Well, daverich, thanks for the support. I never said I wouldn't visit or even stay for an extended period of time. As for learning something about other cultures and ways of life, I can certianly do it, by visiting, reading and observing, without giving up my citizenship. Proud to be an American.
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edited 06/13/08 03:48pm by an administrator/moderator *
Drew, Lora & our boys
2007 Chevy Silverado 2500HD CC, 4x4, Duramax w/Allison, and Timbrens
Highjacker Ultra 16,000 lbs Super Slide Hitch
2007 Cougar 289 BHS
Honda EU 3000W
2007 34' Shadow 4 horse trailer
My neighbors brother lives in Mexico on his military retirement, so it can be done. He does not have all of the amenities we may have, but he enjoys the pace of life. Personally, I have lived in Japan, Korea, the PI, Germany and Italy and nothing comes close to my native country, the good old US of A.
As Jonna stated, you can have all of the above. I am just one step away from Mexican citizenship. All I need to do is go to Relaciones Exteriores and turn in my U.S. passport and show my FM2 Inmigrado status and take the oath. A new passport will be issued in 7 days.
I can also apply for dual citizenship. The problem there is only one. If you are a dual citizen and request help from the U.S. embassy or consulate, you will most likely be denied as they will look at you as Mexican on Mexican turf. I am happy with my "almost" status as I get the best of both worlds.
As for cheaper, sure it can be done. You can buy a small house in a colonia de interes social for less than 20,000 dollars and have a small two bedroom house of about 45-60 sq. meters depending on the area or city you live in. But all the services such air conditioning, cable tv, etc. are the same price everywhere in the world.
Our monthly house expenses (house is paid for) including car insurance on two cars and a TT, all utilities, private medical insurance, is around 800 dollars a month not including incidentals, groceries and maintenance on cars and house. The electric is high in Monterrey for many reasons (mostly because we pay for the rest of the countries subsidies) pool maintenance and the fact that we live far from town and spend about 350 dollars a month on gas between two cars. I could provide a more detailed list if requested. No maid or gardener, I do it all (by choice).
If you are really into economical living, first is to chose a climate that doesn't require heating or air conditioning, and there are lots of places like that in Central Mexico. Second, as Jonna said, steer clear of major cities and tourist areas. Places like Morelia and the highlands of Veracruz come to mind, although if you like beaches chose places where there are very small towns and little infrastructure. We are hoping to go solar in the next year to help eliminate that pesky light bill.
INEGI has lots of data to be sifted through in terms of cost of living, salaries, cost of fuel and electricity based on area and income. Worth sifting through. I will say, had I known then what I know today I would have done many things differently in the last 20 some odd years.
I may still become a Mexican. Hundreds of millions have died with their Mexican citizenship and have lived very happy lives.
It is all ridicules. Every place has pros and cons / good and bad including the USA. If you do not realize this you are blind with ego & ignorance. Mexico, Canada and USA are great places with good people. Where are you happy? Where and what can you afford? Find what works for you and ignore everyone else. When you are dead it will not matter. ENJOY!
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
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edited 06/13/08 03:46pm by an administrator/moderator *
Mexicans are allowed a long rifle for hunting. But, very difficult to get permission to hunt on personal property. There are hunting reserves and hunting resorts. No pistols allowed. Americans have to prearrange for permits for long rifle before crossing to hunt at a hunting resort or use the resort's rifles. DO NOT cross without permits/permission or you will get the Go Direct to Jail card. This includes ammo and spent casings. This is a very touchy subject with the Mexican Government. Personal protection in Mexico is the knife. When we were in the bottom of Copper Canyon, everyone (men) carries a knife in the small of their back tucked into their pants. Most of the time it is covered but look closely and you will see it. A different world!
Thanks Mod. I was just returning to cleanup my earlier post. Was not quite PC.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
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edited 06/13/08 06:30pm by rocmoc *
Thank you all. I was thinking the Guadalajara area due to the even climate. I have read some books but that was several years ago. I know things change and costs go up everywhere. I was not thinking of trying to retire in a resort town. Keeping it simple and low key was my plan.
FWIW I fought for this country in a very unpopular war. I am disabled because of it. I also love my country. I am as patriotic as they come. I would never give up my US citizenship.
But sometimes things change. Things that other folks don't realize before condemning you.
05 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT SC DRW 4X4 CTD G56 373's CAI,Edge Juice/Attitude,Jake,Rancho9000x,Torklift tie downs,Superhitch,Stable Loads
04 S&S Avalanche 9' with slide 26th Marines RVN 69-70 Semper Fi M-14 was the only Woodstock I saw in 1969.
Just think. If we all did this, in 5 years we would all be down there and they would all be up here. Then they would all want to immigrate back home and we wouldn't need the fence in the first place. I have solved the problem and saved billions of dollars. Thank you, thank you very much.
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Years ago there was some whacko Canadian political party that had an idea. Sell Canada to the USA. The price would be 1,000,000 for every Canuck. The USA would get all the oil, water and minerals. Canadians would become instant millionaires and move to Arizona or Florida!!
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