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I loved PV - lush jungle and cosmopolitan flair! Las Caletas is one of the most magical places I've seen! Still remember a massage I got there in an open-air cabana, listening to the waves and the birds - dreamy! Have to go back some day.
Yes! And, per one of the postings above, has been voted the (well-deserved) NUMBER ONE top choice of places to retire. Magical, adventurous, cultural, multitudes of restaurant choices, near-perfect climate, friendly people, charming villages and the captivatingly beautiful waters of the Bay of Banderas, framed by majestic mountains. Yes, it is an ideal and true glimpse of paradise!
Now, if the media will just cease and desist giving ALL of Mexico such a bad wrap! Many people DO believe everything they read - and unfortunately most of the news flowing out of Mexico is bad. Mexico's tourism department, to protect this vital part of its economy, needs to do LOTS more to counterbalance the media's painting of this country with such a broad brush.
Some may think the crime keeps them away, but tourism numbers and the reports of how many retirees live in the area say it doesn't make much difference how the crime story is reported. People who are open to spending money on vacation or even more committed to the point of moving to another country to retire are doing their homework and seeing the truth b. PV is clearly very desirable for vacations and retirement, but its not a cheap place relative to other competitive options. That is a bigger obstacle to overcome than the crime story.
Some may think the crime keeps them away, but tourism numbers and the reports of how many retirees live in the area say it doesn't make much difference how the crime story is reported. People who are open to spending money on vacation or even more committed to the point of moving to another country to retire are doing their homework and seeing the truth b. PV is clearly very desirable for vacations and retirement, but its not a cheap place relative to other competitive options. That is a bigger obstacle to overcome than the crime story.
You're part right about that! I think those who have been here before and know the area ARE coming back but first-timers may be more hesitant because of all the news stories. If you want an oceanfront place and maybe love to play golf, sure that's going to cost you a bundle. But if you're happy living in a modest house, not using AC (which you don't need here much of the year) and not eating out all the time you can definitely save money by shopping at farmer's markets - and you still have access to all the beautiful beaches and other free amenities! Some people just like going to the town plaza of an evening and people watching - or taking a (cheap) bus to neighboring small villages and exploring. Property taxes are rediculously low, too, so if you come from an area where you pay $7000 USD a year in taxes, this place is a bargain in that regard - and that savings can be used to have a happier, more relaxed lifestyle.
All that may be true, but you aren't competing with the cost of where people live now, but the cost of the many choices they have to live in or vacation in whether its in Mexico or elsewhere.
All that may be true, but you aren't competing with the cost of where people live now, but the cost of the many choices they have to live in or vacation in whether its in Mexico or elsewhere.
Maybe I'm missing your point but - IMHO, in a sense the Vallarta/PV/Bay of Banderas area IS competing with other areas, especially for retirees who, if they scale down and buy a little house for around $100K here and sell their larger long-time residence for, maybe $200K can bank or invest that $100K and use it to live on. Also, say their long-time US home had taxes of around $4500 annually and their new Mex place has taxes of around $200 annually, that's another huge savings. If you compare this to a Florida home for retirement (where without question home prices have fallen), you will still save a bundle on things like the outrageous cost of home insurance! As noted before add those savings to the fact that you don't need AC much of the year (not until around the end of June) you can also save on utilities. I think we could probably find other good comparables to prove my point...
AND, the lifestyle here is so great for your health and wellbeing! I know one person who goes back and forth and when he's here his blood pressure is perfect! When he returns to the US it shoots way up again. That, in and of itself is an excellent argument for at least, retirement in Mexico.
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Las Caletas is one of the most magical places I've seen! Still remember a massage I got there in an open-air cabana, listening to the waves and the birds - dreamy!
Have to go back some day.
