Nice weather and a low cost of living make for a retirement hot spot.

Although warm states like Florida or Arizona are extremely popular places for Americans to retire to, many are considering our neighbors to the South as a viable option for their retirement plans.

Rosarito Beach in Mexico is about a half hour drive from the California coast. A news station in Arizona spoke with a couple who sold everything they owned to move to Rosarito for their retirement.

The couple said they were able to acquire a beachfront property for $150,000 in Mexico, whereas the same type of property in San Diego would cost at least 10 times that amount. To them, the choice was obvious.

But, a big move does come with some big changes – especially when it means moving to another country. Realtor Steve Schwab says that, “after about 10 years, about 50 percent of expats move back because of health reasons.”

The couple admits they do commute for doctors’ appointments.

“We both are on Medicare,” explained one half of the couple, Paige Lopez. “Jamie’s on VA. We do cross the line to see our doctors.”

And as far as security goes, the couple says they feel safe because their community is gated and comes with 24-hour security guards who patrol the neighborhood.

Retirees who live in Mexico say the local government looks out for Americans and have a lot of respect for them because they contribute so heavily to the economy.