By Susan Hunt-Bradford, Healthy Planet Publisher
Photo: Kathy and Andy Bacon
Kathy and Andy Bacon, moved to Mazatlán, Mexico for their retirement years. I was curious how they decided upon that city and why they left the states. Kathy gave me great in-depth answers regarding their choices.
1. What made you decide to move to a foreign country?
After living in Seattle and facing rising crime, political unrest, and soaring costs of food and real estate, we decided that if we were going to retire, it should be in a place where our retirement savings and social security would allow us to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
2. How did you choose Mazatlán?
We chose Mazatlán for retirement because it offers a laid-back lifestyle with a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a lower cost of living compared to what we were used to. The city combines a rich cultural heritage with modern amenities, making it an appealing balance between traditional and contemporary living. The local warmth and vibrant atmosphere make every day feel like a vacation. Additionally, Mazatlán offers access to quality healthcare, fresh local produce, and a slower pace of life, which perfectly suits our desire for a more relaxed and enjoyable retirement.
3. Were there other locations you were thinking about moving to?
Yes, we looked into Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, and Thailand. Having lived in Thailand twice before, we loved it there, but after our research, we felt Mexico would be a better fit because it’s closer to the U.S., making it easier to visit family. Our friends and family in the U.S. are also familiar with Mexico from their vacations and have always enjoyed it. Spain and Portugal were becoming more expensive due to the influx of expats, and Costa Rica felt too small for us, especially since we enjoy traveling. Mexico, with its rich architecture and vibrant culture, felt like the perfect place for us.
4. Where did you live prior to moving to Mexico?
We lived in Seattle, Washington, in an area called Capital Hill.
5. Was your husband on board with retiring to Mazatlán?
Yes, he took the lead on the research for a full year, thanks to his engineering background, and was more than ready to retire somewhere like Mexico. We were both eager for a change, especially after years of Seattle’s dreary weather, constant rain, and the all-too-short summers.
6. Prior to retiring what did you and your husband have as careers?
We’ve both explored various careers over the years and never really fit into the mold of working at the same corporate job for 30 years. My husband was an engineer at ENRON for many years (and we all know how that ended), which eventually led him into real estate as an investor and house flipper. Before we moved to Mexico, he managed 21 apartment buildings in Seattle, where he worked as a property manager. That job was incredibly stressful due to the city’s high crime rate.
I spent many years working in education while my kids were in school. Later, I founded a nonprofit affiliate in Denver called Dress for Success, and I’m proud to say it’s still going strong into its 19th year. After that, I hosted several radio shows—Pay it Forward Radio, Fashion Forward Radio, and What’s Your Story Radio—long before podcasting became popular. I loved those experiences, using my voice to highlight people making a meaningful impact in the world. Before moving to Mazatlán, I was semi-retired, working at a boutique in Seattle, selling beautiful fashion. I still write the blog for the owner from here in Mexico. Writing has always been my passion.
7. Was it difficult to move to Mexico?
Let’s just say it was a process. Fortunately, we had already experienced moving overseas once before, selling nearly everything—except our art—before returning to Seattle after 20 years. That transition made us embrace minimalism, especially knowing retirement was on the horizon. We were mindful not to accumulate too many material possessions when we came back.
We had to apply for residency visas before moving to Mexico, but at the time, the Mexican consulate in Seattle was only accepting nationals. So, we ended up traveling to Las Vegas to secure our one-year visas. Other than that, the move involved packing just a few essentials and items we knew we’d return for once we decided to settle in Mazatlán. Most of our clothes, kitchen odds and ends, and our art are stored in one of my mom’s spare bedrooms.
Bringing our cat, Zoey was a breeze. Her ticket cost $100, and she stayed comfortably in her carrier under the seat in front of us. We gave her a mild relaxer before the flight, and she handled the trip just fine, which was a huge relief. Mexico makes it pretty easy to bring pets, as long as you have confirmation from a vet that their vaccinations are up to date.
8. What are some tips you’d give others wanting to retire to a foreign country.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK – Before making the final decision to move, visit the place you’re considering, to ensure it’s the right fit. Dive into research online, but be mindful—forums, especially on Facebook, can sometimes be harsh. YouTube is a great resource too—watch videos from people living there and reach out to them directly. Connect via WhatsApp and ask all the questions you have. Remember, don’t take everything you read at face value. We connected with real people living in Mazatlán, and they gave us valuable insights. My husband spent a full year researching before we made the move. Be sure you understand the types of places you’d like to live in during retirement. Also, evaluate the healthcare options—make sure they fit your budget or that you have a plan to return home if something major arises.
For us, it was important to live in a neighborhood with a mix of both Mexicans and expats, not just a community overrun by foreigners. Many areas in Mexico are becoming saturated with expats, but we wanted to immerse ourselves in the local culture. The Mexican people are wonderful, and I feel fortunate to live in their country. We also wanted to be in a walkable area, close to restaurants and markets, making it easy to maintain our lifestyle. We didn’t bring a car with us and honestly, we don’t need one. There’s plenty of affordable transportation options like buses, Uber, and DiDi (which is similar to Uber), so buying a car just doesn’t feel necessary for us.
