Retire ( or Live ) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - the Straight Talk ( Pros and Cons )

In this video Jenny and Noel talk about retiring ( or living ) in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. We give you the straight talk about retiring in Puerto Vallarta: the pros and cons.
We discuss the many different pros and cons of retiring in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We also talk about whether or not we think Puerto Vallarta is a good place to retire or live long-term.

[@nannettemacadam5871]

I am single, female Australian retiree who was been looking at videos about Peurto Vallarta for a long time. Yours was great. Our dollar is currently in the toilet so I have been very worried about rental hikes there. As you would understand it is quite a long hike from Australia so research and comments such as yours are very helpful. You both have a very nice presenve on camera and a very down to earth. I wish you and your channel all the very best 🥳🎉

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@evegoodmon]

I’m heading there too in the same circumstances

[@mrbutch308]

Great video! Your discussion was both intelligent and informative. I'm a recently retired American guy and just spent a few weeks in Guadalajara and Ajijic a couple of months ago scouting out places to live for at least half a year. You mention the town versus city thing, and being a big city boy from Philadelphia that is important to me because as much as I was enchanted by Ajijic I realized after a few months it would be boring for me because it's just too small a town. I had heard that PV was getting expensive. I'll just have to take a trip down there and see if it is suitable for me.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

That is very true for us as well. The balance between the big city and smaller sized locations is a difficult thing to navigate. But, many find PV to be a good middle ground - it has all the things you need (for the most part) for everyday living. We strongly recommend checking it out - we will be back. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@stephhickle6857]

From the first moment we traveled from the airport to our resort it felt like home. Now we go back 2-3 times a year and explore different parts of the bay.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It is a magical place - many people feel the same. Thanks for watching!

[@svca12218]

I am originally from El Salvador. Due to the violence (which is being taken care of now), lack of infrastructure, and distance from California, I still like Vallarta for retirement better. We have stayed at the Venetian Towers behind La Isla outdoor mall; now I want to go explore Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerias. Great info video! Thank you!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

I am glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@douglasbussard3459]

I do the 6 and 6. Winter in PV- summer on Vancouver island. Can’t beat that.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Vancouver Island is one of the few places in Canada we would consider living in again.

[@at9546]

Lucky you!

[@timgibbs4762]

A big pro is the local people who are super friendly and helpful. Traffic is becoming a major con and will get worse. Overall PV is great place to winter and maybe in time to retire.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We found the Mexican people to be very friendly and welcoming - any time we had any issues figuring something out, we would have several people trying to help us out. Thanks for watching!

[@eyesea123]

Absolutely magical, you got it. We are getting priced out also, but not giving up. Nice video! New freeway to Guadalajara 2-3 hours.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We do love Puerto Vallarta! The prices are definitely rising, especially for the more popular areas. And the new freeway will be fantastic. Thanks for watching.

[@DavidLivingOutdoors]

Great video. For me the weather between November and April is fantastic. Normal day time temps over those six months are between 25 and 32 C but typically 26 to 29. Night normally less than 20 C….so no real need for air conditioning

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Everyone is different in their temperature needs - but I get what you are saying. As well, summer in PV is a totally different animal with sky high humidity, and temperatures in the 30C+ daily. Thanks for watching!

[@YinxSAS]

November through April are definitely the best months to live in Vallarta (no A/C needed). The 5 months of Summertime (May through October) are best spent in Guadalajara or Mexico City, in my view :).

[@scottpool4777]

Yes me and my fiancé are going to Puerto Vallarta. Probably the next six months I really thank you for giving me straight because Puerto Vallarta is excellent thank you.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@TakeTimeToTravel]

We just found your channel and subscribed. We love Puerto Vallarta and would love to spend the winter there, but the prices are a little crazy, so we'll probably look for somewhere cheaper.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

The prices have definitely been increasing. There are lower cost options still available if you have a longer lease and are willing to walk a bit to get to the beach. Other places in Mexico are great too - they just aren't PV! Thanks for watching.

[@RLTW_03]

Just got back from being there for 2 weeks. Great video and spot on. I would say another CON is the roads!!! After 20 Uber rides the wife and I were done with them.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Great point! The roads in Zona Romantica in particular (the rough cobblestone) are hard for driving and for walking - love the look of it though.

