This 65-year-old retiree just moved into a $ 420-a-month apartment in Mexico by the beach

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 that I have been here, I have moved several times for different reasons: twice as many buildings sold, too much maintenance, or something better has happened.

Earlier this year, I moved to a 1,100 square foot two bedroom apartment with 10 foot ceilings, just minutes from one of my favorite beaches. Rent is $ 420 per month, not including utilities.

Here’s what the process of finding an apartment looked like and why it’s one of my favorite places I’ve lived:

It is difficult to find a rental here. Near the coast, where everyone wants to live, there is an increased demand for vacation rentals, the owner of which earns more money (faster) than if he rented it out on a one-year lease.

A former owner, 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 couldn’t find anything in the area I wanted that was within my budget.

Then a good friend told me that an apartment in her apartment building was going to be available, and as soon as we peeked out the windows I was intrigued.

When I first entered the apartment it was love at first sight – despite the mess and major renovations going on.

The wooden shuttered windows and old-fashioned interior doors had been sent in to be stripped, repaired and painted; the beautiful old tiles were dirty and covered with construction debris; the kitchen was an empty shell. Still, I could see the bones of the place and I knew it was a gem.

It was within my budget and had everything I was looking for: a perfect location, lovely architectural details and two outdoor spaces. I realized how much that was, and although it wasn’t going to be ready for a month or more, I immediately made a deposit to secure it.

Realtors love to say that a property is “steps away from the beach”, but I’m actually: 124, to be exact (about half a block from my front door to the sand).

I can also walk to a plethora of cafes, shops and restaurants. And my apartment is on the first floor, so it’s easy to get in and out of my bike or surfboard.

I like that a friend lives across the hall and another lives across the street. It’s so easy to have a sunset happy hour or morning coffee together on my balcony, which we do quite often!

I am 65 years old, I am retired and I live on my social security. I also get income from my book sales and some freelance writing.

Although the rent of $ 420 per month was double what I had already paid in Mazatlán, it was within my budget. I like to keep my basic expenses as low as possible, while still being comfortable.

In Mazatlán, I am able to do this. Water costs $ 4.50 set per month. Electricity is highest at this time of year due to air conditioning; mine hovers around $ 25, but it’s usually half. I use propane for cooking; a tank costs $ 30 and lasts me about six months.

I paid to add some of my own touches to the apartment:

• Paint a wall the same golden ocher color as the floor tiles: $ 15
• Handmade bookcases for the office: $ 225.
• I had cabinets made by a local carpenter: $ 350 (cost shared with the owner)

From the front door you enter a large living and dining room which extends to the kitchen and my bedroom.

The two bedrooms are separated by a spacious “Jack and Jill” bathroom. One is an office and a guest bedroom that opens onto a balcony filled with plants and its ocean view. My room has large corner windows facing a back yard.

High ceilings, white walls, and tiled floors can make rooms feel a bit cold, so I use a lot of natural fibers, wicker, and jute to add texture and absorb the sound. I also have a lot of plants, which add color and thrive on all the natural light.

There is an open plan kitchen which leads to what was once a maid’s room with a shower room. The refrigerator is there, as well as the washing machine and my surfboards.

The backyard has a lot of potential! I can see planters full of herbs, vegetables and flowers. Right now I’m just using it for hanging up the laundry. (Why use an electric dryer when the sun can do the job?)

My decorating style is quite eclectic. I love some traditional Mexican folk art and there are many special pieces scattered around my apartment.

But I also have a contemporary style sofa, a chalk painted farmhouse dining set, and some iconic antiques from the area. One of my favorites is my headboard, a sculpted cedar tri-fold set from one of the city’s oldest hotels, the Belmar.

I try to mix and match the styles in a way that showcases each other’s beauty and somehow it seems to work. I like to get a feel for the feel of the space and decorate accordingly.

My lease is for one year, and unless my life changes drastically in one way or another, I plan to renew it. I can’t wait for my grandchildren to visit – there is enough room for everyone, and they will love walking to the beach!

Janet Blaser is a writer who has lived in Mazatlán, Mexico since 2006. A former journalist in California, her work now focuses on the lives of expatriates. Janet’s first book, “Why We Left: An Anthology of Expatriate American Women” is an Amazon bestseller. Follow Janet on Instagram and Facebook.

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