The Mexican government is expecting the number of visitors seeking medical treatment to reach 650,000 annually by 2020. Americans are flocking to Mexico for discount health care, The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported. Hundreds of Americans flock to the Bay of Banderas for quality health and dental treatments. Puerto Vallarta has quite a few facilities offering excellent services.

“We have never ever had such wonderful care at such reasonable prices,” says Polly Vicars, a long-time resident, “It was almost like being in a spa, the whole staff from the cleaning ladies up to the specialist doctors were just fantastic, and we came home well and we were able to pay it easily, they’ll make house calls if you need them, and you can get an appointment when you need it.”

“My husband and I have been taking advantage of the medical care quite a bit,” says Sara Wise, a patient numerous time, “I’ve had three surgeries in Guadalajara and I’m very happy with it there and in Puerto Vallarta, and with the way things are changing in the United States, healthcare here is much more accessible and it’s cheaper.”

Some facilities will accept American insurance but check prior to any treatments. Hospital administration personnel are more than happy to answer any questions and most area facilities will conduct tours. They are quite proud of their advanced technology.

Many Mexican doctors receive at least part of their training in the United States and since Puerto Vallarta has a large English speaking sector, area medical professionals do their best to make everyone comfortable.

Adding a doctor visit to a vacation itinerary looks increasingly attractive to many.

Written & Video Produced by: Laura Gelezunas

According to the survey, those born in the mid-to-late 1940s left their jobs at an average age of 60 for men and 57 for women. Over a quarter retired between ages 56 and 61, and 20 percent retired at age 62. Just over a third say the main reason they retired was because they reached retirement age and wanted to be free. But about half of retired boomers report they retired earlier than they originally planned.

Baby boomers currently working expect to retire at an average age of 69, and over a third hope to retire in 2012 at age 66. Working baby boomers say they are planning to delay retirement for a variety of reasons, they need to continue receiving a salary to pay for day-to-day expenses, they enjoy working or they want to stay active. Even if people retire and move to Puerto Vallarta, many pick-up some part-time work.

Ron Sitarski, a real estate agent with Ron Morgan Properties, says he works because it keeps him in tune with his environment and keeps him active. “At the age of 50, I started receiving mail from the Social Security office telling how much I was going to receive per month once I retired,” says Ron, “I found out that at age 62 I would hit the maximum and after that, the amount would always be the same no matter how many more years I worked.”

Ron spent 18 years in the Florida real estate market and it was not what it used to be during the late 90s and through the early 2000s. When Ron discovered he was maxed out on how much social security he would be receiving, he decided to retire at 62. “The real estate market was going to hell,” exclaims Ron, “I already had a place in Puerto Vallarta, so me and my significant other, Liz, decided to move to paradise.”

The cost of living in Puerto Vallarta is a lot lower than a US, major metropolitan area. Ron says the real estate taxes are minuscule compared to Fort Lauderdale and the car insurance is about 90 percent less, yes folks, you read correctly. Your dollar goes a lot farther here.

However, it did not take Ron long to get kind of bored so he started looking for a job and ended up at Ron Morgan Properties. “I bring a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the office,” says Ron, “Selling real estate in Mexico is vastly different than selling in the United States but I still enjoy it and learning the complexities of Mexican real estate.” Ron goes on to say that he now makes a little extra money and it makes him happy.

Written By: Laura Gelezunas

Anita Dabbs, Estate Agent with Ron Morgan Properties, specializes in buying and selling older homes in Bucerias, Mexico, which is just north of Puerto Vallarta. “I love to watch the transformation,” says Anita, “The older villas have distinct features and all the charm of Mexico.” She has a history of rehabbing properties in the United States and began that endeavor in 1995. Her last effort was remodeling an old church into a home just outside St. Louis, Missouri.

Zona Dorada in Bucerias is the stretch of land lying between the highway and the Pacific ocean. It covers roughly about nine square blocks and many homes for sale are at least 15 years old. Purchasing one of these is an awesome opportunity to have a house in a great location because there are not a of lot chances to live this close to the beach in a populated area, which has no empty land available but plenty of shops, entertainment and restaurants. “Zona Dorada is a section where the property values will continually increase,” says Anita, “If you purchase property east of the highway, it may take a few years to see value growth.”

Redoing an older Mexican house may intimidate some, but Anita says to go into a home with your eyes open to all the possibilities. “You get to put your personal touch into the new place,” says Anita, “Plus the older properties have yards and/or gardens surrounding the house, which you just do not get this close to the beach or in newer developments.”

