He actually did use the words "retiring down there", in the very first sentence. https://internationalliving.com/2016/11/best-places-live-mexico-u-s-expat-2/ http://www.expatexchange.com/ctryguide/4392/77/Mexico/Expat-Mexico-5-Best-Places-to-Live-in-Mexico http://vivatropical.com/mexico/where-do-mexicos-1-million-u-s-expats-live/
I used to spend part of the winter in some spots in Baja/Mexico. Beautiful seaside towns with friendly humble people, great food, no crowds, undeveloped with no pollution, safe, a real paradise. There are lots of Xpats living there and loving it. I may end up there some day myself.
http://www.hunmcc.com/wp-content/up...L-April-2016-Kidnap-For-Ransom-Newsletter.pdf http://latinalista.com/columns/globalviews/mexico-fight-end-kidnapping Both links have some stats. The recent numbers from Mexico are rather underwhelming, like 2 to 4 thousand over a population of 120 million. Realistically, one takes bigger risks while crossing the street.
International Living Magazine estimates there are one million Americans, not to mention Canadians living "pura vida" in Mexico. https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/one-million/ “Only Thing We Have toFearIsFear Itself”:FDR
Many travelers that have spent months at a time in Mexico and some other countries in south America often report of the fear the feel when coming back into the USA - with all the crime, road rage, and gun toting lunatics.