In Mexico, We Live on Social Security and Life Is Good Jason Holland - International Living
go to original October 5, 2016

One of Chris and Rex McCaskill’s favorite things to do these days is relax on their rooftop terrace, enjoying views of the stunning surrounding countryside and the comfortable, never-too-hot climate that stays in the 70s most days.

After rewarding but long careers in the U.S., the couple (who were self-confessed workaholics) was ready to retire. Chris, 65, worked for elected officials in the field of public policy and Rex, 64, was a software developer. They chose San Miguel de Allende, a charming town in Mexico’s Colonial Highlands, moving down permanently four years ago.

A lower cost of living was one motivation for retiring in Mexico.

“In Austin, we were paying $700 a month for heat and air conditioning. We were paying property taxes of $12,000 a year and now live comfortably with taxes of $200 a year,” says Chris. “Here in San Miguel, economics and lifestyle go hand in hand. We spend money on quality of life things, not air conditioning or taxes. We can take our money from Social Security and our quality of life is pretty darn good.”

The couple live in a large home in a gated community just outside the city center. After paying for the home, they had funds left over to customize. They enclosed an outdoor area to make a large room for their quilting machine— - t’s a big hobby of theirs and requires a lot of space. And they set up their rooftop terrace, where they spend a lot of time.

It’s full of plants: lemon trees, pomegranates, herbs…many ingredients that make it into their home-cooked meals. Each morning, they make a smoothie with fruits like pineapple, papaya, berries and apples, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that they get at their local farmers’ market.

Read the rest at International Living

Related: Retirement Abroad Can be Done in Style, But Watch Out for These Things (CNBC)

Related: 9 Reasons Why Expats Are Still Flocking to Mexico (The Huffington Post)

Related: Quitting Canada: How to Retire in Spring-Like Paradise in the Autumn of Your Life (Financial Post)

Related: Is Mexico Your Perfect Retirement Destination? (InternationalLiving.com)

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