Hi, I'm Bel, the Mexico Correspondent and have lived in Mexico for 8 years so I'm sorry you feel that way. My experience has been nothing but positive, both in day to day life and while traveling through Mexico. My friend and returned yesterday from completing the entire Maya Train route which spans 5 states of Mexico from Quintana Roo in the east to Chiapas in the west and loved the entire trip. People were very friendly and welcoming, in every place we stayed, and as single women no one bothered us at all.
If you notice, we here at IL only recommend safe places with large expat communities. Not the cities or border towns known for high cartel activity. Mexico has 31 states, it's a big country and a lot of it is safe, friendly, beautiful and a joy to live in. I hope this helps with your concerns.
Warm Regards,
Bel - Mexico Correspondent.

This is a response for BAMABIBBETTE's message - Hi Bel! My hubby and I are looking to live part time in Puerto Vallarta in a few years once I retire. We're pretty set on living on one of their Marina's. Your pro's and con's to each would be much appreciated. Our budget is no more than $300,000 USD for two bed two bath.

Hi, in that price range you will still be able to find a bargain, but remember the marina's are always more expensive. I was recently looking at real estate in and around PV and you can definitely find something but maybe not in the marina itself. I would recommend a quick Google search of real estate's in the area, and jump on a couple of sites for a quick look. As for my personal opinion, I live on the east coast, not the west so haven't spent any time in PV. International Living's - Escape to Mexico - book is an excellent resource and it is in the process of being updated. It has real estate agents and contacts in every area as well as a lot of information about moving to and living in Mexico so that can answer a lot of your questions as well.

once you have been given approval for a Mexican Visa whether temporary or permanent, you get a stamp in your passport, and you have 180 days to go to Mexico and have that temporary stamp converted to a permanent resident status. If you don't go to Mexico with him that time, you have to start the application process all over again.

Hi Bel - aren't you "someone from RETA"?

We're not looking for someone to "explain" anything. The Purchase Agreement clearly says the developer will provide 6.5% financing, as RETA also promised, and now the developer is refusing to honor its contractual commitment. So we'd like RETA to stand up for its members.

When I contacted the RETA concierge about this matter, I was told to contact a lawyer. So it seems RETA has no intention of pressing the developer on this issue, even though RETA promoted the 6.5% financing in marketing the deal to its members.

I'm in a position to pay cash for the balance, which is what I'll do. But I wonder how many investors in The Village at Corasol don't have the cash, and can't obtain alternative financing, and therefore are going to be screwed out of their RETA-promoted investments.

Hi Duke, San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful city with hundreds of restaurants and places to stay. It is quite hilly so what I found best is to choose a place within walking distance of the city centre, then walk into town (downhill) and either grab a local bus for 8 pesos ($0.40) , or a taxi for around 20 - 40 pesos ($1-$2) back at the end of the day.
As for cafes/restaurants, there is a restaurant called Hecho en Mexico (made in Mexico) which is very popular with expats so if you go there you'll probably make friends with some people alreaday living there. I also love the Panio bakeries .. they are amazing!
Hope you have a wonderful trip.
Bel Woodhouse - Mexico Correspondent.