This large country, the world’s 14th largest by area, has a population of more than 110 million and is made up of 31 distinct states. The colorful Mexican culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm-hearted people make it a favorite destination for tourists and expatriates alike. In Mexico you’ll find a diverse country with respect to geography, climate, economy, and lifestyle that draws visitors from all walks of life. In this article you’ll find a brief overview of the country with information about sub-regions and their associated climate, economy, tourism, as well as popular destinations for retirees. If you’ve ever considered buying real estate in this fine country, you’ll find all the information you need to narrow your search.
Geography and Sub Regions
At the southern tip of North America, Mexico includes a variety of landscapes from stunning beaches and remote islands, to soaring peaks and active volcanoes. Mexico is bordered by three countries, obviously the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south.
Two mountain ranges span Mexico from north to south, the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains and the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains (which actually follow the Rocky Mountains from North America). The center of the country is divided by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, commonly known as the Sierra Nevada. Finally, a fourth mountain range, the Sierra Madre del Sur runs through the country from Michoacán to Oaxaca.
The two major mountain ranges effectively divide the country into three regions with the Gulf of California on the west, the Gulf of Mexico on the east, and create the Mexican Plateau which runs through the center of the country. Coastal states to the west include Baja California, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Michoacán, Guerrero and Oaxaca. To the west you’ll find the coastal states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, as well as the Yucatan Peninsula.
Climate
The climate in Mexico is essentially divided into two regions by the Tropic of Cancer. To the north of the twenty-fourth parallel you’ll find a more temperate climate characterized by cooler temperatures during winter months. Yet south of this imaginary divide, temperatures remain more consistent and tropical. In fact, Mexico has one of the world’s most diverse climates as temperatures drop considerably as you reach higher elevations.
North of the Tropic of Cancer enjoys more moderate temperatures. Summer tends to be hot and humid with temperatures reaching as high as 28°C (82.4°F) but the year-round average temperature of the region is around 20 to 24°C (68 to 75.2°F) because of much lower winter temperatures. Moreover, the north experiences a dryer climate than other regions and sees only sporadic rainfall. In fact, much of the north is characterized by desert landscapes and as such some regions like Monterrey, Hermosillo, and Mexicali can have very warm temperatures even in excess of 40°C (104°F).
South of the Tropic of Cancer and at elevations below 3,281ft (1,000m), including the southern Mexican plateau and the Yucatan Peninsula, have a temperature that ranges between 24 and 28°C (75.2 to 82.4°F) and weather tends to be quite warm year round. In fact, summer and winter temperatures on average differ by only around 5°C. Southern regions also tend to be wetter with rain fall reaching nearly 80 inches (2,000mm) annually.
Hurricane season (from summer to fall) affects most coastal regions of Mexico except for northern Baja and the south coast of the Bay of Campeche (near Veracruz and Villahermosa).
Climate in Popular Destinations
Acapulco is renowned for its excellent climate with year-round weather that is ideal for beach life. The rainy season in Acapulco is short and runs from May to September and winters are dry and sunny.
In Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatan Peninsula, the weather is also quite nice. The rainy season is slightly longer, running from May to October, but the rain comes in short bursts and is very warm. September tends to be hot and humid and temperatures routinely exceed 90°F.
Cozumel is a tropical island just off the coast of Cancun and experiences pleasant day time weather year round. Evenings can be comparatively cool for the tropics and summer brings hot, humid, and rainy weather. Indeed, short tropical rains from May to September are common.
Los Cabos is located in the southern part of Baja California and is flanked by desert and water. August to November brings rain but the region gets nearly 350 days of sunshine every year. Summer months are the hottest but weather is pleasant year round.
Finally, in Puerto Vallarta, summers can be hot and humid and afternoon showers are often a refreshing break to the weather. The rainy season runs from June to October and during the spring and winter evenings can be cool. It’s not unusual to see “locals” both Mexican and Americans wearing sweaters or light coats in the mornings. As I’m sitting having coffee in the mornings in my tee shirt and shorts I smile to myself thinking of what my friends are wearing back home to protect from the wind, rain, snow and freezing weather.
Economy
Mexico has the world’s 11th largest economy and has seen positive growth since a short period of stagnation in 2001. The industrial and service sectors of Mexico are expanding rapidly and the infrastructure of the country is always being upgraded. Currently, Mexico has free trade agreements with more than 40 countries, the most important of which is the North American Free Trade Agreement. The major industries of Mexico include the automotive industry, tourism, electronics, and of course, agriculture.
