Janet Blaser, 65, lives in a 2-bedroom apartment in Mazatlán, Mexico that’s walking distance to the beach. She is a retired journalist and CNBC contributor. Unlocked is a new home tour series focused on how much people across the globe spend on their housing, what they get for the money and what they had to sacrifice to make it happen.
Read more about Janet’s apartment here:
In 2006, I packed my bags and moved from Santa Cruz, California to Mazatlán, Mexico to start my own business (and eventually retire).
In the 15 years I’ve been here, I’ve moved several times for different reasons — twice the buildings sold, too much maintenance, or something better came along.
Earlier this year, I relocated to a two-bedroom, 1,100-square-foot apartment with 10-foot ceilings, just a few minutes from one of my favorite beaches. The rent is $420 per month, not including utilities.
Here’s what the apartment hunting process was like, and why this is one of my favorite places I’ve lived:
Finding a rental in Mazatlán, Mexico
It’s challenging to find a rental here. Near the coast, where everyone wants to live, there’s an increased demand for vacation rentals, from which the owner earns more money (faster) than if they were to rent it out as a one-year lease.
A previous landlord, for example, now rents my old one-bedroom apartment for a three-day weekend for $200 — the same price I paid monthly.
Asking friends and locals is a good way to find something. I also looked on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, but found nothing in the area I wanted that was in my budget.
Then, a good friend told me an apartment in her building was going to be available, and as soon as we peeked in the windows, I was intrigued.
First impressions
When I first walked into the apartment, it was love at first sight — despite the mess and major renovations going on.
The old-style wood shutter windows and interior doors had been sent off to be stripped, repaired and painted; the beautiful old tile floor was filthy and covered with construction debris; the kitchen was an empty shell. Yet I could see the bones of the place and knew it was a gem.
It was within my budget and had everything I was looking for: Perfect location, pretty architectural details and two outdoor spaces. I realized what a great deal this was, and although it wasn’t going to be ready for a month or more, I immediately made a deposit to secure it.
Location, location, location
Realtors love to say a property is “steps from the beach,” but I actually am: 124, to be exact (about half a block from my front door to the sand).
I can also walk to a plethora of cafés, shops and restaurants. And my apartment is on the first floor, so it’s easy to get my bicycle or surfboard in and out.
I love that one friend lives across the hall, and another lives across the street. It’s so easy to have sunset Happy Hour or morning coffee together on my balcony, which we do quite often!
Rent and additional costs
I’m 65, retired and living on my Social Security. I also receive some income from my book sales and a little freelance writing.
Although the $420 per month rent was double what I’d ever paid before in Mazatlán, it was within my budget. I like to keep my basic expenses as low as possible, but still be comfortable.
In Mazatlán I’m able to do that. Water costs a fixed $4.50 per month. Electricity is highest at this time of year because of air conditioning; mine is hovering around $25, but is usually half that. I use propane for cooking; one tank costs $30 and lasts me about six months.
I paid to add some of my own touches to the apartment:
Painting one wall the same golden ochre color as the floor tiles: $15
Hand-built bookshelves for the office: $225.
I had cabinets made by a local carpenter: $350 (cost split with the landlord)
Apartment tour: Inside & out
From the front door, you walk into a big living and dining room that extends back to the kitchen and my bedroom.
My living room is spacious and pretty, with wonderful natural light and 10-foot ceilings.
The two bedrooms are separated by a spacious “Jack and Jill” bathroom. One is an office and guest room that looks out to a plant-filled balcony and its sliver of an ocean view. My bedroom has big corner windows looking out onto a back courtyard.
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Living By The Beach For $420/Month In Mexico | Unlocked
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I had seen a lot of expats living in Mexico for "next to nothing". I visited Mexico (Jalisco) in 2018, and look for such deals. Rents were a lot higher, on the 800's dollars per month, and the apartments were no better than my $500 dlrs a months apartment in Arizona. So I stayed in Arizona. Where do they find these deals??????????
How did you get citizenship?
