|
For
many decades, a significant number of Americans have been moving beyond
mere vacation travel and choosing to own real estate in Mexico . This
number is likely to increase sharply in the near future when more of
the Baby Boomers reach retirement age. These Americans are frequently
more adventuresome than the generation that came before them. Baby
Boomers travel more. The entire globe is part of their experience.
More
seniors are looking at Mexico retirement as an option to living
elsewhere. Being familiar with and close to Mexico , are but two of the
reasons that Baby Boomers and Seniors choose Mexico for a second or
permanent home. What are some of the other reasons?
The People
Authors
John Howells and Don Merwin have tried to answer why the Mexican people
appeal so strongly to North Americans. What provokes a response that is
so positive? One quality is the friendliness of the people. Mexicans
generally treat strangers with warmth and curiosity. Secondly, the
people are basically happy. It may be an anomaly: even though there may
be poverty, there is little misery. "This ability to enjoy life, no
matter how difficult the circumstances is a gift that, as a people, we
in the U.S. do not appear to possess," say these authors.
Mexicans
are almost always willing to stop whatever they are doing to be of
assistance to a friend, a neighbor or a stranger. They are helpful and
usually very courteous. This strong tradition of courtesy goes back
centuries. It is still proper to ask to be excused when they must
squeeze by you in a crowd. The custom is followed of prefacing every
request or order with "por favor".
Love for their
children. It is not uncommon to see a father, whatever age, carrying
his baby with great care. If you look closely, you will see older
children as well as adults kissing and holding the smallest babies.
While
we North Americans show affection for our pets, and don't understand
anyone that does any less, we often offend our Mexican neighbors if we
use strong verbal language when reprimanding our children.
The
Americans who have chosen to spend more time in Mexico and learn more
Spanish, increase their understanding of their adopted country and her
citizens. This understanding moves through changes over time. Easy
friendliness will not necessarily foster deeper friendship. But, that's
ok, too.
Climate
Snowbirds
look forward to warm skies and beaches in their escape from frigid
temperatures. An average temperature in the Bay of Banderas is 80
degrees Fahrenheit during the majority of days in November through
April. It is so pleasant for us warm-blooded creatures to experience a
sunny day followed by a cool or mild evening.
On
this Pacific side of Mexico , we enjoy the continual ocean breezes. The
warmer climate soothes our bodies as well as our minds. How often do we
hear someone say that they can relax once they reach our destination?
Eclectic Beauty
Blue
Waters and sandy beaches, swaying palms awaken our senses. The jungle
offers a panorama of calming green and songbirds. The foothills of the
Sierra Madre define our horizon. Besides the natural beauty, we have
the charming neighborhoods of cobblestone streets, white walls with red
tiles roofs.
A variety of food is enjoyed in
elegant restaurants or simple beach palapas. Beautiful Mexican
architecture is formed from tile, stone, and brick. Curves from arches
move our eye to the strategically placed cupolas and towers of
churches, homes and city buildings.
Each part of
Mexico has its own particular character. Each city and village is
distinct, its personality different. This uniqueness can be a contrast
to the more perfectly built, homogeneous American towns. Well-known
chain restaurants advertise their recognizable logos in bright lights.
Volume or track builders offer different floor plans with a choice of
several facades. Somehow it all looks similar as you drive down the
street. You know that very fourth home is the same "Plan A: living room
with extra game room, three bedroom, two-bath" design. This home is
"English Tudor", and its sister four houses over is "French Country".
Price
The
price of homes purchased in the Bay is quoted in dollars. Americans and
Canadians looking for homes have found that real estate has continued
to go up in price. The cost of building materials and labor has
increased every year. A villa or condo in Vallarta and its surrounding
area is expensive or inexpensive, depending on where you are from in
the United States or Canada .
It is not always
true that living in Mexico is cheaper than living in the US or Canada .
It is not a bargain if it is not something you need or like. There are
trade-offs for living anywhere, and living in Mexico is no exception.
Each
community here is unique and will appeal to different tastes. Bucerias,
Punta Mita, La Cruz, Mismaloya, and Vallarta, each offer a different
quality and type of life style. These villages, and the communities in
between, are some of your choices of where to live in Mexico .
North
Americans in Guadalajara , Lake Chapala and Ajijic own many homes where
they are surrounded by their North American neighbors. Other towns such
as Oaxaca and Puebla have fewer gringos living there. You can take your
pick as to how many North Americans you want to live around.
You
have the opportunity to choose your living experience. It can be unique
for you. Where you live doesn't need to be a cheap copy of another
place or country.
Where you choose to live will
be one of the key steps in your becoming a different you, a person who
lives in and appreciates a culture other than where they grew up.
Harriet Murray, Broker
|
