Forums > General > General Forum

rich smith

Dec 18, 2003, 11:24 AM

Post #1 of 10 (916 views)

Shortcut

Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hello to all Retirees in the following areas: San Miguel de Allende, Chapala, Mazatlan, and Ziuatenejo. I am new to this site and posting messages. But here goes: my wife Katie and I (Smitty), please, would like to try a 16-20 day vacation to Mexico (various sites above) to search-out possible winter retirement locals. Our intentions are to rent for 4-5 months (Dec.-April) when we retire (couple more years). This will be my second trip to Mexico (last one 10 years ago). I loved the culture, people, and climate and am trying to convince my wife she would too, if given the opportunity and I would like your help! Any suggestions as to how to navigate these areas mentioned, or even other areas that I and my wife might enjoy. We love the outdoors and are inclined to be near or on the beach, have golfing , fishing, and horseback riding available, and, of course, feel "safe". I speak very little Spanish, but do know some vocabulary and could probably get by. I realize this is a "broad" request, but all serious replys with helpful suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance and adios from cold, cloudy, Pittsburgh! (My apoligies for any "spelling" errors to all Gringos and my future Mexican friends)

Marlene

Dec 18, 2003, 12:12 PM

Post #2 of 10 (901 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rich smith] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

Mazatlan certainly has all of your required activities, as do many other places (well maybe not the beach). Winter is certainly beautiful here by the ocean so if you are only looking to spend 4 months, many snowbirds find it perfect. The rental prices are still reasonable when compared with some other areas that attract winter sun-seekers.

I am not quite sure what your exact question is, but if you have 3 weeks to explore why don't you fly into either Guadalajara or Mazatlan, explore the surrounding area and then bus over to the other to do more exploring and then fly home from there. It is about a 7 or 8 hour bus ride between the two, and an easy inexpensive journey where you will get to see some of the countryside along the way.

raferguson

Dec 18, 2003, 3:19 PM

Post #3 of 10 (879 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rich smith] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

You probably know this, but never drive at night in Mexico. In the area around Zihuatenejo, I would not travel at night, even by bus.

The Mexican first class bus system is very good, and would enable you to go from city to city cheaply and comfortably. You could fly into Mexico City or Guadalajara or Mazatlan or wherever you could get a cheap flight.

Rather than rent a car, you might want to hire a guide or even a taxi driver to drive you around and give you a tour of the area. They might be able to show you the areas where you might want to live, golf courses, etc.

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

cristalhombre

Dec 19, 2003, 8:10 PM

Post #4 of 10 (825 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rich smith] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hola Rich

First of all I must tell you that I am not a retiree. Doubt that I ever will as I like my work which is part time. Maybe that is semi-retired???? not sure, but I am in my mid-40's. I did however do a similar trip that you have mentioned in Jan 2003. Started way south in Oaxaca, where I was taking a 5 week language program with my wife and daughter. From there I traveled alone and explored with a similar mission as yours "where would I want to live part time"..... Morelia, San Miguel, Lake Chapala & Manzanillo. I used the Lonely Planet guide which did not fail me. I found Great B&B's, as well as the highlights of each city. I always made a point of walking early each day and checking out the activity in the square nearby. The escuadra told me much about the life and energy of that community. In my case I settled on Ajijic as my "preferred" ciudad. It is actually a small pueblo (village) on the shores of Lake Chapala. I like the size and proximo aeropuerto in Guadalajara which is just 30 minutes north.

The first class bus system is excellent, clean, timely & very reasonable. ETF Bus line was probably the best. Buy your tickets a day ahead, as some fill up, especially on weekends. I had no major problems to report. take several additional ATM cards, as some machines are too hungry and won't give back the card or $$$. Wear good hiking shoes, as you will have some wonderful hikes available.

