This was life-changing for me as a 65 yo American trying to live on a little over $1000 a month of Social Security. I was assuming I'd immigrate to Ecuador but this sounds easier.
@@alanacollins5685 No, not anymore - you are correct. Not as a Permanent resident. 15 years ago when I moved here and had a business here the immigration regs were different as was my income.
Mary, $1000 per month will go a long way in Mazatlán. You can live here comfortably for $600-700 per month. I'm retired and have been living here for almost 2-years. Reply if you want more information.
The beaches are beautiful, the weather is perfect most of the year, and the cost of living is low, low, low. But what makes Mazatlán really stand out as a retirement destination is the cultural scene: a refined, ever-changing, and exciting tapestry of entertainment, events, and fun things to do-many of them free.
@@romanolmos which raises matter of how things will go as the climate deteriorates -- as it already has done rather alarmingly just the last couple years. Life-threatening heat waves.
This video is perfect timing. I vacation in Mazatlan and am returning in May with the intention of staying for a while to get a taste of what living there might be late like. I'm also a former Santa Cruzer 🌊
I PAID 1-800-Got Junk to empty my 2 bedrooms apartment, closets and all. It was a Swedish Death Cleansing, and they did an excellent job. I did not have junk, and I had lived there almost 24 years. I always packed up things I was not using in RubberMaid containers, gave the RM numbers, and packed like with like. Books, tapes, journals, pictures, and furniture. I seperatd things within the RM with Ziplock bags of all sizes, and I used index cards to write, what was inside, RM#, and location in the apartment, all covered with Mexican serapes, and books on display on top. I still have the index cards, ad what I was taking to Queretaro was in my bathtub, as they emptied the entire apartment. Later, I gave away all my food preps,bathroom, and kitchen items. I have been coming to Mexico over 60 years, mainly Acapulco, and I speak Spanish as a second language. Earthquakes were the deal breakers for Acapulco. USA got too deadly and expensive, so at 79, I moved to Queretaro, Mexico. I have a beautiful apartment, that is 100% furnished, all utilities , WiFi, and a maid is included in a gated community with 24/7 security. The people are super nice, and it is about $800 per month for everything, including groceries home delivery, takeout, laundry, tours etc vs $1650 per month in the USA. If you are on a pension, or can work online, get your passport, 2 Charles Schwab debit cards, so you do not pay ATM or foreign transaction fees, but notify them when and where you travel. Queretaro is SAFE, CLEAN, and BEAUTIFUL, and I thank God for moving me here. R.I.P. Everyone being killed everywhere, for the souls leave the bodies, and God is in charge. ALL LIVES MATTER! Please behave, and obey God.
Hi Janet. Saw your piece on CNBC about San Antonio Tlayacapan. Well done and Intriguing. My wife and I have visited Mexico several times. Just love the people, lifestyle and quality of life. The Lake Chapala area is probably next our list. We are in our mid seventies. Wish we had found Mexico sooner.
Wonderful interview 👏 I’ve been living in Mexico for a couple of years (from NYC) and I feel very safe. We’ve driven all over the country and nothing’s ever happened. Your guest is so right about the U.S. media and safety in Mexico.
I'm really interested in this topic. I'm a 48 year old single man. I'm really feeling like life is just getting to be too much here in the states and that I'll never be able to have an enjoyable experience in my future retirement. I'm not sure if her city would be a good fit for me but what I'm hearing about Mexican life it seems like the lower costs and slower pace is what I want. Id love to learn more about living abroad.
The best way is to actually go and explore a city/town that looks of interest to you...each coast have different vibes, each city/town does...but yes actual cost of living is considerably lower...
I chose Mérida Mexico for my retirement. I bought a house and it's an Air bnb until I am ready to move full time. Nice to see an in depth interview. Thank you for posting this.
Thanks, I enjoyed the interview. I'm Curtis, 55, recently retired Navy.. and I lived July, Aug, Sept in Mexico City .. La Condesa area near Chapultepec park (maybe the worlds best park) and had 3 GREAT months, losing 35 pounds walking hours a day... in the park and around historic downtown Mexico City. ** I just booked a flight to Mazatlan, seeing if it's a place I'd want to retire. I'm starting with a 2 month Airbnb just north west of the central district, near the beach boardwalk. I would love to meet up with Janet for advice and Tacos al pastor if she's up for a few laughs and free tacos? Best wishes to everyone as Christmas is only a week away now.
I would absolutely love to speak with someone like her as we are looking to retire there to get more of the ins and outs of getting settled in. Great video ladies, thank you.
awesome! glad it is helpful. you can also check out dreamretirementinmexico.com if you are looking for information and want the confidence of having tips from experts who deal with those moving to mexico. We talk about everything from real estate, visas, healthcare, banking, accounting, etc. all in one program for easy reference.
Thank you for what you said about violence . I worked on and off in Haiti and lived for 3 years in Honduras during what would have been considered an incredibly violent time but to be quite honest as a principal and an educator I feel more stressed about violence or the probability of something happening in this country than I ever have when I worked abroad
34:30 Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for vehicles a $400 deposit is required at entry and it's refunded when the vehicle exits the country. TIP's are required by every country for foreign vehicles (the US has the same requirement) for drivers coming in from other countries.
I normally would not watch a video on UA-cam for 40 minutes...but that is exactly what I did. 😳 Great interview and extremely informative. Love how “real” the interview was. I am contemplating Mazatlan from Arizona so I appreciate everything! I can’t wait to get the book and read about the 27 women and their experiences. Thanks again! Much love. ❤️
Hola Steven, thanks for writing AND for watching the whole thing! Glad it was interesting enough to keep your attention! And the book is not just for women - good for you for understanding that. Enjoy & Happy Holidays!
