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

In a recent US News & World Report article the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group, Kathleen Peddicord, listed nine great places to retire overseas among like-minded company, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico made the list.

According to Ms. Peddicord: "One of the fundamental issues you should consider early on in your retire-overseas planning is this: Do you want to live among the locals or in a more private, perhaps gated setting with fellow expats for your neighbors?

If you choose to relocate to an established expatriate community, you'll have no trouble slipping in to the local social scene and finding English-speakers who share your interests - but you might end up with little real experience of the new culture you're adopting...

On the other hand, settling among the locals means you must learn to live like a local. The thought of immersing yourself in another culture can be appealing, exciting and invigorating or terrifying. Be honest with yourself as you consider where you would feel comfortable. There is no right or wrong reply, and there are pluses and minuses either way."

With an estimated expat population of over 40,000, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice for those seeking the best of both worlds. Combining new experiences and adventures with all the comforts of home, Puerto Vallarta has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most appealing destinations for the baby boomers generation.

Offering a colorful blend of the old and the new, Puerto Vallarta boasts an unrivaled combination of simple pleasures and sophisticated charms. Fine dining restaurants, art galleries, upscale shopping centers, internet cafes and nightclubs peacefully coexist alongside taco stands, street-side vendors and open air markets selling everything from fresh produce to household items and handicrafts, and strolling Mariachi bands.

This city on the Pacific Coast has been growing and growing for the last 40 years, and there are many retirement destination perks found here, such as its accessibility from major hubs in the US and Canada, affordable homes, first class medical care facilities, a vibrant culinary and cultural scene, many popular American franchises (e.g., Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot), and a growing international community.

It is also one of Mexico's most cosmopolitan beach resorts. Half the population works in the tourism business, so English is widely understood, which is a boon for those who speak little, or no, Spanish.

So there you have it. Retirement in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico can be not only easy and convenient, but can also fill your life with cultural activities and adventures far opposed from those found in American or Canadian retirement communities.