“Where’s your village in the Sun?”

Mexico travel can open doors to embrace overseas living. For some, the question of “where” can pose challenges when it comes to focusing your exploration and discovery. Across its 32 states are places and “personalities” that may (or may not) echo your adult living needs. To help, here’s a recap of the most popular regions when it comes to lifestyle migration to our southern neighbor. 

The Baja, Mexico for Living

This rocky, desert peninsula extends like a long craggy finger, framed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other. Its roughhewn landscape opens up to exotic eco-adventures both on land and sea, as well as to exquisite fishing, resorts and some of the finest championship golf courses anywhere.

Mexico for living includes the northern cities of Rosarito and Ensenada, both far enough removed from the border to offer seaside relaxation, Mexico’s wine country, long Pacific beaches, modern amenities, and the same weather as San Diego!

Further south is Mexico’s youngest state, Baja Sur. A constellation of places attracts Americans and Canadians, starting with Loreto and La Paz (both scenic, slow-paced, and nature-focused). At Land’s End is superstar Los Cabos, home to thousands of Baja loving expats, luxury developments, fishing, and premium golf. Places like Todos Santos and the East Cape are also popular with expats.

The Caribbean & Gulf, Mexico for Living

Mexico’s Caribbean coastline includes Quintana Roo, home to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, top tourism destinations with exceptional, Mexico for living options, located in a variety of towns and developments that front prime beach locations. Nearly one half off all Mexico’s international visitors vacation here. Living here means the best of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Mundo Maya. It’s both ancient and brand new, uber sophisticated and laid back, Mayan and modern.

Quintana Roo is but one third of the peninsula of Yucatan: the Maya strongholds of Campeche and the eponymous state of Yucatan make up the other two thirds. Some of Mexico’s most popular retirement and Mexico for living destinations include Merida (Yucatán State), Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras and Tulum (Quintana Roo) and villages in between.

Facing the Gulf is Campeche State and City, historically endowed and with a Mayan soul. The new Tren Maya rail system (coming in 2024) will unite these three states, covering over 1,500 kms.

The Pacific, Mexico for Living

Mexico’s Pacific region is now home to thousands of US and Canadians who have found their village in the sun,

with palm trees! As mainstays of Mexico tourism for decades, this region of colonial towns, scenic beach resorts, islands, sophisticated culinary and fine arts, eco-adventure and golden sand seem to “have it all”.

Visitors who have vacationed here for decades are now exploring a full or part-time living adventure. Spanning from historic Mazatlán to Amerindian-infused Huaultco in the south, these Pacific locations offer coastal living fused with modern amenities (Costco anyone?), regional culture, frequent air service, and genuine hospitality.

Be ready for warm temperatures and high humidity from May-October. You can choose from “villages” (like San Pancho, Barra de Navidad or Zihuatanejo) to more urban settings like Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco. The further south you go, the stronger the indigenous cultural influences.

Many areas have highway access to highland cities like Durango, Guadalajara, Morelia, Mexico City or Oaxaca.

The Southwest, Mexico for Living

Mexico’s Southwest portion extends along a unique stretch of land, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which separates the Mexican Gulf from the Pacific Ocean. It takes up about 90 miles (145 km) of the coast of Oaxaca with beautiful, undeveloped beaches, and spans the state of Chiapas, which embodies ancient Mesoamerican cultural splendor and eco-diversity like few other places.

Oaxaca State has its showpiece capital city, a magnet for expats wanting cultural emersion and the Valley of Oaxaca’s web of artisan’s villages, archaeological sites, and sophisticated amenities for daily living. The Oaxacan coast has villages and modern resorts, along long stretches of deserted beach, bays, and rocky headlands.

Further south is incomparable Chiapas and its capital San Cristobal de la Casas, a 16th century masterpiece of architecture and Amerindian cultural expressions. Living here means a deep connection with highland Maya culture.

The Heartland, Mexico for Living

Within the seven states of Mexico’s Heartland, you’ll find four zones: the central plateau states of Aguascalientes, Querétaro, and Guanajuato, the eastern Sierra Madre (San Luis Potosí); the western Sierra Madre (Jalisco, Durango); and the northern high desert/mountainous area (Zacatecas).

Home to some of the country’s most beautiful colonial cities and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s also one of the country’s most prosperous areas. The region’s breathtaking natural scenery—a mixture of meadows and forests, sky-blue lakes, and volcanic peaks—just adds to its appeal.

The highway infrastructure here is one of the best in the country, and there are six international airports that connect these cities with Mexico City and principal U.S. gateways.

Guanajuato is home to iconic San Miguel de Allende, while Jalisco has expat haven Lake Chapala. These are two of Mexico’s original places for retirees, dating to the 1940’s. Aguascalientes and Queretaro are also growing in popularity, each with modern amenities and international air service. For comfortable year ’round weather, look no further.

Ready to expand your Mexico horizons? I can help! Start by connecting with thousands of other Mexico for living enthusiasts at www.choosingmexico.com