Building a life in Caleta would be affordable enough. Water service is about $5 a month and a 30 kilo propane gas cylinder is $35. Having your own transport in Caleta isn’t necessary either, because you can walk everywhere you need to go. There are local grocery stores in the center of town - actually a larger version of a sundry shop - where you can get your stock of basic products. Anything fancier than that or to fulfill your banking needs will require a trip to the regional service center city of Lazaro, a 47 peso bus trip, currently about $3.60. If you want to have your own car or truck, I am assured that there are plenty of mechanics in town, including those who are able to work on electric cars!

The sea, sandals, and shade under palm palapas

So what would an English speaking Expat do with their time in Caleta? Most north Americans who live here are surfers, business owners, or those who love catching their own seafood. Getting involved in the local community by teaching English as a second language in the public schools would not only be welcomed, but it’s an excellent way to place yourself in a respectful position in the society here. 

On our last visit to Caleta, we asked many of the young children whom we saw on the beach and in the street if they go to school. They all said no. One young boy knew the sum of one and one, but couldn’t give an answer to 'what is two plus two?‘

Beachside enramadas or palm topped restaurants

It would be so easy for an Expat to set up a table at a beachside enramada and explain simple math, get a map of Mexico or the world and teach geography, or even teach children how to read. If you are looking for monetary compensation, perhaps this idea is not for you, but if you are looking for the satisfaction of knowing you have improved people’s lives, you have found the place.

The need is great.

If a larger project appeals to you, say, hydroponic gardening to grow vegetables for sale to the locals, or the desire to build a library or start a business, I’m told you’ll have to get permission from the Sheriff.

For medical assistance, there is a Centro de Salud or health center in town that people visit for common illnesses, and a dentist. And there are three drug stores - one of which has a clinic type atmosphere offering services such as ultrasound and more. However, if you are feeling very ill and need further attention, that will require travel to Lazaro for hospital care.

So if the unpretentious lifestyle and startling beach beauty of Caleta is your perfect paradise, what do you do then? There is no real estate directory or real estate offices in Caleta and you won‘t find much information online. To purchase property here you will need to come in person and contact the locals who have land for sale. I am told that a good variety of land choices exist with prices ranging from $15,000 to $300,000 USD. Most properties here are near the beach or with ocean views. Some pieces are available right in town with the ones closer to the ocean having a higher price.

Half moon shaped bay with idyllic swimming beaches

Foreigners can buy or invest in real estate in Mexico without any restriction, except for border areas and coastal locations like Caleta. These areas are known as the 'restricted zone' - an area within 100 kilometers of any Mexican border and within 50 miles of any Mexican coastline. If you want to buy land here you will have to go through a real estate bank trust. These types of trusts are called fideicomiso and last for 50 years. While the land is in the trust it can be sold and inherited, and in the last year of the trust, it can be renewed for an additional 50 years. This can go on indefinitely. These new rules governing foreign investment through Real Estate Trust were put into effect in 1993, and provide for the stability and protection of legal certainty for foreign investors.

Property taxes in Mexico are almost non-existent. Homes here are usually purchased with cash, because until recently, financing a home was not an option due to the high Mexican interest rates.

Keep in mind that real estate is not regulated in Mexico. There is no type of real estate license required, and there are very few consumer protection laws in this country. Anyone can sell real estate and there isn’t any type of regulated code of ethics. You will want to work with someone trustworthy, and unless you build your home, you buy a house 'as is'. There are no disclosure requirements, there are no mandatory inspections and you are responsible to be an informed buyer.

Laid back coastal charm

You can hire civil architects to design and oversee the building process. Then pay them in cash as each phase of the construction is completed. Speaking with the townsfolk will direct you to these civil architects and you can meet them in person, compare the work they do, the fees they charge and see whom you want to perform your construction. Common civil architects charge per square meter, so depending on the materials used, this will affect your price.

If you purchase or build in Mexico, be ready to accept the fact that you’ll learn as you go. Don’t let a few surprises sour your attitude or you‘ll manufacture your own personal hell in this paradise.

To create a life in this stunning country among the warm people, an adventurous attitude and flexibility is required. A working knowledge of Spanish is a plus.

GETTING THERE

Caleta is about 45 mins. north of Lazaro Cardenas on the rugged Michoacan coast (about 1.5 hours north of Zihuataneho). From Morelia, coastal Highway 200 is a five- or six-hour drive on the autopista (toll road). From Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Playa Azul is about 75 miles or two hours' drive.

For a local connection ask anyone in town for Alberto Camacho Solis, or write to him directly at chomacanetmx@hotmail.com 

For more information on the topic of traveling in Mexico with links to helpful sites, visit our Mexico Travel Page