[@melinehhacopians1184]

I agree it's absolutely magical and I make a point of going every 3 months. Truthfully I do stay at beautiful resorts and have not Explored as much as I probably should but slowly I will! Im going next week and plan to go to yelapa for the first time!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@lizbonnet5]

Very informative and I suspect spot on. I am researching all options and your "cons" are pretty much everyone's. Thanks for the valuable input!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@christinehopping]

I'm in California single female, and I am debating between Puerto Vallarta or San Miguel de Allende.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It really depends on what you are looking for. San Miguel de Allende was not for us, but it may be for you. I would recommend going to both places, spend a month there, and then decide which one is for you.

[@sandyt1792]

Thank you so much for doing these videos. I too am at a stage of my life where I may want to try something different and leave the states and maybe try Mexico. But of course like others the expense is a large factor and I am on a fixed income. Well k Sera Sera who knows what tomorrow brings. So good luck on your adventures and doing these wonderful informative videos. You are much appreciated.😊

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesturcott7339]

I’m down here right now with my wife, 2 and 1/2 months, I love everything about this place, I would highly recommend it.😊

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Great to hear!

[@ranger0209]

I recently retired from the military and looking to move to Puerto Vallarta

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

From our point of view, it can be a great place to retire. Definitely do your research before going though. Thanks for watching!

[@shealaking8557]

Great video folks, thanks so much for making it. My wife and I have visited twice, in 2018 and 2020. We fell in love by the second day of our first vacation. Would agree, many of the "cons" on your list can actually be pros. We actually don't mind the tourist vibe. I'm lucky enough to have an older cousin who's already retired there and he kind of gave us the lay of the land on our first trip. I would love to winter there when retirement comes, perhaps a condo here in Ontario and one in PV. As you've mentioned though, with the inflation, who knows where things will sit in 10-15 year's time?🤷‍♂️ Many nice smaller towns within daytrip distance from PV which might well fit the bill for folks looking for a bit quieter lifestyle. We like the hustle and bustle of PV, lots to do but not too overwhelming. Anyway, have a great day, going to check out some more of your videos!🙂

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

So glad you enjoyed it! You are definitely right - many of the cons are a matter of perspective. Thanks for watching!

[@ShauninParadise]

Hey Shea, saw your comment and decided to comment as a person living in a small town just north of PV. We love the proximity to PV, it's a truly awesome city. I grew up in a very touristic area, and we actually moved here from NYC (mega tourists!) so it just doesn't bother us in PV. Also, the next town over from us is Sayulita - which is full on touristy, too. We always come back to our sleepy little town but having these more populated areas close by really helps. if you wanna... My channel is more about life once you get here if you want to check it out... however, this video is wayyy more informative than all my vids combined. Saludos

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@ShauninParadise Thanks Shaun. We are glad you found the video informative - that is our goal with these videos! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ShauninParadise]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 and subscribing! Thanks for your channel!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@ShauninParadise Thanks so much!

[@melinehhacopians1184]

Love this! I plan to retire ans most of your cons (helpful) i dont care about i.e. sports, hiking. So i appreciate it!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you found the video useful.

[@PlanFree]

We see you about to become monetized, good for you! All the best!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks guys! Hope you are doing well.

[@alohastateofmind3565]

Good perspective. Would be interested in your F.I.R.E approach and how you got there.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

That's a great idea for a future video! We will definitely be doing that in the near future.

[@daisyapontehavenmemoriestr8552]

Well I cane from big cities but even over it’s not that big. The beauty of Mexico it’s that you can explore the country. You never get bored. And buses are cheap

[@terrykleier5068]

Don’t forget the crocs in the boat marina who sometime wander into the bay

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Good point. Thanks for watching!

[@lisadee1623]

Thank you for your thorough, informative review.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@douglasbussard3459]

Well spoken. I’ve owned a condo in PV since 2007. Lots of changes. Still a beautiful place. I love it

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed the video. We definitely love PV!

[@HayabusaOrlando]

What are the changes?

[@emxmx87]

love the video. i am planning on moving to PV in september from alberta. I have been to a few places in mexico and every time i go somewhere i compare it to pv and i totally agree with you the FOOD is so good in Pv!!! the taco stands are great too. i agree with your pros for sure!! thank you for posting the cons too. really looking forward to going back in June again and then moving in september

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad the video was of help. PV is awesome! Iit has gotten much more expensive lately too, so be aware.

