During much of the past decade Mexico has become the top overseas retirement destination among American retirees. In 2000, an estimated 1 million Americans were living in Mexico on either a part time or year round basis and that number has grown in recent years.  

While Mexico was named the number #1 overseas retirement destination by International Living in 2008, the events of the past year ---in particular the global economic downturn and the resulting impact on U.S. retirement savings, growing border insecurity and the H1N1 influenza outbreak --- have led to a visible decline in American tourism to Mexico as well as a bust in several speculative Mexican real estate development projects targeted at U.S. baby boomers.
 

Though the number of Americans now actively considering moving to Mexico has declined in recent months; Mexico remains a desirable alternative retirement destination for a many Americans due to its affordability and its close geographic proximity to the United States. The question remains, however, to what degree recent events have changed or permanently altered U.S. retiree preferences and consumer choices in deciding to retire to in Mexico? If so, what key lessons can be learned by address the American retirees growing and changing needs?
 

To better understand U.S. retirement trends in Mexico, the International Community Foundation is undertaking a survey of the American retiree community in key Mexican coastal cities along the Baja California peninsula, Sonora, Riviera Nayarit/Puerto Vallarta and Rivera Maya. The goal of this research will be to better assess the consumer preferences and lifestyle choices of U.S. retirees now living in Mexico on issues related to cost of living, health care, public safety, environmental sustainability, as well as the degree of cultural integration and civic engagement in ones adopted Mexican community.   Through the research findings the International Community Foundation hopes to provide U.S. and Mexican policymakers with recommendations that will better enable Americans to comfortably retire in Mexico while at the same time assisting their adopted Mexican communities to sustainability adjust to the growing number of U.S. retirees that are likely to emigrant to Mexico in the coming years. We also hope to use this research to promote more active engagement of U.S. retirees with Mexico’s nonprofit sector through expanded volunteerism and philanthropy. The study is scheduled to be completed in January 2010.  



If you are an American 50 years or older living in Mexico either on a part time or full time basis, we would appreciate your assistance in completing our survey. For each survey completed by a qualified survey respondent, the International Community Foundation will donate $3.00 to a Mexican charity of your choice with a “friends of fund” at our foundation.  Click here to begin the survey.