Local Spotlight: Living and Retiring in Mexicali

With numerous natural and cultural attractions, entertainment venues, beaches, canyons and more, the scenery of Mexicali is not only stunning, but there is also never a shortage of things to do. Let’s take a look at some important facts regarding […]

With numerous natural and cultural attractions, entertainment venues, beaches, canyons and more, the scenery of Mexicali is not only stunning, but there is also never a shortage of things to do. Let’s take a look at some important facts regarding Mexicali to help you determine if it should make the list of places to check out as you consider retirement in Mexico.

Where in Mexico is Mexicali Located?

Referred to informally as “Chicali”, Mexicali is the city capital of Baja California, Mexico. Located across the border from Calexico in California, it is the capital of the state of Baja California. Established in 1903, it is in close proximity to the United States, making it a great day trip for those United States residents living close to the border.

City Living in Mexicali

Mexico is a world of its own, and Mexicali is no exception. Residents get to experience what city living is all about, as Mexicali is an industrial city with an abundance of businesses, museums, and art galleries to suit people from all walks of life. But bring your sunscreen. With low annual precipitation and a somewhat arid climate, temperatures are higher than those of Tijuana, the nearest major city.

Highlights of Mexicali

Known for plenty of Chinese restaurants, the city is home to over 100 eateries. This is due to the migration of Chinese workers in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. A major historical landmark is Casa de la Cultura, a must-see for those who visit Mexicali. One of the most famous landmarks is the Catedral de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Sports lovers particularly enjoy vacationing in Mexicali, as sports are popular in the city. There is a baseball team, golf, and bullfighting that residents and visitors love to watch and participate in.

What Makes Mexicali Famous?

Mexicali is a city rich in culture. With one of the highest standards of living in the country, Mexicali is home to many international companies, including Coca-cola and Nestle. It is one of Mexico’s most popular towns for tourism. Agriculture is a major industry in the city, as the valley is one of Mexico’s most fertile areas. The generous water supply makes it one of the largest irrigation hubs in the country.

Expat Interaction and Activity in Mexicali

Mexicali is also known as “the city that captured the sun”. It is home to hundreds of expats. People who live in, visit, and retire in Mexicali enjoy interaction on a daily basis. With an abundance of restaurants, museums, sports, activity, and nightlife, it’s pretty easy to find other Expats in Mexicali to share a meal or an evening with. There is also a particularly large population of Chinese expats.

Cost of Living in Mexicali

The cost of food, transportation, housing, and healthcare is extremely affordable in Mexicali. It is not one of the cheapest places to retire in Mexico, but certainly one of the most popular. The cost of living in Mexicali is only 2% lower than the rest of Mexico, but still significantly less than comparable cities in the United States.

Mexicali Amenities

As an extremely populous city, there is no shortage of amenities in Mexicali. The roads make it easily accessible from the United States. The city is easily traveled by foot and by car. There are three major airports that serve the city, as well as several schools and hospitals.

About the Author:

Travis Scott Luther is the best selling Author of The Fun Side of the Wall: Baby Boomer Retirement in Mexico. Luther is also a former Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at MSU Denver. He received his Masters Degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado Denver where he later served as Entrepreneur in Residence.

Luther first became interested in Baby Boomers retiring in Mexico during graduate school. His Masters Thesis research contributed to the content of this book. He continues to be interested in U.S. expatriates retiring all over the world and continues to monitor those who have retired in Mexico.

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Photo by Matthew Hicks on Unsplash

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