living in cabo san lucas

FAQ, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Residences

Move to Mexico? Top 5 Reasons

Are you an expat who wants to move to Mexico? Mexico is a wonderful place to retire. The cost of luxury homes at the beach is still affordable when compared with similar properties in other countries. If you want a dream home in paradise, consider Villa La Estancia. With properties in Cabo San Lucas and Riviera Nayarit, Villa La Estancia is a top choice for expats who want to live their best life in Mexico. Are you an expat ready for retirement and hoping to move to Mexico? If you are, keep reading below to learn the top 5 reasons to move to Mexico.

Reasons to Move to Mexico

For starters, Mexico has a very laid-back culture and Mexicans are genuinely friendly. If you’re looking to simplify your life and add positive vibes, Mexico could be perfect for you. In addition, many expats are able to upgrade their lifestyle with healthy changes when they move to Mexico. For example, many people eat healthier, socialize more, and be more active when they move to Mexico. Also, the cost of living is more affordable in Mexico when compared to other countries in North America. For example, many expats report they can live a comfortable life on just $1,000 dollars a month. The average cost of living varies between $600 to $2,000 depending on one’s lifestyle choices and location. In addition, U.S. citizens can still receive their Social Security payments while living in Mexico and have them deposited into a Mexican bank account.

Move to Mexico Reason #1: Improved Quality of Life

To start with, a top reason why expats move to Mexico is to enjoy a higher quality of life. For example, the cost of living is significantly lower in Mexico than in other countries. The cost of lodging, food and utilities is on the rise, and many incomes are falling when compared to inflation. As a result, retirement can be difficult for individuals trying to make ends meet on a fixed income. To solve this solution, a move to Mexico allows expats to enjoy a higher quality of life while spending less money. Food costs in Mexico are typically much lower than in other countries. In addition, there is fresh and organic food available that is still affordable, too. Although organic foods are available in industrialized countries, they are much more expensive which quickly adds up.

Move to Mexico Reason #2: Amazing Culture and Family Friendly Vibe

Another of the top reasons for expats that move to Mexico is the allure of the amazing culture and family friendly vibe. Locals in Mexico are very welcoming and open hearted to expats. As a result, many expats appreciate the sense of warmth and kindness they receive when visiting or living in Mexico. Mexico has a long history and rich heritage that can’t be beat by other countries. Also, Mexico has an endless amount of interesting cultural events to attend throughout the year that the whole family can enjoy. From the Day of the Dead, to Independence Day festivities in September, there is always something fun going on in Mexico.

Move to Mexico Reason #3: Real Estate You Can Afford

Thirdly, many expats decide to move to Mexico because they can afford luxury real estate at the beach. For example, Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit allows expat homeowners to truly have it all in a dream home at the beach. Villa La Estancia private beachfront residences are solidly constructed with the best finishes. In addition, Villa La Estancia is part of an exclusive and tranquil community known as Nuevo Vallarta. Also, Villa La Estancia is a hotel-condo concept property so homeowners have access to world class amenities and services. Shouldn’t every day at your second home in Mexico feel like vacation? Lastly, homeowners in Mexico enjoy low property taxes and affordable maintenance costs for their home. Many expats agree that buying a second home in Mexico is the ultimate dream come true after years of hard work in their home country. Are you an expat ready to live the good life and want a retirement home in Mexico? If so, Villa la Estancia is the dream home in Mexico you have been searching for.

Move to Mexico Reason #4: Excellent Year Round Climate

The 4th reason why expats move to Mexico is because of the excellent year round climate. In Riviera Nayarit, temperatures are warm and sunny all year long. As a result, the great climate allows for an endless amount of outdoor activities. Expats that move to Mexico can surf, kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, mountain bike, and kitesurf. Mexico’s wonderful weather allows people to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities. At Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit, beachfront residences for sale are located on a pristine beach in a quiet neighborhood. Villa la Estancia expat homeowners love waking up in the morning and hitting the beach for a quick dip in the ocean. Also, Villa La Estancia also has multiple pools, restaurants and a spa right on the property. What more could you ask for in a dream home in Mexico?

Move to Mexico Reason #5: Reasonably Priced Healthcare

Lastly, high quality healthcare is reasonably priced in Mexico. Regular checkups, prescriptions and serious surgeries are still affordable. In Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, there are incredible doctors and hospitals. Also, doctor visits can be paid for out of pocket and only cost between $30 to $50 USD. Likewise, there are affordable health insurance plans available for expats. Since the cost of healthcare and insurance in the States is reaching astronomical proportions, affordable healthcare is a big draw for expats that want to move to Mexico. In addition, expats can also sign up for IMSS which is the government run healthcare system. Since the US medical care system is expensive and complicated, many people look abroad for treatments and healthcare services. Mexico’s geographically close location and affordability makes it an ideal choice for expats on a budget.