[@randythorold7352]

Hi from the peg. We're head there first time beginning March We got a lot of useful info from this video. We near the end of our careers.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Fellow Peggers! Glad it was of use to you - thanks for watching!

[@MatsuoBasho-m9w]

Really good video. Thank you.

[@noway7555]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad it was helpful!

[@YinxSAS]

Great info. Fair, balanced and entertaining :). Thanks for sharing!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@carlosvillegas6113]

Well! It wasn't that expensive, it is expensive now because the gentrification.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

That is likely very true. The cost of living in PV is definitely going up, and now with this last year's inflation, it is up even more. Thanks for watching!

[@jhstone1937]

Great video - wonderful information. Thank you!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@frankchacon4034]

I was going to retire there but I just feel like renting a place 8 months out the year

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Whatever works for you!

[@michaelmiddleton3311]

Enjoyed this. On my way in late Nov. Wish there were hikes though. Thanks for this!!!!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@lesburrows8469]

Thanks so much-very helpful 😀

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

So glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@Karencollinsnyc]

Not at the "cons" yet but it sounds like NYC on the ocean. Sayulita is like Brooklyn. Also, one neighborhood is Palm Springs on the bay.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@cliffm6566]

I am in Ajijic/Chapala which is much smaller than PV but his is a retiree magnet for gringos . It’s become a problem as thousands of people have come here many of who do not speak the language and bring a lot if their USA political baggage and attitudes with them. PV is a much bigger city and areas north of the romantic zone incl Bucerias are desirable locations and have a younger demographic.

[@melinehhacopians1184]

What is your favorite and least favorite restaurant? My favorite is blue shrimp and least le leche

[@winfielddixon5166]

Okay how much is rent for western style. Is it 1500. 2000? 3000?

[@paulbandera3363]

How hard is it to get to live or enjoy living there legally for little money money

[@troyf4696]

We are on our first and last trip to PV. People are nice, but the lack of beaches to swim and muddy water is not good for us. There are people hear who think it is paradise.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

The lack of swimmable beaches is a definite concern. If it is a major issue for you, I would definitely look elsewhere. Thanks for watching!

[@daisyapontehavenmemoriestr8552]

Exactly every opinion in basic are their experience

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Yes.

[@j.whisper2379]

7:30 PM on July 9, 2022. Comfortable 67degrees F in Patzcuaro, Michoacan where I live. 87 degrees in Puerta Vallarta! Fewer gringos, much cheaper! Spanish Colonial Pueblo Magico!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It really depends on what you are looking for - but you are not wrong, if you looking for more moderate temperatures, and cheaper living, there are other options. We have not heard of Patzcuaro - we will definitely check it out! Thanks for watching.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Well balanced video. Would've loved to have heard about medical insurance, but perhaps you weren't there long enough for it to be a thing for you. And perhaps a rough range of what one could expect of monthly expenses. But again, well done.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Here is a video concerning our medical insurance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaOvf36VhNqJlZY

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Here is a video with a detailed examination of our expenses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmiXoWiklqqpepY

[@ginacardarella]

Would love to see a current update my Hispanic friends that have family in Mexico say Puerto Vallarta is not safe and that the Americans are getting shot because this was one of my destinations that I want to look at for retirement or at least spend half a year there and I hope what they're telling me isn't true and I wish you could reiterate on what they're talking about

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

There are occasional shootings in Puerto Vallarta, that is true. But try searching "American shot in Puerto Vallarta" and nothing recent comes up. Also, compare the shooting statistics for Puerto Vallarta with your home and it will give you a better idea. The media loves to scare us, especially about Mexico. It isn't that there is no crime, there is - most of it is petty, pickpocket type crime, although that has been increasing.

[@ezmealstravels9221]

Great information 👍

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@2xtreme4u2bme]

I live with in Vancouver Canada and I am looking to go buy a house in my native country. This was a very helpful video! If anyone is looking to move to Mexico city we own a property for rent there. PM me if interested all you nomad freedom seekers

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

I am glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching!

