The Pacific coast of Mexico is rugged terrain falling into beautiful, and sometimes dangerous, beaches.  If the ocean is your bag, try one of the cities lining this coast of Mexico.

Mexico has nearly 5800 miles of coast line of which a little over 4500 miles are on the Pacific Coast.  Because of this, we cannot possibly include all the hidden treasures in this beautiful region of the country, but we want to name a few!  If you are adventurous enough to hop in a car and head South on Mexico’s Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 15 and 200, you can explore the fishing villages of  Rincon de Guayabitos, Sayulita, Barra de Navidad and Coastecomate on your way to Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

Although the Sierra Madre Del Sur mountain range on the Southern Pacific Coast (Oaxaca area), literally spills right into the ocean, the Central Pacific Coast also has the Sierra Madre  mountain range just a bit further away from the ocean, still offering striking ocean cliffs, hiking and bird watching!

Off shore islands near Mazatlan, including Isla de Chivos (Island of Goats), Isla de Venados (Deer Island) and Isla de Pajaros (Island of Birds), provide nature preserves and water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling and bird watching day trips!  Expect to sea seal colonies, sea turtles, schools of dolphins, rays, pelicans and many different species of bird life here!  El Faro Lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in the America’s, has guarded this area since 1571.  If you hike up to see it, be prepared to see some majestic views of Mazatlan and beyond!

There are some areas of the Pacific Ocean that are great for surfing, jet skiing, sport fishing, kite boarding and the like but are too dangerous to swim in.  Strong undertows, currents and large crashing waves are prevalent here, so watch for “No Swimming” signs all along the Pacific Coast.

Please read more about our featured Pacific Coast region and see if this area may be your Mexico!

Mazatlán

Average Cost of Living Rating: CClick here to view our directory of Mazatlán local resources Mazatlán is the second largest city in the state of Sinaloa. It was founded in 1531 by the Spaniards and local Indian settlers.  Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards the area was occupied primary by native Indians attributed to the abundant […]

Puerto Vallarta

Average Lifestyle Rating: B (range C- to A+)Click here to view our directory of Puerto Vallarta local resources Founded in 1851 (or 1859, depending on your source), prior to the 1960s, Puerto Vallarta was a small coastal village with ties to the mining industry of the Sierra Madres. For decades, its land properties were tied […]

Los Cabos is a municipality at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula that encompasses Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo (the municipal seat), as well as the twenty miles of beach area that lies between the two.  Cabo San Lucas’ party atmosphere and San José’s laid-back colonial style are bridged by the resort-studded, “Tourist Corridor,” that stretches from one city to the other.  Also known as the “corredor del oro” (Corridor of Gold), this is where most tourists go, and where many US and Canadian ex-patriots have settled into retirement homes.  Many high-end hotels and gated residential communities, which have attracted the rich and famous, are found on this stretch of beach.

The population of this area is young with more than half under the age of 30, and it has the lowest illiteracy rate of the country at 3.6%.  The state of Baja California Sur also has the lowest population density in Mexico.  It is home to eight universities and an average wage rate that is well above the Mexican median.  Many Mexicans come to the Los Cabos area to make the better pay in order to send support to their families on the mainland.

The geography of the southern peninsula combines desert, mountains and coastal flatlands into an incredibly beautiful, although somewhat stark landscape.  Baja is well-known as the place to go to “whale watch” in the winter when pods of grey whales migrate from Alaska to mate, relax in the warm waters and give birth.  Many visitors to the area have been thrilled by the friendly creatures coming along side their boats to say, “hola.”  The Los Cabos area is also a base for tourists who want to get involved in “saving the turtles.”  A sub- industry of eco-tourism has developed around the reproductive habitat of the green sea turtle in the lower Baja area.

The cost of real estate in areas where the tourist industry has become an economic driver rises, and the Los Cabos area is no exception.  Since the onset of real estate development, home prices have risen, but are still considered a bargain compared to those in the US.  Long-term rentals are plentiful, and run the gamut price-wise – from a lovely, one-bedroom, 700 sq. ft. apartment for $375/month to $5000/month for a four-bedroom, luxurious home on the beach.  Your best bet is to find a reputable agent, tell them what you’re looking for and let them guide you while you shop for a home.