Best Places to Live in Mexico

Aerial view of the Puerto Vallarta pier

Over the last decade, real estate prices in Mexico have been rising steadily. A variety of factors have influenced the upswing including the country’s stable macro-economics and the fact that more and more foreign residents are moving to the country. Expats are able to buy property for retirement that is still more affordable than similar properties in their home countries. In addition, residential mortgages are now being offered by Mexican banks making home ownership a possibility when in the past homes were usually bought with cash alone. However, luxury beachfront real estate is still much more affordable than homes in the States or Canada. If you want to live a dream beach lifestyle, the ability to buy an amazing home is another great reason to move to Mexico. Top destinations for expats to live include Merida, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and Sayulita.

You can see that there are many reasons why a move to Mexico is a smart choice for expats who want a better quality of life. If you want to buy a dream home in Mexico, remember Villa La Estancia has locations in both Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas. Likewise, Villa La Estancia offers expats a chance to own premium Mexican real estate at the beach. Do you want to live like you are on vacation every day? If you do, visit us at our Villa La Estancia website today to see which luxury beachfront residences are available for sale before it’s too late. Hope to see you on the beach soon!

Tips for Enjoying Retirement In Mexico

How to prepare for retirement

by VLEAdminRE, July 8, 2022

Destinations, FAQ, Real Estate

Tipping in Mexico

In Mexico, it is customary to tip, but if you don’t leave a tip you don’t have to worry, because you won’t get any slack, though you might feel a little miserly, especially when you take into consideration that wages in Mexico are pretty low. You must remember that most Mexicans working in the service industry don’t receive a great salary and they do indeed rely on tips that they get. Read on to find out more about tipping in Mexico.

Show your appreciation by tipping in Mexico

When you are in Mexico you can tip with dollar bills or pesos. Avoid leaving dollar coins as the person will not be able to exchange them for pesos or spend them. Tipping in pesos is easier and more practical for the service provider, but he or she will be perfectly happy to receive dollar bills. When you are deciding how to tip, you should base your tip around the service that you have received. In tourist areas in Mexico tipping is around 15% but can be anywhere between 10% and 20% depending on the service.

Restaurants

In Mexico, when dining at any of the restaurants should leave a tip from 10% to 20% of the total bill. If you are with a large group, sometimes the tip is automatically added to the bill, so be sure to check.

Hotels

If the bellhop takes you to your room and helps you with your luggage, then you should tip the bellhop 2-3 dollars or 20-50 pesos. You should also tip the housekeeping staff 2-3 dollars or 20-50 pesos depending on the type of hotel and the service that you have received. It is advisable to tip your housekeeper each day and not on the last day because the housekeeper could change and they will be encouraged by your tip to offer a good service while you are there.

Tipping for Tours

If you go on a tour and you are really impressed with the tour guide, then you should tip the guide 10%-20%. If you have went on a group tour, then the tour guide leader should be tipped between 3 to 5 dollars, while a private tour guide should be tipped at least ten dollars. The bus driver that takes you around on a tour should be tipped two dollars each day. In Mexico, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers unless the taxi drivers has helped you with your bags, then you might consider giving the taxi driver ten pesos for each bag they assist you with.

Grocery Packers

Usually teenagers and seniors bag your groceries at the stores in Mexico and you can tip them one or two pesos for each grocery bag that they have bagged for you. The grocery packers don’t earn a wage and the only pay they receive comes from the tips you give them.

Gas Stations

All of the gas stations in Mexico are full service gas stations. You should always tip the gas station attendant at least 5-10 pesos; and if they check your oil, check your tires, and clean your windshield, then you should tip them more.

Please note that this article is for guidance only and you should feel free to tip as little or as much as you feel appropriate (or indeed leave no tip at all!)

by VLEAdminRE, April 14, 2018

Destinations, Real Estate, Residences

Relocation to Mexico – Coping with Missing your Family

While deep down you know that moving to Mexico is going to be an ideal change for you, your first months or year will require you to adjust to such things as missing your friends and family from your home country. For some people, relocation to Mexico means leaving behind elderly parents and grown up children, while for others, a sense of homesickness is created just by the simple fact of not being in your home country. Here are some tips for coping with missing your family upon relocation to Mexico.

Relocate to destinations in Mexico that have direct flights to your home city

Where possible, a great tip is to choose where you are going to live wisely. Relocation to a city in Mexico that is served by direct flights or budget airlines will help you bridge the distance between your new life and your home town. Your relatives and friends will find it easy to give you a visit and you will be able to get home quickly in an emergency.

Take advantage of Mexico’s Lower costs of Living

You will be happy to hear that life in Mexico is less expensive than in many other countries, particularly when you compare the USA and Canada. Not only will this be a great bargaining tool to encourage your friends and family to come and visit you but also allows you to make savings. A great tip is to save money for regular flights home or even to pay for members of your family to come and visit you; that way coping with missing your family after relocation to Mexico will be less.

Choose a place for relocation where the sun shines

Mexico is the ideal place to escape the uncomfortable winter climates of North America, which will encourage your friends and family to come and visit.

Purchase or rent somewhere with rooms to accommodate guests

Finding a place where there are plenty of rooms and bathrooms for your guests is another way to ensure that visitors will want to visit you in Mexico. People are more likely to feel comfortable staying with you if they know that your home is tailored for having guests. Likewise, homes with easy access to amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, stores etc will give your guests freedom so they are not dependent on you, which will encourage them to visit more regularly.

