot for canadians but winter time is just great! I recommend this place to go for vacations because I've been living in Canada for a while and canadians love everything in this place, it's a bit remote, very safe, peaceful and beautiful.

Hi

Some good ideas have been expressed here already.

I think the first step would be for you to ask yourself and get clear on the following:

Weather, How hot or how cold are you willing to go.
Personally, the beach in Mexico is too hot for me 6 months out of the year (so is Miami, FL).
However, many gringos live year round at the beach. I love the beach and would live there as my first choice it weren’t for the heat and humidity for a good portion of the year.

Cost of Living: What are you looking at for a monthly income and therefore what can you spend?
Most expensive areas are the resort towns (Cabo, Cancun, Puerto Vallerta).
Next is non resort Gringo enclaves (Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende)
Lest expensive: Rural areas that don’t cater to foreigners.

Real Estate: Are you thinking of buying or renting?
Same info here as mentioned above for cost of living.

Spanish Proficiency: Beginner, Intermediate, Fluent?
The less Spanish you know the more you may be inclined to live near other English speaking foreigners.

Comfort level with Mexican culture.
Same info here as mentioned above for Spanish Proficiency.

How resourceful and independent are you?
Have you lived in a foreign non-English speaking country before?
Have you traveled in a lot of foreign non-English speaking counties before?

Medical Care: How close do you want major medical facilities?
You need to be near major population centers for major medical facilities.

Things to Do: What are your interests and hobbies? Does this area offer them?

I want to start by thanking all the previous comments. I am also thinking of retiring in Mexico. The area I am considering is Puerto Escondido. There is a language Institute (http://www.puertoschool.com/) where you can learn spanish (I have a little spanish) and you can even volunteer at a nearby orphanage.
I am thinking of exploring the area to see what are the pros and cons but being a french speaking Acadian, I know what ''adapting'' means (not said in a negative way).
I am thinking of spending a few months at first to better impregnate myself with the culture which I undesrtand to be is easy going... La manana... what we can't do today we do to-morrow!
My big question has to do with cost of living and long term rental since I do not intend to buy property. I am also considering to live with a family should I get ''adopted'' by such a family.
Would someone like to comment on what kind of monthly Canadian income (1500$ net ? ) would be required to live in the area? (single). I am stopping here, I don't want to go on and on... (retiring in August 2009)

There are a number of places to visit or retire, like others have said earlier, depends on your wants and needs.
The state of Veracruz and the area surrounding Lake Catemaco is developing steadly with people who enjoy a quiet lifestyle, inexpensive living and lush tropical spaces.
If you want bright lights and shopping malls, Catemaco will not be your personal choice but if lakes, rivers, waterfall....fresh and salt water sports are what intrests you, check out the Los Tuxtlas mountain area.

Hello,

We are a couple from Montreal who would like to get some information about retiring in Mexico. We know that many criteria are important in the decision of where we want to establish our self.. We don’t have any specific areas. Our main priorities are to live there with a monthly income of about 3000$., be around other Canadian,. I spent a few years in Philippines living with the native so luxurious is not necessary for us both we are looking for comfortable life, secure with friendly neighbours. If we could find some coach to help us out it would be really appreciated

Cabo San Lucas located at the southern tip of Baja Peninsula, Pueblo Bonito Resort Los Cabos and Cancún etc are some good places where you may find rentals for your vacation period.
Advisor travel.justluxe

Hello everyone this is my first post here.
I am moving from toronto to Lake Chapala, in Oct. I am single and 54 also retired monthly pensions 3,400 If you would not mind, I have the following questions.
1) Should I live in a gated community. (safety)
2) Should I get a realestate agent to help me. (I do not speak spanish) I will be renting.
3)Should I bring my computer.
4) Recomendations Re: hotel in Lake Chapala to stay when I arrive and until I find a house.
5) Do I need imuninazation shots before I leave, and what for.
Thank you for your interest any adivice is welcome.