If you imagine the perfect place to retire, what comes to mind? For most people, beauty, nature, creativity, nice people, cleanliness, safety, and comfort are all important considerations. Retirement homes in Mexico offer all of these — and more.
Specialized guides like Condé Nast Traveler list Mexico as one of the best places to retire. The country is increasingly filled with dream options that combine its best qualities while offering a heavy dose of luxury living. Options such as cohousing are also becoming an attractive choice for people who want to live with privacy but at the same time enjoy the psychological and emotional benefits of living in a community. As a result of this demand, Mexico is increasingly creating groundbreaking retirement projects focused on collaborative housing specialized for the needs of modern life.
But what is really on offer if you are considering making Mexico your retirement destination? Here are some of the best retirement homes currently available for those looking to move:
Belmont Village, Mexico City
The Belmont is located in Santa Fe, one of the most exclusive areas of Mexico City. This luxury condominium tower offers the possibility of independent living, specialist care and Alzheimer’s specialists. On the first floor, you’ll find shops and restaurants, a signature dining room, an all-day bistro, a full-service salon and a professionally staffed fitness center. Additionally, there is a library and even an on-site chef.
“Basically, it is an all-inclusive hotel concept, with services, facilities, and activities available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., such as painting, yoga and gym,” The Belmont explained to Mexico News Daily.
“We offer two programs tailored to the cognitive state of our residents, with 4 levels of attention, as well as a medical area with 24-hour services. We also provide a free chauffeur service that can take residents within a 5 km radius, whether it be to the beautiful La Mexicana park or the shopping center in Santa Fe, or wherever they prefer.”
Most importantly, there is a pedestrian bridge connecting the tower to the emergency room of the ABC Medical Center, and 24-hour medical and specialized care services are available on-site.
Le Grand Senior Living, Huixquilucan, Estado de México
Le Grand, located on the edge of Mexico City in tranquil Huixquilucan, prioritizes an “Active Living” approach. They promote a meaningful, quality experience based on happiness through neurostimulation, physical and emotional care, motivation, well-being, socialization, life purpose, and legacy. Residents at Le Grand can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including communication and public speaking, acting and comedy, music therapy, reading circles, crafts and concerts. The facility also aims to promote the personal autonomy of older adults.
Huixquilucan, where the facility is located, is known for being highly exclusive. It is surrounded by popular destinations such as the Interlomas Shopping Centre and Paseo Interlomas, both of which offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, and amenities for residents to enjoy a relaxing stroll.
The Gardens of Mazatlán
Retire in style with the Gardens of Mazatlán. The retirement complex has an onsite chef who prepares meals according to each resident’s individual preferences. When it comes to healthcare, every floor of the building has its own dedicated nurse to ensure the best care is always available. The Gardens also offer emotional support and lifestyle activities. Pets and plants are also allowed!
The suites come with a delightful ocean view, allowing residents to take in the stunning Pacific sunsets in all their glory. Mazatlán is an ideal choice for senior expats seeking a place to enjoy their retirement due to its proximity to the border, natural beauty and pleasant weather, with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (78 F). The town also has over 50 miles of beaches. One of the main attractions of The Garden of Mazatlán is the surrounding beauty, including the historic downtown area, the Mazatlán Lighthouse, the picturesque Malecón (considered the largest in Mexico and one of the largest in the world), the impressive Aquarium, opportunities for whale watching, the renowned Witches’ Beach, the Mazatlán Marina, and much more.
Cielito Lindo Senior Living, San Miguel de Allende
With beautiful facilities, including a pool, this place is known for adapting its activities to the personal needs and preferences of its residents, offering options such as tennis, thermal pools, a gym, and other amenities. They also have specialists in medical and cognitive conditions, including dementias such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Vascular Dementia, Aphasia, and others.
Undoubtedly, one of the best features of this property is its location — in beautiful San Miguel de Allende. The city has been consistently voted as the Best Small City by Condé Nast Traveler for several years. It is a top choice for expats and tourists worldwide due to its climate, rich history, vibrant colors, cleanliness, and safety.
