vantexan
Amarillo, TX
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Joined: 10/03/2006
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I've been reading the "Mexican Camping" book and it seems by changing altitude occasionally you can "follow the seasons" the way fulltimers do in the States. And find nice enough RV parks to stay in. For those who know RVing in Mexico and the States well, do the benefits of fulltiming in Mexico outweigh the negatives? Can a guy with an $1100 a month pension do better in Mexico? Also I'm considering making Ciudad Victoria my base due to it's proximity to McAllen. During the hot months take off for the interior. I emailed the Victoria Trailer Park, also known as "Rosies Place." No response, are they still in business? The Church book shows they have a monthly rate. Thanks!
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 08/24/2003
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I'm not sure that Full Timing in an RV in Mexico would be the way to go. We find that unless You are able to " Live like a Native" the cost of Groceries can be pretty high and paying rent in most proper RV Parks is as much as The US or Canada.
I guess if You could find someone with a vacant Lot somewhere You might do better Rent Wise!
Of Course the other consideration would be " Habla Espanol?" and Your Security!
Mexico is a Wonderful place to Visit however and depending on Your needs could be a nice place to Retire as well.
I have met a few Retiree's who Live in Rather Non Descrip Old Campers and Trailers along the Coast on Baja. They were basically Drop Outs from mainstream society and lived pretty frugally .
Rob & Jean
Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..Tracker 4X2
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moisheh
North America
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Joined: 05/04/2002
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Good Sam RV Club
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Sounds like a fun retirement plan. There are some small hurdles to overcome. You did not say what type of vehicle you will be driving. If it is trailer or motorhome you can get a 10 year permit for the RV. But your toad or tow vehicle can only have a 6 month permit. If you will indeed be near the border it is easy to turn in your old permit, drive to the USA and return for a new permit. If you are further south then a return to the border is required. Some trailer parks in Mexico close in the summer. These are mostly along the west coast where it is hot! There is a person on this forum who RV's all year round ( but not full time) along the East Coast. With a small pension you will not be doing much travelling. One thing to consider is Health Care. That pension will not provide much coverage. If you have some coverage in the USA or Medicare odds are there will not be any Mexican coverage. Health care is relatively inexpensive in Mexico but a serious ilness would certainly eat up that pension quickly! Your age, health and savings would give you the answer to this problem. I am sure others will join in and offer suggestions.
Moisheh
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lakesidetilly
Ajijic,MX and Michigan Yooper
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Joined: 10/26/2006
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I stayed at Rosie's for a night about six weeks ago. I drove in after dark as the gate was still open. It didn't appear to be anyone around but while I was deciding what to do(I had never been there before)Billy came running after me and Rosie soon behind. She is a sweetheart.
* This post was
edited 11/29/09 11:52am by lakesidetilly *
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vantexan
Amarillo, TX
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Joined: 10/03/2006
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moisheh wrote:Sounds like a fun retirement plan. There are some small hurdles to overcome. You did not say what type of vehicle you will be driving. If it is trailer or motorhome you can get a 10 year permit for the RV. But your toad or tow vehicle can only have a 6 month permit. If you will indeed be near the border it is easy to turn in your old permit, drive to the USA and return for a new permit. If you are further south then a return to the border is required. Some trailer parks in Mexico close in the summer. These are mostly along the west coast where it is hot! There is a person on this forum who RV's all year round ( but not full time) along the East Coast. With a small pension you will not be doing much travelling. One thing to consider is Health Care. That pension will not provide much coverage. If you have some coverage in the USA or Medicare odds are there will not be any Mexican coverage. Health care is relatively inexpensive in Mexico but a serious ilness would certainly eat up that pension quickly! Your age, health and savings would give you the answer to this problem. I am sure others will join in and offer suggestions.
