Mazatlan, Mexico

Getting there: Direct flights from Los Angeles take 2 1/2 hours.

Healthcare: Very good; Sharp Hospital is one of the best in the region.

What $250,000 will buy: A three-bedroom, 2 1/2 -bath home in a gated community

Pros

* Large, working port city with character

* Many housing options, from architectural fixers to condos

* Cheaper coastal property than in better-known Mexican beach cities

* Good public transportation

* Historic downtown is being revived

* The 13-mile oceanfront walkway is a gem for strolling

* Hosts a rollicking Carnival annually, one of the world's largest

Cons

* Grittier than its upscale coastal cousins

* Attracts crowds of domestic visitors, snowbirds and cruise ship passengers

* Shopping is geared to tourists

* The government is actively pursuing foreign retirees, so expect company

* Carnival party scene can be overwhelming

Resources

* Mazatlan's Pacific Pearl, monthly online and print publication: www.pacificpearl.com

* MazInfo, online visitors' guide, public forum: www.mazinfo.com

* MazInfo news group, online bulletin board: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MazInfo

* Maztravel.com, online maps, events, tips and FAQs for retirees: www.maztravel.com

* Whatsupmaz.com, online community forum, classifieds: www.whatsupmaz.com

* Friends of Mexico, social and philanthropic group for expats: www.friendsofmexicoac.org

* Mazatlan Membership Library, English and Spanish library: www.mazinfo.com/library/index.htm

* Official Carnival site (in Spanish): www.carnavalmazatlan.net