Edén, Cuernavaca
This place feels like a vacation, with 56 suites and an on-site chef. Edén aims for the perfect balance of emotional, mental, and physical health. Staff include specialists such as gerontologists, psychologists, therapists and orthopedic surgeons. The home also offers services such as mental gymnastics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, holistic massage, social integration activities, board games, yoga, Chi-Kung, laughter therapy, singing classes, reading circles and much more.
“Cuernavaca is a great place for the elderly because of several qualities,” explained José Alberto Benítez, Edén’s commercial director. “The city boasts one of the best climates in the world due to its altitude, which is highly beneficial for the cardiovascular system.”
“We emphasize a holistic approach that promotes stimulation for our residents, as we aim for them to enjoy fulfilling lives through various forms of care.” Benítez continued. “We provide holistic care because we believe that the human being requires diverse types of care.”
Alicia’s Convalescent Nursing Home, Ajijic
The extraordinary story of this project begins with Alicia. After 30 years of service, the experienced geriatric nurse decided to open her own residential home for retirees. Now, Alicia operates 4 homes in La Floresta, Ajijic, a peaceful area that is totally surrounded by nature. All four homes are decorated with immaculate taste, and feel like an authentic Mexican country house. In terms of care, a staff of nurses and maids are available to take care of clients. The houses are designed for ambulatory guests and are fully equipped with a kitchen, laundry, and other facilities for group living.
Ajijic, situated on Lake Chapala, has emerged as one of the most sought-after Pueblos Mágicos in Jalisco. Renowned for its murals, cobbled streets, restaurants, galleries, clothing stores and cafes, it is an ideal destination to savor the pleasant weather, tranquility, and enchanting ambiance of the small town.
Dämadi, CDMX
Dämadi operates several different locations across the capital, including the southern suburbs of Tlalpan and El Pedregal. The activities on offer are varied and include gardening, yoga and therapeutic gymnastics, art, technology, spirituality, spa and aromatherapy. Aspiring cooks can work alongside the chef to create breakfasts, meals, desserts, and snacks. Dämadi also offers 24/7 medical care, physiotherapy and beauty services such as manicures, podiatry, hairstyling, and makeup. Residents will never be bored here.
The Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood is a stunning area filled with work by renowned architects Luis Barragán and Max Cetto. This neighborhood is famed for its collection of beautiful designer houses dating back to the 1950s, set in the picturesque south of Mexico City.
Tips for choosing the best retirement home
One important factor to consider when choosing a retirement home is to look for references. The experiences of others are key to getting an idea of the quality of the place. Another aspect to consider is the institution’s vision of care for the elderly. It’s important to remember that people are aging later in life, and places must adapt to this new reality by providing spaces and services that make residents feel free and alive.
Always visit the facilities before making a decision, and remember that green spaces are essential for quality of life. Cleanliness is important, but also consider the overall atmosphere – do people seem happy?
Are there any other places that you would recommend?
Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.
Thanks for this coverage. I moved to Ajijic with my Mom in 2015, seeking better (and more affordable) care. Glad to covered Lake Chapala, the place that’s been caring for foreign-born seniors longer than just about anywhere else in Mexico. The model is not perfect and there are some trade-offs. But the cost here runs around $1600-2,300 per month. it’s important to factor in the year-round climate conditions and the impact of altitude (and air quality). The US model is hopelessly busted. Can Mexico provide an alternative? That depends. The government continues to miss this opportunity by not prioritizing senior care model incentives or even the most basic of regulation/monitoring. Most “casas” here are just that: converted homes. Nothing wrong with that. But caregiver training is very slow to take root and you can’t expect anything close to innovation or adoption of the latest in senior care practices or protocols. That’s fine for some, but a missed economic development opportunity for Mexico.
