08 December 2008
Baby Boomers migrate to Mexico
The Migration Information Source administered a focus group of the US retiree population in Mexico and Panama in 2006. While the information supplied is not an exact representation of expatriate retirees, the study obtained some interesting information on hot spots for Americans in Mexico. It also answers the questions of what makes these locations so special and why Mexico is the number one destination for retirement abroad.
The study found that between 1990 and 2000, Mexico experienced a doubling in its number of foreign born retirees, a number which has been steadily growing since the 1970s.
US-Born Senior Population in Mexico, 2000

Source: IPUMS International data derived from the XII General Census of Population and Housing, Mexico, 2000.
The study lists distinct differences between foreign born retirees in border states and those in so called retirement states. The growth in border towns such as Mexicali and Juarez is typically due to the ageing population of US born descendants of Mexican migrants. The growth in retirement towns like Lake Chapala and San Miguel is due to US migrants in search of the good life at half the price. These migrants are generally better educated and hold more financial assets.
Most of the study participants said that they chose Mexico for its state policies, the abundance of reasonably priced health care, the high availability of at-home health care services, and a higher quality of life. Some named Spanish as being an asset in adjusting to Mexican lifestyle, while others mentioned that they do just fine without speaking the language.
Have a look at the entire article here
www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?ID=416
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