Puerto Vallarta has been an ex-pat haven for over 70 years. During its early years, the city’s main business was exporting agricultural products grown in the rich farmlands of the state of Jalisco and the surrounding area. Today Puerto Vallarta has become one of Mexico’s biggest tourist destinations, a city that draws property shoppers, fun-seekers, and investors.
There are now more than 1.6 million U.S. citizens and half a million Canadians who call Mexico home. Many foreigners live part-time in Mexico to escape the snow and cold weather of northern winters. In terms of total numbers, more U.S. Ex-pats live in Mexico than in any other country in the world. Here I share some of the reasons why they choose this destination as their retirement place:
Easy access
Puerto Vallarta is a destination with easy access from major cities in the US and Canada. The city hosts an international airport offering direct flights to those countries too.
If you don’t want to fly, driving is easy, too; efficient modern highways connect the destination to its northern neighbors.
The weather
Being in the foothills of the Sierra Madre and covered by the Bay of Banderas, means this destination is protected from the Pacific storms coming from the south.
The weather is warm year-round, although for some the heat and humidity of summer can be stifling. And, like the rest of Mexico, the cost of living is low.
Noevmber to April is the “high season” in Puerto Vallarta, when many snowbirds flock here to escape the winter weather back in the U.S. This is also when Vallarta has the coolest weather (averaging in the mid-80s F) and the least humidity.
Infrastructure
With a population of approximately 350 thousand inhabitants, Puerto Vallarta has new and growing infrastructure including roads, water treatment plants and distribution systems, airports, maritime terminals, hospitals, and universities, among others.
High-speed Internet, satellite TV, VOIP Telecommunications, English-language newspapers, and magazines, are available in the area. Many of the big stores in the United States and Canada are also in Puerto Vallarta, such as Sam’s Club, WalMart, Costco, Home Depot, Office Depot, and of course a large number of fast food chains. There are world-class golf courses, plenty of tennis courts, world-class sport fishing, and many other activities that you would expect to find in a large city. There are numerous cinemas, theaters, and hundreds of quality restaurants.
Due to the population explosion in Vallarta and the influence of North Americans, we can say that the economy of the place is based on tourism and retirees, and therefore more buildings and services have been built, resulting in jobs for the locals.
Language and culture
If you speak a little Spanish, you’ll find that it adds immensely to your experience, but even if you don’t know a word about it, you’ll usually find someone who speaks English. It’s not difficult to take language lessons once you’re here either—schools, language exchanges, and private tutors offer everything from flexible classes to total immersion programs.
Mexico has a rich, multi-faceted culture. As a foreigner, discovering it is a delight; you’ll see indigenous people dancing in traditional dresses, mariachi bands, unusual parades and processions, and some activities that are delightful. You can be a spectator or even take part in many of the festivities if you choose. You’ll feel genuinely welcomed by the local people. You can fit in, make local friends, and become a part of your neighborhood and community.
Cost of living
If living well for less is an enticement for moving overseas, you will be pleased by Puerto Vallarta’s low cost of living. Most goods and services are less expensive in Mexico than in the U.S. or Canada. Everything from rents and real estate to healthcare and groceries are cheaper here. Additional savings are available to legal residents age 60 or older through the INAPAM program, which gives seniors discounts on transportation, medical and prescription costs, utilities, taxes, and more.
Mexico in general offers a lower cost of living, and even though Puerto Vallarta is a tourist spot, it does as well. You can live well for less in this beautiful seaside town. A typical retired couple could budget under $3,000 for a month’s expenses—all in.
Your cost of living will vary, of course, depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
Healthcare costs are significantly lower in Mexico compared to the U.S. Modern hospitals have all the equipment and technology you would need or expect, and doctors are qualified. Besides the IMSS health insurance, which costs between $300 and $800 annually depending on your age and has some pre-existing condition exclusions, legal residents can apply for INSABI, the free public health plan, or carry private insurance.
Wherever you live in Puerto Vallarta, you’re likely to find an ex-pat community, friendly locals, a fascinating culture, and an affordable, and laidback lifestyle.
Looking for retiring to Puerto Vallarta? Contact me and let me show you the great property options we have available right now!
Data source: InternationalLiving.com
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