Hi Market Mama,
PLEASE don't buy into the US media hegemony about our area. Yes there are killings BUT we are unaware of them until we hear about it from the US media! If you are not involved with politics, law enforcement, or narco-trafficking you are safe. There are over 14,000 American living in my town. If you use common sense you will not have problems.
I would like to say again, this is the cheapest place to live if you play golf and/or fish..(bass and crappie) We are on the north side of Lake Istokpoga, near the airport and racetrack where the Sebring 12 Hour Race is held every March.
If you do not golf, fish, or play bridge or "Hand and Foot", you would go nuts here... We are five miles from Sebring... which now has a Walmart SuperCenter and is even getting a Sams Club... has both Home Depot and Lowes...
I do own my villa; paid $105K in 2002 and paid it off when we retired in May 2007... had it in the rental program for 5 years and had good luck then; would not want to do it now, though... There are some older villas that will be selling for $70 to $75K soon.... In this economy, the first thing you do not need is a second home; which a lot of these were.... The Association Dues, which take care of all landscaping, grass cutting, condo (exterior) insurance, and sewer charges are running about $200 per month.... Let me know if any questions..!
I thought that US citzens could not own property in Mexico?
I have read that U S citizens could not own land along the coastlines, but could own land inland... I would think that this may have changed... Google "Lake Chapala" if you are interested.. I want to spend some time down there (south of Guadalajara) as there are about 40,000 retired US and Canadian folks down there...