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is located in San José del Cabo and serves the entire Los Cabos area.  This airport has three terminals with four concourses.  Major American airlines, Delta, American, United, US Airways, Southwest among others cover most major hubs in the United States, while Air Canada, Canjet, Enerjet, Westjet and Sunwing do the same for Canada.  There are, of course, several domestic airlines that fly within Mexico.  Flying into, or out of, the Los Cabos area from the US and Canada is as easy as catching a flight from Chicago to Dallas.

Los Cabos does not lay claim to much in the way of homegrown crafts, but you will have no trouble finding artisan items from all over mainland Mexico – hand-painted Talavera tiles from Puebla, blue-and-yellow pottery from Guanajuato, black pottery from Oaxaca, hand-made hammocks from the Yucatán, embroidered clothing from Oaxaca, Chiapas, and the Yucatán, silver jewelry from Taxco, opals from Queretaro and beaded crafts from Nayarit and Jalisco.

Chedraui, Costco, Sam’s Club, Liverpool, Mega, Soriana and Walmart provide extensive department and grocery store shopping for furnishing and supplying your home.  An “organic” produce market is open on weekends in San Jose and Cabo San Lucas.  For daily needs, you can find fresh fish at the Pescederia (fish market), while the Mercado Municipal in the heart of San José del Cabo, is the place to go for a more traditional Mexican market where side-by-side, open stalls offer everything from fresh fish, produce and meat to a wide array of leather goods, clothing, blankets and other local items.

Located in Cabo San Lucas, the AmeriMed Hospital is the first American hospital in Mexico specializing in the care of international tourists.  But, it is only one of four in the area.  Los Cabos also boasts a holistic medical spa, in addition to numerous walk-in and specialty clinics, some of which are directed at dental and cosmetic medical tourism.  An extensive network of English-speaking doctors and dentists practice in Los Cabos, and there are three air-evacuation facilities in the area.

Fishing tournaments abound at the tip of the Baja peninsula.  Ocean fishing is the focus whether it’s a contest to raise money for poor children, or just for local bragging rights.  There is, in fact, a steady drumbeat of activities all year long from organized bicycle rides down the coast to cuisine-based celebrations to surfing contests.

If variety is the spice in your life, then consider Los Cabos as your retirement place.  From its geography to its night life, this municipality at the tip of the Baja peninsula embodies variety.

The city of Puebla is the capital of the state of Puebla, and the fourth largest city in Mexico.  It is located between Mexico City and Veracruz in a large valley known as the Valley of Puebla surrounded on four sides by the snow-capped mountains and volcanoes of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt.  It was originally established in 1530 by edict of the Spanish queen in response to a request from the bishop of Tlaxcala outlining the need for a transport route and way-station between Mexican capital and the Atlantic port of Veracruz.

The climate of Puebla is subtropical-highland. At an altitude of 2,200 meters (about 7,200 feet), the temperature remains mild throughout the day and typically gets cooler at night. The rainy season is from May to October which helps to mitigate warmer summer daytime temperatures. Overall, the climate is very pleasant year round.

Since Puebla is an industrial town, home, in fact, to the second largest Volkswagen factory in the world and much of its supply chain, the standard of living is above-average for Mexico, and many businesses, restaurants and shopping centers populate the metropolitan area.  One of Puebla’s best shopping centers is called Centro Commercial Angelopolis. It can be compared to a medium-sized mall in the states and is anchored by Sears, Liverpool, Sanborns, and Palacio de Hierro with a large variety of other retail stores filling in.  Mega has put in one of its “mega” malls across the street thereby enlarging the selection of retail outlets and specialty stores in the immediate area.  El Triangulo and Palmas Plaza round out the Puebla mall scene.

For those exquisite, local handicrafts, try El Parian. It is located a few blocks from the main park in the downtown area.  El Parian has all the local handicrafts you could possibly want.  It’s an area of three streets jammed with individual vendors competing for customers. You will frequently find the same item in multiple locations, so bargain to get a good price.  One of the most popular items in the Puebla artisan market is Talavera, a special pottery made in Puebla and exported all over the world.

