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Hi, just introducing myself. In about seven years, I will be retiring and I want to retire to a place that is warm and where I can live comfortably on my retirement income.

Originally Posted by jalakingis55

Hi, just introducing myself. In about seven years, I will be retiring and I want to retire to a place that is warm and where I can live comfortably on my retirement income.

Hello and to the board.

Plenty of places in the USA with warm weather and costs of living comparable to Baja, the gulf coast comes to mind. You need to show about $2300/month in guaranteed monthly income to get a Visa to retire in México. In seven years that may be higher. Seven years out if too far to know the security situation anywhere outside the USA. The healthier you are and the less you need to depend on Medicare, the further from the USA you can live. You have plenty of time to do your research and make exploratory visits around the globe.

Welcome!

Howdy,

It's never to ealy to start dreaming.

I like the idea that they are planning seven years out still. Gives them lots of time to explore, consider their options and even make a few test trips to see if Baja is a good fit or not.

And welcome to the forum...

I would look a little further down if you really want to leave the good ole US of A. It is way more retirement friendly in Panama.......

Ohio....

From my neck of the woods> Ontario

Actually we have some friends who live down here in La Paz area full time are from Cleveland.

Welcome to our little world.

As BajaGringo said you have time to make trips down at different times of the year to see if it truly is the place for you.

Originally Posted by Apgoee

I would look a little further down if you really want to leave the good ole US of A. It is way more retirement friendly in Panama.......

Sorry but that type of simple, broad statement cannot go unchallenged. Have you actually spent a few years living in central/south America? I have been to Panama many times and have friends who have lived there since the late 80's. Panama has its own problems and much has changed in the last decade, especially tax-wise and it is not as easy as it used to be to get permanent resident status. Friends there tell me that you now must have a documented pension that meets their requirements (much higher than before) or have 300,000 USD to invest in a home, business or panama based CD.

I lived and worked in South America for many years and still have family living down in Argentina. I loved many parts of my life down there but it is not all a bed of roses and nothing can compare (for me) to the advantage of living so close to the border - for some of us a necessity. That alone rules out the option of looking further south.

It looks good on paper but unless you are fluent in Spanish with little to no ties back to the US, reality may look much different...

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

Sorry but that type of simple, broad statement cannot go unchallenged. Have you actually spent a few years living in central/south America? I have been to Panama many times and have friends who have lived there since the late 80's. Panama has its own problems and much has changed in the last decade, especially tax-wise and it is not as easy as it used to be to get permanent resident status. Friends there tell me that you now must have a documented pension that meets their requirements (much higher than before) or have 300,000 USD to invest in a home, business or panama based CD.

I lived and worked in South America for many years and still have family living down in Argentina. I loved many parts of my life down there but it is not all a bed of roses and nothing can compare (for me) to the advantage of living so close to the border - for some of us a necessity. That alone rules out the option of looking further south.

It looks good on paper but unless you are fluent in Spanish with little to no ties back to the US, reality may look much different...

not to hijack.. but did you notice Fernando Carlos Trenti was just made the Ambassador to Argentina. Not much vetting process but maybe it's a good match.

Originally Posted by jalakingis55

Hi, just introducing myself. In about seven years, I will be retiring and I want to retire to a place that is warm and where I can live comfortably on my retirement income.

At least you are starting early.

Develop a list of "wants", then pare it down to a list of "needs".......there is a big difference!!!

Get a map, read some books and hang out on Baja forums like this one. Ask questions..........THEN try to spend as much time as you can in the area you select during all seasons of the year. Eat and shop local, spend pesos not dollars.

Does that area provide all of the "needs" you require and a bunch of the "wants"???

After a lot of looking around, we found our spot in Ensenada. a "real" city with shopping, cultural & social events and great medical facilities. 90 minutes +/- to the US border and San Diego (military facilities, airport and football/baseball and more shopping.

Nobody can decide for you.....you need feet on the ground to check things out. Find the locals and ex-pats and talk to them.......If you find a place, rent first, don't buy!!!
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Originally Posted by Woooosh

not to hijack.. but did you notice Fernando Carlos Trenti was just made the Ambassador to Argentina. Not much vetting process but maybe it's a good match.

So I take it that you have been following the mess going on down there right now? It makes things up here look pale in comparison...

Welcome, Mi Amigo...