Thinking about trading high housing costs, healthcare headaches, and cold winters for tacos, sunshine, and a slower pace of life? You’re not alone. Retiring in the Riviera Maya—can be a dream come true. In fact hundreds of people do it every year.
But before you book that one-way ticket and sign up for Duolingo it’s worth asking yourself a few real questions.
Here are 10 Things to Ask Yourself Before Retiring in the Riviera Maya
Table of Contents
- 1 Here are 10 Things to Ask Yourself Before Retiring in the Riviera Maya
- 1.1 1. Can I Afford the Move (and the Life I Want)?
- 1.2 2. Do I Actually Like Slower Living?
- 1.3 3. Am I Comfortable Navigating Bureaucracy?
- 1.4 4. Can I Handle Being Far from Family and Friends?
- 1.5 5. How Do I Feel About Letting Go of “Normal”?
- 1.6 6. Am I Open to Learning (and Butchering) a New Language?
- 1.7 7. Do I Want a House, a Condo, or a Hammock on the Beach?
- 1.8 8. What Will I Do With My Time?
- 1.9 9. How Will I Stay Healthy?
- 1.10 10. What’s My Real Why?
- 1.11 If you enjoyed this article you will also like:
1. Can I Afford the Move (and the Life I Want)?
By most standards, daily living in Mexico is cheaper than the U.S., even on the Riviera Maya where our cost of living is pretty high. But relocation costs still add up—flights, residency, deposits, healthcare, utilities—make sure your budget works long-term, and not just for the honeymoon phase.
2. Do I Actually Like Slower Living?
Life here moves at a different pace. Things take time. People linger. A “sense of urgency” is non-existent. The only things that move quickly here—too quickly—are the colectivos on 307! If you’re used to things like same-day Amazon Prime shipping and a reasonable mail system, life in Mexico might require a significant adjustment.
VISAs and CURPs and RFCs, oh my! Mexico sure loves its paperwork. If dealing with red tape sends you into a spiral, be honest about that. Now—think about all that red tape en español! You’ll need patience or a fixer—ideally both— to get your new life set up properly.
4. Can I Handle Being Far from Family and Friends?
How much of your daily life revolves around family and friends? FaceTime helps, but it’s not the same as popping over for Sunday dinner with the grandkids. Do you have aging parents who need your support? Is relocating to Mexico feasible? What about in a year or two? Take a honest look into the future before you take the plunge.
5. How Do I Feel About Letting Go of “Normal”?
The Riviera Maya is pretty darn civilized and the range of products and services available is growing every day. Still—you may not find your favorite coffee creamer or brand of shampoo. Don’t get me started about what the humidity here will do to your hair! You might wait two weeks for a plumber or go through three or four housekeepers before you find the right one. You’ll definitely have to adapt. That’s part of the adventure—if you’re up for it.
6. Am I Open to Learning (and Butchering) a New Language?
Fluency in Spanish isn’t required, especially here and in similar tourism driven regions where so much English is spoken. You can certainly get by with a few keys phrases. But being competent in Spanish is respectful, helpful, and empowering. You don’t need to be fluent—just willing to learn. That willingness will go a long way.
7. Do I Want a House, a Condo, or a Hammock on the Beach?
For many people, the cost of housing—whether you plan to rent or buy—will be more affordable in Mexico than what you are currently paying. But you need to be sure you understand all the costs. HOA fees, fidecomisos, and utility rates might surprise you. Consider your ideal lifestyle and do your homework on what the costs of retiring in the Riviera Maya really are.
8. What Will I Do With My Time?
Retirement shouldn’t mean sitting around and—I know this may be shocking—there is more to do than just Happy Hour! Retiring in the Riviera Maya gives you lots of options for all kinds of activities. Whether it’s golfing, pickleball, volunteering, exploring cenotes, or writing that book you always talked about—what’s your plan for staying engaged and active?
9. How Will I Stay Healthy?
The bad news is, Medicare will not cover you in Mexico. The good news is, healthcare here is affordable and excellent—but it’s not the same system you’re used to. Know your options, costs, and whether you’ll need private insurance or can sign up for IMSS or both. Make sure you do your homework first.
10. What’s My Real Why?
Escaping something? Chasing something? Big changes go better when you’re clear on your motivation. Adventure? Lower cost of living? A healthier lifestyle? Your “why” will shape everything. It pays to remembee the old saying “No matter where you go—there you are.”
Retiring in the Riviera Maya can be a dream come true—but it’s not a vacation. It’s real life, just lived differently. Make sure you have answered the tough questions and weighed the pros and cons. And if you’re ready for the tradeoffs—retiring to Mexico might be the best move you ever make.
Thinking of making the leap? Is retiring in the Riviera Maya right for you? What’s holding you back?
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