The “value” rule of thumb for properties in Puebla is that they will cost you from one-fourth to one-half of what the same property would cost in the US.  There is a burgeoning development industry in gated communities and condominiums, as well as a robust market in the much coveted old, colonial homes.  However, if you prefer to “try before you buy,” rental housing is readily available and very affordable, particularly if you have your own furniture. A basic one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment can be leased for less than $250 per month. Or, you can go for something larger like a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house for a bit under $800.  Furnished places are less commonly available, but can be found at moderately higher monthly premiums.

Puebla has no shortage of good hospitals, public and private, including Unidad Hospital La Paz, Central de Gineco-Obstetricia, Centro Médico Quirúrgico, Hospital Bentania, Universitario de Puebla, Hospital Ángeles Puebla and several others.  In addition, there is a large supporting network of specialty clinics and US-trained, English-speaking doctors.  Public healthcare is, of course, free while private healthcare runs a bit higher than the Mexican average, with office visits in the $40-50 range, primarily because the local economy supports higher wages and a higher cost of living.

As one of the major production and transportation hubs of Mexico, you will find that Puebla and environs can easily fill most, if not all, of your “living” needs, whether they require international department store shopping and goods, local market produce, meat or handcrafts, or a night on the town. The locale is famous for its “mole poblano” and “chiles en nogada,” but the culinary offerings of this area are cosmopolitan, and you’ll find the answer to any kind of  food hankering you develop.

Flying in and out of Puebla can be done two ways – the first is through Puebla’s Hermanos Serdán International Airport just outside the city.  The Puebla International Airport, as it’s more commonly known, underwent a major overhaul and upgrade between 2007 – 2011 to fill the need for more efficient cargo handling for the area’s growing business community.  United Airline, Volaris, and Aeromexico offer passenger flights in and out of Puebla, but at present the only flights directly into the US are the one or two daily UA flights into Houston (IAH).  Though it adds an hour’s drive time to your travel plans, the second way into Puebla is through Mexico City’s International Airport which opens up air travel possibilities exponentially.

Looking for a sophisticated, modern Mexican city founded on a classic colonial one?  Then check out Puebla – year-round  good weather, beautiful geographical surroundings, a cosmopolitan area with modern, international flair and beautiful colonial homes – who could ask for anything more?

Average Lifestyle Rating: B (range C to A)
Click here for a list of local resources in Cuernavaca

Situated in the central part of Mexico, Cuernavaca is the capital city of the state of Morelos. Fifty-three miles south of Mexico City, and almost directly west of Veracruz, Cuernavaca sits in the center of the Mexican portion of the Central American isthmus.  It is a charming colonial town with a mild tropical climate and mountain surroundings. Situated at an elevation of around 5,000 feet, Cuernavaca was dubbed, “the city of eternal spring” in the nineteenth century because of the year-round pleasant weather.  It is located in a tropical region, but its temperature is consistently in the 70s°(F) because it is located on the southern slope of the Sierra de Chichinautzin mountains and in the mornings, warm air flows up the mountains from the valley below, while in the afternoons, cool air flows down from the higher elevations.