Anita has several homes available in Zona Dorada, Bucerias and she would be happy to show them to you. There are many reputable, caring contractors that she has worked with on other homes in the area and can pass along their information and show you their work. “A reputable real estate agent will encourage you to get a home inspection before buying,” says Anita, “I have sold many homes over the past four years and have watched them bloom.”

Anita bought her Zona Dorada home in 1998, rehabbed it to her desires and eventually moved to it full time in 2004. She knows the town, the properties and specific blocks intimately and is the perfect estate agent choice, especially if you are looking for an older home that is only awaiting your personal touch.

Written By: Laura Gelezunas

“My wife and I like volunteering”, says Mel Bornstein of the International Friendship Club, “We are very happy living in Puerto Vallarta, happier than we were back in the United States, and we want to give back to the community, rewarding them for the rewards we received by living here and so it’s a pleasure for us to do all this work and help all these different people, who require assistance.”

With well over 30 non-profits operating in the Bay of Banderas, there is never a reason to be bored. You could work with a different one every day for one month and then decide where you wanted to spend more time. Getting involved also provides a great way to socialize.

“We have been very active and we have a lot of fun,” says Mel. He and his wife moved to Puerto Vallarta over 30 years ago and immediately began working with the International Friendship Club. “We met a whole bunch of people that had a common interest, they were here, they didn’t have their family down here, didn’t have their children down here or they had a friend visit from time to time but other than that, they were alone,” states Mel, “And when you met up with other people who are equal to you in the same kind of loneliness, you wound up having a lot of fun, enjoying your life more.”

Volunteering is not just for the retired, many younger people find a perfect cause and assist in a variety of ways.

“For me, in Puerto Vallarta, we don’t have many distractions,” says Nicole Martin ofPURR Project Cat Shelter, “Life is very simple, thank goodness, so there is time outside of work to volunteer and to do things and there is a charity for everyone. I am involved with the marketing of the cat shelter because if people don’t know about the shelter, what’s happening, we won’t grow, we won’t be able to pay the bills.”

There are so many options. You can organize fund raisers, cuddle an animal, teach anything from arts and crafts to English, or just give a child a shoulder to lean on, the list is endless. Get involved with a local non-profit, soon.

Written By: Laura Gelezunas

Here’s a look at the May 2012 predictions.  These stars are your guide to living happily ever after in paradise.

Taurus — Watch out for the flame of passion this month.  It could start sparking at any time and may cause you to do some things you may not have even thought about ever doing.  Jupiter will be by your side and will make you lean towards going after bold projects.  Travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for pleasure or professional reasons highlights the second half of the month.  Venus’ presence in your house of money can potentially generate higher expenses for various whims, so take heed.

Gemini — This month the sphere of relationships is going to become significant. Venus enters your sign and will remain until August.  Focus on love, cooperation, socialization and express interests in art and luxury.  What a month to be living in Puerto Vallarta where all of this is in abundance.  The recommended activities will be in the real estate business, agriculture and consumables.  This could be the perfect time to snap up a condominium for rental revenue.

Cancer — An intense, but demanding month is ahead.  You may search to make radical changes in your sentimental life or face situations where you have no power.  During the first half of the month, there will be a strong impact of trips and intellectual interest.  No better way to combine these than with exploring the Bay of Banderas.  Uranus will be in your house so watch out for changes in professional objectives, social status and even fame.

Leo — This is a good month to sit back and reevaluate your relationships and don’t fool yourself.  You could become close to the wrong people, who may be gossiping about you.  Communication will remain the key to happy relationships.  Since Pluto remains in your house this month you will keep looking for perfection while trying to meet your real needs.  Be careful with your finances because a hasty decision could lead to a downfall. Think about keeping your funds close to home.

Virgo — During May Neptune will enter your house so watch out for confused, weird and self-deluding situations.  The possibility to fall in love with the wrong person is strong this month.  Your decision-making spirit will be tested along with your ability to motivate others.  Your profession will show some profit and satisfaction.  This is a great month for self-improvement so why not take one hour out of the day, find a place on the beach in Puerto Vallarta and think about ways to enhance your life.

Libra — A mysterious month for love.  Uranus is in the house and you may be dealing with scenery changes, unusual happenings or sudden attractions.  With all of this going on you may live a secret or forbidden love or tangle with emotional problems or sentimental loneliness.  Your career will be a high priority and bring in a high level of growth in the first half of the month. Any new adventures won’t affect your budget.  The financial situation will prosper due to Jupiter’s generosity, supporting business ventures.

