Here is the new 2011 result from International Living’s research. We continue to report these articles to emphasize how popular Mexico is for retirement.

 2011 Global Retirement Second Place Winner:  MEXICO

White sand beaches and turquoise-blue seas, with hammocks swaying nearby…centuries-old Spanish-colonial cities with winding, cobblestone streets and fountain-filled plazas…towering Mexico is rich in romance, as the one million-plus U.S. and Canadian expats who live there will tell you.

But expats don’t live by romance alone. Fortunately, Mexico also provides solid, modern-day comforts and conveniences. That secluded, away-from-it-all beach on the deserted, packed-sand road? You can get within a few miles of it on a modern highway—one of the many that criss-crosses Mexico. Those centuries-old cities with their colonial homes? Today their walls conceal telephone and high-speed Internet cables and their roofs sport satellite dishes and solar water heaters.

Likewise, health care is very much 21st century, with first-rate hospitals, clinics, and medical staff. (Don’t speak Spanish? Many doctors, especially in private clinics, speak English.) And the bill will likely run you half or less of what you’d pay at home.

In fact, life in Mexico can cost you up to 40% less than what you’d pay in the U.S. for a similar lifestyle. It’s also lived at a slower, more gracious pace. And that is what, finally, many expats seek. As expat Jill Jackson, who lives in Loreto, Baja California Sur, explains: “It lets me be the person I have always wanted to be.”

August 22, 2011       International Living Magazine

Gringo Gulch Cupola

So where is this charming neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta and how did it get its name?  Did you know it’s really on a hill and not in a gulch at all?  Who first lived here and why?  And how are Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and John Huston connected with this area?  Guillermo Wulff, Mexico City engineer who brought the cupola to Vallarta construction, was their friend and instrumental in developing the architectural style of Vallarta.  Who was he and how did he get here?  Step into the past as you learn about this history on our Old Vallarta Architecture and History walking tour.  You will be fascinated with the stories and the beauty of the cobblestone streets and colonial villas, many now turned into boutique hotels like Hacienda San Angel.

Many of you told us you didn’t have time to do all our tours that were included in our earlier package so now we have taken some of the best of our tours and services and created a three-hour walking tour with lunch that will introduce you to the people, shops, products, and services that make Vallarta a delightful place to visit or live. You will visit some typical neighborhoods, meet owners of family-run shops and markets, and have the opportunity to purchase fresh produce, meats, cheeses, Mexican curios and art, and to savor street vendor’s offerings.  Access to our free professional consultations and free area real estate tours are also included.  This is a great way to immerse yourself and see what it’s like to live here.  Only $24.50 per person.  For more information go to our website:  www.learnvallarta.com or call us today.