 |
 |
The Expat Retirement Thread (or expat thread)
| January 29th, 2021 at 10:12:56 AM permalink | |
| Pacomartin Member since: Oct 24, 2012 Threads: 1068 Posts: 12569 |
Goods are generally cheaper in the US than anywhere else in the world. That giant shopping center Las Americas Premium Outlets in South San Diego is conveniently located right on the southern border of the county where Tijuanese can easily go there with their Border Crossing Cards*. Despite the number of Mexican shoppers who cross the border to shop, no one would say the Cost of Living in San Diego is lower than the COL in Tijuana. You can see the border wall on the right side of the photo.  *Border Crossing Cards began in the Eisenhower Administration. At the time it permitted eligible Mexicans to cross the border (up to 25 miles in the US) for up to three days. Since then the time limit was extended to 30 days under Presidency of GW Bush, and the zone was effectively increased to northern border of San Diego county and to include Tucson (but not Phoenix). If you have a Border Crossing Card for a number of years it is easier to get tourist visas or even green cards. Mexico reciprocates by allowing Americans to enter the Mexican Border Zone without paying for a tourist visa (for up to three days, but they only enforce the time limit if you get in trouble). The owners of Las Americas wanted to build a pedestrian mall with limited border security straight from Tijuana, but as the mall is located directly across from the notorious Zona Norte red light district in Tijuana, most people wisely realized that Americans and other International visitors would simply park at the shopping mall and walk to a brothel, they killed the bridge.  Even though most manufactured goods are cheaper in the USA, the overall cost of living is usually lower in most other countries outside of parts of Europe and Japan. What stores are located in Las Americas Premium Outlets? There are some high end shops in the mix.
|
| January 29th, 2021 at 12:15:15 PM permalink | |
| terapined Member since: Aug 6, 2014 Threads: 73 Posts: 11826 |
This is very interesting Moving to San Diego in a few weeks. I'm gonna check all this out A bit taken aback by the high rate I have to pay at the RV park but it is high season. Sometimes we live no particular way but our own - Grateful Dead "Eyes of the World" |
| January 29th, 2021 at 1:14:04 PM permalink | |
| DRich Member since: Oct 24, 2012 Threads: 51 Posts: 4977 |
San Diego is a great place to visit. I moved my wife from San Diego to Las Vegas when we got engaged. She loved living in San Diego. The city is a little too big for me but I will still put it on my list of possible places to retire. At my age a Life In Prison sentence is not much of a detrrent. |
| January 29th, 2021 at 1:41:12 PM permalink | |
| petroglyph Member since: Aug 3, 2014 Threads: 25 Posts: 6227 | Ventura or Seal beach are nice. I considered buying a boat slip at Dana Point, and living aboard using that slip as home base. The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury. GW |
| January 29th, 2021 at 1:45:35 PM permalink | |
| AZDuffman Member since: Oct 24, 2012 Threads: 135 Posts: 18264 |
If you like paying a fortune for a small house it is the place to be! The President is a fink. |
| January 29th, 2021 at 3:36:36 PM permalink | |
| kenarman Member since: Oct 24, 2012 Threads: 14 Posts: 4530 |
I thought you has said you were going to be in Phoenix for a few weeks or more. Not your cup of tea there? "but if you make yourselves sheep, the wolves will eat you." Benjamin Franklin |
| January 29th, 2021 at 3:38:28 PM permalink | |
| DRich Member since: Oct 24, 2012 Threads: 51 Posts: 4977 |
I would rather live in a small house somewhere nice than a big house where I don't want to be. We were thinking about buying a small 700 sq ft condo on Orient Beach in St. Martin for $400,000 but now we are leaning to just rent for four months a year. At my age a Life In Prison sentence is not much of a detrrent. |
| January 29th, 2021 at 4:05:26 PM permalink | |
| rxwine Member since: Oct 24, 2012 Threads: 189 Posts: 18829 |
Same. Right location, 1000sqr ft would be e/nough. Don't think I could last in one of those tiny houses though. Athough, show me the location and price I might change my mind even on that. You believe in an invisible god, and dismiss people who say they are trans? Really? |
| January 29th, 2021 at 4:06:32 PM permalink | |
| terapined Member since: Aug 6, 2014 Threads: 73 Posts: 11826 |
Been here a couple weeks. Going to Tucson for warmer weather next week then onto California later Sometimes we live no particular way but our own - Grateful Dead "Eyes of the World" |
| January 30th, 2021 at 9:28:18 AM permalink | |
| DRich Member since: Oct 24, 2012 Threads: 51 Posts: 4977 |
If you like BBQ, the restaurant Holy Smokin Butts in Tucson is one that I always go to when in Tucson. I don't know if it is anything special but I really like eating BBQ so I try it anywhere that I am at. At my age a Life In Prison sentence is not much of a detrrent. |