Scorpio — Discover new horizons with your partner or a close friend including physical, emotional cultural and/or spiritual aspects. Don’t let others deter you from these pursuits because forays could wind up happy pleasures or a bit of a disappointment.  Uranus is in your house of work so be ready for joint projects, collaborations and connecting with people that can open doors for you.  It is an energetic month to find others with the same goals and interests, you may be surprised as to who you meet.

Sagittarius — There is no way you will be bored this month.  The people you will be attracted to will have to have something special plus they will be independent and a little out of the ordinary.  With Venus in the house expect high sentimental availability and actions will be influenced by emotions.  Mars will dictate your high chances to succeed in professional endeavors.  This is the time to build a strategy and go for it and not give up until you have made it.

Capricorn — This is a month of adventure and your ability to overcome certain barriers in expressing your feelings.  The opportunities will be plentiful, if you look for them.  It could be the perfect time to think about living in Puerto Vallarta full time instead of only several months out of the year. Jupiter in your house will influence and encourage studies, trips and long-distance contacts.  This is a great time to be thoughtful about mixing work with pleasure.

Aquarius — This month your interests related to accommodations and property will be the center of attention.  It could be the perfect time to invest in another property simply for profit’s sake and Puerto Vallarta is a great place for that idea to bloom.  It seems that you’ll generally spend a lot of energy on business and finance.  May holds sentimental relationships with harmony and expect wonderful moments with a person that offers you the same feelings.

Pisces — This is a month for finding solutions and many problems will be solved.  There’s a great potential for success, especially in the areas of communication, sharing and moving.  It will be an exceptional month for creative work.  Take the time to meet new people and socialize.  Puerto Vallarta offers a great venue for this.  Spring into summer and find useful connections to improve your health and make serious decisions to improve your shape.

Aries — Another spring time of changes.  You may feel the need to remain in your snowbird destination a bit longer than usual before heading North.  May turns out to be a frisky month and only with a flexible and relaxed attitude can bring happiness.  Take action in your home or at work because Mars has resumed its straight movement.  You will be more efficient and more determined to get tasks completed.  Your capacity for coping will go up while troubles caused by malfunctions will taper off.

As the stars unfold their guides, we will keep you updated.

Written By:  Laura Gelezunas

The afternoon highs are around 86/30 but this doesn’t hold for very many hours so it’s quite nice. The morning lows are around 69/20 so this is where you will feel a difference when sipping your early day coffee.

Moisture levels are still quite comfortable with an average relative humidity of 77 percent and a dew point around 69/20 degrees. The levels are higher during the early morning hours and so there is a better chance for fog and haze, too.

The dust bowl continues during dry season and there’s only an average of one rain day this month with the precipitation around .6 inches/15.4mm. Typically, skies will be clear with a few high afternoon clouds.

For the most part winds are generally out of the southwest with an average speed of 11mph/17kph. These are strongest during the late afternoon, but certainly welcome.

Even though many say this is the end of high season, it is also high time to get down here and enjoy perfect weather and fun in Puerto Vallarta.

Written By: Laura Gelezunas

Retirement has changed a great deal in just one generation. Many are now choosing to live somewhere other than the United States for a multitude of reasons. The cost of living is a very important consideration but also a rich life filled with other like-minded people, travel, physical and intellectual pursuits and opportunities for growth also play rolls.

Many think about maintaining a budget along with lifestyle choices to create a good balance. A great deal of the best options are outside the US. During March 2012 US News & World Report Money released their 18 top retirement havens and Mexico made the top ten.

At number nine it’s the closest country to the United States in the report. Mexico is historically one of the most recognized retirement meccas for Americans. It continues to offer some of the best coastal living and retirement options in the Americas. Puerto Vallarta is the number-one choice for an affordable life of luxury on the Pacific. A couple can enjoy a five-star retirement in this beautiful and romantic coastal town of marinas, golf courses, yacht clubs, and fine dining on a budget of as little as $2,500 per month or even a bit less.

“When we first got here, we were very impressed with all the things that Puerto Vallarta has to offer,” says Sara Wise, she lives full-time in PV, “We had been living and cruising for a number of years on our boat and you become accustomed to hauling your things from a grocery store or buying your groceries from the back end of a truck but Puerto Vallarta has Sam’s and Wal-Mart and they were building a new Costco and Home Depot had just opened and to us, those things were very important, especially when we were looking to sell the boat and settle down again.” Sara and her husband have been living permanently in PV since 2006. Medical care and affordable housing are also available in the Puerto Vallarta area.

