5 ms·

I too live in Mazatlan. Ten years ago I bought a 3 bedroom house on the edge of the historic district for about $80,000 US. I paid about $5000 US to completel

by cc101 5y ago

I too live in Mazatlan. Ten years ago I bought a 3 bedroom house on the edge of the historic district for about $80,000 US. I paid about $5000 US to completely remodel the front facade of the house into something historic and elegant. My income is $1000/month from Social Security and $500/month pension with my U.S. health insurance paid. I'm putting about $500 US / month into savings. The articles prices seem about right. On the other hand, my house has been burglarized repeatedly during the summers when I'm in the US. I added a bugler alarm service for about $200 US / year. Still, finding someone to check my house weekly and respond with the alarm company is difficult.

vanusa 5y ago
Is the threat of violence an issue for you, otherwise? Or is it overblown?
- cc101 5y ago
  Most of the violence is between drug criminals. At this time there is no significant threat to foreigners in Mazatlan. There is a substantial protection racket victimizing business owners. I do fear that once drugs in the US are legalized, local criminal activity will increase to make up for the lost revenue. In particular, I fear the possibility of having to pay for protection. Again, as of now there is no significant threat to foreigners other than the occasional threat of muggings which can happen in the US too.
toomuchtodo 5y ago
Have you considered having a property manager rent out the property during the summer months to keep it occupied (dissuading burglars)? I’ve had good luck with this strategy when I’m not staying at one of my properties.
- cc101 5y ago
  I don't think my house is in suitable condition to rent out. After all the thefts, I have furniture for only one room. Termites have destroyed some of the kitchen cabinets. While I have had termite insecticide injected beneath the walls, I don't have the money to replace the cabinets. Also one wall has some unsightly cracks. It would take a lot of money to put the house in a condition that Americans would tolerate. I originally contemplated that when I bought the house, but I don't think it is practical.

by cc101 5y ago

vanusa 5y ago

Is the threat of violence an issue for you, otherwise? Or is it overblown?

cc101 5y ago
Most of the violence is between drug criminals. At this time there is no significant threat to foreigners in Mazatlan. There is a substantial protection racket victimizing business owners. I do fear that once drugs in the US are legalized, local criminal activity will increase to make up for the lost revenue. In particular, I fear the possibility of having to pay for protection. Again, as of now there is no significant threat to foreigners other than the occasional threat of muggings which can happen in the US too.

toomuchtodo 5y ago

Have you considered having a property manager rent out the property during the summer months to keep it occupied (dissuading burglars)? I’ve had good luck with this strategy when I’m not staying at one of my properties.

cc101 5y ago
I don't think my house is in suitable condition to rent out. After all the thefts, I have furniture for only one room. Termites have destroyed some of the kitchen cabinets. While I have had termite insecticide injected beneath the walls, I don't have the money to replace the cabinets. Also one wall has some unsightly cracks. It would take a lot of money to put the house in a condition that Americans would tolerate. I originally contemplated that when I bought the house, but I don't think it is practical.