[@davidbrier8667]

Great video 👍

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@elizabethwatters726]

Love your video. Want to retire next year and go to PV. Where is the best place to look for rentals? Thanks

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Personally, for short term (1-3 months) we just used AirBnB. There are better (and more local) if you ask on Facebook groups, though. Once in Mexico, and staying for longer term, there is Facebook Marketplace, and Vivanuncios as well.

[@mzlo2057]

How is the internet service?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It is generally good. It largely depends on where you are staying - are you in a resort, hotel, AirBnB, long term apartment? We always ask the landlord what the internet speeds are when we are getting ready to book a place.

[@CANCIONERO1975]

Hello, good afternoon: I really want to go live in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Nothing more than I have not been able to because several obstacles have been placed on me and I have not been able to make the trip of my dreams. I am 48 years old and I want to know if it is one against my age range, so that they give me the job of my dreams, such as the job of a photographer and that of Radio Locution. And how can I do it to be able to rent a good place to rent a place to live, that is clean, comfortable, healthy, and that is affordable in the cost of rent.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@pimplife7035]

How much health insurance in PV?

[@lencrites7044]

Excellente! 😎

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thank you so much!

[@infamouscanadiandecomposer]

You might be careful not to use the term "mule". It is a term used by those importing exporting drugs.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

I am very aware of that. However, it is also a term commonly used by expats worldwide for someone who brings things for them from their home country. Thanks for watching!

[@marandaquantrill7649]

You don't mention the plumbing. What is your experience regarding this matter?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

What about the plumbing exactly? Pretty much in all of Mexico you can"t flush toilet paper - if that is what you are wondering about. Thanks for watching!

[@erbxvdfb]

Bring a plunger.

[@weifengsd]

hi, our flight arrives very late at midnight, is that time safe to walk over pedestrian bridge to take an uber? thanks

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Personally I would just take a white airport taxi. Crossing the bridge is probably safe, but we haven't tried it at that time of night. The airport taxi will cost you a bit more, but if you are exhausted and aren't sure, it is probably worth it.

[@rebeccacarter1914]

I have a good girlfriend who lives there and she has sent me videos taken with her cell phone from her back apartment window of UFOs. Nothing scary, but very interesting

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Interesting!

[@fredtello]

thanks very good and informative video

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dk-gh4yw]

Are you still traveling? Where are you now?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Video soon to come for updates!

[@denisemccormick5430]

Reading!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@sierravista9013]

How is the water situation

[@sierravista9013]

Water regarding drought

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@sierravista9013 We didn't encounter any issues with that during our time there. The opposite is often the case in the summer, with torrential rains and storms not being unusual from June to September.

[@indoorgardeningguy1668]

Use Uber instead of taxis. Much cheaper and more reliable.

[@juanluiscarbonepicard-ami5379]

Great video, I used to live In PVR back in the day. Venezuela street. Now I’m in Panama City 🇵🇦. If you guys don’t have a criminal record come check it out. It is the place to be. 10X better and safer.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are definitely very interested in checking out Panama. Although it is not in our immediate future travel plans. We hope to be able to go there in the next few years. Any areas in particular you recommend?

[@juanluiscarbonepicard-ami5379]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 Panama City, Boquete, bocas del Toro, Coronado and venao beach

[@osvaldoceballosorozco9312]

Go to cabo San Lucas cost of living 3 times more... expensive Vallarta yes because everyone whant to come humidity yes you live n ocean side anything else

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@vitavi2800]

Have you been in Ajijic?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

No, but it looks beautiful. For what we are looking for right now, it is too small. But we definitely want to check it out at some point.

[@thaniacampero5746]

Está subiendo todos los precios a nivel mundial, europa con la guerra todos los precios de energía subió,es una crisis mundial,me puedes decir si es seguro????hay muchos narcos ???o está tranquilo????gracias saludos Thania

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It was fine. We had no problems there, but that can be different for everyone.

[@j.whisper2379]

Too hot! I vowed awhile ago that I would never live in a place where air conditioning is ever necessary!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Well, some people like the heat! And the winter is livable without AC in PV, but I do understand the attraction of more moderate climates. Thanks for watching.

[@j.whisper2379]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 ! 8:30 AM. Patzcuaro 60 degrees, high predicted 72. Puerta Vallarta 77 degrees, predicted high 89 degrees F! Nuff said!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@j.whisper2379 Nice!

