Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be as easy as it has been to retire to Mexico and also be so enjoyable. OK, so I've only been here 3 weeks, but I feel so comfortable and happy with my decision and I've even found a few things that I did not expect that are downers, but fixable.

Cost of Living

I have found the cost of living what I expected and maybe less.

Housing is incredibly affordable. When house/apartment hunting I saw small 1 & 2 bedroom places anywhere from $400 per month some included utilities, Direct TV and Internet. All had ocean views, that is almost the norm, as we do live in ocean cities or complexes. I'm about 15 miles South of Rosarito and in a village called Puerto Nuevo. And there are hundreds of places for rent and/or sale. My 2brn 1 ½ bath beach front house is $650 per month. I have not received a utility bill yet, but the house has 2/3rds covered buy solar electric and hot water. Several of my neighbors live in All electric houses and their bills run anywhere from $35-65 per month. I also have propane for the kitchen stove and fireplace, here again I'm too new to quote a price. I have seen a couple of 4-6,000 sq ft homes for under $2,000 per month, with killer ocean views, which I also have see the pics in my previous blog

Cost of Food

This was a very pleasant surprise, quality food is easy to find in many small markets and even a huge Walmart has a great selection. The prices are usually less than ½ of the prices in the states.. I purchased to huge rib eye’s at Walmart as I asked the butcher for a special cut almost 2 inches thick total cost under $10, and they were great tasting, head of lettuce $.49, avocado $.49 ea in So Cal $1.49 ea I walk to the local fruit & vegetable market and load up a cloth bag full of fruits and veggies and never pay more than $7.00 bacon ¼ lbs. $2.20 The only downside is that it is recommended to soak all fruit and vegetables for 15 minutes in a bacteria killer solution which costs pennies. At Walmart they have bagged mixed lettuce, which I have had many times and DO NOT soak.

Eating out

Here again very inexpensive. I can walk to 20 lobster restaurants down the beach and get a lobster dinner for 2 for $15.00 and some places include wine. One of the local favorites is a sports bar on the water, where 12 oz beers are $1.50, burger and fries $4.95, many places have daily specials, happy hours, where mixed drinks are $3.00-$5.00. One Mexican restaurant again right on the ocean, $1.00 tacos and $1.00 beers on Taco Tuesdays

Entertainment

Most places have live music Thur-Sun and others have music 5 days a week. Many varieties mostly Pop/ Rockin Roll with a little Mexican mixed in. went to a great concert on New Years Eve where the cover was $10.00 drinks were $5.00 and they combo of a Spanish Guitar Player and Violinist played for 2 ½ hrs World class music. Have not been to the movies yet, but there is a very new shopping complex in Rosarito, with English movies.

Safety

Rule of thumb anywhere in the world is to use good judgment when out and about. Don't go to areas one is not familiar or referred. My limited experience in Mexico, is that I feel safe, as I live in a gated community, with a men who patrols the property day and night I walk the local area without any fear, as a matter of fact it is fun for everyone greets others way more friendly than in the US. The parking lots in shopping areas usually have senior citizens who watch the cars and assist in moving traffic and insuring there are no collisions. The same is true for restaurants and these folks work strictly on tips which are optional. Side comment in the large grocery stores the same is true of bagging groceries they are all working on tips and I was told you had to prove family poverty as these are all 12-15 year olds. And the smallest of tip is shown great appreciation, never have I seen a snarled look and some folks either don' know as was my case for a week or so. This is truly a good ol boy neighbor hood and everyone knows everyone else, and they look out for one another and advice is free and plentiful