Thanks Janet! I thoroughly enjoyed your interview...it was actually fun! You two girls interacted nicely and the questions as well as the responses were on point and what I needed to hear! Totally dig your vibe. I haven’t bought the book yet but will before the year is out. Have a blessed Holiday and I am a bit jealous that I am not there yet!! Keep it real and stay safe! Peace Love and Hope ~ Steven
Thank you for this inspiring interview Janet! 14 years ago, during a period of job instability during the recession, I moved to rural Hawaii.It has been a remarkable, hard won experience.I'm beginning to think about returning to North America, but need more sun and diversified culture than in the Pacific Northwest.Mexico, in all it's beauty, diversity and challenges might just be it! Mahalo nui loa!
Great interview, thanks! I loved Puerto Vallarta but haven't been to Mazatlan yet so it's on my list to check out before I retire in 2 years, I'm Canadian and hope to retire somewhere else such as Mexico in appx 2.5 yrs
I have been looking into safe inexpensive places to live and most likely f the homes I can afford in retirement in USA are bad neighborhoods. This is what has me inspired about Mexico. I considered Pureu or Spain, but the flight home would be expensive and the EU issues with energy and Russia have me thinking Mexico sounds better to call home and job st visit other countries.
I live in Baja Mexico. Yes there is crime. I have been robbed. I lived in the US most of my life; yes there is crime, and yes I was robbed! An issue is people need to follow a different set of safety features and realize there are places you may want to avoid. Don’t go looking for drugs or hang out in rough neighborhoods and bars. It comes down to common sense! What would you do in Chicago or any city! Don’t let the media or other people’s fears deter you from traveling Mexico or moving to Mexico. And remember driving is a bit different and manana does not always mean tomorrow…😉
@@marciabarreto780 much lower than in the US! I had a minor surgery in the doctors office; total cost including test, doctors fee, surgeon fee, less than $500usd! Most prescriptions are over the counter and yes very inexpensive! Antibiotics and heavy duty pain medicines require doctor prescription but so maybe ch less money than the US that it boggles the mind at the cost in US!
Another thing you can't find is yellow lemons the only thing they have is what's called lemon verde, or green lemons! In my area in Huatulco, which is on the southern coast of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean, they have a brand new water plant which is like a modern water system in the United States all the water is safe! They built it because the area is a high traffic tourist area where cruise ships come in on a daily basis and thousands of people get off! They don't necessarily come into town because they go and every different direction but many of them do! We have an expat community of about 10,000!
@ 30:54 - Born and raised in Canada. Lived here all my life. I'm almost 61. Always had peanut butter here from my earliest memories - both crunchy and smooth. Just FYI... Peanut butter and jam (jelly) was the standard lunch sandwich for school kids.
I watched a video yesterday where a couple spent a few thousand a month in Mazatlan. Made it seem like everything is so much more expensive than I had heard.
yes that is a concern for many...some people end up traveling up north for the summers. I have been there for many summers -- to be honest, i love the humidity as it helps with my dry skin! the winters are tough for me...
@@ModernAging I currently live in Tampa Florida so I know all about heat and humidity. But I complain if it goes below 72 degrees so I think I'd be fine 🙂
Hi Pamela! That's when many expats go to visit family in the States or wherever they're from, or go inland for a couple of months. There are all kinds of options.
Hi Mel, earlier this year that was a requirement - it's not now. Now you must be masked to go into any business and they are still doing temp checks and disinfectant gel at the doors. Mexico is taking Covid pretty seriously and they ask visitors to respect the parameters they've set, which seem to be more strict than some places up north.
Hi Janet, what colonia do you live in? I don’t have social media, so FB groups are not an option. I’d like to know when rentals become available in your area. Do you have any suggestions? I speak and read Spanish well.... thank you so much. @janet blaser
Sure you can find peanut butter in Mexico ans 10000 items in all the local main grocery stores. Walmart, Superama, Chedraui, etc. These are main stores in Mexico cities. I legally lived about 26 years in US and I found more annoying little things there than in Mexico and everything is sooooo expensive in US compared to Mexico. I now live in Queretaro Mexico. Check out Queretaro videos done by so many travelers from US, Euro and Asia. You will be surprised!!!
Too hot! 10:15 AM on July 10, 2022 - 87 degrees Feels like 103! Patzcuaro, in the mountains where I live, 70 degrees, feels like 70! I hate air conditioning! Also too expensive!
Nowhere is perfect. What matters is that you are happy and your choice worked best for you. Thanks for sharing from an older women now living in Kenya- not my first time, but hopefully my last... We live in a beautiful world and as an American we have a lot of options in freedom to relocate.... no place will be perfect, but there are a lot of options to live a beautiful life!
I've been living here in Mexico for many years and the older guys with the whistles in the parking lots who help you park do it so they can possibly get a small tip to supplement their income and also the older people who help bag your groceries at the supermarket here. And I also have no problem getting peanut butter here. Crunchy or Creamy. Skippy or Jif.
@@davideasterling5262 Really, I live here in Cuernavaca Mexico and I can go to any health food store here of which there are many and get organic or sugar free peanut butter. The stores are called Naturista stores or health food stores.
@@marciabarreto780 Hi Marcia, What specific costs would you like to know about? I pay about $400 a month rent for a furnished 2 bedroom apartment here in Cuernavaca. You can of course pay a lot more or less depending on what you're willing to spend. Food can be expensive but if you stick to basic fruits and vegetables and shop carefully you can eat here for about 2 or 3 hundred a month. Health care depends on what you need. Dental is much cheaper here and a doctor visit is about $20 or less.
I enjoyed the interview. Lots of great information. I too had seen her video, (how you said you found her), where she shows her current apartment (absolutely beautiful), and discusses on how on a modest income she lives quite comfortably with a monthly rent of only $420. In your interview I was hoping when she mentioned that healthcare was inexpensive there relative to the U.S., that you would have asked about costs since she was very specific about utilities, etc. Does one buy health insurance and what does it cost? She also mentioned that she was a permanent resident in Mexico. I would've like to have heard what the process was to achieve that. I know that in some countries one can do that through investing in a property or a business. How did she make it happen? How long does it last for, etc.?
