White Sand Beaches of Mexico

Mexico has become the most popular international haven for Americans and Canadians. Of the estimated 11.5 million who have chosen to live abroad, more than two million live in Mexico. Moreover, getting back and forth between the countries is effortless with direct flights between major cities.

Mexico boasts diverse climates that range from tropical to temperate mountain air found in higher altitudes. From Yucatecen to Tampico, the food of Mexico will delight any palate. You'll also find many living options, from 16th-century colonial towns and metropolitan cities to lake villages and beach towns. Known for its world-class beaches, you have your choice of the palm-fringed Pacific Coast or the powder-white sand beaches of the Caribbean.

The immigration process is streamlined and straightforward, with one of the world's easiest ways to qualify for temporary or permanent residence. And, Mexico offers an affordable cost of living and health care.

“We really enjoy the Costa Rican people; they are kind and helpful. We’ve tried to immerse ourselves in the culture. Here you are on “Tico Time.” People will get to it in their own time. You just have to go with the flow.

We advise others to do their due diligence. People might want it to be where they came from, but you really need to embrace the culture. It is not cheap to live in Costa Rica. If you want to buy products that are not naturally grown or manufactured here, you will pay more. The restaurants serve locally grown foods. I lost over 25 pounds from just eating a healthier diet in two and a half years. Most people have produce that grows in their yards. We have mango, lime, and avocado trees in our yard. Every weekend in every town, there are farmers markets with some fruits and vegetables you might not even recognize, but you can get a week’s worth of fruits and vegetables for $30.

We love our life in Los Reyes—it’s 20 minutes to the hospital and the airport. And, we’re only an hour from the beach. We belong to groups that go into San Jose for cultural events. We live on the golf course, and it’s a gated community. Los Reyes reminds us of an old-time neighborhood with large trees. It’s established and secure. We really have the best of all worlds.

And, when it comes to health care, I feel more comfortable in Costa Rica than I would have in the states. The doctors and nurses genuinely care about you — you are not just a name or number on a chart. You can pay as you go, but health care is cheaper here than in the states.

Put Costa Rica on your bucket list."

Susan and Bob Locke Los Reyes, San Jose, Costa Rica