Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Retirement has changed a great deal in just one generation. Many are now choosing to live somewhere other than the United States for a multitude of reasons. The cost of living is a very important consideration but also a rich life filled with other like-minded people, travel, physical and intellectual pursuits and opportunities for growth also play roles.

Many think about maintaining a budget along with lifestyle choices to create a good balance. A great deal of the best options are outside the United States. During March 2012, US News & World Report Money released their 18 top retirement havens - and Mexico made the Top Ten.

At number nine, it's the closest country to the United States in the report. Mexico is historically one of the most recognized retirement meccas for Americans, as it continues to offer some of the best coastal living and retirement options in the Americas.

Puerto Vallarta is the number-one choice for an affordable life of luxury on the Pacific. A couple can enjoy a five-star retirement in this beautiful and romantic coastal town of marinas, golf courses, yacht clubs, and fine dining on a budget of as little as $2,500 USD per month - or even a bit less.

Sara Wise and her husband Mike have been living permanently in PV since 2006. "When we first got here, we were very impressed with all the things that Puerto Vallarta had to offer. After living and cruising on our boat for a number of years we had become accustomed to hauling our things from a store or buying groceries from the back end of a truck. Puerto Vallarta already had a Sam's and a WalMart - and a new Costco and Home Depot had just opened. For us, those things were very important, especially since we were looking to sell our boat and settle down again," says Sara.

They found Puerto Vallarta to be a comfortable place, it was on the water, which was important, and they found the real estate structure and industry more up front and more recognizable to them than what they call the 'convoluted system' in other retirement destinations. Another plus is that quality medical care is affordable in Puerto Vallarta.

The US News Report sites many parts of the globe for retirement, including France, Italy, Thailand and Malaysia. But if you want to live a good deal closer to your family and friends in the US, you should consider living out your golden years under the golden sun in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Ron Morgan Properties specializes in luxury real estate in the Marina Vallarta area and beyond to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, as well as along the southern shores of Banderas Bay, from the Romantic Zone, Amapas and Conchas Chinas down to Mismaloya and even Costa Alegre. For more information, visit RonMorgan.net.

Click HERE to learn more about Ron Morgan Properties.