One of the most fascinating aspects to Cuernavaca is its colorful, romantic history.  Maria Félix, a Mexican diva, had an opulent, cobalt-blue and papaya-colored villa on Avendia Palmira, along with five other houses. It is known as the Casa de las Tortugas (House of the Turtles). Before gambling was shut down in 1934, it was a getaway for such notable risk-takers as Rita Hayworth, Bugsy Siegel, and Al Capone.  In 1956, Erich Fromm founded the Sociedad Mexicana de Psicoanálisis (Mexican Society of Psychoanalysis), and from his house in Cuernavaca, he promoted new ideas in the field of psychiatry. In the 1960s, it became a haven for the “hippie” counter-culture with none other than Timothy Leary experimenting with psychedelic mushrooms during his time spent in the area.  The Casa de la Torre, originally part of the monastery of La Asunción, was purchased in 1960 by the US artist, Robert Brady, who transformed it into a home, as well as a private art and collectible museum. It contains a collection of art and crafts from around the world, including the original “Self-portrait with monkey” painted by Frida Kahlo. The Shah of Iran had a house here, as did the late sculptor, John Spencer, a relative of Princess Diana.  Although a native of the U.S., the Bauhaus designer, Michael van Beuren, established his residence in a family hacienda in Cuernavaca when fleeing the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany.  Barbara Hutton, Woolworth heiress, chose this place for its climate and “magnetism.” Her residence was designed and built completely by Japanese artists and architects, and includes a replica of the Kyoto Kabuki Theater in Japan.  Jacques Gelman, a Russian émigré, made his fortune as the producer of hit comedies by the legendary Mexican comic, Cantinflas, who appeared with David Niven and Shirley McLain in the 1950s film, Around the World in 80 Days. A good portion of the money that Gelman made went into the acquisition of art, including works by Rivera, Kahlo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Francisco Toledo, Rufino Tamayo, Cisco Jimenez, Gerardo Suter, and Juan Soriano.

Within the municipality of Cuernavaca (the city and its colonias), there are several archaeological sites, and many 16-18^th century colonial buildings which have been updated, refurbished and turned into hotels, museums, and various commercial businesses. In the heart of Cuernavaca lies the 36 meter high waterfall of the Salto de San Anton, a highly-regarded cenote grotto among nature-loving tourists.  Cuernavaca is also one of the premier destinations to study Spanish in a native culture. It became popular with college students during the 1960s.  Today, there are more than fifty Spanish Language schools in operation.  The students can opt to live with a Mexican family, and/or may participate in internships, or volunteer at hospitals and other places for college credit.

Although not really a shopping mecca with Mexico City so close by, Cuernavaca does have three upscale, modern malls – Plaza Cinemex, Plaza Cuernavaca, Galerias Cuernavaca; Plaza el Pueblito, a mall designed to feel like shopping in a small town; several artisan markets – Artesanias Azahares, the Handicraft and Flea Market next to the Cuauhnahuac Museum and the bazaars of neighboring Tlayacapan and Tepoztlan.  This area of Mexico is known for the hand-crafted silver jewelry created by local artisans, as well as unique ceramic and beeswax crafts.  However, the most enduring handcraft of Cuernavaca is the huarache leather sandals.  And, for those weekly household shopping needs, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Liverpool, Sears, Costco and Sanborn outlets will more than adequately cover them.

Cuernavaca has four general hospitals, Hospital Bellavista de Cuernavaca, Hospital Morelos, Sanatorium Henri Dunant, and Hidalgo Sanatorium, and one maternity hospital, Maternidad Santa Maria.  Outpatient and specialty clinics can be found all over the city staffed by a wide network of physicians, including clinics which cater to medical and cosmetic tourism.  Quality medical attention in Cuernavaca typically costs $40 to $70 per consultation.  In nearby Mexico City, most medical consultation services are offered at $50 to $80.

Cuernavaca has an international airport, General Mariano Matamoros Airport (CVJ), located at the northwest corner of the municipal area.  The airport, more commonly known as, Cuernavaca International Airport, is truly “international” and offers daily flights to/from 20 Mexican airports, all the major US hubs, and Toronto, Panama City, Bogotá, Paris, London, and Madrid.

Cuernavaca has state-of-the-art banking and ATM networks.  Cable and satellite television companies offer many favorite American and Canadian channels. High-speed DSL, wireless and dial-up internet services are also available through the telephone, satellite and cable companies.

All-in-all, if what you’d like is near perfect weather all year long, with a varied blend of architectures, a rich colorful history, a beautiful mountain backdrop and a modern ambience without the attendant big-city hustle and bustle, then take a look at Cuernavaca.  You may be just one of the many who have come to visit and stayed to live.