Tourism
Mexico is annually one of the top 10 world destinations for tourism and as such represents one of the largest tourism industries in the world. Mesoamerican ruins and beach resorts draw millions of tourists every year with peak tourism season in December, July, and August. The blend of Spanish-European and Mesoamerican cultures makes Mexico a particularly interesting country to visit. Tourism from the United States is especially popular as it is the favorite destination for Mexico’s neighbors to the north.
Popular Retirement Destinations
In recent years, Mexico has benefited from a number of burgeoning retirement destinations. Retirees especially enjoy coastal locales for retirement like Mazatlan, Loreto (in Baja), the Mayan Riviera, and Acapulco. Moreover, increasing numbers of retirees are looking for destinations closer to the United States and Puerto Penasco and San Felipe have emerged as favorites.
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Condos and villas in Mexico both feature excellent characteristics and have plenty to offer. Both types of properties can be found in exquisite locations with breathtaking views. Condominium and villa ownership provides retirees with many opportunities to engage in recreational and social activities, and to spend quality time with friends and family in a truly beautiful part of the world. That said, however, there are several important differences between these two types of properties that potential purchasers should carefully consider before making their final decision.
To begin with, retirees should consider the amount of time each year that they are hoping to spend at their property in Mexico. This factor is important in terms of property maintenance as well as in terms of keeping a property back home in Canada or the United States. Retirees who want to live in Mexico year-round may prefer to reside in a villa. Providing great privacy and comfort, villas offer the space and freedom to truly make your Mexico property feel like home.
Furthermore, villas come with minimal association fees and can be staffed for greater convenience. By providing a very comfortable permanent base, villas also allow retirees to liquidate their property back home, freeing up more financial resources for traveling and enjoying their new life in Mexico. Another great benefit of purchasing villas in Mexico is the fact they offer very favourable value appreciation and thus can present excellent investment opportunities.
Condominiums, on the other hand, often represent the best choice for those retirees who are planning to spend only part of each year in Mexico. While condos do not offer the same level of privacy as villas, their maintenance concerns are minimal. Generally, condominium owners will be able to simply lock the door and head back home to Canada or the US without any worries. Moreover, condos can be used to generate rental income during those months when the owners are not in Mexico. Most condos also include or are located very close to an array of great amenities, providing a high level of convenience with respect to recreational and social activities.
Of course, there are several other factors which should also be considered when deciding between condo or villa ownership. Cost and guests, for example, are important things to keep in mind. When it comes to price per square foot, villas will typically cost more than condos. In Puerto Vallarta, for example, the average villa will cost approximately $250 per square foot while the average condo will cost approximately $200 per square foot. If retirees are expecting to have many friends and family members visiting them in Mexico, having more space may be a greater concern than the above cost difference. Naturally, villas can accommodate more people than the typical condominium and can therefore be a great choice for retirees expecting many visitors.
While all of the above considerations are extremely important, the fact is that health is a vital consideration for those who have reached retirement age. Villas require more maintenance than condominiums and are also often built on multiple levels, requiring daily trips up and down stairs. For that reason, older retirees or those with health issues may find condo ownership more suitable and manageable. However, choosing between condo and villa ownership is a decision that should involve careful consideration of all of the above factors so that retirees will end up with the perfect property to suit all their needs and wishes.
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]]>The Silver Surge: Mexico Attracts Increasing Numbers of American and Canadian Retirees
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Sometimes referred to as the Silver Surge, the influx of Canadian and American retirees to Mexico shows no signs of slowing down. While it is not known exactly how many Canadian and American expatriates are currently living in Mexico, a survey conducted in 2004 indicated that the numbers back then were somewhere between 500,000 and 600,000. Considering the continuing growth of Mexican real estate developments aimed at retirees, those numbers have likely been surpassed and in all probability will continue to rise steadily in the coming years.
When questioned about their reasons for choosing Mexico as their retirement destination, there are many factors that American and Canadian expatriates point to. Climate and culture are often at the top of the list, with plenty of year-round warmth and sunshine as well as charming mercados, friendly locals and a rich history. Many retirees also cherish the more relaxed pace of life that can be found in many parts of Mexico, particularly in the beachside towns. After decades of fast-paced city life, many baby boomers are more than ready to kick back, relax and truly enjoy what’s going on around them.
Of course, with the current economic climate and with all the financial considerations that come with retirement, another factor which makes Mexico so attractive to baby boomers is the country’s affordability. When two-bedroom beachfront condominiums can be found for $300,000 and when many retirees can live comfortably on $1000 per month, it’s not surprising that Mexico is a popular place for the baby boomer generation to settle down once they leave the workforce. And when a low cost of living includes affordable health care, even more retirees become interested.