[@Deltron6060]

@@j.whisper2379 ya but no beach..

[@j.whisper2379]

@@Deltron6060 ! Better to take a short trip to the beach than live there and spend money on air conditioning and sleeping with it! The mountains are much more habitable!

[@sherrillbuhr5364]

Which airline do u fky

[@thaniacampero5746]

Desde cdmx

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

CDMX = Ciudad Mexico

[@thaniacampero5746]

Yes

[@thaniacampero5746]

Yes

[@ElreyRayo]

Alligators

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

Go swim at Playa Conchas Chinas and go hike up to the over look. Go to Playa Los Muertos and hike up the stairs from the beach. You guys need to check out the Marina area too. Otherwise a good video.200,000 people live in PV. Become more like a local and for $1000 a month you will have many options and for much less too.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We spent several weeks in Conchas Chinas and are very familiar with the beaches there - we saw someone almost die there due to the rip current. Someone dies there pretty much every year. We also have an entire video following us climbing the stairs and walking to Conchas Chinas from Playa Los Muertos. Thanks for the suggestion for the Marina area beaches though, we have been there once or twice, but we will check it out more for swimming in the future. You can definitely "live like a local" for cheap, that is true. But most people from Canada and the US at the very least need air conditioning - at least in the summer months. Thanks for watching and replying - we appreciate it!

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 Comin from Canada, the summer will be too hot and humid. I lived in PV for 8 years and currently live outside of Mx City in Tepotzotlan. It is cool here... close to PV is Ajijic on lake Chapala. A lot of retirees live there where it is like springtime all year. Wherever you are, enjoy life and Mexico!

[@madrilla]

Wife and I going in a couple weeks to scout out PV for the first time. We might be looking for a bigger town but we would've even thought that, or even had that thought. Thanks for the info!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

So glad you found the video useful. PV doesn't really feel small when you are there, it just depends on what you need in a place. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dennishassler605]

PV is said to be 300,000+, so it's large enough to have a good infrastructure, too. I've been visiting there since it was a small village and it's retained it's charm. Expats, too, are a welcomed part of the community.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@dennishassler605 Thanks for watching!

[@marklnicholson]

Really helpful video. Open water swimming and hiking are really important for me.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are glad you found it of help. Thanks for watching!

[@1dktre]

Hi Jenny & Noel, I am going to PV late July to get my permanent resident visa. This will be my first visit there. I would like to get a good deal on a rental for 3-6 months. Which areas would you suggest to look in?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

July is definitely a great time to go down to get a deal on a rental - it is the off season. However, your best deals would be for 1 year leases, but six months, especially for July - December should not be hard to find. As for area, that largely depends. Our favorite area, where some deals are still to be found, is the 5 de Diciembre. It is just north of Centro, and still has a small neighborhood. It really depends on what you are looking for. When you go, definitely check out the different areas to get a feel for them.

[@1dktre]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 Thanks!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@1dktre You are welcome!

[@daisyapontehavenmemoriestr8552]

I don’t care about swimming at the beach. I love too look at it and smells lol

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching.

[@derrick8224]

Hello from Ottawa. Love your videos 😊

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you have enjoyed them - thanks for watching!

[@violakat]

We had trouble finding good Mexican groceries, particularly fruits, and found the Mexican food very bland, cooked to tourist taste. We were in Versailles and Conchas Chinas. We could not live here

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Interesting - we had no problems finding authentic Mexican food, it depends on where you go to eat I suppose. Thanks for watching!

[@violakat]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 The style of cooking in PV is not what I’m used to coming from another part of Mexico and from family from other regions. It was more like the Mexican food in the US.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@violakat We did find quite a few authentic restaurants, but had to look a bit. As you can see in our other videos, we have travelled to several other areas in Mexico: Oaxaca, Querétaro, CDMX, and the Yucatan, and we are familiar with Mexican food. There are a lot of restaurants that do more "Americanized" Mexican food, you are definitely right there. But if PV is not for you, then it is not for you. Thanks for watching!

[@violakat]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 There have to be some good ones. It was also the lack of items in the little markets in Versailles. If I want to drive to supermarkets, we have those in Los Angeles. PV is a great place for Americans and Canadians

[@sal8372]

Nice vid

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!