News And Articles

Responding To Your Questions

It would be important for me to integrate into the Mexican community and the culture. How would one do this if not interested in just living in a property built for Gringos? CS, Richmond BC

Dear CS, Mazatlan is different from many other resort destinations in that it has a thriving local Mexican community that, in most cases, lives side by side with foreign part or full time residents. Most developments where Americans and Canadians live are also have local Mexican residents; as well as Mexicans from other parts of the country who are also increasingly purchasing recreational property in Mazatlan.

One way to become a part of the community and the culture is to join the many social clubs and non-profit organizations in town. If you are interested in the arts or learning new artistic activities, you can enrol in the arts school in the historic center of town and take painting, sculpture and music lessons, among other courses they offer. Many people speak English, if this is a concern, but you may also take Spanish lessons (another good way to meet people).

We would like to know more about medical accessibility and quality of Health Care. EC, Calgary, AB

Dear EC, there are many good English speaking doctors in Mazatlan; some of whom have studied medicine in the US and Canada, as well as important Mexican medical schools. One of the reasons, Canadians especially, appreciate the health care provided in Mazatlan is that patients do not need to wait weeks and months for having important tests done. It generally takes a few days to have tests done and get results back (though there may be exceptions).

There are several hospitals, and among them you will find SHARP HOSPITAL, which treats many foreign tourists as well as foreigners who travel to Mazatlan specifically for medical attention . You can visit http://www.hospitalsharp.com/Home_ev.htm to find out more information about the health care services Sharp Hospital offers to all patients, and the administrative support they can offer to Americans and Canadians.

You can also find excellent dental care and eye care, at often more affordable prices than in the US and Canada.

How can I find a good qualified real estate agent, notario and bank when acquiring property? IK, Calgary, AB.

Dear IK, it is always a good idea to ask for references when looking for a realtor. There are realtors and developers, such as those that are a part of this association, who can provide references, and have proven track records in their field as well as in their community involvement. Your realtor should be able to recommend good notaries that work with foreigners, as well as banks.

Regarding banks, it's a good idea to compare prices for Fideicomisos, as they may vary.

We post new Q&As periodically, so check the section often. If you have any questions, you can send a message through our contact section.

Can Mazatlan compete with Phoenix, AZ on price & facilities? R & J S, Edmonton, AB

Mazatlan and Phoenix are very different on many levels so they are difficult to compare. Regarding price and facilities Mazatlan can compete with Arizona. First of all Arizona is in the US which is more expensive on everything from food to property taxes. Even though property prices may have dropped significantly in many places in the US, the property taxes still do not compare to those in Mexico where you may pay around ($200 USD a year on a $150,000 USD property). Mazatlan also has the facilities most people look for in a retirement destination for health and recreation, often also at more reasonable prices.

Having said that, one of the differences that make them difficult to compare (other than the obvious fact of being in different countries) is size. Even with 500,000+ residents Mazatlan is much smaller than Phoenix (metropolitan area pop. 4mill +). You may have to travel to get a feeling for what Mazatlan offers and compare the exact prices on features that are a part of your personal lifestyle. Curiously though, for decades, many people from Arizona have chosen Mazatlan as their destination for retirement and recreation, being one of Mazatlan’s most important markets!

I would like to have more information on financing options. D.M, Edmonton, AB

Several developments offer their own financing, so it is a good idea to find out what kind of plans the development (s) you are considering offer. Certain institutions such as Scotia Bank and Conficasa -among others- provide mortgages to Americans and Canadians for properties in Mexico. Depending on the extent of the financing you require, your local bank may also be able to offer financing options (other than a mortgage).

I would like to know more about renting-out my property while in Canada. E.L Edmonton, AB

This depends on the location of your property, and whether you wish to rent it part time or full time.

If your property is in a condominium tower, you may want to look into the building’s rental pool as many condominium complexes have their own pools. If you own a home, there are property management companies and individuals who provide this service.