We just paid our second lowest electric bill since we moved here 25 years ago. The bill was $400+. When I do retire, I won't let the doorknob hit me on the way out.
Are there problems with odors from old plumbing in Mazatlan? I saw a couple of videos about the sewage odor indoors and outdoors in Merida. I’m just trying to gather Intel!! Thanks. ☀️
There used to be in some streets downtown. But that was years ago. The city did some major reworking the drains and now there is much less flooding and no bad smells from sewage. A new sewage treatment plant was also built.
C"mon people there are lots of people in Latin America who are blonde, colored eyes, white. Get out and explore the world. Unless you have a tail or extra hand, nobody is going to be amazed by another human being. We have lots of European descent. Good informative video, I am planning to visit Mexico soon; I may stop by Mazatlan to check it out.
Not true. Mexicans rarely have blue eyes but some do. Some have very white skin, but that is rare also. Some Costa Rica women have light skin and blue eyes, much more than Mexico. Blondes in Mexico are 99% from hair dyes. Almost all the stars on TV telenovelas have blue or green eyes and whiter skin.
@@davideasterling5262 I said Latin America. I come from Honduras, and there are areas in my country where at least 60% of the population are fair, with colored eyes, and blonde hair. I was married into a family with most of them were of these characteristics. I am the classic brown, but my daughter from that marriage is actually very light skin, with hazel eyes, and light brown hair. Even my own family from my dad's side has mixed characteristics; we were 6 brothers and sisters, and we were also mixed I have a brother and sister with lighter skin and light color eyes and hair. Blue eyes are actually rare, only 8% of the population has them, but there are more colors than blue. In fact, most whites in the US have light brown eyes.
I think these cheaper apartments are few and far between and certainly not on air BnB. Seems like word of mouth gets you the bargain accommodation. I plan to learn enough Spanish to get by and spend a month or two somewhere in Mexico just to feel it out before perhaps deciding to move there for a longer stay or under a temporary work visa. I’m lucky that I can work remotely at the moment and Mexico is a possibility for me. Cost of living these days just ridiculous.
I am from Sinaloa, so is weird for me to hear she can't find fresh tomatoes in the state who use to produce tomatoes for the rest of the country. actually the plates of the sinaloa state cars where identified for many years with a tomate pinted on them. just go to the farmers markets, casa ley supermarket wich is very popular and curiosly its owner also owns the beisbol team called Tomateros de Culiacan 😃
We love cool weather so will retire to the mountains of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, in about 7 months. We think we can EASILY live on just my social security of $1800/month. The only thing we aren’t sure of is what to do about health insurance. We will be temp residents so we will have free public care but private insurance will cost us about $5000/year. Since healthcare is soooo inexpensive we may just self insure and try to stay as healthy as possible. We are 55 n 60 years old so we aren’t old enough for Medicare for years.
Janet, I live very close to you and would like to invite you to my house or to dinner at El Presidio. My name is Dave and I have lived in Mazatlan almost as long as you. I moved here in Dec. 2006. I live in Playa Sur in the street Prol. Aquiles Serdan. I have not had any problems here and I like very much the sunny skies and cool nights in the winter. My house has 4 A/C's for the summer. I live about 50 m north of what used to be the salon Castillo de Lulu but is now becoming a big apartment complex called Torre Sur. I think your apartment is near the beach Olas Altas area. I don't ever use FB, but my wife does. Luz Angelica Ibarra Paredes. I have experienced some of the challenges that you faced and maybe some that you did not. I had all my furniture sent to Tucson AZ. Then my wife and I took a bus north to recover the muebles. Its a long story, but there were some problems getting it all to Mazatlan. I moved here because it was a favorite city of my much travelled mother. Would like to meet sometime.
Hola Dave, que onda! Thanks for writing! I've sent Luz a message on Facebook - let's communicate on Messenger instead of here. ;-) Well, there are several people with that name! Can you ask her to send me a message at @thejanetblaser?
Hi Marta, thanks for writing! My building has only 6 apts, and nothing is available. Owners live in 3 apts and the rest of us renters have no plans to leave, lol. Good luck!
A/C bills only go through the roof if you average more than 1000 kilowatts a month for an entire year. If you do that you lose the 50% discount and would pay about 200 to 300 dlls for a month. You would have to have a huge house with six or seven older A/C units that are energy hogs. The newer INVERTER A/C units use much less electricity and are much better. In Mazatlan you do not use A/C for about six months, and not even fans during November to May. So you would have to use an enormous amount of electricity to in the summer to go over the 1000 kilowatt average per year. Mazatlan is hot in the summer. It is always humid, all year round. It is a perfect paradise of weather from Nov. to May. I pay less than 70 dlls a month for electric bills in the winter, and never more than 150 per month in the summer.
@@davideasterling5262 this sounds like what I am looking for.I only need a one bedroom for me andI am looking on the cheap side. I have to spend 6 months in Canada so thisxwill work out fine. Now, to find some more info!
@@Resmith18SR me too! And I am practically Mexican by osmosis. Lol. I am currently in Atlanta, GA. I grew up in Malibu, CA (Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Venice a bit, too). My parents retired to CSL in 1990 and I have known for years that I would become an expat in Mexico when I retire. Definitely NOT in CSL, ugh it has become soooo Americanized and expensive. I don’t care if I ever go back. Now I want to get out of the U.S. asap. I cannot stand what this country has become. Along with the cost of living and go, go, go all the time. We now live to work here and I want to work to live. A slower pace and more tranquility. I have been researching places in Mexico for many years and am really trying to narrow it down now b/c I am ready to sell everything and move before the end of the year. But am getting so very overwhelmed. SO many opinions, experiences, attitudes…it’s been really hard. Open to any info/suggestions you have. How long have you been in Cuerna? Or even just in Mexico? Are you American? I know what kind of life I want and what my needs are…just when I think I’ve got it narrowed down, I get unsure again.
