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deflores

Mar 5, 2004, 8:02 PM

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Running away from the Bush Administration..

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I am a 50 year old looking to blow my retirement fund in Mexico. I have done a lot of research regarding retiring south of the border. I will probably require digs for one.I realize that I cannot afford "Ocean Front Property" but would like to hear all your reccomendations on where to head my Chrysler. I have a disposable income of $1200. per month...where to go? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

TomG

Mar 5, 2004, 8:15 PM

Post #2 of 13 (936 views)

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Re: [deflores] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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I'd leave your Chrysler in the garage and take a plane to Mexico then transfer to bus and do a very lengthy (or several shorter) scouting trips. The only research that is worth a fiddle is the touch and feel of it.

deflores

Mar 5, 2004, 8:26 PM

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Re: [TomG] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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Tom, we have always come every winter for 2-3 weeks. As tourists, on the coast. Now that I am single again I want to know where to start looking on the Interior for permanent digs. I have the language. Thanks, D

FeelinGroovy

Mar 5, 2004, 9:24 PM

Post #4 of 13 (921 views)

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Re: [deflores] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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Here is a place to start your research...

http://www.mexconnected.com/mex_/chreares.html
Libby

Carol Schmidt

Mar 5, 2004, 11:41 PM

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Re: [deflores] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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Read the San Miguel/Guanajuato forum, the Lake Chapala/Ajijic forum, both areas with a lot of gringos, and the other forums to get a feel for those areas. The interior is quite different from the beaches, and the advice to visit areas before making a decision is valid. Oaxaca is also lovely, though there are maybe only 1000 gringos there. If you don't need a city and a lot of gringos for support, the country is wide open to you--you say you already know Spanish. No one can tell you where you will be happy and what you will like, you'll have to do a lot of reading on this site to narrow your choices. I can say SMA is a great place to reinvent yourself and start over. Good luck!

Carol Schmidt

ewright

Mar 6, 2004, 6:05 AM

Post #6 of 13 (894 views)

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Re: [deflores] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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First, LEAVE ANY POLITICAL COMMENTARY OUT OF THIS CONVERSATION. We have had many people who ran away from all the previous administrations, including Democratic ones. Why? You will find Mexico is a true place to get away from all politics, and the local ones you need not worry or care about. Mexico is a true paradise.

While you may not be able to afford ocean front property, I would take a strong look (if you like the ocean) at Veracruz. There are rents there for apartments at $400 to $500 per month.

Esteban

Mar 6, 2004, 7:23 AM

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Re: [deflores] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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In Mazatlan, you can find rentals within 2 miles of the beach, that would fit your criteria. You need to be in the 100 USD a month to make your pension work. You won't find them listed online and probably not in the paper. You have to get out into the neighborhoods and walk around, network with the locals, talk it up etc. Make connections. Catching a short busride to the beach is available until about 10 PM at night. AT your age, private health insurance, if you qualify, could be as low as 75 USD a month (major medical). Come down and check it out before you do anything. Keep studying Spanish and keep doing your research.

TomG

Mar 6, 2004, 7:53 AM

Post #8 of 13 (866 views)

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Re: [deflores] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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Traveling internally in Mexico alone in your car will cost more than traveling by bus. Having a car in even a town-sized Mexican place is as handy as having one in Manhattan. In both place money solves all. But if you can afford it and want it; then, if you are asking me, what I would do is point your Chrysler at Zacatecas and zigzag your way down the Central Highland; then into Southern Mexico finally ending at San Cristobal de las Casas. That would cover the non-coastal interior. On that journey you will forget a lot of things and make a lot of new memories. Now if you want to pass into surreality - I'd definitely leave the Chysler and start out at Real de Catorce. From there take your traveling advice from street jewelers and craftsman (often widely traveled seekers of concentated energy), and you will ultimately end up in San Cristobal de las Casas, where you will be told you have to visit Palenque. A car would probably be a barrier that would inhibit smoozing with this bunch.

It is important to know if you are escaping the USA or going to Mexico. Attitudinal questions will determine whether $1200 is twice as much as you need or half as much as you need.

Marlene

Mar 6, 2004, 7:56 AM

Post #9 of 13 (864 views)

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Re: [Esteban] good rentals in the "neighborhoods"

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Exactly right. Ads in newspapers are a very small percentage of what is out there sitting empty waiting to be rented (with or without a sign on the property). My husband just stumbled across a nice sized 2 bedroom home in his old neighborhood with the largest backyard I have ever seen in an area of homes like this. (Usually there is room for the gas tanks and a pila). This one is family reunion sized. You never know what it behind those doors in Mexico. This one had been well kept, something that is hit and miss in a rental. It is near a large market, a block to the bus route, banks, shops and 2 blocks to the beach. The price? $1300.00 NM which is under $120.00 US. His friend who had been on the lookout for an apartment is now living there happily. There was a small sign on a door "se renta". Would I live there? Yes. However, do realize you will pay substantially more to live in areas amongst other expats no matter where you go in Mexico, including Mazatlan. If you want a deal and are prepared to look for it, you will most likely find it.

jennifer rose

Mar 6, 2004, 9:14 AM

Post #10 of 13 (844 views)

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MODERATOR: No political commentary, please

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And thank you from your humble moderator for delivering the "No political commentary" warning. Folks, let's keep politics -- of all flavors -- out of this board's discussion.

mattw

Mar 8, 2004, 1:32 PM

Post #11 of 13 (695 views)

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Re: [deflores] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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We really enjoy Sayulita, Nayarit. It's 30 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. A lot of Gringos and Canuks are building retirement homes there. It's a typical seaside village with a nice beach. It's not overdeveloped yet.
enjoy life, disfrute la vida

Esteban

Mar 8, 2004, 1:38 PM

Post #12 of 13 (690 views)

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Re: [mattw] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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I like that area! So what is a lot going for? One that is not on the ocean nor with an ocean view. Got any idea?

Thanks,
Esteban

mattw

Mar 9, 2004, 3:06 PM

Post #13 of 13 (600 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Running away from the Bush Administration..

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We bought a lot for $25 K us two years ago and we are being offered $55k now. Our lot is a five minute walk to the beach and has an ocean view. It's 20m x 30m. We are on "Gringo Hill ." There are lots without ocean views for $25-50k. You can buy a nice little house starting at around $60k or so. Talk to Rod at Avalos Sayulita Realty, he sold us our lot and was great. There website is www.move2sayulita.com

Saludos,
Matt@cyclonecycles.com
enjoy life, disfrute la vida

(This post was edited by Marlene on Mar 9, 2004, 6:52 PM)