Built in 1517 AD, and located on the southeastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula, Campeche is the capital city of the state of Campeche and an excellent retirement destination for several reasons. The most important are the low cost of living, affordable real estate, high degree of safety and a colorful, colonial heritage.  Home to a large number of Mexico’s indigenous people, Campeche is, for the most part still “off the tourist radar,” therefore more “Mexican” than the many other areas that have made the economic trade-offs necessary to attract the tourist industry.  It’s a UNESCO World Heritage City with a beautiful, well-preserved Spanish colonial center.  And, it lies right on the Gulf of Mexico, where sea breezes cool Campeche’s warm weather.

One of the biggest reasons for choosing Mexico for retirement is the low cost of living.  In Campeche, this is true with charming colonial homes for sale beginning as low as $60,000.   Short and long-term rentals can be found in the $500-$1000 per month range.

Since the tourist industry for Campeche is still seminal, so is the real estate market and you won’t find a large number of on-line resources for rentals and real estate, like you do for other parts of Mexico.  However, there are some vacation rental resources available on the internet, and a limited number of real estate agencies on-line who deal in Campeche properties.

Perhaps, a “scouting” vacation is in order, since most of the long-term rentals are privately-owned homes that are leased directly by the owners.  And don’t forget, if you’re looking to rent long-term in Campeche, that most long-term rentals are unfurnished, because the market has traditionally been ordinary Mexicans, not the expats or snowbirds who typically relocate without furniture.

Since Campeche remains relatively untouched by the tourist industry, expats in Campeche can still enjoy inexpensive seafood and Yucatecan-style dinners out.  And, as in all of Mexico, there are low-cost fresh groceries at the local mercado. The Campeche market, Pedro Sainz de Baranda, is a popular place to shop for original arts and crafts, traditional costumes, and local foodstuffs.  In Centro, there is an arts and crafts market, Tukulná Casa del Pensamiento – the Tukulná House of Thought, which offers another venue in which to purchase arts and crafts from local artisans. Looking for a big box store – Campeche malls provide the answer. You’ll find a wide range of products in department stores and outlets at La Plaza del Mar, Plaza Universidad, and Plaza Girasoles.  For your more mundane shopping lists, Campeche has the requisite one-stop chains like Wal-Mart.

Campeche has two full-service hospitals, Hospital Dr. Manuel Campos and Sanitorio Clinica Campeche, a Red Cross facility (Cruz Roja) and several clinics, Grupo San Miguel, Centro Medico Carmen and Central Quirúrgica Del Carmen.  But, for specialty medical services or surgeries, you may have to go to Merida.

Getting to Campeche is a little more complicated than, say flying into Cozumel, or Cabos San Lucas, since the Campeche airport, Ingeniero Alberto Acuna Ongay (CPE), has flights only into and out of Mexico City.  However, once in Mexico City, you can connect with most of the major airlines and get to anywhere in the world.

Campeche offers a great range of activities. With many venues, Campeche’s cultural centers host events throughout the year – the two biggest being the Festival del Centro Histórico in November and December, and the Festival de Jazz in the Spring.  But, there are also annual festivals for Carnaval, Semana Santa (Easter), All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1-2), as well as an enthusiastic Christmas celebration. Campeche is home to seven museums including that of the coastal fortifications and citadels left from the days when the real Pirates of the Caribbean plied the ocean between the North and South Americas. The Mayan ruins located in and around Campeche, such as the closest “Edzna,” are not as well-known, or often-visited, as others in the Yucatán Peninsula, but are considered very important sites by archaeologists.

Are you looking for a place that’s not quite 21^st Century?  The beautiful colonial city of Campeche is a quiet, unspoiled, out of the way gem on the coast of the Yucatan that hasn’t yet been “discovered.”  Quick! Get there before the crowd does!!

La Paz is the largest city in, and the capital of the state of Baja California Sur, and it is the fourth largest geographic MSA (metropolitan statistical area – a city and its burbs) in Mexico. With a population of 215,178 (2010 census), it also has one of the highest standards of living in Mexico.  It sits on the Bay of La Paz in the Sea of Cortez and sports a malecon that is five kilometers long (3.1 miles) and includes a “bike” trail for cyclists.

La Paz has an international airport with direct flights to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Los Angeles. Major highways run to the north and south of it, and both taxi services and buses are available for careening around the roads of the southern baja peninisula, if you don’t own a car.