Not gonna give me any insights or info? Trying to keep Cuerna to yourself (which I would understand actually!)? It never comes up under expat places to live in MX. 🤔
Very informative. Thank you. I wonder how well alternative healing goes over there. I need to work for income with the electrotherapy device I sell... It went over well in Baja but you can't have alcohol in your system and so many expats are alcoholics... That is a show stopper, for me...
very nice video, Unfortunately, a Swiss retired has to have a monthly retirement of 3,471.69 Dollars, in order to apply for a permanent VISA. That's how my dream of going to live in Mexico ended, I only have 2600 Dollars
Are There are other good visa options in Mexico - or maybe try Belize. I don’t know why they’d ask for so much? I’m from Canada so maybe it’s same for me. Do some research. Don’t give up on your retirement dreams😊
hey, i am from mexico and what i know you can stay there as tourist with permission or visa for 6 months, before the permission expire you can travel to usa for a weekend or so and get a new permission for other 6 months . i know foreigners who use to do that without problem.
Seems to me, it's like the difference between living in Cali and Florida. It's a huge country. Everywhere is different. Stay away from big cities unless you have the funds to live in "secure" communities. Sad but true. I'm a minimalist, so poverty doesn't bother me if there is "community" vs violence. I really want to move south of the border. The USA is a dying country. No idea why anyone would come here anymore.
Isn't this Sonora state, the most violent state in MX? Are cartels in the background or what? A girl got shot protesting the femicides in Mazatlan last year in a drive by shooting...
Twenty years ago I went out to the dump with a church group that brings fruit and water and sandwiches to the families that salvage the recyclables from the mountain of garbage. I don’t know if it’s the same now, but it made quite an impression on me.
@@thejanetblaser Hi Janet, How are you? I'm a retired American living here in Cuernavaca Morelos Mexico and would like to talk with you about Mazatlan. Is there an email or cell number I could reach you at?
Hi Janet my husband and I are coming to Mazatlan mid jan to mid April….we are seriously thinking of moving to Mazatlan and would love to meet you enjoy some drinks and talk about life there…..if this is possible please message me….friend me on Facebook…whatever works….would love to meet you and have a visit
This was life-changing for me as a 65 yo American trying to live on a little over $1000 a month of Social Security. I was assuming I'd immigrate to Ecuador but this sounds easier.
There are definitely options!
Hi Mary Ann! I just replied to your message on my Facebook page. Do your due diligence and then come for a visit!
That amount won't qualify you to live in mexico unfortunately
@@alanacollins5685 No, not anymore - you are correct. Not as a Permanent resident. 15 years ago when I moved here and had a business here the immigration regs were different as was my income.
Mary, $1000 per month will go a long way in Mazatlán. You can live here comfortably for $600-700 per month. I'm retired and have been living here for almost 2-years. Reply if you want more information.
The beaches are beautiful, the weather is perfect most of the year, and the cost of living is low, low, low. But what makes Mazatlán really stand out as a retirement destination is the cultural scene: a refined, ever-changing, and exciting tapestry of entertainment, events, and fun things to do-many of them free.
thanks for your insight!
YES! One of the main reasons I chose Mazatlan!
@@ModernAging with the new Mexican immigration laws will you continue to stay in Mexico?
It’s super hot and humid 8 months out of the year ….
@@romanolmos which raises matter of how things will go as the climate deteriorates -- as it already has done rather alarmingly just the last couple years. Life-threatening heat waves.
This video is perfect timing. I vacation in Mazatlan and am returning in May with the intention of staying for a while to get a taste of what living there might be late like. I'm also a former Santa Cruzer 🌊
Hi Kathy! Good for you! If you want, contact me when you're here (through my FB page) and maybe we can get together and chat.
I PAID 1-800-Got Junk to empty my 2 bedrooms apartment, closets and all. It was a Swedish Death Cleansing, and they did an excellent job. I did not have junk, and I had lived there almost
24 years. I always packed up things I was not using in RubberMaid containers, gave the RM numbers, and packed like with like. Books, tapes, journals, pictures, and furniture. I seperatd things within the RM with Ziplock bags of all sizes, and I used index cards to write, what was inside, RM#, and location in the apartment, all covered with Mexican serapes, and books on display on top. I still have the index cards, ad what I was taking to Queretaro was in my bathtub, as they emptied the entire apartment. Later, I gave away all my food preps,bathroom, and kitchen items.
I have been coming to Mexico over 60 years, mainly Acapulco, and I speak Spanish as a second language. Earthquakes were the deal breakers for Acapulco.
USA got too deadly and expensive, so at 79, I moved to Queretaro, Mexico. I have a beautiful apartment, that is 100% furnished, all utilities , WiFi, and a maid is included in a gated community with 24/7 security. The people are super nice, and it is about $800 per month for everything, including groceries home delivery, takeout, laundry, tours etc vs $1650 per month in the USA. If you are on a pension, or can work online, get your passport, 2 Charles Schwab debit cards, so you do not pay ATM or foreign transaction fees, but notify them when and where you travel. Queretaro is SAFE, CLEAN, and BEAUTIFUL, and I thank God for moving me here.
R.I.P. Everyone being killed everywhere, for the souls leave the bodies, and God is in charge.
ALL LIVES MATTER! Please behave, and obey God.
Thank you for posting this. I always enjoy seeing this woman do interviews. She’s very inspiring.
Awww, thank you!!
In the states we make money on misery. That's the industry here.
Hi Janet. Saw your piece on CNBC about San Antonio Tlayacapan. Well done and Intriguing. My wife and I have visited Mexico several times. Just love the people, lifestyle and quality of life. The Lake Chapala area is probably next our list. We are in our mid seventies. Wish we had found Mexico sooner.
Wonderful interview 👏 I’ve been living in Mexico for a couple of years (from NYC) and I feel very safe. We’ve driven all over the country and nothing’s ever happened. Your guest is so right about the U.S. media and safety in Mexico.
