How to budget for retirement in Mexico

Retiring in Puerto Vallarta on Social Security

Are you thinking about making Puerto Vallarta your permanent home in the future? We know people just like you.

After visiting this beautiful place, they believe it may be possible for dreams to come true; retiring on Social Security in the tropics. Moving to places like Indio Springs or Palm Beach is off the table in most cases because of the cost of living, but there are other warm locales where weather eases the bones. Can you live like a king? Maybe not, but who wants to do that… risking getting fat and narrowing one’s social circle?

There’s an abundance of information about how to go about filing for Social Security to get the best deal and we recommend doing diligent research; after all, this is your income for the rest of your life.  The internet is a great place for massive information and there are tons of books on the subject. Check Amazon.

It’s not necessary to live smack-dab in the middle of downtown Puerto Vallarta, where housing costs can be relatively high, but some people like being in the eye of the hurricane, so downtown might be the best choice for you. Many building communities in Puerto Vallarta share events and have regular meetings; you can participate or not. It’s your choice but it’s a great way to meet new friends. Plus the beach is within walking distance, there are restaurants around every corner, and home is never far away.

On the other hand, living on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta is an alternative we also recommend.

It depends on your budget, of course. We’ve known many who have built homes in Puerto Vallarta with options for adding on, over time. There’s always an empty lot in any location. Having lived in and out of town, we know the bonuses and caveats to both so we might add that we love falling asleep at night in a quiet environment and waking up to songbirds in the morning. Everything else is the same; water delivery, garbage pickup and such. In the suburbs of Puerto Vallarta, we also get hawkers in the streets with cheese, bread, furniture, tamales and flowers, among other wonderful items for purchase. At Christmastime, we can buy a little Baby Jesus replica from someone coming door to door, or tiny woolen sheep for our Nativity.  Buses travel great distances for a nominal fare so no matter how far you move out from the central area of Puerto Vallarta, it’s never difficult to get into town or back again.

Regardless if you are retiring in extreme comfort or on a limited budget, you can fill all your needs… great food, warm weather, good friends and an amazing amount of fun and engaging entertainment and activities!

–

AMPI is the national association of real estate professionals that have, since 1956, gathered under laws and codes of ethics and conduct to create a reliable, trustworthy and efficient real estate environment in Mexico.