Mazatlan, Mexico

"Do it! Mazatlan is a wonderful place to live! We have annual Carnaval and Motorcycle Week celebrations, and there is always some activity going on. There is drug violence, but it is extremely rare for expats to be affected in any way by it. Use the same cautions you would use in any large city. Bring only your electronics, clothes, and things you absolutely can't live without, because moving your goods is very expensive, and prices for replacing them here are very reasonable. Learn as much Spanish as you can (of course!); for a tourist city there were not as many English speaking merchants and service people as I thought there would be. Make an effort to speak Spanish to the people, even if you mangle the language, they will think much more highly of you for trying," explained one expat living in Mazatlan, Mexico.

"Mazatlan is an attractive destination for retirement for many expats, offering a beautiful seaside location, a tropical climate, and relatively low cost of living. Before retiring in Mazatlan, it is important to research the city and local laws to ensure expats have all of the necessary visas and permissions in place. Additionally, expatriates should consider what they need to feel comfortable and find the right neighborhood and care facilities if necessary. It is important to learn a little Spanish to help navigate the city, and it is recommended to visit the area several times before committing to a purchase of property. Lastly, it is important to read up on security protocols such as not leaving valuables in cars, using registered taxi services, and always using common sense when out and about in Mazatlan," said one expat in Mazatlan.