The US News report sites many parts of the globe including France, Italy, Thailand and Malaysia. But if you want to live a good deal closer to family and friends still remaining in the US, consider living out your golden years under the golden sun in Puerto Vallarta.

Written By: Laura Gelezunas

The Ring of Fire has been roaring with life. This is the region where 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur and includes western Mexico, where Puerto Vallarta is located. The Ring of Fire also contains 75 percent of all volcanic eruptions.

This list shows just some of the quakes over the past week in the Ring of Fire:

5.0 Gulf of California–April 16
5.8 Sulawesi, Indonesia–April 16
5.0 West Chile Rise–April 14
5.6 Kuril Islands–April 14
5.9 Sunda Strait, Indonesia–April 14
5.4 Oaxaca, Mexico–April 12
6.9 Mexico, Gulf of California–April 12
7.0 Michoacan, Mexico–April 11

Many people in Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas felt the quake on April 12, 2012. There were reports of swaying light fixtures, pets going crazy and people even being knocked out of bed or their chairs.

Considering the fact that the entire west coast of Mexico makes up part of the Ring of Fire, people need to take notice but not panic. This is a good reminder for everyone to work towards more preparedness for future seismic activity.

Many people believe the destruction caused is unavoidable, and that the only option is to pick up the pieces after the shaking stops. In reality almost all earthquake damages and losses can be reduced by taking a few steps before, during and after the incident.

If you are planning to put down roots in earthquake territory, here’s a few things to think about. These steps were developed by the members of the Earthquake Country Alliance.

Step One: Identify potential hazards in your home and begin to fix them.

Step Two: Create a disaster preparedness plan.

Step Three: Prepare disaster supply kits.

Step Four: Identify your building’s potential weaknesses and begin to fix them.

Step Five: Protect yourself during earthquake shaking — drop, cover and hold on.

Step Six: After the earthquake, check for injuries and damage.

Step Seven: When safe, continue to follow your disaster preparedness plan.

In recent years, Japan, Chile, Indonesia and New Zealand have all experienced historic earthquakes. It is inevitable that there will be seismic activity of historic importance on the west coast of Mexico, as well.

You can view all the steps in detail at:
http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/contents.html#contents

Earthquakes along the Pacific Rim are becoming more frequent. According to the National Earthquake Information Center, in 2001, there were 137 earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater and in 2011 there were 205. Puerto Vallarta is earthquake country so be ready.

Written By: Laura Gelezunas

Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the friendliest cities in the world. According to many international publications, websites and blogs, including, US News and World Report, AARP, Orbitz, USA Today, and Trip Advisor, Puerto Vallarta is the best place to vacation, retire and start a new life.

Recently a series of videos, produced by Video Diva Productions. It showcases the area’s city, culture, environment and lifestyles and it’s called Simply Puerto Vallarta. This non-traditional PR effort showcased a strong and vibrant community and gave local business owners the ability to put the media message in their own hands during some tough economic times. Most were looking for an innovative way to promote Puerto Vallarta on the Internet and felt that the Simply Puerto Vallarta video series was a great way to share their message with the world.

The final video in the series welcomes visitors to Puerto Vallarta and highlights the warmth and hospitality of the Vallartenses.

Long-time residents, people who have been vacationing in the city for many years and everyone in between shared their passionate opinions of, and favorite reasons for, living in and/or making Puerto Vallarta their vacation destination year after year. Many cited the fabulous climate, the geographic location and the beautiful topography, but most praised the warm and wonderful people of the city as their favorite aspect of Puerto Vallarta life.

“I don’t even know how to describe it, I love it so much,” says Glenda Figns, a time share owner for over 30 years, “The people are the most gracious people, when we first came that was probably the one thing, plus the scenery that sold us, but we fell in love with the people here.”

“There has never been a minute where I feel unsafe here, ever, I walk into town from south Puerto Vallarta, I feel comfortable walking places where I have been coming to for years,” says Cathy Gast-Feroe, a second generation time share owner, “I’m adventurous and I try new places, without hesitation, I find the people here to be genuine, warm, wonderful people.”

“It’s got everything you would want to do, it’s got sun, it’s got water, it’s got beach, it’s got friendly people, it’s got good restaurants, it’s got nice hotels, it’s got beautiful things to see,” says Chuck Fournier, vacations regularly in PV, “It’s lovely, the Malecon, it’s got everything, and it’s got enough outside, you can get out into the jungle, you can get out to the beach, you can just get anywhere, and be whatever you choose it to be.”

