More Canadian snowbirds are choosing Mexico over Florida this year, and the reasons are hard to ignore.
Lower expenses
Money is the biggest factor for most who make the switch. From groceries to eating out to everyday services like haircuts or car washes, a Canadian dollar stretches much further in Mexico.
Add on the fact that Florida is more expensive than ever to live on a daily basis, and Mexico gives retirees a high quality of life where they can enjoy their retirement without worrying about their bank account.
Affordable housing
Whether renting or buying, housing has become one of the largest obstacles to flying south. From property taxes that have skyrocketed to Homeowners Association fees doubling or tripling, Canadians are starting to pay luxury prices for simple condos.
Even if they are looking to buy a beachfront villa or a historic colonial in Mexico, they will pay significantly less. In addition, property taxes will likely be a fraction of what they pay at home.
Insurance crisis
Florida has endured several costly hurricanes over the last few years, causing home insurance premiums to rise by 40% or more over the last decade. Many Canadians have found that just insuring their Florida home for the year costs more than their entire winter trip to Mexico.
Mexico hasn’t experienced the same sharp increase in insurance costs, meaning homeowners can predictably afford to keep a secondary home.
Political climate
Canada tends to pride itself on being polite and never airing the “dirty laundry” of politics in public. From election stresses to changing social policies, Canada’s relationship with the U.S. has some snowbirds feeling too divided.
Many are turning to Mexico as a calm escape from the 24/7 news cycle and just enjoying life.
Medical quality
Mexico has placed major investments into its medical tourism sector. Larger cities offer some of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the country, staffed with English-speaking doctors trained in the United States or Canada.
The medical care is top-notch, but what really attracts snowbirds is that everything costs less. Dental work, prescriptions, and minor procedures can easily be half the price south of the border.
Gun laws
Safety is always a concern. Many Canadian snowbirds have voiced their concerns over Florida’s new “open carry” and “permitless carry” firearm legislation. Many Canadians do not own guns and do not feel comfortable around the gun culture that comes with living in the South of the United States.
Mexican expat communities are a popular solution since Canadians won’t see guns as normalized in public spaces.
Rich culture
Florida offers a familiar feeling of home away from home, but Mexico offers a true cultural adventure. Canadians flock to Mexico for the Fiestas, rich history, and delicious cuisine.
Many Canadians wintering in Mexico view their holiday as an opportunity to learn a new language and immerse themselves in a different way of life.
Better weather
Florida is known for its sunshine, but it can also be humid and experience tropical storms. There are parts of Mexico where the climate is described as perpetual spring, and nowhere is this more true than in Mexico’s central highlands or its Pacific coast.
Less humidity and more predictable sunny days mean Canadians can enjoy being outdoors without boiling over in the Everglades.
Emerging communities
In the past, Mexico was considered rustic and less developed. Now there are established Canadian communities popping up.
In fact, Puerto Vallarta, Lake Chapala, and even Merida are becoming so popular that you can find all the things you love about Canada, including high-speed internet, friendly grocery stores that sell your favorite Canadian products, and large groups of Canadians.
Direct travel
Airlines have also taken note of changing snowbird preferences and are beginning to offer more direct flights. Both Air Canada and WestJet update their winter route schedules yearly and have been steadily increasing the number of non-stop flights from Canada to Mexican beach towns.
Flights to Mexico can actually be quicker and cheaper than connecting through busy southern US airports.
Genuine hospitality
Mexico has a culture of hospitality and respecting your elders that is hard to find elsewhere. Canadians who take the leap to Mexico comment on how appreciated they feel by the locals.
This sense of community is what brings many back year after year and dissuades them from returning to Florida.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.