Yes, there are cartels in Mexico. People often ask if it’s safe, and honestly, I hate that question. Everyone knows the cartels exist here, but the reality is they have no interest in us. Their conflicts are internal, and not in Mazatlán, where we live. I used to live in Seattle, a beautiful city in the U.S., but there were shootings and stabbings regularly right in our neighborhood. Now, the streets are overrun with homelessness and drug users, and crime is rampant. People will rob or even kill without hesitation. With the police defunded, there’s barely any law enforcement unless you’re on death’s doorstep. It’s chaos! I could go on, but honestly, I’m just so much happier here in Mexico.
Once again, don’t believe everything you read or hear in the media. Sadly, the media thrives on fear, and if you let it, it will scare you senseless. We haven’t had regular TV with local channels since 2015, and it’s been incredibly freeing. The constant noise is gone, and we’re much happier for it. I could go on about this, but I’ll stop here. Don’t be afraid to explore the world—it’s vast, and filled with beautiful people. I’m grateful for the amazing individuals I’ve met along the way!
9. Tell me more about the pros of living in Mazatlán.
There are many pros here when you are on a fixed income and on Social Security or a pension, etc.
Rent here is about a quarter of what it would cost in the U.S. We live in a beachfront condo with incredible amenities—a gym, sauna, infinity pool, rooftop jacuzzi, and 24/7 front desk service in the lobby. There’s even a parking spot, though we don’t need it, and a deck that overlooks a charming local park. We pay $1,500 USD a month, which includes everything—Wi-Fi, water—except for electricity. Electricity runs us about $45 USD a month with air conditioning running most of the time
Food here is significantly cheaper, and you can visit the market daily to get all the fresh produce and meats you want. I’m lucky because my husband is the cook, so he handles all the shopping. He’s consistently amazed by the low prices. Dining out is also incredibly affordable, with options ranging from local cuisine to international fare. While prices can vary depending on the type of food, they’re still much cheaper than what you’d find in the U.S.
Healthcare here is absolutely amazing. Although we can’t use Medicare, paying out of pocket is very affordable. Our doctor is highly professional and is dedicated to ensuring we receive the best care, whether that means guiding us to the right hospital or specialist. He even makes house calls for just $25 USD. Many medications that require a prescription in the U.S. are available over the counter at reputable pharmacies here, and they cost a fraction of what we were accustomed to paying.
Affording dental care in the U.S. was always a challenge, and I hadn’t been to the dentist in years. But my experience here has been exceptional. My dentist provides outstanding care at very reasonable prices. When she told me I needed a root canal and that a specialist would handle it, I was nervous. She reassured me, saying she would accompany me to the appointment. True to her word, she was there, holding my hand throughout the procedure. I’m no longer afraid of dental work. The root canal and crown cost just $285 USD, while a similar procedure in the U.S. a few years ago cost $1,500 USD, and I’m sure it’s even more now.
I get a massage at home twice a month for just $27 USD, and I can also get pedicures, manicures, or facials if I want. I’ve never been able to enjoy such affordable and convenient services in the U.S. Here, it’s common to have these services come directly to you.
I have a wonderful housecleaner who comes weekly and does a thorough job for just $22 USD. With no carpeting here, keeping the floors clean can be quite a task, especially as we’ve gotten older. It’s a fantastic perk for us.
My cat used to be extremely frightened of going to the vet, and we would have to give her medication to keep her calm. Here, the vet comes to our home and provides all the services she would at her office, including giving her a pedicure, all for just $30 USD.
The people here are truly exceptional. Mexicans are incredibly friendly and patient, especially with those of us who are learning their language, which I am. It’s so refreshing to walk down the street and have people make eye contact, smile, and greet you with a “Good morning” or “Hello.” I can’t remember the last time anyone acknowledged me like that while I was living in Seattle—such interactions were quite rare there.
For being on a fixed income now, I have to say we live quite comfortably and are enjoying our lives here.
10. Are there any cons regarding where you live?
I would say the cons would be the heat and humidity in the summer months. We lived in Thailand a few times, and this is nothing compared to the heat there. But you can swim, go to the beach or be inside with an air conditioner. You have options. Lots of people go to cooler places during the summer months. It would be a good time to visit family in cooler places.
Since we haven’t bought a place here, we have only what the furnished apartment offers. It’s nice, but I miss my art and some of my little knick knacks. We do plan on buying in about a year so then we will then retrieve our belongings from my mom’s.
It’s important to learn the language of the country you will be living in. I am taking Spanish now and I will tell you I can’t wait to speak and understand. If you don’t speak the language, you miss out on lots of conversations with the locals and what’s happening.
It’s a bit harder to make friends but we have seemed to find people that have become friends. Not all expats that live here stay during the summer season. I have made some Mexican friends that are bilingual and hope to make more as time goes on.
