| When you think of Mexico Retirement Communities, | | | | people gather in the parks. For a retiree, this relaxing |
| which place names come to mind? Maybe Lake | | | | style of life in a year-round warm climate is ideal. |
| Chapala or Puerto Vallarta? While these are excellent | | | | But don't imagine that Merida is a backwards city, |
| retirement choices, you may also wish to consider | | | | stuck in the past; the real, living culture of the old |
| Yucatan Real Estate, especially in the capital of | | | | city is the heart of a thriving metropolis which |
| Merida for your retirement. | | | | includes all kinds of communities, property types, a |
| Merida, a city of 800,000 people, is a beautiful colonial | | | | diverse economy and many, many activities and |
| city that is full of culture, history and activity, but | | | | services. Nearby golf courses, live music, jazz |
| where retirees can still relax and enjoy a worry-free | | | | concerts, art shows - both traditional and modern - |
| retirement with all their necessities nearby. The | | | | close access to the touristy beachfront (or a only a |
| colorfully painted homes and 2 or 3 storey buildings | | | | little further to more isolated beaches, if that appeals |
| line narrow roads, which run in a perfectly straight line | | | | more to you) are only a few of the activities for |
| through the old city. In the colonial city center, you're | | | | retirement in Yucatan's capital. |
| likely to see a horse drawn carriage or bicycles | | | | Because of NAFTA, living in Mexico has come to |
| blended in with cars and modern transportation, to | | | | offer many of the same conveniences of living in the |
| hear traditional music and to find great opportunities | | | | U.S. or Canada, and Merida more so than most parts |
| to try local food. | | | | of the country. The metropolitan area also includes |
| Merida is also home to the largest population of | | | | modern shopping malls, new large-screen movie |
| Mayan people; walking through the streets of Merida, | | | | theaters, and international restaurants. Health care is |
| you will have a very good chance of hearing people | | | | among the best in this part of the world, drawing |
| speaking Mayan as their day to day language, with | | | | residents from central America. The city is also |
| Spanish as the main language. The city was originally | | | | planning on investing directly into retirement-focused |
| Mayan, established in the 13th century, and | | | | facilities in the near future, making retirement even |
| abandoned by the Mayans before the Spanish arrived | | | | more attractive here. |
| in the 16th century, renaming the city Merida after | | | | And what kind of property do you imagine for your |
| the city in Spain. | | | | retirement? A luxury beachfront condo, a beautiful |
| In the touristic colonial center, many people also | | | | single family home near a golf course, a traditional |
| speak English, and are very willing to help new | | | | Mexican home in a Colonial neighborhood? Merida |
| residents find their way around. Near the city's main | | | | offers these and much more, all at prices more |
| attractions, police booths also include pamphlets and | | | | accessible than you might imagine. Consider Merida |
| information in English. The city is clean, picturesque | | | | for your retirement. It might just be the place for |
| and very safe. On Sundays the old folks get | | | | you. |
| together to dance in the city square, and the young | | | | |