Best Travel Experience in Mazatlan by Bald Girl Will Travel
Like many of you my followers and subscribers may know, for four months, and some change, I took a series of trips to and around Mexico to determine the best location for my #BLAXIT. In pursuit of the authentic, unapologetic, and free existence that I know I will never have in the United States, I checked out 9 cities/towns. I ultimately settled on San Miguel de Allende (SMA) for my initial relocation and you can read about why HERE. Traveling around Mexico trying to figure out where I wanted to settle, made me realize that there is SO much more to learn and explore in this beautiful country. So I promised myself that once I settled in a bit in SMA, I would take some weekend jaunts to other cities and towns. I am not visiting any of these cities/towns with the intent to move any time soon, but I figure it can’t hurt to have other places on my radar in Mexico in case at some point I decide to move on from SMA. As I check out new places I will continue to share them with you and I will share whether I think they are suitable places for relocation versus vacation. I will continue to apply my evaluation factors and I will also share a summary of what I loved, what I didn’t love AND I will also share a short list of cool things to do and see and cool places to eat.
Here is a reminder of my evaluation factors as they are still pretty applicable: 1. Short distance to the nearest International Airport; and direct flight to Washington, DC area or South Florida airport in the US available. 2. The temperature and climate is stable. It is not excessively hot or cold majority of months of the year. Low to No Hurricanes or earthquakes risk 3. Fresh Fruit and vegetables are easy to access and find. 4. Cost of Living is low. Average 1-2 BR Rent falls between $400 -$1000 per month in secure building, 5–10-minute walk to the beach, downtown, gym, pool, ocean view (if in beach town), A/C, very hot bath water (smile), washer/dryer/dishwasher in unit) 5. Stable Wi-Fi and cell phone reception 6. Creature comforts like Walmart, Costco, Starbucks present or nearby 7. Uber is an option 8. Neighborhoods are walkable and safe for walking alone 9. There is a black expat community accessible to me 10. It Feels Like Home
Here is my Five Point Rating scale that I will apply to the cities/towns I visit. Scale: 5 – Perfect (all of the factors are present) 4 – Damn Near Perfect (8 or more factors are present) 3 – Almost Perfect (7 or more factors are present) 2 – Probably Not (6 factors or less are present) 1 – Hell No (3 factors or less are present) Here are my ratings of the Mexican cities I have already visited based on this rating scale: City/Town Tulum Playa del Carmen Campeche Merida Puerto Vallarta Guadalajara Aminic, Lake Chapala Oaxaca City San Miguel de Allende
Rating 1 2 3 3 4 3 2 3 4
Mazatlán is Magical
I visited Mazatlán from May 27 thru June 1, 2021. Mazatlán (MZT) is located in Sinaloa state. It is located on the Pacific coast across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Mazatlán has been a popular destination of Western tourist for years and there are many expats living in the city. The primary airport is General Rafael Buelna International Airport.
What I loved Mountains, Sunsets, Views. The Malecon Plaza Machado Mazatlán is Walkable Great Nightlife and Restaurants. Affordable and easy access to fresh fruit and vegetables Transportation was easily accessible Major comforts and conveniences are present Spanish Fluency Helpful but Not Required Black Expat Community Safety is not a Major Concern
What I don’t love The Weather COVID-19 precautions seemed pretty lax Getting to Mazatlán Bugs Galore Cleanliness
Cool Places to Go & Things to Do Visit Stone Island (Isla de las Piedras) Visit Catedral Mazatlán Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción and Plaza Machado and check out the gorgeous architecture Walk the length of the Malecon , Hike, or if you’re me take a car, to the El Faro Mazatlán and visit the Lighthouse and check out the view Have dinner at La Marea and watch the Sunset
Cool Places to Eat El Presidio Casa 46 Mihle Cocina Topolo Mexican Restaurant & Wine Bar La Marea Mazatlán
I enjoyed Mazatlán and I actually plan to return again for a weekend. One of my good friends lives there and it’s a cool fun place to hang out. But to live? No. Primary reasons I would not live there long term is the climate/weather (too hot), and the bugs (Ya’ll). But Mazatlán is a vibe especially for a long weekend getaway. I’d love to check it out in the Fall months and see if the Bug issue is less of an issue. There is a LOT of development happening in Mazatlán and I think it is going to experience a renaissance in the next year or so it is definitely worth checking out now. Rent in Mazatlán is comparable to Puerto Vallarta and SMA. It is on the higher end especially if you want to live in Centro or have an ocean view. There are really beautiful apartments to be found there. The Airbnb I stayed in (after the first misfire) was beautiful and a short walk to the Zona Dorado beach. There are also really beautiful apartments and homes in Centro and closer to the Malecon but they are not cheap per se. They are priced at about what you will find in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and SMA. The rent in Mazatlán is 86.12% lower than the city I lived in the United States. The Single Girl Factor. The Single Girl Factor is my evaluation of my dating prospects in a city based on my use of online dating apps while traveling. There is nothing scientific about it. I simply utilize dating apps in the area and see how many matches or hits or solicitations I receive. Applying the Single Girl Factor, I could have a pretty popping social life in Mazatlán. The hits on the dating apps were very good and the options were very nice. Very attractive men in Mazatlán I must say (smile).
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