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Retiring soon?
Have you thought about retirement in a tropical paradise? Someplace affordable, comfortable, beautiful with great ocean views? Maybe you have questions. Here are a few that we have heard from our clients.
What is Vista Encantada?
Vista Encantada Eco-Club is a private, gated eco-friendly community located approximately 41 miles north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit. We are a bit north of La Penita and a bit south of Chacala. If you are familiar with Sayulita, Nayarit, we are just 25 minutes north of there.
The terrain at Vista Encantada is jungle with Oil Coconut Palms, Papalio, Higuera, and other majestic ancient trees along with mango and papaya trees with their luscious fruits. Wild flowers and various plants, vines and shrubs grow throughout the development. The parcel of land is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. During the months of November through April, whales and dolphins can often be seen frolicking out in the sea. Every lot has ocean and jungle view. Vista Encantada is being developed in phases with infrastructure going in as phases are offered for sale. Phase I is just about sold out. There were 35 lots offered and of those there are 2 lots remaining for sale. Phase II opened up with 10 lots offered. There are 8 lots available for sale in the second phase. This property is titled and in the next couple of months, owners will be able to get their individual titles or Fideocomiso. We are currently offering lots in our newest parcel addition to Vista Encantada. This parcel is out of Ejido and in Domenio Pleno. We anticipate having title on this parcel within the next 6 months. 12 lots were offered in this parcel with 5 remaining available.
All lots include infrastructure: streets, electric and water. Plans are in the works for drilling a well on the property for water. It is anticipated that the water will be pure and drinkable.
Why is Vista Encantada a great place to consider for retirement?
The temperatures average between 80-85 degrees during the months October through May. It gets a bit hotter and more humid from June through September because this is the rainy season. The weather is great for arthritis, and stiff joints. Vista Encantada is a beautiful environment that provides a good place to walk for exercise, bird watching and nearby beaches for swimming. Two community swimming pools are planned for Vista Encantada. One is in the first phase area of the project; this will include a swimming pool, lounging patio, shower and bathrooms. The second pool is planned for the lower parcel recently purchased and merged into the Vista Encantada development. This area is planned for adults with an artificial beach and pool with lounging areas and shower and bathrooms.
What are the basic living costs in the area, estimated for living at Vista Encantada?
Approximate costs based on a 2 bedroom house with air conditioning. Costs listed in peso amounts with approximate conversion to U.S. dollars.
Electric: $2000 pesos/$160 USD per month
Gas: $150 pesos/$12 USD per month
Water: $250 pesos/$20 USD per month
Sewer: included in cost of home
HOAs: $1250 pesos/$100 USD per month
HOA fees include 24 hour security, common area maintenance and cost of water may be included in this fee.
Medical insurance
What about medical care? What is available? Are there hospitals in the area? Is there any kind of insurance coverage offered locally? Foreigners can get good quality medical care in Mexico. There are 2 hospitals planned for the nearby area, one in La Penita (10 minutes to the south of Vista Encantada) and 1 in Las Varas (15 minutes north of Vista Encantada). Both hospitals were recently announced by the municipal government of Compostela. Foreigners living in Mexico can apply for IMSS, which is Social Security Health insurance coverage. The cost of this insurance currently averages approximately $300 USD per year. This is full coverage insurance!
Nearby Amenities
Recently announced on the Compostela municipal website is the FONATUR project. The infrastructure for this development has been in progress for the past two years. Starting next week, this project will be moving full speed ahead. Millions of dollars have been allocated and an entire new resort community is being constructed and will generate improvements and all the amenities just minutes from Vista Encantada. Major Infrastructure is planned for the nearby towns of El Divisadero (just 1.8 kilometers from Vista Encantada), Lima de Abajo, La Penita and more. This development will bring high quality hotels, restaurants and many other amenities to the area.
Safety in Mexico
Is there security? We hear so much in the news about the drug cartels and crime. Is it safe? An article recently posted on the International Living website( http://internationalliving.com/) titled “Why Are One Million Americans Moving To Mexico” speaks to the safety issue that has been in the news regarding Mexico.
Stated in the article: “For some people, Mexico brings images of corruption and bribery…” and “But that’s the Mexico popularized by newspapers and television.” And “ There’s a real side of Mexico that you rarely see…” and “And it’s the reason Americans are moving south of the border in droves.” Also from the article: “According to UN statistics, you’re 3 times more likely to be a victim of crime in the U.S. than you are in Mexico.
“Anyone can tell you that there are certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Washington, or Detroit you should avoid. That’s where the crimes happen. Likewise, people living in Mexico would tell you about isolated areas in their country ( like Mexico City, or those along the border) that you should avoid. Unfortunately, when people vacation, they often leave their common sense at home. And sometimes they do risky things they wouldn’t otherwise do. The truth is, people in Mexico are more honest, friendly and welcoming than the media would have you believe.”
We have found this article to be a true reflection of what we have experienced as Americans living in Mexico. You will often see police stationed at every block in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Especially, during high season when there are a lot of tourists. This is a deterrent for crime. If you were born before 1960 in the U.S., you may remember it was that way in cities across the U.S. I remember always seeing a policeman on the corner. You could always just call for help from a nearby officer. That was before the cutbacks… As an American woman living in Mexico, I can honestly say I feel safer in Mexico than in the city of Sacramento, where I have lived for many years. Ask people who live in Mexico what their experience is concerning safety.
Visas for Living In Mexico
The simplest way to get a Visa is just to take a flight to Mexico. You can get a tourist visa for 180 days. If you want to work in Mexico or if you want to stay longer than 6 months or if you want to open a bank account or get the IMSS health insurance, you will need to get an FM3. The easiest way to get your first FM3 is to visit the Mexican consulate nearest you in the U.S. You can get an application and what’s required to get your FM3.
Banking
There are many banks to choose from and most provide online services, ATM services and some have English speaking personnel. Typically to open a bank account, you will need your Passport, an FM3, and an electric bill or telephone bill from your residence in Mexico.
Domestic Employees
If you would like a live-in maid and cook the cost can often be as low as $100 USD a week. If you or an aging loved one needs daily care, the cost can be as low as maid service. There are many low cost options available for domestic service and for in-home care for the aging.
Coming soon: bringing a car to Mexico, auto insurance, bus service, shopping, and more!
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