All in all, Mexico has an abundance of benefits to offer Canadians and Americans looking to make the most of their retirement years. Despite extensive media reports about H1N1 and drug-related crime, US and Canadian expatriates still find that Mexico is a beautiful, safe and welcoming place to live, and the number of baby boomers flocking south for a new life post-retirement is only expected to rise.
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The Silver Surge: Mexico Attracts Increasing Numbers of American and Canadian Retirees
]]>Mexico Real Estate Developers Stepping up Marketing in Canada
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Although precise numbers are difficult to come by, real estate developers in many popular regions of Mexico have observed that Canadian second homebuyers are returning to the market faster than Americans and are also currently more likely to take the steps to close a real estate deal. Most likely this can be attributed to the fact that Canada’s economy has not suffered as much as the American economy, providing Canadian second homebuyers with greater confidence in addition to greater available resources.
The current trend of increasing interest among Canadians in purchasing investment and vacation properties in Mexico can be observed in several resort regions in the country. For example, 25% of the homes located at Baja California’s Puerto Los Cabos resort project have been purchased by Canadian homebuyers. In the Grand Coral Riviera Maya golf community of Playa del Carmen, 50% of developer Grupo Grand Coral’s Nick Price Residences are Canadian owned. In the luxury developments of Paseo del Sol and El Faro located on the beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen Canadian homebuyers have purchased a large majority of the units.
As a result of this growing trend among Canadian second homebuyers, Mexico real estate developers are increasing their Canadian marketing budgets and focusing more attention on certain target locations such as Vancouver and Calgary. They are also adapting their marketing approaches, meeting with potential purchasers in their own communities by making contact with local brokers and holding events such as real estate expos.
While some Canadians simply show mild interest in Mexico real estate at such events, many exhibit a serious interest in purchasing investment or vacation property in Mexico. Particularly when it comes to Mexican properties in the range of $300,000 to $500,000, Canada is proving to be a very important market for Mexico real estate developers who will likely continue to encourage Canadian interest in their properties, further strengthening the market and increasing Mexico’s appeal as a resort destination for Canadian vacationers, retirees and investors.
Photo Credit: prayitno
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Mexico Real Estate Developers Stepping up Marketing in Canada
]]>Impulsa is one of several companies that was founded over forty years ago by Manuel Clouthier del Rincón, whose entrepreneurial spirit was born while he was studying agricultural engineering at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. The Clouthier family owns and operates business enterprises in a number of different fields including agriculture, media and real estate. Impulsa has been involved in real estate development for approximately twenty years now and today is under the direction of Manuel Clouthier’s son, Ricardo Clouthier.
Ricardo Clouthier is a man who is dedicated to the same values as his father, including discipline, teamwork and social responsibility. These qualities and values have been directly applied to Impulsa’s development projects in Mazatlan where the company is deeply involved in creating innovative residential projects which offer quality, desirable homes while focusing on client satisfaction and environmental sensitivity.
Ricardo Clouthier and his family have focused on Mazatlan as a location for their real estate development projects because of the destination’s unique tourist attractions and appealing characteristics. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlan offers the sunshine, sparkling waters, sandy beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities expected of tropical vacation destinations. At the same time, however, Mazatlan has so much more for tourists and residents to enjoy. From the stunning architecture of the historical downtown area to the region’s rich history and vibrant culture, Mazatlan is a true Mexican jewel.
With a deep appreciation for what Mazatlan has to offer as well as its remarkable potential as a tourist destination, Impulsa has constructed a number of properties and projects in the area which meet high standards of quality and provide homebuyers with the opportunity to experience an incredible lifestyle. For example, Impulsa currently has properties available for sale at its Marina Gardens project and its Horizon Mazatlan Sky Residences.
The Marina Gardens project is a private residential development located just 300 feet from a stunningly beautiful beach. This Impulsa development project features its very own Marina Gardens Club House as well as contemporary Mexican-style single-family homes nestled among tranquil palm trees. Impulsa’s Horizon Mazatlan Sky Residences also offer oceanfront living with their state-of-the-art, contemporary homes located in close proximity to the Golden Zone and downtown Mazatlan.
Impulsa believes in offering beautiful, comfortable homes that are upscale without being pretentious. And that is exactly what the company has achieved with the Marina Gardens residences and the Horizon Mazatlan Sky Residences. Whether homebuyers are looking for a family vacation home or a retirement home, Clouthier and Impulsa provide incredible investment opportunities as well as elegant and tasteful luxury with their Mazatlan real estate development projects.
