Mazatlan, Mexico
Population: 400,000
Weather: Warm winters; hot, humid summers. Vulnerable to hurricanes.
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: https://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