11. Are you currently working? If so, where?
I’m currently working for Meadow Boutique in Seattle, the place I was employed before I moved. I was a sales associate there for four years and managed the blog on their website, featuring new merchandise each week. Since I left, she continues to pay me to handle the blog from here, as she doesn’t have anyone on staff familiar with writing it. It’s really a part-time job, taking just a few hours each week.
Here in Mazatlán, I write for MazatlánLife, where I contribute to the “Shop Talk” section and create fictional stories about the park across the street from our building. I do this as a volunteer writer. The publication’s owner, Sheila Madsen, has been the editor for 13 years. You can check it out at MazatlánLife. All things I love writing; it keeps me engaged and provides opportunities to meet new people along the way. The publication covers local news, events, and updates relevant to residents and visitors. This includes everything from community events to important announcements affecting the area.
12. What is your daily life like?
I wish I could say we have a set schedule, but every day is different, depending on how we feel. The best part is that I’m still young enough to fully enjoy this phase of life. It takes time to adjust to being retired. After working for most of your life, it’s an interesting shift to realize that part of your life is behind you. But we have a great life now sleeping when we want, eating when we want, and deciding whether to head out or stay in for the day. If something doesn’t get finished, there’s always tomorrow. Every day feels like a weekend. Some weeks we’re busy with things to do, while other times we just relax by the pool.
Every morning, we start our day with a cup of coffee while checking emails or posting on social media—that’s about the only routine we stick to. Sometimes, though, we’ll head out to a local café for coffee or breakfast. I really love the quiet moments at home, relaxing on the deck, watching the ocean and the world wake up around me.
One thing I always prioritize is working out. We have a gym in our building, so during the summer months, I’m there at least five days a week. When the weather cools down, I switch to walking outside every day along the ocean. The Malecón has fantastic sidewalks that stretch for miles, and I love getting in my 6-mile walk along the water. Being outdoors, right by the ocean, is something I truly enjoy.
In the evenings, my husband cooks, or we either go out or sit and watch the happenings across the street at the park. We love watching the families come and entertain themselves there. We do have Netflix and Amazon prime so some evenings before bed we might watch something or just listen to our boss or read. The thing love is that I answer to no one, like we di most of our lives working. It’s like a dream somedays. Have I said I love my life?
13. Do you have any regrets moving to Mexico?
No regrets and I really can’t expand on that. We made the right choice because like I said above, we did our homework for a year deciding.
14. Will you permanently stay there?
We will stay here till we get too old to move around and take care of ourselves. We will have a house in Seattle to go back to. It wouldn’t be unheard of to stay here and have Mexican nurses take care of you from your home, but we want to be close to our family when that time comes. The thing is that we never know what tomorrow will bring. If one of us gets sick, we may move back home. But so far, our plan is to stay healthy and keep moving around so we don’t grow old too fast. So far so good!
15. How long have you lived in Mazatlán?
We moved to Mazatlán on January 5, 2024. The first place we moved to was a four-plex and very noisy with vacationers coming and going in our building. We did not know that would be the case or we wouldn’t have moved there. We found out that there are many buildings that allow short time rentals for vacationers so when we moved, we asked those kinds of questions. On May 1, 2024, we decided to move closer to our desired area and are so happy here, we may end up buying a condo in this building. The location and amenities are perfect for us. Also, the building is well maintained, and our property manager is a gem. If anything goes wrong or needs attention, he is right there taking care of things and he speaks perfect English!
16. Do you visit the US?
We will not be visiting the US this year unless there is an emergency. My mom, brother and 3 adult children and one grandson live there. We plan on visiting next year in the heat of the Summer here. Everyone wants to come here now and with an extra bedroom and bath we are welcoming visitors with open arms!
17. Do friends and family visit you?
This year, my daughter and grandson are visiting in November for Thanksgiving, while my younger daughter and her boyfriend are planning to come in January. My husband’s sister and her husband will also be here at the beginning of November. My son hasn’t decided on his visit yet, but since he works from home, he can come whenever and still work if needed. Unfortunately, my mom won’t be visiting—it’s a long trip from Seattle, and there are limited direct flights from the U.S.
18. Was it easy to make friends and acquaintances in a new country?
Meeting people here is definitely a process. We’ve found that connections happen naturally—most of our friends came through spontaneous interactions. But if you really want to deepen those relationships, you have to make an effort. That means joining clubs, diving into local activities, or even sparking up conversations over a meal. The expats and locals here are incredibly friendly, and it’s not unusual for someone to approach you first. Writing for MazatlánLife has introduced me to so many people through interviews. But, like anywhere, it takes time. Eventually, you find your tribe—because not every connection is meant to last.
19. Anything else you want to include.
I’d say don’t wait too long to retire—give yourself the chance to enjoy life while you still have the energy for it. The world is vast, and life is meant to be lived! I’m incredibly grateful we ended up here; we both love it and feel so confident in our decision. Take the time to reflect on what matters most to you and what you’ll need as you get older. Consider your financial situation and choose a place where you can live comfortably in retirement. And honestly, step outside the U.S. for a while—there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored!