Any opinions on moving to Mazatlan would be welcome! - Page 2

f3drivr · #11 (**permalink**) 22nd August 2009, 11:24 PM

If you really like the old colonial style homes then check out Centro Historico but just keep in mind that most of these homes are very old, require extensive renovations and city will not make your life easy if you attempt to take on a project like this. It has been in the newspapers about how foreigners are not following the rules but what is actually happening is that the city is being very unreasonable. Homes in this area were also very reasonably priced just a few years ago but now you can buy a nicer more modern home in a different part of the city for the same price. I read an article recently about the problems that a Canadian is having renovating a home in Centro historico, if I can find it again I will post a link here.
Mazatlan is a great place, I have been going there for 15 years, I own two properties and plan to relocate there permanently in the future. Personally I like El Dorado and Sabalo Country. Lomas used to be one of the nicer areas but it doesn't feel as safe walking there at night as it used to. My Condo is right in the Golden Zone, I bought it because it is close enough to everything so that I don't need a car when I go down and because it has 24 hour security and maintenance which I need because I can't be there all the time. Once I get there permanently I plan to sell it and use the money to finance building the house in Sabalo Country. Our lot is just a few blocks from Pueblo Bonito.

f3drivr · #12 (**permalink**) 22nd August 2009, 11:40 PM

I haven't seen many BMW's in Mazatlan, I don't think there is a dealer there but there is one in Culiacan 2 1/2 hours away. I have seen plenty of Mitsubishi Eclipse Convertibles, Mercedes Convertibles, Nissan 300ZX and other Sports Cars. We have done road trips from Mazatlan to Culiacan and there are a few large speed bumps and potholes but mostly the roads are good. The BMW would not be ideal for taking long road trips all over Mexico but for just driving along the Malecon, shopping and driving around Mazatlan it should be fine. There are some roads that don't have very good drainage and flood during rainy season so that is something to keep in mind as well.

wendykain · #13 (**permalink**) 23rd August 2009, 01:22 AM

Ahh, thanks for comments re Centro and housing there, and also re the cars in Mexico.
The BMW convertiable is not magic to the extent that others don't come close, it is just VERY SEXY but f3drivr listed a few other nice ones too. VG to see that I could drive something fun around the area!
Re Centro, yes all noted and it sounds like once again I will have missed the boat on the lowest prices in housing in a great area <G>. Well why try to change now after all?<G> That is how I have done it though my life!. The story you mentioned, I think I also saw, details provided by the Professor's father who is still relatively local to the work being done. If it is the same story, at least part of it seems to be that the workers are taking steps not stricly in accordance with instructions. Mmm this seems a little familiar <G>.
f3drivr and others, one of the reasons I am so drawn to Mazatlan so far is the mix which is in so few places. You all seem to be in a place which has beauty, character, beaches, still v good value cost of living (unlike Monaco which I could otherwise force myself to retire early in <G>), and lots to do including varied restaurants and some expats to talk with me in a language I understand. I need all these things, and my searches have not given me too many places with everything. Am I seeing the place as it is or does it look better to me than it really is?
BajaGringo (is that hair all yours, I am envious if so!!) thanks for your thoughts. I suspect the areas you kindly refer me to are a little quieter than a social creature like me needs. Also, your low of 58 overnight tonight is a bit lower than I am aiming for during summer. We had 53 (by your measure) in Sydney last night, and we are in winter. If I am wrong about it being too quiet though please correct me because I would love any info which would take my searches further.
Thanks again to all, Wendy

HolyMole · #14 (**permalink**) 23rd August 2009, 11:31 PM

Don't know if anyone else has suggested this, but have you checked out the Mazatlan Forum at Mazatlan - for visitors or residents of Paradise

As for your Beemer, I've always been a little embarrassed when I drove down to Mexico in my 14 year old Plymouth or my 13 year old Pontiac and found so many locals driving very new, very expensive cars. According to the common gringo stereotype, I'm usually the one who "looks like a Mexican" as far as vehicles are concerned.

That being said, anyone using on-street overnight parking of a BMW or any other vehicle in any country, including Canada, is just asking for problems sooner or later.

wendykain · #15 (**permalink**) 23rd August 2009, 11:59 PM

HolyMole, many thanks, v impressive that you work so hard to blend in <G> carwise! All noted. best, Wendy

wendykain · #16 (**permalink**) 24th August 2009, 12:03 AM

HolyMole, Sorry, forgot to acknowledge your kind advice re the Mazatlan forum. Yes I have been looking at it but it doesn't have a lot of action and in particular not many replies, on wide questions such as I am asking. It has certainly got lots of info on watering holes and restaurants tho, and I have not failed to take note of such things! <G>

RVGRINGO · #17 (**permalink**) 24th August 2009, 02:32 PM

No, I've never been to Australia. Sorry that I can't help on that issue but, to repeat: What will you eventually do with a BMW from Australia when it dies in Mexico? You are obliged to remove it from Mexico by your 'importada temporal'. You can't sell it, abandon it or junk it in Mexico.

wendykain · #18 (**permalink**) 25th August 2009, 03:34 AM

Hi RV,
I inadvertantly misled. I would never propose to bring a car from Australia to Mex. Much as I love this one I would just replace it with something suitable there. My only purpose in mentioning that what I drive is a topless beemer was to put the question in perspective - even in Australia where Toyotas don't often get vandalised, cars like mine are a bit more prone. So if gringos are resented perhaps there it would be very prone! That was my thinking.
However it has since been put to me that the bigger issue is that I might be inviting carjacking or kidnapping from driving around Mazatlan in such a car, and that is to me a much bigger issue than vandalism.
These things are why thoughts from those there with knowledge, are so invaluable to someone like me. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to put your thoughts down.
best, Wendy

RVGRINGO · #19 (**permalink**) 25th August 2009, 01:56 PM

The topless BMW, like any shiny, new, somewhat ostentatious car, would soon be scratched, dented and possibly vandalized anywhere in the world. It is no better or worse here, except that kids don't have rubber grips on their bike's handle bars and 'keying' of fancy cars can happen. Parking in Mexico is often 'by feel'. As mentioned before, the topes will be a problem with any low car. The other concern, is that showing affluence is sometimes an invitation to being targeted for theft in your home, car or person. It is kind of like wearing jewelry here; it is an invitation which works every time.

wendykain · #20 (**permalink**) 25th August 2009, 10:36 PM

RV thanks, yes. Aghh the "park by feel" that is seen in some European cities!
I just shuddered!

I think this was probably the last thing I needed to give me the Mex perspective for a car there! Oh well, on the other hand I probably have it in me to become a good parker by feel, and I could adapt (given a suitable car to do it in - the 13 or 14 year old model sounds great)

.
best regards, Wendy