I'm really interested in this topic. I'm a 48 year old single man. I'm really feeling like life is just getting to be too much here in the states and that I'll never be able to have an enjoyable experience in my future retirement. I'm not sure if her city would be a good fit for me but what I'm hearing about Mexican life it seems like the lower costs and slower pace is what I want. Id love to learn more about living abroad.
The best way is to actually go and explore a city/town that looks of interest to you...each coast have different vibes, each city/town does...but yes actual cost of living is considerably lower...
I chose Mérida Mexico for my retirement. I bought a house and it's an Air bnb until I am ready to move full time. Nice to see an in depth interview. Thank you for posting this.
Could you tell me about the cost of health care there?
I've been to Merida.. not sure I would live there but good luck.
Thanks, I enjoyed the interview. I'm Curtis, 55, recently retired Navy.. and I lived July, Aug, Sept in Mexico City .. La Condesa area near Chapultepec park (maybe the worlds best park) and had 3 GREAT months, losing 35 pounds walking hours a day... in the park and around historic downtown Mexico City.
** I just booked a flight to Mazatlan, seeing if it's a place I'd want to retire. I'm starting with a 2 month Airbnb just north west of the central district, near the beach boardwalk. I would love to meet up with Janet for advice and Tacos al pastor if she's up for a few laughs and free tacos?
Best wishes to everyone as Christmas is only a week away now.
Hola Curtis, thanks for writing! Sounds like an adventure! When will you be here, and where exactly is your place? Are you on Facebook?
Curtis you need to respond buddy😀
Just finished her book. Loved it. Can’t wait to move to Mexico.
Woo-hoo, good for you Debi!! Go for it!
What is the name of her book please?
@@liberty1818 Janet Blaser
Why We Left An Anthology of American Women Expats
How about no.
I'm in Haultulco, on the coast of Oaxaca. 67 and living on social security. Great quality of life.
I’m 58 and plan on moving there 12/24!!
Could you tell me about the cost of health care there?
Omg. This is where I want to go? How long have you been there and what drew you there?
I would absolutely love to speak with someone like her as we are looking to retire there to get more of the ins and outs of getting settled in. Great video ladies, thank you.
Thanks so much!
This is a wonderful interview - thank you to both of you. I am serious about moving to Mexico and this is such a great help.
awesome! glad it is helpful. you can also check out dreamretirementinmexico.com if you are looking for information and want the confidence of having tips from experts who deal with those moving to mexico. We talk about everything from real estate, visas, healthcare, banking, accounting, etc. all in one program for easy reference.
Thank you for what you said about violence . I worked on and off in Haiti and lived for 3 years in Honduras during what would have been considered an incredibly violent time but to be quite honest as a principal and an educator I feel more stressed about violence or the probability of something happening in this country than I ever have when I worked abroad
34:30 Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for vehicles a $400 deposit is required at entry and it's refunded when the vehicle exits the country. TIP's are required by every country for foreign vehicles (the US has the same requirement) for drivers coming in from other countries.
I normally would not watch a video on UA-cam for 40 minutes...but that is exactly what I did. 😳 Great interview and extremely informative.
Love how “real” the interview was. I am contemplating Mazatlan from Arizona so I appreciate everything!
I can’t wait to get the book and read about the 27 women and their experiences.
Thanks again! Much love. ❤️
awesome. :) Thanks for watching all the way through...yes Janet is fun - and a wealth of candid information. best of luck!
Hola Steven, thanks for writing AND for watching the whole thing! Glad it was interesting enough to keep your attention! And the book is not just for women - good for you for understanding that. Enjoy & Happy Holidays!
Thanks Janet!
I thoroughly enjoyed your interview...it was actually fun!
You two girls interacted nicely and the questions as well as the responses were on point and what I needed to hear!
Totally dig your vibe.
I haven’t bought the book yet but will before the year is out.
Have a blessed Holiday and I am a bit jealous that I am not there yet!!
Keep it real and stay safe!
Peace Love and Hope
~ Steven
Thank you for this inspiring interview Janet! 14 years ago, during a period of job instability during the recession, I moved to rural Hawaii.It has been a remarkable, hard won experience.I'm beginning to think about returning to North America, but need more sun and diversified culture than in the Pacific Northwest.Mexico, in all it's beauty, diversity and challenges might just be it!
Mahalo nui loa!
Great interview, thanks! I loved Puerto Vallarta but haven't been to Mazatlan yet so it's on my list to check out before I retire in 2 years, I'm Canadian and hope to retire somewhere else such as Mexico in appx 2.5 yrs
Thanks for a great interview. Bought the book for myself and one for a family member. Can't wait to read it.
awesome. yeah it's a great read. :) it'll inspire you!
What book please?
@@denisejefferson4739 Why We Left An Anthology of American Women Expats
@@slcea7 Thank you.
@@slcea7 Thank you.
wonderful and clear information, I liked to see you explaining the realities of Mazatlan. Jorge
I have been looking into safe inexpensive places to live and most likely f the homes I can afford in retirement in USA are bad neighborhoods. This is what has me inspired about Mexico. I considered Pureu or Spain, but the flight home would be expensive and the EU issues with energy and Russia have me thinking Mexico sounds better to call home and job st visit other countries.
Peru...I wish you the best.
@@acajudi100 Their neighbor, Ecuador, seems a good bet, as well, especially Vilcabamba; a beautiful, inexpensive retirement destination. Good luck.
Thank you! Nice clear , concise info and presented in a realistic manner.
so glad it was helpful!
THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO !!I SAW THIS AMAZING LADIES VIDEO ON UA-cam 6MONTHS AGO AND IT SHOWED ME A GREAT WAY OF LIFE FOR MY SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK !!!
This is a fantastic interview! Thank you Janet!! 🎉
The book is amazing! And I loved this video. Great information!
awesome - glad you liked it. Janet is amazing -- it helps to have someone give their honest candid opinions about a place :)
Thanks Shelley!