“I don’t understand why people aren’t coming to Mexico,” says Dirk Miller, who has been driving his motor home from Kentucky to PV for the last 15 years, “It’s just that I think that all the negative publicity goes around and gets blown out of shape and that’s my thoughts on it.”

Full time and part time locals have passionate opinions about why they spend their time in Puerto Vallarta.

“Let me tell you, Vallarta is the neatest place to come, stay, live or just enjoy the scenery,” says Jean Martin, a full time resident. “The contrast between the mountains and the ocean is fantastic, the people are really nice, it’s a safe place, it’s got wonderful things to do, great restaurants, lots of fun, so really come to Vallarta because it is one of the best places on earth.”

“I’m very, very thrilled to be spending my retirement years in this beautiful, beautiful place,” says Barbara Bornstein, retired in PV over 20 years ago, “There’s no other place like it for people who just want to enjoy their later years and live life to the fullest.”

The yearly average afternoon high temperature is 85 degrees.  And the sun shines almost every day of the year.  The area’s meteorology is also a big draw.

Whether you are dreaming about a vacation, planning your retirement, starting a new chapter in your life or just looking to escape winter weather for several months, Puerto Vallarta and the greater Banderas Bay region offer many opportunities. Just ask those in the know!

Written By:  Laura Gelezunas

Summer temperatures average around 94 degrees and with very high humidity this creates an intense environment for a myriad of property issues and some extra precautions are warranted.  It is a good idea to get your villa or condo prepped to avoid harrowing consequences upon your return next season due to inadequate planning.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready for the annual migration, give it at least one or two weeks to properly prepare the property.

Here is a checklist of things to consider before leaving your Bay of Banderas home for the summer months.  All these suggestions may be used or just a few of them.  Some people will do everything right and still return to storm or water damage.  You really cannot control mother nature.

Summer Preparations

Start eating leftovers and cleaning out the refrigerator.  Unless it is a non-perishable condiment, don’t leave anything in the refrigerator, except a box of baking soda.  Even then, the electricity can be off for quite awhile after an electrical storm so anything inside will spoil.  It is best to moderate the temperature and leave it running rather than unplugging it.  The motor will continue running so it will not rust and will keep mold from growing.  The GE Appliance Manual suggests leaving half full jugs of water in the freezer and refrigerator, which will reduce the amount of time the compressor has to operate.

Remove any perishable items from cabinets, critters can get inside almost anything.  Items like salt, pepper and other spices will solidify because of the humidity, even if they are stored in sealable plastic containers.  And bugs, especially those little bitty ants just love sugar.

The cable television and satellite service can be suspended while you are away, saving a bit of money.

Unplug all non-essential electrical devices, including TVs, stereos, computers, etc. and remove the phone jack from the wall if you have a modem.

If you have one, continue having your maid come in at least once a week.  Since you probably won’t be running your air-conditioner, she can air out the house.  If possible, leave a window or two open.  She should also run the dishwasher, washing machine, hot water heater and garbage disposal.  This prevents seals from drying out.

During rainy season the plants and weeds will grow like crazy, so it is good to have someone keep the greens trimmed before you return to a jungle.  Don’t move plants together for easy watering because they may not adjust to their new locations and die.

It is vital that someone have a key and a phone number where you can be reached in case anything does happen.

There is nothing more important than having a good relationship with your neighbors, especially if they live here year-round.  Ask them to keep an eye out on your place while you are gone.  Then you can reciprocate one day.  It is imperative for neighbors to band together to watch out for each other’s things.

“You may want to consider hiring a property manager who can monitor the house and grounds,” says Michael Holland of Ron Morgan Properties and Puerto Vallarta Villas, “Using a service with a professional staff like Puerto Vallarta Villas, which offers property management services, can provide weekly inspections.  This is imperative during rainy season because water can suddenly spring up and mold can appear quickly.”  If anything needs maintenance, they will schedule it and send a monthly report.  They also can provide unscheduled visits, which is a great security measure.  With a service, you can let someone else handle all the details.

Some condominiums have in-house services available and you can schedule the closing and the re-opening of your unit.  Check with your owner’s association.  Or you can find a house sitter.  Some do not require payment, but they will be able to live rent free and keep an eye on your home.

When you return to your winter home or condo you want to find it as you left it, especially if you took precautions before your departure.  Remember, it is the small things that may cause the largest problems.

These are the most popular suggestions.  If you have any to add, please post in the comments below.  Share the wealth of your experiences.

Written By:  Laura Gelezunas