Buena suerte

Brad in Vancouver USA

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

Carol Schmidt

Dec 19, 2003, 9:00 PM

Post #5 of 10 (813 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rich smith] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

I just started a new column on MexConnect this month called, "Falling...in love with San Miguel" and I think if you follow it, and hang out at the SMA/Guanajuato forum, and do a search on San Miguel de Allende and read some of the voluminous articles on SMA, you will find out plenty.

The town is perfect for me--very artsy, just the right size (70,000 in the city limits), plenty to do, beautiful, a national monument, high enough in altitude that it's cool in summers (too cool this cold snap), a sizeable gringo community, and close to big cities (45 miles to Queretaro which has a million people and big hospitals and Wal-Mart/CostCo/Office Depot/Sears/US chain restaurants, etc.

For some it's too heavily gringo and a bit more expensive than many other areas (second to Cancun, I hear). No beaches nearby, we're central, 160 miles NW of Mexico City.

You'll find the right place for you, just take the time to read everything you can, and your visit sounds like a good idea. We planned on a three-month trial stay in SMA and in three days decided we had to move here ASAP!

Carol Schmidt

"El Gringo Jalapeño"

Dec 20, 2003, 6:57 PM

Post #6 of 10 (755 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rich smith] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

Smitty:

Just had to get in my "goal"(as they say here in México) about my home town for 31 years...Xalapa, Veracruz.

The Gulf of Mexico area has a lot to offer. My wife and I just got back from a wonderful sunset wedding on the beaches of Acapulco, which is very beautiful, but it was good to be "home" again!

A todos...¡Feliz Navida y un Prospero Año Nuevo!

Roy
Roy B. Dudley "El Gringo Jalapeño" See more about Xalapa at www.xalaparoy.com

Poncho32

Dec 22, 2003, 3:44 AM

Post #7 of 10 (693 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rich smith] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

Vallarta has been getting a lot of bad publicity for the last few years as expensive.

If you got it and want to spend it you certainly can find lots of places to spend it there.

But on the other side of the coin you don't have to spend a lot just be prudent where and what you buy.

Vallarta has a lot to offer a Beautiful Bay one of the largest in the world.

The city fathers are continuing to try to hold the old world charm.

Some of the best doctors and dentists, American Schools.

Not to mention,It is a modern city we have Sam's club and Wallmart. also office depot good clothing and furniture stores .

Some of the finest restaurants in the world, great weather and great people.not to mention a ton of activities to keep you occupied.My wife and family come from the Pacific North West and have made it our home for at least 4 months a year for 34 years,

Hopes this helps.

Bud

gpk

Dec 22, 2003, 9:07 AM

Post #8 of 10 (661 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Bud Crest] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

Great weather is always a matter of opinion--when it is hot and HUMID in PV, no one seems to think it is"great"--but the winter weather IS great, and PV has more of a "real town" feel than any other major beach resort I know..

SteveInPVR

Dec 22, 2003, 1:38 PM

Post #9 of 10 (638 views)

Shortcut

Re: [gpk] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

Vallarta is my home base for 4-5 months a year, and I love it. It is far superior to other beach resorts and has managed to retain the "old town" flavor. I have seen prices rising over the past couple of years, however, you soon learn where the "locals" go to shop, where the best fruit and fish markets are, avoid "trendy" tourist restaurants, and you can make it very well here on a modest budget. Yes, the summer weather can be quite unbearable, but you do get a fantastic, free light show every evening from the thunderstorms!

Steve
Steve

Lauri

Dec 30, 2003, 6:01 PM

Post #10 of 10 (535 views)

Shortcut

Re: [SteveInPVR] Vacation in Search of Retirement Sites

Can't Post | Private Reply

My husband and I am seriously thinking of buying a condo in Puerto Vallarta, in the Conchas Chinas area. We currently live in Los Angeles. We would like to bring our pets down, but most condo CCRs don't allow pets. Do you have any suggestions or know of any buildings that allow pets (2 cats and a dog)? Surely, we can't be the only ones who want our "family" with us? Also, do you have any recommendations for a Notario?

Thank you.

Lauri