Moving to Manzanillo, Mexico

"Contact me or someone here about what to bring or not. Choosing a neighborhood and finding a home I would suggest a qualified real estate professional. We have an MLS group in the city. Preferably chose one of those realtors," remarked one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"Neighborhood --- I had visited at a hotel at the bottom of the peninsula in front of the port so I knew that the Las Brisas area was safe, moderated by nearly daily breezes in summer. To my everlasting joy, I discovered that there are no scorpions in Las Brisas, a pest we had dealt with at Lake Chapala. As to a specific home here, all we needed was a 2B2B and there is a hotel with rentals for long term, including electricity in the rent. It has worked out very well," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"Manzanillo offers a variety of housing options for those looking to move in. The most popular and widely available option is renting an apartment or house. Renters can look for places through online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, or search for properties on Mexico-specific websites like Inmosiones that list both long-term rental and sales properties throughout the country. Additionally, visitors can also use a real estate agent or contact a local housing agency to find an up-to-date listing of available spaces. For those looking for more traditional housing options, Manzanillo offers multiple public and private condominiums, gated community developments, and beachfront villas at various price points," said one expat in Manzanillo.

"I don't believe there is a "typical" home or apartment in Manzanillo. Choices are varied. Houses in the hills offer spectacular views, cool breezes and a variety of architectural plans. The tradeoff with the nice views is the multiple floors (steps). Flat areas close to or on the beaches offer one-level living, but you give up views and sometimes there's flooding in the rainy seasons, depending on location. Condominiums on or near beaches are varied, from "tired" to well maintained. HOA fees are not reasonable (i.e. Vida del Mar for a 2 bedroom averages $400+ per month). Living in a home on the beaches although beautiful, one should consider privacy and security - all beaches are open to the public. Areas around the resorts and hotels are noisy during holidays and weekends (loud music until wee hours of the morning). The variety of choices makes Manzanillo unique - there's something for everyone, just need to explore for a right fit," said one expat in Manzanillo.

"The rental I enjoy is not typical for most expats. Expats prefer being across the street, right on the sand where storms batter the walls and often break in. I chose across the main drag where I can cross the street any time but don't often need to since the hotel offers a swimming pool and laundry services, more of a concern for me than the splashy homes that cost a fortune to maintain if a storm breaks through," said one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"Most expat homes and apartments in Manzanillo offer a spacious and airy living space. Many of the homes and apartments offer stunning ocean views, and feature a large balcony to make the most of the warm weather. Inside, the homes and apartments typically have modern furnishings along with brightly-coloured walls and accents. Fully-equipped kitchens make self-catering a breeze, while the home's air conditioning helps to make the heat of the Mexican sun bearable. Expat homes in Manzanillo provide a comfortable and stylish living environment, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy their time in Mexico," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"We live in a house on the beach. Ex-pats live in condos, houses, on the beach, in the hills, we are spread out depending on our tastes," said one in Manzanillo.

"We live in a house on the beach. Many ex-pats live in houses and condos on or close to the beach," explained one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"Coming from Vancouver, BC, Canada, I was paying high rentals and when I owned, it was even higher for common facilities. Add utilities to that and Mexico seems very reasonable, indeed. My rent here is just over $6000 pesos and includes utilities. My only additional expense is for telecommunications with cable TV included, which is very reasonable since there is NO long distance charge anywhere in North America. Average costs vary widely, but most are significantly more than what I pay although there are some of us here on limited budgets who manage quite well with Mexican rental fees. I could not begin to live in either Canada or the USA on my pension, but here I have enough to save for "extraordinary expenses". And Mexican medical services cost zero, and the doctors and technical people are trained just like those in expensive hospitals. I've been quite well cared for," remarked one expat in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"We bought a condo that we lived in for 9 years, then sold it and built our house. I is a very easy process, as long as you have a good realtor," replied a member in Manzanillo.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Manzanillo, it is important to think about your current lifestyle and future plans. Buying a home can provide stability and potential appreciation over time, while renting can provide more flexibility and freedom. Considering factors such as cost, quality of property and access to amenities is also important. If you are looking for more of an investment and are willing to stay in Manzanillo, Mexico for a while, then buying a home may be a better option. However, if you prefer more flexibility and want to move more often or stay for shorter periods of time, then renting a home would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision depends on your lifestyle and needs," commented one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"Because we are on the beach, things of silver or other metals rust. Also art work, if you want to have it for other generations, is difficult to preserve. There are not many things that are not available here, but electronics are expensive, so I would bring computers.(Also they are in the language of your choice)," replied a member in Manzanillo.

"When moving to Manzanillo, it is important to pack items that can withstand the hot, humid climate. Light, breezy clothing made from breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen, is essential for staying comfortable in the heat. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential for protection from the strong year-round sunshine. Depending on the season and activities planned, swimsuits, hats, and sandals can help you make the most of your time in Mexico. If applicable, don’t forget to pack the necessary documents for your residency permit," commented one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"Depending on the local customs, it is important to be aware of certain cultural faux pas when traveling in Manzanillo. Firstly, it is polite to greet people with 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes' or 'buenas noches' depending on the time of day. Secondly, it is important to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. It is also considered impolite to be loud or disruptive in public. Thirdly, shouting and whistling are considered rude forms of communication in Manzanillo and should be avoided. Fourthly, it is important to use appropriate physical space when talking or greeting people, as many Mexicans appreciate personal space. Finally, you should respect the local customs and traditions, including honoring religious figures and festivals," remarked one expat in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"Manzanillo is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and lush tropical vegetation, making it an attractive destination for expats looking to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a natural paradise. In addition to the beautiful environment, Manzanillo offers expats a convenient and affordable cost of living, as well as plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities such as fishing, sailing, surfing, and diving. The city also offers excellent healthcare and a growing job market, making it a great place to live and work. With its idyllic location near the coast, Manzanillo provides easy access to major cities in the area, making it a convenient base for those wanting to explore the region," commented one expat who moved to Manzanillo.

"Manzanillo offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide general medical care, as well as specialized services such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and orthopedics. Additionally, Manzanillo has a number of pharmacies that offer both prescription and over-the-counter medications. The city also has a number of private medical practices that offer a range of services, including family medicine, internal medicine, and dentistry. Manzanillo also has a number of alternative medicine practitioners, such as acupuncturists, herbalists, and homeopaths. Finally, the city has a number of medical laboratories that offer diagnostic testing services," replied one expat when asked about moving to Manzanillo.

"Manzanillo offers a variety of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide a range of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care. The hospitals and clinics are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals, and many offer modern medical equipment and technology. Additionally, Manzanillo has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. For those seeking alternative treatments, Manzanillo also has a number of holistic health centers that offer a variety of treatments, such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies," said one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.