So 400 million people are going to be moving to Mexician beach??…. duff primitive humans
What people don’t realize is that the people native to this places suffer the most with this activities because their rents go up as well and they don’t make the same. I think this type of activities are toxic and these people should not be allowed to live in my country.
it's a shame should not keep a man
That is something I want to do .. thank you for sharing
Is it an affordable place to live for people who have lived and worked there for their entire life? Is their rental market being compressed by American immigrants?
What about cartels and the dangers?
This is wonderful but we can’t all move to Mexico…for many reasons. As a Bay Area native, I just wish cost of living wasn’t so ridiculous.
This is beautiful!
Just want to comment on how healthy and relaxed she looks at 65. Happiness really does make you glow.
Sounds absolutely wonderful. It's beautiful but I wouldn't feel right not living in my country. Also, I love my constitutional rights. I wouldn't do. I can financially. listening to your story is nice.🌻
You are American so it's all clear ✌️😝
Wait, Mexico is safe to live in?
Stop this. Youre making more and more people move to Mx which is causing living prices to go up and locals cant afford to live in certain areas anymore. So youre pushing natives out cz yall want to live it up w your privileged money in their country. STOP THIS. Chk out whats happening in Hawaii its the same thing.
No necesitamos gente que quiera venir a vivir barato xd váyanse a su país.
How is the Real estate? Are the houses to purchase also much lower than the US? 🤷♀️How’s the crime rate? Do you speak Spanish? Thanks!
This is amazing!
What a positive and joyful approach to gentrification
I had to travel to a real city in Mexico for work. Seeing how it really is in Mexico not a resort you couldn't get me to live there for free! Why do you think people born there are fleeing that country. Corruption and drug cartels. Live there? No way.
Sorry but there is no way I would live in Mexico these days.
Lovely apartment. How much are the monthly rentals near the beach today.
Amazing Amazing Amazing
It’s awesome sure, but this also so much privilege for her to have a visa despite her age and low income, it’s almost impossible for anyone to get a visa to the us… there are two realities
I don't understand she does not have any retirement saved? Did I miss that?
It's tempting to leave Shole America but the last thing I want to see when I arrive in another Country this Americanized BS thanks for telling where to avoid……………….PS F CNBC
It just goes to show you how much they rip us off in the states. Did you see how cheap her utilities were? What gives America?
I love it! This is awesomeness! The only concern I have is safety. Is that a problem?
For $420 you can get a 1 night stay in a nice hotel here in Vegas not Including the security deposit and parking cost….
How fantastic! 👌👌
I wouldn't live in mexico if they paid me that
Your modern colonialism is getting a lot of people displaced from their hometown, I just wanna to appoint.
The more ex-pats go there, the more prices will go up. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Renters in Mexico take the water heater with them when they move out? It's whatever works for her. I would, though, feel out of place doing a move like this.
She is living the dream! Cool woman, she is a free spirit…
That's a good life,….I'm going to Mexico!
Mexico is a quality of life that many Americans just don’t understand. It’s dancing, it’s social, it’s warm and loving~ it’s lovely !
nice
I am just amazed she is 65 and she doesn't have the "hump" or curvature to the upper back like most of us, even if we are active. 😮
I need to make a move to Mexico. Rent is ridiculous in Florida
I'm normally a woman that isn't afraid of anything but I would be a little afraid to live alone in Mexico. Men seeing a single woman alone…an American…seems frightening.
No taxes in Mexico either!!! I would love to move there!!!
She should be a youtuber, just living her life, I’m sure she’ll be a hit.
I lived in Mexico for four years and now have permanent residency there. I’m in the US only to live near my grandchildren. I plan to move back to Mexico in five years. What can I say; the people, the weather, the food and the architecture are all amazing!
I wish I could contact her. I'm very interested myself since I'm a senior citizen myself and would love a new start. Lol
If someone was smart they would buy an entire apartment building there & market it to retiring “expats”.
The thought of being new & alone in a foreign country could be overwhelming.
Moving to a complex with other retiree’s might make it easier.