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Moving to Manzanillo, Mexico | Expat Exchange
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Manzanillo, Mexico

Moving to Manzanillo, Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jun 20, 2023

Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Manzanillo, Mexico for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere and a laid-back lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Manzanillo also boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities, from fishing and snorkeling to hiking and bird watching. With its warm climate and friendly locals, Manzanillo is an attractive destination for expats looking to enjoy a new culture and experience a different way of life.

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

What do I need to know before moving to Manzanillo?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Manzanillo, they said:

"I am a realtor and very happy to show new people around the city I love. I also make sure they settle in and meet other people. I think of that as part of my job," said one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

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How do I find a place to live in Manzanillo?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Neighborhood --- I had visited at a hotel at the bottom of the peninsula in front of the port so I knew that the Las Brisas area was safe, moderated by nearly daily breezes in summer. To my everlasting joy, I discovered that there are no scorpions in Las Brisas, a pest we had dealt with at Lake Chapala. As to a specific home here, all we needed was a 2B2B and there is a hotel with rentals for long term, including electricity in the rent. It has worked out very well," said one expat in Manzanillo.

"Manzanillo offers a variety of housing options for those looking to move in. The most popular and widely available option is renting an apartment or house. Renters can look for places through online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, or search for properties on Mexico-specific websites like Inmosiones that list both long-term rental and sales properties throughout the country. Additionally, visitors can also use a real estate agent or contact a local housing agency to find an up-to-date listing of available spaces. For those looking for more traditional housing options, Manzanillo offers multiple public and private condominiums, gated community developments, and beachfront villas at various price points," said one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Manzanillo?

"We live in a house on the beach. Many ex-pats live in houses and condos on or close to the beach," commented one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"We live in a house on the beach. Ex-pats live in condos, houses, on the beach, in the hills, we are spread out depending on our tastes," remarked one expat in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"Most expat homes and apartments in Manzanillo offer a spacious and airy living space. Many of the homes and apartments offer stunning ocean views, and feature a large balcony to make the most of the warm weather. Inside, the homes and apartments typically have modern furnishings along with brightly-coloured walls and accents. Fully-equipped kitchens make self-catering a breeze, while the home's air conditioning helps to make the heat of the Mexican sun bearable. Expat homes in Manzanillo provide a comfortable and stylish living environment, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy their time in Mexico," said one expat in Manzanillo.

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What is the average cost of housing in Manzanillo?

If you are thinking about moving to Manzanillo, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Right now a condo on the beach with 2-3 bedrooms can be purchsed for as low as about 150,000.00 US dollars. This is a buying opportunity. We also have a beautiful house on the beach with 4 bedrooms for 869,000.00 US dollars. It is the perfect time to take advantage of our low prices," remarked one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"Coming from Vancouver, BC, Canada, I was paying high rentals and when I owned, it was even higher for common facilities. Add utilities to that and Mexico seems very reasonable, indeed. My rent here is just over $6000 pesos and includes utilities. My only additional expense is for telecommunications with cable TV included, which is very reasonable since there is NO long distance charge anywhere in North America. Average costs vary widely, but most are significantly more than what I pay although there are some of us here on limited budgets who manage quite well with Mexican rental fees. I could not begin to live in either Canada or the USA on my pension, but here I have enough to save for "extraordinary expenses". And Mexican medical services cost zero, and the doctors and technical people are trained just like those in expensive hospitals. I've been quite well cared for," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Manzanillo?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Manzanillo, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Manzanillo, it is important to think about your current lifestyle and future plans. Buying a home can provide stability and potential appreciation over time, while renting can provide more flexibility and freedom. Considering factors such as cost, quality of property and access to amenities is also important. If you are looking for more of an investment and are willing to stay in Manzanillo, Mexico for a while, then buying a home may be a better option. However, if you prefer more flexibility and want to move more often or stay for shorter periods of time, then renting a home would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision depends on your lifestyle and needs," remarked one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"We bought a condo that we lived in for 9 years, then sold it and built our house. I is a very easy process, as long as you have a good realtor," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

What should I pack when moving to Manzanillo?

We asked people living in Manzanillo to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"We brought a lot. 9000 lbs. I would bring the things that make me feel good about my home. (personal things, art) In Manzanillo the sea air is hard on good art and metals. So I would think twice about bringing things of huge value that you want to leave in your family. If you love them and just want to enjoy them, bring them. Electronics, like computers, that you want in English you should bring. If you are a gourmet, bring your pots and pans, bring what it is that you love. Everything else leave," said one expat in Manzanillo.

"When moving to Manzanillo, it is important to pack items that can withstand the hot, humid climate. Light, breezy clothing made from breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen, is essential for staying comfortable in the heat. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential for protection from the strong year-round sunshine. Depending on the season and activities planned, swimsuits, hats, and sandals can help you make the most of your time in Mexico. If applicable, don’t forget to pack the necessary documents for your residency permit," remarked one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"Because we are on the beach, things of silver or other metals rust. Also art work, if you want to have it for other generations, is difficult to preserve. There are not many things that are not available here, but electronics are expensive, so I would bring computers.(Also they are in the language of your choice)," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"Cranberry sauce, other food stuffs that are common north of the border, but not common in a Mexican diet --- bring some; leave the coats and blankets, except one light jacket in good condition and one light blanket for winter. If you travel to San Miguel de Allende, Mazamitla or Tapalpa, the high elevations there will require more warmth so you might take one extra for travel --- these you will not need and in Manzanillo, mildew will ruin them," said one expat in Manzanillo.

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Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Manzanillo?

We asked people in Manzanillo if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"Depending on the local customs, it is important to be aware of certain cultural faux pas when traveling in Manzanillo. Firstly, it is polite to greet people with 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes' or 'buenas noches' depending on the time of day. Secondly, it is important to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. It is also considered impolite to be loud or disruptive in public. Thirdly, shouting and whistling are considered rude forms of communication in Manzanillo and should be avoided. Fourthly, it is important to use appropriate physical space when talking or greeting people, as many Mexicans appreciate personal space. Finally, you should respect the local customs and traditions, including honoring religious figures and festivals," said one expat in Manzanillo.

Why do people move to Manzanillo?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Manzanillo, they responded:

"Manzanillo is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and lush tropical vegetation, making it an attractive destination for expats looking to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a natural paradise. In addition to the beautiful environment, Manzanillo offers expats a convenient and affordable cost of living, as well as plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities such as fishing, sailing, surfing, and diving. The city also offers excellent healthcare and a growing job market, making it a great place to live and work. With its idyllic location near the coast, Manzanillo provides easy access to major cities in the area, making it a convenient base for those wanting to explore the region," wrote one expat living in Manzanillo.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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How are healthcare services Manzanillo?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Manzanillo, they replied:

"Manzanillo offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide general medical care, as well as specialized services such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and orthopedics. Additionally, Manzanillo has a number of pharmacies that offer both prescription and over-the-counter medications. The city also has a number of private medical practices that offer a range of services, including family medicine, internal medicine, and dentistry. Manzanillo also has a number of alternative medicine practitioners, such as acupuncturists, herbalists, and homeopaths. Finally, the city has a number of medical laboratories that offer diagnostic testing services," wrote one expat living in Manzanillo.

What are medical services in Manzanillo like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Manzanillo, they replied:

"Manzanillo offers a variety of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide a range of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care. The hospitals and clinics are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals, and many offer modern medical equipment and technology. Additionally, Manzanillo has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. For those seeking alternative treatments, Manzanillo also has a number of holistic health centers that offer a variety of treatments, such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies," commented one expat who moved to Manzanillo.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Manzanillo, Mexico

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