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As a result of its proximity to the United States, its lower cost of living and its many beautiful locations, Mexico has become the destination of choice for many American medical tourists. The popularity of Mexico as a place to travel to for medical services has also been further enhanced by the availability of high-quality facilities and highly trained medical personnel. In fact, with the opening of the Atlantic Health International Hospital in Mazatlan, medical tourists in Mexico have access to medical care of exceptional quality.
The Atlantic Health International Hospital in Mazatlan is a medical tourism unit and state-of-the-art facility which provides a wide range of surgeries and medical services such as weight loss surgery, hip and knee replacements, hernia repair, radiology services and laboratory services. All of these surgeries and medical procedures at the AHI Hospital in Mazatlan are performed by US board certified medical personnel who maintain active practices in the United States, and the facility is accredited by the Joint Commission International Accreditation.
Originally built to the 1994 California building code, the AHI Hospital in Mazatlan recently underwent renovations and features lounges, operating rooms, recovery areas and patient suites. By combining top quality medical care with a resort setting and atmosphere, the AHI Hospital in Mazatlan provides a truly relaxing environment where recovery and quality care are the primary focuses. Yet, even with such excellent services being provided by top physicians, surgeries and other procedures at the AHI Mazatlan Hospital are far more affordable than the same procedures and services in the United States.
Typically, medical procedures performed in Mazatlan will cost patients 40 to 60 percent less than what the cost would be in the United States. And that reduction in cost does not come with any sacrifices with respect to the quality of care. On the contrary, many American patients find that they receive better all-around care in Mexico than they do at home. When the excellent standard of care provided by the AHI Mazatlan Hospital is combined with affordability and Mazatlan’s stunning natural environment, it’s easy to understand why Mazatlan medical tourism is becoming a more and more attractive option for many Americans requiring medical care.
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]]>While medical tourism is becoming a worldwide phenomenon, Mexico is the most popular destination for Americans seeking medical care for several reasons. First of all, the proximity of Mexico to the United States is a major factor. Traveling south across the border for a surgical procedure or for a consultation involves relatively short distances and relatively small amounts of time. However, the main reason why more Americans are participating in medical tourism in Mexico has to do with the fact that medical care in Mexico costs far less than medical care in the United States, and yet is generally of excellent quality.
Many Americans who travel to Mexico for necessary or elective medical procedures are pleasantly surprised by the quality of care that they receive. In fact, some Americans who have taken part in medical tourism in Mexico believe that Mexican healthcare emphasizes heart and health as opposed to the monetary emphasis which many believe is the focus of American health care. Yet, even with its excellent quality, Mexican medical care is available at a fraction of the cost of American medical care.
Medical procedures carried out by doctors in Mexico will typically cost one third of what they would cost in the United States. Some procedures, particularly dental procedures, can even cost as little as one fifth of typical American prices. Not surprisingly, these price differences grab the attention of many Americans looking for quality, affordable medical care, including seniors who want to take good care of their health without sacrificing their financial security during their retirement years.
One of the most popular options for Americans with respect to medical tourism in Mexico is the Atlantic Health International Hospital in Mazatlan.
This state-of-the-art facility provides high quality care from US Board certified physicians in a resort setting. With luxurious recovery accommodations as well as outstanding all-around care, the AHI Hospital in Mazatlan provides top-quality medical vacations while still offering medical procedures at a fraction of what they would cost in the United States. Services offered at this Mazatlan hospital include plastic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, weight loss surgery, physical therapy and radiology and laboratory services.
While a wide range of medical services are available to Americans in Mexico, some of the most common procedures involved in medical tourism include dental procedures as well as surgeries such as knee and hip surgeries. With several high class medical facilities such as the AHI Mazatlan hospital located in the country and with the low cost of both travel and medical care, Mexico is becoming the destination of choice for an increasing number of Americans who are interested in protecting both their health and their finances by becoming involved in medical tourism.
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]]>Low Property Taxes Make Mexico Real Estate an Attractive Investment
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Called predial, Mexico property taxes are locally taxed and have always been low. Even higher priced properties in popular locations, such as Cozumel homes pushing the $1 million mark, often have annual property taxes of just a few hundred dollars. When compared to the average property taxes levied in the United States, the numbers in Mexico tend to be significantly and even surprisingly lower. Also, even though owners of property in Mexico will be required to pay certain additional fees, those costs will generally still amount to far less than the money saved by paying such low rates on property taxes.