I live in Baja Mexico. Yes there is crime. I have been robbed. I lived in the US most of my life; yes there is crime, and yes I was robbed! An issue is people need to follow a different set of safety features and realize there are places you may want to avoid. Don’t go looking for drugs or hang out in rough neighborhoods and bars. It comes down to common sense! What would you do in Chicago or any city! Don’t let the media or other people’s fears deter you from traveling Mexico or moving to Mexico. And remember driving is a bit different and manana does not always mean tomorrow…😉
Could you tell me about the cost of health care there?
@@marciabarreto780 much lower than in the US! I had a minor surgery in the doctors office; total cost including test, doctors fee, surgeon fee, less than $500usd! Most prescriptions are over the counter and yes very inexpensive! Antibiotics and heavy duty pain medicines require doctor prescription but so maybe ch less money than the US that it boggles the mind at the cost in US!
@@roletsgo Thank you, Rosanne, those are good news!
Fascinating story! Great to hear about other options. I love PV but maybe I should keep an open mind…
yes absolutely...the more you explore, the more you discover...
1bed apt $200 in Mazatlan, is $2,000 in LA.
And worse in the SF bay area..
Another thing you can't find is yellow lemons the only thing they have is what's called lemon verde, or green lemons!
In my area in Huatulco, which is on the southern coast of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean, they have a brand new water plant which is like a modern water system in the United States all the water is safe! They built it because the area is a high traffic tourist area where cruise ships come in on a daily basis and thousands of people get off! They don't necessarily come into town because they go and every different direction but many of them do! We have an expat community of about 10,000!
@ 30:54 - Born and raised in Canada. Lived here all my life. I'm almost 61. Always had peanut butter here from my earliest memories - both crunchy and smooth. Just FYI...
Peanut butter and jam (jelly) was the standard lunch sandwich for school kids.
Hello from Doug from Virginia 🤓 I'm thinking about trying to slowly start the process of moving to Mexico .🤔🏖️
Sounds like a great place to open a shop, are there any reasonable small spaces I wonder?
I watched a video yesterday where a couple spent a few thousand a month in Mazatlan. Made it seem like everything is so much more expensive than I had heard.
I just bought Janet’s book. Great interview (and great interviewer)
Great video! I bought your book😊 I hope to visit Mazatlan soon. My main concern is the heat and humidity in summer.
yes that is a concern for many...some people end up traveling up north for the summers. I have been there for many summers -- to be honest, i love the humidity as it helps with my dry skin! the winters are tough for me...
@@ModernAging I currently live in Tampa Florida so I know all about heat and humidity. But I complain if it goes below 72 degrees so I think I'd be fine 🙂
Hi Pamela! That's when many expats go to visit family in the States or wherever they're from, or go inland for a couple of months. There are all kinds of options.
@@ModernAging How are the winters there?
I would love to have a conversation with any about this more indepth...this is wonderful. Thank you 😊
Can someone confirm: I have heard that Mazatlan has insittuted a vaccine pass, which is necessary to enter restaurants and some shops.
Hi Mel, earlier this year that was a requirement - it's not now. Now you must be masked to go into any business and they are still doing temp checks and disinfectant gel at the doors. Mexico is taking Covid pretty seriously and they ask visitors to respect the parameters they've set, which seem to be more strict than some places up north.
@@thejanetblaser Hi Janet, do you have health insurance there? How much is it, average, do get it, do you know?
Mazatlán is definitely the best place to move if you're American or Canadian!!!
I lived there for a month. I enjoyed it. Providing I can find a little yard for my dog, I might be back soon.
:) sounds like a great plan!
Hi Janet, what colonia do you live in?
I don’t have social media, so FB groups are not an option. I’d like to know when rentals become available in your area. Do you have any suggestions? I speak and read Spanish well.... thank you so much. @janet blaser
Great interview ♥️
What about water pressure in bathroom, what floor are you on, or the street apartment, shat about farmer markets, ...ty
Sure you can find peanut butter in Mexico ans 10000 items in all the local main grocery stores. Walmart, Superama, Chedraui, etc. These are main stores in Mexico cities. I legally lived about 26 years in US and I found more annoying little things there than in Mexico and everything is sooooo expensive in US compared to Mexico. I now live in Queretaro Mexico. Check out Queretaro videos done by so many travelers from US, Euro and Asia. You will be surprised!!!
Could you tell me about the cost of health insurance there?
Not on Fakebook. Any alternatives to reach out to ex-pats in Maztalan?
Too hot! 10:15 AM on July 10, 2022 - 87 degrees Feels like 103! Patzcuaro, in the mountains where I live, 70 degrees, feels like 70! I hate air conditioning! Also too expensive!
Nowhere is perfect. What matters is that you are happy and your choice worked best for you. Thanks for sharing from an older women now living in Kenya- not my first time, but hopefully my last... We live in a beautiful world and as an American we have a lot of options in freedom to relocate.... no place will be perfect, but there are a lot of options to live a beautiful life!
Loved your interview
Please say more about health care, is there affordable insurance? It is VERY important to seniors.
I've been living here in Mexico for many years and the older guys with the whistles in the parking lots who help you park do it so they can possibly get a small tip to supplement their income and also the older people who help bag your groceries at the supermarket here. And I also have no problem getting peanut butter here. Crunchy or Creamy. Skippy or Jif.
They were speaking of peanut butter without any sugar, which is rare in Mexico.
@@davideasterling5262 Really, I live here in Cuernavaca Mexico and I can go to any health food store here of which there are many and get organic or sugar free peanut butter. The stores are called Naturista stores or health food stores.
Could you tell me about the cost of health care there?
@@marciabarreto780 Hi Marcia, What specific costs would you like to know about? I pay about $400 a month rent for a furnished 2 bedroom apartment here in Cuernavaca. You can of course pay a lot more or less depending on what you're willing to spend. Food can be expensive but if you stick to basic fruits and vegetables and shop carefully you can eat here for about 2 or 3 hundred a month. Health care depends on what you need. Dental is much cheaper here and a doctor visit is about $20 or less.