Great comment, which also reflects my experience: I have an elderly aunt who lives in Wisconsin. Her husband died in January after suffering from Alzheimer. The disruption and financial stress they had to go through until he passed on was awful – it seems like the US and state governments only cater for the rich – tough luck if you’re frail and don’t belong to the top 1% in terms of wealth.
In comparison: my father-in-law, a proud middle-class Mexican with strong family values was well taken care of by his family and could stay at home until the end despite Parkinson. Mainly because one of his daughters took care of him and organised medical care.
This article from MND shows there are some options for assisted living for the elderly and thank God, they show some variety in locations and budget.
Even though: much remains to be done to to meet the needs of middle class or lower income families looking for affordable options for their elderly. Time for the Mexican government to wake up and to offer some incentives to tap into traditional mexican family values. Most of us don’t live in the glamorous world of Conde Naste travellers.
The blurb about Cielito Lindo is inaccurate when it says “…one of the best features of this property is its location — in beautiful San Miguel de Allende”. While technically true — it’s within the SMA regional municipality –– the reality is a 15 minute drive into the actual city. However, there are regular shuttles for those with sufficient mobility.
Greg great very informative response.
It seems like yesterday that the reason almost everyone came to Mexico was for the 4000+sq ft house. That was the “perk” to move here because you give up so much. But then the place kinda grows on you and the house becomes an added bonus.
Now it seems so ironic/surreal or maybe both that Americans are renting from Mexicans. Well, that’s a topic for another day.
Best to everyone.
Also check out Ohana in San Juan Cosalá, a price home in the Malecon, run by husband wife team trained as nurses in geriatrics and surgery. My Mom lived there the last 3 1/2 years of her life and even when we had to move her to the memory care she was always tested with respect. They even called Mom or Barbarita
Don’t forget Queretaro, a progressive, safe city less than on hour from San Miguel de Allende at much less cost. It is also where San Miguelians go for advanced quality healthcare.
Make sure you check their references first. My husband had Alzheimer’s and was at Alicia’s in Ajijic and ended up suffering from an infection on his back (big smelly hole) plus being mal nourished plus had deep bedsores. I had to fly him to a hospital where he was for a week and then brought him home where he received a years long care to repair the damage.
They let him SUFFER and kept telling me he was okay.
Where are the prices????
Cielito Lindo is NOT in San Miguel de Allende; it’s a 10-15 minute drive from El Centro in a suburban development called Los Labradores. Also, it would be helpful to know what level of English services are available at the residences in the story.
After having spend our winter months in Brazil it was time to get closer to home (Montreal) for our winter escape, we chose Mexico in the Chapala area, never regretted it.
Healthcare was so much better than in Canada, no long waiting times to get an appointment!
We never regretted the move which became permanent after a few years.
We love our home and all the facilities closeby. Made great local friends too.
Now full time resident here, things are even better, no more two homes to look after!
Speaking several languages including Spanish,communication is easy and we made great local friends.
My mom spent over 3 years in Cielito Lindo. First my Dad’s wedding ring that she wore all the time “disappeared”. Then her Zeiss binoculars joined the wedding ring. The flowers and flower beds were maintained beautifully at first, because they attracted hummingbirds and butterflies. WOW!!! Until they were no longer maintained. At that point my mom had no need for the binoculars. She had more than a few urinary tract infections, which can be attributed to infrequent diaper changes. One of the doctors, who was a geriatric specialist, who was about to retire. He admitted that diapers were often used for the convenience of the staff. I brought medication for her from the US, which maintained her mental clarity. Until they stopped working. I always wondered if the medication joined the wedding ring, the binoculars and oh – did I mention some of her bras and panties disappeared. I was able to get her out of there a month before she died, as she was accepted into a lovely facility in the center of SMA. No one from CL sent a note of condolence. What a surprise.
If many gringos come to these or other retirement homes in Mx, they will crowd out Mexicans and the added demand will make retirement in Mx a lot costlier. It will be the gentrification of retirement in Mx