Such excellent deals on property taxes mean that Americans and Canadians can find remarkable investment opportunities when it comes to Mexico real estate. Whether potential property buyers are looking for a vacation home, a retirement home, an investment property or a combination of the above, Mexico real estate certainly offers many attractive options. And by allowing property owners to save so much money on property taxes, owning Mexico real estate not only becomes a far more viable option for many Americans and Canadians, it also becomes more enticing.
When the cost savings derived from such low property taxes are considered in combination with the potential appreciation of properties in many regions, it is clear that investing in Mexico real estate can be highly profitable. And the exceptional lifestyle that property owners can enjoy while living or vacationing in Mexico should not be overlooked either. All in all, Mexico’s low property taxes provide one of the main reasons why many Americans and Canadians consider Mexico real estate to be a highly attractive investment.
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Low Property Taxes Make Mexico Real Estate an Attractive Investment
]]>Since the retirement lifestyle that many Americans are looking for cannot be found at an affordable cost in the United States, more and more retirees are turning their sights to Mexico. Not only is the cost of living significantly lower in Mexico, the lifestyle and real estate options are very attractive.
While Mexico offers a fabulous climate, with year-round sunshine in many parts of the country, it also offers everything from relaxation to outdoor and social activities. Golfing and tennis are widely available in Mexican retirement communities as are quality restaurants, art shows and other cultural events. In other words, retirees in Mexico have many options available to keep them engaged and enjoying life.
Yet, while lifestyle is one of the major factors that draw retired Americans to Mexico, affordable real estate also makes the top of the list. While popular retirement destinations such as Lake Chapala and Puerto Vallarta are home to residential resort communities geared specifically toward Americans and Canadians looking for vacation or retirement homes, there are many towns and cities all across Mexico where excellent real estate opportunities can be found.
In fact, many Americans are surprised when they find out just how affordable Mexican real estate really is. From condominiums to detached homes and from beachfront properties to villas in the mountains, there are beautiful and attractive properties to fit many American budgets. And, since interest in Mexican real estate is only expected to grow over the coming years, purchasing property in Mexico is an excellent investment.
For retired Americans who want to make their life savings go as far as possible while still enjoying the high quality and engaging lifestyle that they have dreamt about, Mexico presents the perfect solution. Within easy reach of the United States and with property prices still remaining far lower than those found in the rest of North America, Mexican real estate is proving to be an affordable and highly attractive option for many American retirees.
Photo Credit: Alaskan Dude
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]]>El Dorado in Lake Chapala - Discover the land of eternal spring
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For those who wish to own their own piece of paradise in the land of eternal spring, Lake Chapala’s El Dorado residential project features condominiums and villas which offer the very best of comfort, privacy, style and sophistication. Located above the shores of Lake Chapala, El Dorado condos and villas are perfectly situated for a high standard lifestyle with a blend of natural beauty, old world charm and modern amenities.
By embarking on a Lake Chapala vacation getaway, you will be able to discover for yourself the amazing lifestyle that can be experienced on the shores of Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. Your getaway will consist of two nights and three days accommodation at the spectacular five-star Lakefront Real de Chapala as well as three daily meals, welcome cocktails, entertainment and round-trip Guadalajara Airport transportation.
While staying at Lake Chapala, you will have the chance to explore the El Dorado residential project as well as the nearby town of Ajijic during your guided three-hour tour of the area. You will also have the opportunity to experience the local lifestyle by relaxing and unwinding on the lakeshore, shopping at high quality local boutiques or enjoying outdoor recreational activities such as golfing, hiking and horseback riding. You can also pamper yourself with a massage at the full-service spa or enjoy fine dining at one of the many fabulous restaurants.
In other words, your Lake Chapala getaway will allow you to get a taste of what life is like in this beautiful region of Mexico and to get a firsthand look at the available investment and retirement opportunities at El Dorado. Priced at just $199 per couple, Lake Chapala getaways are specifically designed for couples 40 years of age or older who have an annual income of at least $150,000, and who are interested in investing in Mexico real estate or retiring to this gorgeous location.
With Go Mexico Way acting as your guide and educator, you will be able to learn all that you need to know about the Lake Chapala region and investing in real estate in Mexico. At the same time, you will enjoy an unforgettable vacation getaway while discovering the beauty and joy of living and vacationing in Lake Chapala, Mexico, the land of eternal spring.
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El Dorado in Lake Chapala - Discover the land of eternal spring
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