@@Resmith18SR Thank you so much, I wanted to know the average price of health insurance.
I enjoyed the interview. Lots of great information. I too had seen her video, (how you said you found her), where she shows her current apartment (absolutely beautiful), and discusses on how on a modest income she lives quite comfortably with a monthly rent of only $420.
In your interview I was hoping when she mentioned that healthcare was inexpensive there relative to the U.S., that you would have asked about costs since she was very specific about utilities, etc. Does one buy health insurance and what does it cost? She also mentioned that she was a permanent resident in Mexico. I would've like to have heard what the process was to achieve that. I know that in some countries one can do that through investing in a property or a business. How did she make it happen? How long does it last for, etc.?
We paid $400 for electric this summer in one month. Highest bill ever. No pool. 2 story house . Southern California inland empire.
Uff!
wow...that's high even for the east coast.
We just paid our second lowest electric bill since we moved here 25 years ago. The bill was $400+. When I do retire, I won't let the doorknob hit me on the way out.
Forgot to mention; we live in San Diego County, CA and I despise this place.
very pleasant and intelligent guest
Are there problems with odors from old plumbing in Mazatlan? I saw a couple of videos about the sewage odor indoors and outdoors in Merida. I’m just trying to gather Intel!! Thanks. ☀️
There used to be in some streets downtown. But that was years ago. The city did some major reworking the drains and now there is much less flooding and no bad smells from sewage. A new sewage treatment plant was also built.
Yes.. there are odors in Merida. I've seen sewer lines going straight into the ocean. I have photos.
C"mon people there are lots of people in Latin America who are blonde, colored eyes, white. Get out and explore the world. Unless you have a tail or extra hand, nobody is going to be amazed by another human being. We have lots of European descent. Good informative video, I am planning to visit Mexico soon; I may stop by Mazatlan to check it out.
Not true. Mexicans rarely have blue eyes but some do. Some have very white skin, but that is rare also.
Some Costa Rica women have light skin and blue eyes, much more than Mexico.
Blondes in Mexico are 99% from hair dyes.
Almost all the stars on TV telenovelas have blue or green eyes and whiter skin.
@@davideasterling5262 I said Latin America. I come from Honduras, and there are areas in my country where at least 60% of the population are fair, with colored eyes, and blonde hair. I was married into a family with most of them were of these characteristics. I am the classic brown, but my daughter from that marriage is actually very light skin, with hazel eyes, and light brown hair. Even my own family from my dad's side has mixed characteristics; we were 6 brothers and sisters, and we were also mixed I have a brother and sister with lighter skin and light color eyes and hair. Blue eyes are actually rare, only 8% of the population has them, but there are more colors than blue. In fact, most whites in the US have light brown eyes.
I think these cheaper apartments are few and far between and certainly not on air BnB. Seems like word of mouth gets you the bargain accommodation. I plan to learn enough Spanish to get by and spend a month or two somewhere in Mexico just to feel it out before perhaps deciding to move there for a longer stay or under a temporary work visa. I’m lucky that I can work remotely at the moment and Mexico is a possibility for me. Cost of living these days just ridiculous.
What are your favorite restaurants and things to do in Mazatlan? I’m visiting soon. Thank you.
Will you be doing another webinar in ???
Grow your own garden including tomatoes n chili, its easy.
I am from Sinaloa, so is weird for me to hear she can't find fresh tomatoes in the state who use to produce tomatoes for the rest of the country. actually the plates of the sinaloa state cars where identified for many years with a tomate pinted on them. just go to the farmers markets, casa ley supermarket wich is very popular and curiosly its owner also owns the beisbol team called Tomateros de Culiacan 😃
We love cool weather so will retire to the mountains of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, in about 7 months.
We think we can EASILY live on just my social security of $1800/month.
The only thing we aren’t sure of is what to do about health insurance. We will be temp residents so we will have free public care but private insurance will cost us about $5000/year. Since healthcare is soooo inexpensive we may just self insure and try to stay as healthy as possible. We are 55 n 60 years old so we aren’t old enough for Medicare for years.
Janet, I live very close to you and would like to invite you to my house or to dinner at El Presidio. My name is Dave and I have lived in Mazatlan almost as long as you. I moved here in Dec. 2006. I live in Playa Sur in the street Prol. Aquiles Serdan. I have not had any problems here and I like very much the sunny skies and cool nights in the winter. My house has 4 A/C's for the summer. I live about 50 m north of what used to be the salon Castillo de Lulu but is now becoming a big apartment complex called Torre Sur.
I think your apartment is near the beach Olas Altas area. I don't ever use FB, but my wife does. Luz Angelica Ibarra Paredes.
I have experienced some of the challenges that you faced and maybe some that you did not. I had all my furniture sent to Tucson AZ.
Then my wife and I took a bus north to recover the muebles. Its a long story, but there were some problems getting it all to Mazatlan.
I moved here because it was a favorite city of my much travelled mother. Would like to meet sometime.
Hola Dave, que onda! Thanks for writing! I've sent Luz a message on Facebook - let's communicate on Messenger instead of here. ;-) Well, there are several people with that name! Can you ask her to send me a message at @thejanetblaser?
Could you tell me about the cost of health care there?
Thank you for sharing your story! Mazatlan is one of my choices to live in 2023. Could you please tell me the name of your apartment building.
Hi Marta, thanks for writing! My building has only 6 apts, and nothing is available. Owners live in 3 apts and the rest of us renters have no plans to leave, lol. Good luck!
The word is out. Prices are skyrocketing now. Supply and demand in action.
Has your rent increased?
Volume was recorded way too low.
she's also an older woman like a grandmother when it comes to safety, i don't think it would be the same for others
???