Moisheh
I'm thinking if money gets tight returning to States to do temp jobs for a few months while pension checks build up. At least until Social Security starts at 62. My pension starts at 55. I currently own a 12 yr old 26' travel trailer but plan to buy new when I retire. Something smaller, possibly a Capri truck camper. Found a blog of an American couple living in C.Victoria on $800 a month. He runs to McAllen for VA medical. Said they rent a nice 2 bedroom home in nice area for $250 a month. But they use fans instead of AC, which in that heat I'm doubtful I could do. And I"m recently a type II diabetic. So you're right, need to consider healthcare.
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vantexan
Amarillo, TX
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Joined: 10/03/2006
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lakesidetilly wrote:I stayed at Rosie's for a night about six weeks ago. I drove in after dark as the gate was still open. It didn't appear to be anyone around but while I was deciding what to do(I had never been there before)Billy came running after me and Rosie soon behind. She is a sweetheart.
Thanks, seems like a good place to be. Hopefully they'll have wi-fi someday.
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vantexan
Amarillo, TX
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Joined: 10/03/2006
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robatthelake wrote:I'm not sure that Full Timing in an RV in Mexico would be the way to go. We find that unless You are able to " Live like a Native" the cost of Groceries can be pretty high and paying rent in most proper RV Parks is as much as The US or Canada.
I guess if You could find someone with a vacant Lot somewhere You might do better Rent Wise!
Of Course the other consideration would be " Habla Espanol?" and Your Security!
Mexico is a Wonderful place to Visit however and depending on Your needs could be a nice place to Retire as well.
I have met a few Retiree's who Live in Rather Non Descrip Old Campers and Trailers along the Coast on Baja. They were basically Drop Outs from mainstream society and lived pretty frugally .
One feature the new Mexican Camping book has is if the park offers a monthly rate and what price range it falls in. But your point is valid. I may just look for a cheap apartment. Really love RVing and would like to hit the road every now and then. Guess I can do that with motels too!
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Linda from Canada
Grand Marais,Manitoba,Canada & Zihuatanejo,Mexico
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Joined: 09/04/2004
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We have a friend here in Zihua who arrived in her motorhome 4 years ago and has stayed ever since. She has had a sun room built beside her motorhome and this is home. She visits Canada in July sometimes, and on a couple of occasions has taken a short trip to Europe. She is very comfortable.
The comments about groceries being expensive- we don't find that to be the case for us. We pretty much cook/eat like we did in Canada...for much less cost.
My advice would be to try it & see how you like it. That's one of the advantages to a home on wheels- you can move it wherever you want. After a year or 2 you will know if that is what you want to do and will be able to do something different if you choose. go for it!
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Bromley
Mexico
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Joined: 05/09/2009
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We have been living in Mexico full time for 9 months now. We have a 34 foot motorhome and have been travelling down the east coast and are now in the Cancun area. Food is definitly cheaper here as is the cost of living ( even in expensive Quintana Roo. For the two of us we have been spending about $1200 month includes RV park rent. That includes eating very well and drinking too much . We have our FM3's so we don't have to leave the country every 6 months and your car is OK as long as your FM3 is current. You can also apply for government medical coverage in Mexico for about $200 year if you are under 60. GO FOR IT. We do not live like outcasts from society. No we don't eat out 3 or 4 times a week.
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vantexan
Amarillo, TX
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Bromley wrote:We have been living in Mexico full time for 9 months now. We have a 34 foot motorhome and have been travelling down the east coast and are now in the Cancun area. Food is definitly cheaper here as is the cost of living ( even in expensive Quintana Roo. For the two of us we have been spending about $1200 month includes RV park rent. That includes eating very well and drinking too much . We have our FM3's so we don't have to leave the country every 6 months and your car is OK as long as your FM3 is current. You can also apply for government medical coverage in Mexico for about $200 year if you are under 60. GO FOR IT. We do not live like outcasts from society. No we don't eat out 3 or 4 times a week.
That's very encouraging, thanks! This is something that's still years away, really envy you!
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