Is retiring to Isla Mujeres a good idea, what are the pro's and con's?

The main attractions for those who retire to Isla Mujeres is the feeling of safety and security that the island enjoys. It is quite rare in that there is no violent crime, indeed crime in general is almost non existent. Any crime there is, is mainly opportunistic; if for example someone left their wallet by an open window on the street, a passer by may consider reaching in and treating themselves to a pair of new shoes. However, one never hears of burglary or muggings on Isla Mujeres.

one reads in the States about crime ridden Mexico, it is true of some parts of the country, but certainly  doesn't apply to the whole of the country. There are cities like Merida, which is four hours drive from Cancun, which is absolutely safe, certainly safer than the majority of cities in the States. The press is to a large extent responsible for the reputation Mexico has, and any event in the areas where crime is high it is mainly between the drug cartels and doesn't affect tourists.

Also the slow relaxed pace of life  enjoyed on Isla Mujeres suits many retired people, and people in general are very helpful and  friendly. Transport is inexpensive, including taxis once you have negotiated the price down. There is a bus service which a lot of Americans use, it covers the whole island and the longest you will wait is half an hour, there are no bus stops you just hail it when you see it and it will pick you up.

It all sounds perfect, so are there any downsides? Getting residency can be hard work; you have to start the process in the States and complete it in Mexico. As with all Latin countries there is a lot of bureaucracy, but you get used to it. Healthcare can be a major downside for those who don't have insurance; what some do is use the services of Dr Great Shorey, a highly qualified English doctor who came Isla to Mujeres many years ago after a major hurricane, to work with the Red Cross  and stayed on the Island. A consultation is inexpensive and you can be confident in getting the right advice.

So in summary for most, retiring to Isla Mujeres will allow them to escape the cold winters back home and give them a relaxed and safe retirement and generally be less expensive than living in the States.