photo by Nick Chik

If you’re a would-be expat who’s searching, not for a promise of what a tropical destination could be, but for the world-class lifestyle it delivers today…look no further than the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

This popular retirement haven and tourist hotspot already has almost every luxury for which the other destinations yearn.  At only a slightly higher price tag.  Recently named one of the top overseas retirement options by the longtime former editor of International Living, Puerto Vallarta was also named AARP’s best place to retire internationally and was dubbed the world’s friendliest city by Conde Nast Magazine.

Puerto Vallarta’s Location

Puerto Vallarta lies on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the junction of the states of Nayarit and Jalisco.  Situated in Banderas Bay, the region is divided by the River Cuale.  It sits at the foot of the Sierra Madres, so as you move inland its pristine beaches give way to quaint hillside villages.

The area shares the same latitude as the Hawaiian islands and enjoys an almost perfect climate.  It’s mostly dry and sunny year round, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 85 degrees by day, which drop to between 55 and 65 degrees at night.  Summers (roughly June to October) are hotter and more humid.

Another important factor to note about Puerto Vallarta’s location is that it is comfortably removed from most of the more dangerous cities in Mexico, many of which are in close proximity to the U.S. border and whose crime rates and drug trafficking are well documented by U.S. news sources.

Accessibility

A more appealing aspect of Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. is the ease of access for those who wish to make it their retirement destination.  Not only could you inexpensively travel back and forth as needed, but you’d have no trouble convincing friends and family back home to come and visit.

Now given the fact that Puerto Vallarta offers the same or better amenities than many desirable U.S. cities, you might have some difficulty getting them to leave.  Luckily you won’t have to go far to drop them off at the city’s own international airport, which has direct flights to many major cities across the U.S.

Development

While the climate and accessibility of Puerto Vallarta are great, they’re not what sets this desirable retirement destination apart from the rest.  Unlike many similar tropical locations, this region does not claim to be up-and-coming.  Puerto Vallarta, by contrast, has already arrived.

Thanks to decades of investment into the area by developers, as well as the Mexican government itself, the area boasts a highly developed infrastructure and many modern amenities.  Its paved roads, power plants, high-speed internet, water treatment and distribution facilities, cable television and other features easily rival that of any U.S. city.

In addition, the area offers quality healthcare, including modern hospitals, highly-trained English-speaking physicians, and even those practicing alternative healing methods.

photo by risket O

Puerto Vallarta’s Cost of Living

So, exactly what is the price tag on this piece of Latin American paradise?  You might be surprised to find out that you can get by on a mere $2000 per month in Puerto Vallarta and that decent housing can be found for as little as $700 monthly.

While this is still higher than the cost of living in nearby Panama, and certainly more than that of countries like affordable Ecuador, it’s considerably less than its U.S. counterparts.  By comparison, this is a far cry from what you would pay for the same lifestyle in any U.S. city situated on the picturesque Pacific Coast.

Activities and Amenities

Essentially it isn’t the cost that should be compared to other retirement cities in Latin America.  It’s the amenities.  Few other places offer the same number of dining, entertainment, and other leisure options.

For instance, it would be absurd to imagine renting a boat slip in a California bay for as little as $100 per month.  In addition to the high level of infrastructure and other conveniences, Puerto Vallarta boasts a wealth of options for your amusement.

With seven golf courses, numerous marinas, world-class dining, shopping malls, beachside restaurants and nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Due to its location, the region offers activities such as hiking, zip lining, horseback riding, and other attractions.  Also available are opportunities for absolutely anything you ever wanted to do in the water.  From snorkeling to surfing to fishing to boating to scuba diving…Puerto Vallarta has it all.  Due to the established expat community, the area also has numerous cultural attractions such as museums, theaters, and festivals.

Puerto Vallarta’s Expat Community

Speaking of expats, Puerto Vallarta has its share.  More American retirees relocate to Mexico than any other country.  The influx of U.S. retirees has rendered the need for Spanish almost useless in Puerto Vallarta.  In addition, the country, and Puerto Vallarta specifically, is also home to expats from nations across the globe.

The area is a melting pot of cultures, and has greatly benefited from their influence.  Those who have gone before have only paved the way for the hosts of expats that are to come.  For that, we thank them.