North Americans are buying homes in Mexico as an economic refuge and to maintain lifestyle. With the debt ceiling crisis, and political chaos,  more than ever Americans are looking to buy homes for sale in Mexico.   In general,  properties are less expensive in most areas of Mexico, food and other costs are lower .  The quality of life is generally far higher than that enjoyed in the United States on the same income.  Without an issue about mortgages and foreclosures, homes in  most parts of Mexico, have held their value and have even shown increases  in value.   This protects investment and assets.

Put in perspective, rumors and tales of violence are greatly exaggerated throughout most of Mexico.   Per the statistics produced by Softec, Inc.  the chance of death by murder in Mexico is one in 5,000, while death by heart attack is 1 in 5.   The heart attack can be avoided by healthy living and the likelihood of murder at that rate makes it a non-issue.

A couple of areas that represent outstanding value are:  

La Paz, Baja California Sur

Located close to the tip of the Baja Peninsula La Paz is the capital of the state and is situated on the Sea of Cortez with outstanding water sports and fishing.   The city boasts seven universities, a state music school, art galleries and a rich cultural life.  Medical facilities are excellent.   Homes in La Paz can be obtained for as low as 60,000. USD or a luxury waterfront condominium can sell for as high as 1.5 million USD.   What you select will depend upon your budget and your lifestyle.   La Paz has a small town but cosmopolitan atmosphere that is charming to many.   The five kilometer long promenade along the sea is delightful and is enjoyed by all, locals and visitors alike.

Morelia, Michoacan

In the western part of Mexico, Moreliais also a state capital and is a colonial city with outstanding architecture and history.   It enjoys an international airport with access to major US cities and outstanding medical facilities.    There is an international music festival, an international organ festival, a mariachi festival and a world class film festival each year.   New developments located close to the city center offer fine new homes in gated communities.  There are three outstanding golf courses in the city.   Homes range from 40,000. USD  to several hundred thousand, but many are available at the lower end of the scale.   Patzcuaro and Tzintzuntzan, located on fabled Lake Patzcuaro with its butterfly nets and white fish,  offer a more rural feeling but are located only 30 minutes driving time from Morelia.  Values there are similar.

While these cities take advantage of the best of Mexican culture with its folklore, culture, art and history, they will also feel familiar to US and Canadian citizens who look for modern shopping and amenities.                             

In Morelia this year is opening what is touted as the largest commercial center in Latin America with Liverpool, Walmarts and everything else available in the Western world.

In La Paz several wonderful new shopping centers are opening with shopping for all budgets and all tastes.   Liverpool, a luxury department store begun by Frenchmen in the mid 1800s is anchor at the biggest and newest center located near the Whale’s Tale.  

This article is written by Linda Jones Neil, founder of The Settlement Company and Director of Linda Neil Properties,  trusted real estate advisors for all your La Paz needs.   ..  The company frequently sponsors seminars on the various aspects of real estate ownership in Mexico and holds membership in AMPI, NAR and FIABCI and PROFECO Certificate 00063/96

Copyright, 2010   Consultores Phoenix, S.C. Reproduction prohibited without permission.

About the author:

LINDA NEIL has been designated as an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) by the National Association of Realtors® (USA). She is also the founder of The Settlement Company®, which specializes in real estate transfers and escrows, specializing in the Virtual Closing®. Licensed as a California real estate broker, Ms. Neil has pursued her profession in Mexico for over thirty years. Her skills in negotiating contracts between parties from three distinct cultures have placed her services in demand as a consultant and for speaking engagements on Mexican law and customs in Mexico, the United States and Canada. She has been widely published on the subject of real property in Mexico. Memberships; FIABCI, AMPI and NAR.  Linda  is a former  member of the National Advisory Council of AMPI and has served as AMPI Coordinator for the state  of Baja California Sur.