The Sea of Cortez and it’s surroundings are one of the ecological hot spots of the world today due to the unique flora and fauna of the area, the annual migration of whales to the area and the over 900 islands and inlets in this leeward part of the ocean (244 under the auspices of UNESCO protection).  Because of the singular combination of land and water ecologies, eco-tourism has become the primary driver of the local economy.  World Heritage Bio-Reserves and the Isla Espíritu Santo group of islands, which borders the southeastern portion of the Bay of La Paz, are the prime biosphere attractions for the area.  But, there are other industries that also support La Paz’s higher standard of living – in fact, silver, pearls, fishing and agriculture have all been around much longer than tourism.

For groceries and other goods, there is plenty to choose from in La Paz.  They have nine major grocery/department stores including Chedraui, Walmart, and Mega.  You can also shop at Home Depot, Soriana’s and Sears.  The cost of groceries is higher than in the southern parts of Mexico, but shopping at the mercado still offers the dual benefits of lower cost and fresher food.  Unfortunately, when the standard of living goes up, so does the cost of living necessities.  However, housing costs are as low as they are on the Yucatan Peninsula ranging from the D+ level up to A+.

La Paz also has a brand new hospital, La Salvatierra Hospital, opened in 2010 by President Filipe Calderon and declared by him to be “one of the most advanced hospitals in Mexico.”  Medical costs, like in the rest of Mexico, are a fraction of what they are in the US.  Figure your doctor, dentist, and prescriptions expenses will run somewhere between 15-30% of what they were in the US.  Nobody in Mexico gets rich from medical malpractice suits. As an expat, you reap the benefits.

If you’re looking for a better standard of living/quality of life area with beaches and ocean breezes, mountains, unique, fascinating wildlife and world-class eco-reserves, then you need to take a good look at La Paz.  It may be just the place for you!

At the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula on the “Flamingo Coast” is a string of small fishing communities.  Beginning at Chuburna and running east on Carreterra 27 for about 50 kilometers to Telchac Puerto, these villages vary in size and modernity.  Progreso, largest of them, has a population of a little over 37,000 and is the state’s main port. It hosts cruise ships twice a week at the “longest pier in the world” and has a burgeoning community of local artistsans, specialty shops and trendy restaurants lining the mile-long malecon. However, the overall ambience remains that of an quiet, country town.

To the west are Chelem and Chuburna, which have pretty much remained fishing villages, albeit ones with gringos in them.  Immediately to the east is Chicxulub (cheek shoo loob) Puerto, another fishing village, but one with it’s own pier (and sight of the geographical anomaly, the Chicxulub Crater believed to have been caused by a meteor hitting the earth).  There is no stopping point between Progreso and Chicxulub – they form a single entity, unless you happen to know that one starts and the other stops at the Oxxo on Calle 27.

Beyond Chicxulub, comes a string of essentially “beach house” communities, all the way to Telchac Puerto.  In the Uaymitun (why me toon), San Benito and San Bruno areas and on into Telchac Puerto, the beach houses of wealthier people from other parts of Mexico (primarily Merida) line up between the highway and the ocean like soldiers ready for drill.  The original villages are still there, but they are dwarfed into insignificance by the parade of summer homes and condos.  These homes are, for the most part, large and modern and can be had relatively cheaply with one exception – the families that own them like to use them for the months of July and August when the heat and humidity run them out of Merida. It is possible to rent them in July and August, too, but the monthly rent is exorbitant at two-three times the normal monthly rate.

The eco-tourism trade is building in the Progreso Corridor, and there are several eco-parks in the area.  Rio Largatos and Alacranes Reef being two of the larger ones, but there are small flamingo sanctuaries that dot the highway in both directions.  The Celestun Biosphere Reserve takes up much of the western part of the state that runs about half-way down the western side of the peninsula. There are also many Mayan ruins and cenotes within “day trip” distance.

