Puerto Vallarta Places Sixth in US News World's Best Places to Retire 2014 Kathleen Peddicord - US News
go to original January 3, 2014

If you could retire anywhere in the world, where would you go? As we find ourselves at the beginning of a brand new year, that's a question worth asking. The very good news is that we are living in a time when it's not only possible, but easier than ever to launch the retirement adventure of your fondest day dreams almost anywhere on earth that appeals to you.

Specifically, here are the best, most comfortable, affordable, convenient and rewarding spots worldwide for retirement in 2014. Which one is calling your name?

1. Coronado, Panama
Monthly budget: $1,800
Monthly rent: $600

2. Languedoc, France
Monthly budget: $2,300
Monthly rent: $800

3. Ambergris Caye, Belize
Monthly budget: $2,000
Monthly rent: $800

4. Cuenca, Ecuador
Monthly budget: $1,300
Monthly rent: $500

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Monthly budget: $1,100
Monthly rent: $400

6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Monthly budget: $2,000
Monthly rent: $700

Mexico is a big place with a bad reputation. The reputation isn't altogether undeserved, as drug cartels do control parts of this country, but not all of it. And some of the most appealing regions for both living and investing sit outside the war zones. Mexico offers two long coasts, mountain towns and colonial cities, plus Mayan ruins, jungle, rain forest, rivers and lakes. It's also the most accessible "overseas" haven from the United States. You could drive back and forth if you wanted.

For all these reasons, Mexico is home to the biggest established populations of American expats in the world, making it a great choice if you seek adventure with the comforts of home. Mexico is no longer a super-cheap option, but it is my top pick for enjoying a luxury coastal lifestyle on a budget in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is more expensive than other places where you might consider living or retiring overseas, but in Puerto Vallarta that's not the point. This isn't developing-world living. This stretch of Mexico's Pacific coastline has already been developed to a high level.

Life here can be not only comfortable, but easy and fully appointed, with world-class golf courses, marinas, restaurants and shopping. This is a lifestyle that is available only on a limited basis worldwide, and is truly (not metaphorically) comparable to the best you could enjoy in southern California if you could afford it. Here you can afford it even on an average budget.

7. Granada, Nicaragua
Monthly budget: $1,300
Monthly rent: $500

8. Medellin, Colombia
Monthly budget: $1,800
Monthly rent: $500

Read the complete story here.

Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group. With more than 28 years experience covering this beat, Kathleen reports daily on current opportunities for living, retiring and investing overseas in her free e-letter. Her newest book, "How To Buy Real Estate Overseas", published by Wiley & Sons, is the culmination of decades of personal experience living and investing around the world.