It would cost me 300 month to live there with food included. Here it cost 1200 month
Driving into Tijuana from San Diego people never deal with immigration. You can just walk or drive in. Getting back into California is different.
Mazatlán has a beautiful Pacific coast but it is too hot & humid. A/C electricity bills go through the roof.
A/C bills only go through the roof if you average more than 1000 kilowatts a month for an entire year. If you do that you lose the 50% discount and would pay about 200 to 300 dlls for a month.
You would have to have a huge house with six or seven older A/C units that are energy hogs. The newer INVERTER A/C units use much less electricity and are much better.
In Mazatlan you do not use A/C for about six months, and not even fans during November to May. So you would have to
use an enormous amount of electricity to in the summer to go over the 1000 kilowatt average per year.
Mazatlan is hot in the summer. It is always humid, all year round. It is a perfect paradise of weather from Nov. to May.
I pay less than 70 dlls a month for electric bills in the winter, and never more than 150 per month in the summer.
@@davideasterling5262 this sounds like what I am looking for.I only need a one bedroom for me andI am looking on the cheap side. I have to spend 6 months in Canada so thisxwill work out fine. Now, to find some more info!
@@davideasterling5262 Thank you so much for all that info - very helpful!
@@peggylacroix8601 there are many UA-cam videos on the subject.
If you get the Green Light at Mexican Customs, it's Green Go. That's where the term Gringo comes from. Lol.
Omg...never knew that! For real Rick?
Or are you just being a clever boy? Lol
@@mariwilson1534 Yes Mari, I'm surprised you didn't know that. I'm here in Cuernavaca. Where are you?
@@Resmith18SR me too! And I am practically Mexican by osmosis. Lol.
I am currently in Atlanta, GA. I grew up in Malibu, CA (Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Venice a bit, too). My parents retired to CSL in 1990 and I have known for years that I would become an expat in Mexico when I retire. Definitely NOT in CSL, ugh it has become soooo Americanized and expensive. I don’t care if I ever go back.
Now I want to get out of the U.S. asap. I cannot stand what this country has become. Along with the cost of living and go, go, go all the time. We now live to work here and I want to work to live. A slower pace and more tranquility.
I have been researching places in Mexico for many years and am really trying to narrow it down now b/c I am ready to sell everything and move before the end of the year. But am getting so very overwhelmed.
SO many opinions, experiences, attitudes…it’s been really hard. Open to any info/suggestions you have.
How long have you been in Cuerna? Or even just in Mexico? Are you American?
I know what kind of life I want and what my needs are…just when I think I’ve got it narrowed down, I get unsure again.
Not gonna give me any insights or info? Trying to keep Cuerna to yourself (which I would understand actually!)? It never comes up under expat places to live in MX. 🤔
Pluses…. No Chemtrails and no GMO foods. Happy people - good weather.
Very informative. Thank you. I wonder how well alternative healing goes over there. I need to work for income with the electrotherapy device I sell... It went over well in Baja but you can't have alcohol in your system and so many expats are alcoholics... That is a show stopper, for me...
very nice video, Unfortunately, a Swiss retired has to have a monthly retirement of 3,471.69 Dollars, in order to apply for a permanent VISA. That's how my dream of going to live in Mexico ended, I only have 2600 Dollars
Are There are other good visa options in Mexico - or maybe try Belize. I don’t know why they’d ask for so much? I’m from Canada so maybe it’s same for me. Do some research. Don’t give up on your retirement dreams😊
hey, i am from mexico and what i know you can stay there as tourist with permission or visa for 6 months, before the permission expire you can travel to usa for a weekend or so and get a new permission for other 6 months . i know foreigners who use to do that without problem.
@@aliciabee9059 thank you
I'll bring you some tomatoes
I heard Mazatlan gives a four-year visa, is this true?
No.
199 mass shootings in US as of Jan 1 to May 22, 2022 (refererring to 24:23 above)
How can you not find tomatoes in Mazatlan??
😁 I'm curious too.
You can. Just not the big variety that they have in the USA.
We just went to the big farmers market and bought them. No problem. A bit different variety maybe, but tomatoes.
Seems to me, it's like the difference between living in Cali and Florida. It's a huge country. Everywhere is different. Stay away from big cities unless you have the funds to live in "secure" communities. Sad but true. I'm a minimalist, so poverty doesn't bother me if there is "community" vs violence. I really want to move south of the border. The USA is a dying country. No idea why anyone would come here anymore.
Perhaps try not bringing an American mentality....
@@Juan-yq3fb duly noted.
She look younger ‘ maybe because she’s not stress like we are in USA
agreed - stress ages us quicker than we would like to admit...
This woman is SO CALIFORNIAN. She moves but takes her CA beliefs with her and cannot modify to or tolerate the new environment.
Poor audio… couldn’t watch
No decent tomatoes in Mexico? That’s where they originated!
Isn't this Sonora state, the most violent state in MX? Are cartels in the background or what? A girl got shot protesting the femicides in Mazatlan last year in a drive by shooting...
It’s in Sinaloa state.
I just hope that this place doesn't become Californicated.
You sold me I'm single I'm coming
16:30 Please separate your trash, they are recycling even if you don’t know.
Twenty years ago I went out to the dump with a church group that brings fruit and water and sandwiches to the families that salvage the recyclables from the mountain of garbage. I don’t know if it’s the same now, but it made quite an impression on me.
She moved to Mazatlan to go undercover for the Sinaloa Cartel.
??? LOL
@@thejanetblaser Hi Janet, How are you? I'm a retired American living here in Cuernavaca Morelos Mexico and would like to talk with you about Mazatlan. Is there an email or cell number I could reach you at?
Thanks for making this city more expensive and dangerous, thats modern gentrification, please stay in your country
Hi Janet my husband and I are coming to Mazatlan mid jan to mid April….we are seriously thinking of moving to Mazatlan and would love to meet you enjoy some drinks and talk about life there…..if this is possible please message me….friend me on Facebook…whatever works….would love to meet you and have a visit