Beach houses are plentiful and always looking for renters and can be had from $550 to $1500 per month (except for July and August); however, they all have the “summer” drawback of being used by their owners, or with rent that expands exponentially with the heat.  Rents, off the beach, run from $350 per month up.  The local mercado in Progreso is large and provides many options for fresh produce, meat, fish, fresh-squeezed juice, clothes and lunch counters.  And, when the cruise ships are in, the popular Artisan Bazaar is open with a cornucopia of products made locally.  In fact, the city is building another area for a second artist’s market now.

There are a several small department stores in Centro, along with banks and the San Francisco grocery store.  Walmart has a large subsidiary store at the crossroads on the southside called Bodega Aurrera where you can buy food, household goods, toys, TVs – all the things you expect to get from a Walmart.  However, since this is a poorer area, the quality of the products sold is not high – for the quality stuff, you’ll need a trip to Merida. But, you can count on a trip to Merida once or twice a month anyway, where your shopping options are virtually unlimited.

Progreso has the emergency service of the Mexican Red Cross, one public Health Center, Centro de Salud, and the Centro Médico Americano, a private institution and Enfermería Naval (which does accept civilians with emergency medical situations). All facilities provide medical services 24/7.  There is also a clinic for those insured by IMSS and ISSSTE.  In addition, there are many doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacies in the Progreso area, and more hospitals, doctors and dentists, etc. in nearby Merida.

There is an airport in Merida, too. However, the Merida Airport flights are limited and only go to Houston and Los Angeles.  For the full-service airport in Cancun, you can opt to take the bus (a four to five hour ride), or drive three hours to Cancun International rather than pay the high cost of the hour’s flight from Merida to Cancun (which rivals the cost of the international flights in and out of Cancun).

Looking for “low-key” on the beach.  Look no further than the Progreso Corridor.

Average Lifestyle Rating: B- (range C- to A-)
Click here to view our directory of Todos Santos local resources

Some old-hands believe that Todos Santos is not what it used to be (what is?). As its popularity has burgeoned and its gringo/mexicano ratio has tilted less sharply, it’s no longer “untouched” by modernity. But though it is the second largest town in the La Paz (Baja capital) municipality, the overall feel remains that of the sleepy, small town (5,000+ population) in an agricultural area (once a sugar-production center with eight sugar mills). The area today is still an agricultural center, but sugar is no longer the “bread winner;” it grows many types of fruit and poblano chilies, in addition to having strong fishing and ranching communities. Todos Santos nestles between the Sierra Laguna mountain range and the desert – a quiet, tropical oasis.

Todos Santos offers a wide range of activites, particularly those with an ecological slant.  You can have the chance to work the sea turtle nesting areas, engage with a plethora of local organizations and their activities: bird-watching (there are an incredible number and diversity of birds in this unique confluence of several eco-systems), hiking, snorkeling, surfing (there are excellent beaches nearby for surfing), kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, yoga and martial arts and last, but not least, “West African Drumming.”

Eco-tourism is growing in the area, and may well be its economic future. It is also known as an “Artists’ Community” for the  group of creative souls who followed well-known artist, Charles Stewart’s example, and moved themselves and their work here. Handicraft shops, art galleries upscale restaurants, boutique hotels and restored colonial buildings have contributed to the gentrification and redevelopment of the town. The Hotel California is a favorite stop here because of the name association with the song made famous by “The Eagles.”

It’s about an hour in opposite directions to the Cabo San Lucas (south) and the La Paz (north) international airports. However, Todos Santos is the antithesis of Cabo San Lucas – a hot tourist center, and LaPaz – a city of 200,000 which is rapidly becoming an ex-pat hotspot. You can easily drive to Cabo, or La Paz, for some shopping, or a taste of the “high” life, then return within the same day to the peace and quiet of your “country” village.

The Centro De Salud, the local hospital is equipped to take basic care of emergencies, and has an ambulance to take patients to the primary care hospital in La Paz, or Cabo San Lucas.  There is a dentist and a local doctor in town. You can also find Holistic Health Practioners available. However, for extensive, on-going, or specialty medical services, be prepared for the hour’s drive to La Paz or Cabo San Lucas.

If you’re looking for a small town atmosphere close to great beaches, and two cosmopolitan metro areas, that offers a wide variety of activities and some incredible opportunities to whale and turtle watch, then Todos Santos is the place for you!!