Call Family and Friends Regularly

Setting a regular schedule to get in touch with your closest friends and family will help you cope with homesickness. Find a schedule that fits well with you. That might mean every few days, once a week, once a month, or every time there is a holiday; the key is to make it regular. Having a routine with regards to communicating with your dear ones is better than realizing that a whole year has gone by.

Use Technology to Get in Touch

Your internet connection and gadgets such as webcams make communication easier and faster. Use free services such as FaceTime and Skype so that you can even have a face-to-face connection with your closest back home. With the abundance of technology and internet access we have now, there is no excuse not to get in touch regularly. Before your relocation to Mexico, make sure you get someone to show you how to use this technology so that it is easy for you to stay in touch.

Create a New Social Circle

The best way to fight homesickness upon relocation to Mexico is to have a new set of friends and acquaintances. Be as sociable as possible if you really want to find new friends. You can join dance classes, yoga, take Spanish lessons, and other activities that will help you widen your circle of friends within your community. Your new acquaintances might be Mexicans, expats or both.

by VLEAdminRE, April 4, 2017

Cabo San Lucas, Destinations

Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas

Every year between December and April, Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding shoreline is host to hordes of tourists from all across the globe. This is the time when thrill seekers come to this popular destination for sensational entertainment, unlimited fun and unique adventures in the Mexican sun. Cabo San Lucas has always drawn a wide and varied array of people to its shores: retirees and snowbirds looking for a second home, lovebirds looking for romance and families and friend groups on a range of vacations all come here. Yet, without fail, it is the beach destination’s largest yearly visitors who draw the biggest crowds and most attention during their five month stay! All the way from the freezing arctic waters, pods of Humpback whales come to the Sea of Cortez for some warmth at this time of year.

A family treat in Cabo San Lucas

Those who’re enjoying a being in Cabo San Lucas at this time of year should really consider heading out on a whale watching excursion; it is one of the most memorable and rewarding activities of the year! When you see the astounding displays put on by these magnificent beasts it becomes abundantly clear that they, just like you, are thrilled to be in sunny Cabo San Lucas .

The locals in Cabo San Lucas have become so accustomed to the presence of these wonderful creatures that many have opened up tour companies which actually guarantee sightings. Such tours only accept smaller groups, however, so as to avoid overwhelming or panicking the whales. Few return disappointed. As well as these almost guaranteed sightings of humpbacks there are generally up to seven other species which could be seen in the area, including Fin, Sei, Gray, Minke, Blue, and Bryde whales.

The reason these great and gentle beasts come here is because the warm waters which surround the Baja California Peninsula are the perfect place in which to raise their young before they take the long journey north once more. If you watch closely when you see them you might see the mothers teaching their young survival skills. The Pacific s a very dangerous place fobyoung calves (or ebn weak adults) due to the sharks and Orcas that prey on them so this is an important training ground.

The migration of these beasts can take up to six months, one of the longest migrations of animal in the world, and so it makes sense that they take such joy in their respite in the Sea of Cortez. Trust us when we say that if you plan your trip to Cabo San Lucas in order to see these creatures you will not be disappointed.

by VLEAdminRE, February 18, 2017

Cabo San Lucas, Real Estate, Residences

Why you Want to Live in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. Joining the town of San Jose del Cabo by a 20-mile corridor of championship golf courses, beaches and natural beauty, this exclusive vacation hotspot is noted for its vitality, fine dining restaurants, nightlife and celebrity visitors who grace its shores in search of privacy and guaranteed sunshine. Making Cabo San Lucas your home may seem like a pipe dream, but the reality of homeownership in Mexico’s most coveted beachfront destination can be a reality.

Land’s End

Cabo San Lucas is perhaps most famous for its stunning rock formation at Land’s End, which can be appreciated in all its glory from the Villa La Estancia property without even leaving your residence. However, those wishing to take a closer look at Cabo’s iconic arch and visit Playa Del Amor (Lover’s Beach) can enjoy a convenient tour leaving from Medano Beach or the elegant Marina. Swimming in both an ocean and a sea in a matter of minutes is something that very few destinations in the world can offer.

Mountains, Desert and Sea

Another distinguishing feature of Cabo San Lucas is how the mountains and the desert meet the sea. A series of impressive mountain ranges run south along Baja California Sur to the vicinity just north of Cabo San Lucas where the Sierra de la Victoria and Sierra de la Laguna complete their trajectory.

A Great Lifestyle and social scene

Besides enjoying the scenic beauty of the incredible Mexican destination, those who choose to make Cabo San lucas their home benefit from a host of privileges such as fine restaurants, great shopping, a thriving expat community and many different activities to take advantage of during your free time.

Direct Flights

Cabo San Lucas is served by a number of direct flights from the United States and Canada, which makes get to and fro easy, and encourages your friends and family to come and visit you in your second home by the sea.

Rental Potential

As one of the most exclusive yet popular vacation destinations, you will find that should you wish to make some income on your second home in Cabo San Lucas when you are not using it, renting your property is a viable option.

by VLEAdminRE, June 15, 2016