Average Lifestyle Rating: B+ (range B- to A+)
Click here to view our directory of Cozumel local resources

How does living on an island in the Caribbean Ocean sound? Exotic, glamorous, stress-free, infrastructure-deprived? Isla de Cozumel, off the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula 20 kilometers southeast from Playa del Carmen, may just fit the bill – except for the infrastructure part. With multiple ferries running back forth from Playa del Carmen all day long (and a third ferry that carries both you and your car), you have the benefits of an isolated Caribbean key, but the convenience of the shopping and services, when you need or want them, of a mid-size mainland city (or, if you take the car over, you can run up to  a larger place, Cancun).

Which is not to say that you ever need leave the island. Because you could arrive, never leave, and still have everything you need. San Miguel, the main city of Cozumel, has an international airport with flights arriving and departing every day to the United States. San Miguel also sports two huge department stores, Mega and Chedraui, many fast-food chain stores, and a tourist section of town along the beach that is clean, bright and attractive. Add to that, the fact that the cruise ships all leave by 5:00 pm eliminating the hustle and bustle that tourists generate, and you really couldn’t ask for more from a tourist meca.

There are two universities on the island, if you feel the need for more education. Cozumel also brags its own Mayan ruins, an historical lighthouse at either end, a large ecological park on the southern end of the island, two eco-water parks, Chankanaab and Xel-Ha, and some seriously good seafood. In fact, if you want good food, skip the fast-food chains and find someone to show you the “local” restaurants (which are not always recognizable as anything other than another home). It will be worth your trouble, if you like to eat. As the tourist trade has grown, so has the range and sophistication of the island’s restaurants. Now, you can enjoy cuisine with a more international flavor, although you still can’t beat the seafood, no matter it’s national cuisine origin.

Home and apartment rentals are available on a “leased” basis from six months to two years. Or, if you want something more permanent, you can buy a condo in one of the developments that line the beach on the north and south sides of San Miguel. Although, $850 per month is the average rent, there are two bedroom places available for as little as $600 per month. Utilities average $120 – $250 per month, depending on your need for technology.

The Cozumel International Airport terminal was remodeled and expanded in 2003 and from there you can take direct flights to DFW, Atlanta, Houston, Charlotte, Toronto, Calgary, Cancun, Merida, Villahermosa, Veracruz and Mexico City via ten airlines.  San Miguel also has a full-service hospital, Cozumel Medical Center, with a wide array of specialties, hospital, diagnostic and dental services, and two clinics, Centro de Especialidades Médicas de Cozumel and Medica San Miguel de Cozumel.

If you are in the “B – A” income bracket and would like to live on an island, then Cozumel has everything you want.

Best Places to Live & Visit in the Mayan Riviera

The Riviera Maya area of the Yucatan Peninsula stretches from Cancun through Playa del Carmen southward to Tulum, and includes the island of Cozumel, located 20 kilometers from Playa del Carmen into the Caribbean. Many people, both visitors and residents, believe this is the best place to live in Mexico for gorgeous, sandy beaches. The Mexican Caribbean is magic.

If you are into scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fly-fishing, kite boarding or exploring some  7,000 fresh water cenotes, the jungle, or Mayan ruins, this may be the place for you to live.  If you just enjoy hanging out on some of nature’s most impressive beaches and blue water it’s also a nice choice.

Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel are all part of this wonderland of water sports.  In the north, Cancun is known for its beautiful beaches and the zona hotelera. A bit pricey for our Lifestyle Rating System, it is nevertheless a wonderful place to shop for a day, or for a weekend of fun.

Living In Tulum

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Move to Tulum and Eat The Beach!

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Cozumel

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Coba Ruins

Overgrown with tropical forest, the Coba ruins (pronounced coh-ba), the once great city that for a time, dominated ancient Mayan society in northern Yucatan is almost forgotten. Aside from a gentle stream of explorers flowing through each year the ancient city is one of the few visited ruins that has been left relatively untouched. Some, expecting a […]

Living in Playa Del Carmen

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