Relocating to Mazatlán is an exciting opportunity for expats seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle, vibrant culture, and welcoming community. Known for its stunning beaches, historic charm, and lively social scene, this city offers more than just affordability—it delivers an exceptional quality of life. Whether you’re considering moving full-time or becoming a seasonal resident, here’s everything you need to know about how to relocate to Mazatlán and thrive as an expat.
🌴 1. Why Choose Mazatlán?
Mazatlán offers the perfect balance of coastal charm and modern convenience. Its temperate climate, friendly locals, and lively expat community make it an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
- Fantastic Weather Year-Round: With over 300 days of sunshine, Mazatlán enjoys warm temperatures and pleasant sea breezes. The dry season (November to May) is particularly popular with expats, offering sunny days and mild nights.
- Laid-Back Coastal Lifestyle: Here, mornings are spent strolling along the Malecón or enjoying a fresh juice at a beachside café. Evenings come alive with live music, outdoor dining, and colorful sunsets over the Pacific.
- A Growing Expat Community: Expats from Canada, the U.S., and Europe have increasingly chosen Mazatlán, creating a diverse and welcoming social circle. You’ll find plenty of events, groups, and meetups to make connections.
- Fresh, Local Cuisine: Food lovers will appreciate the abundance of fresh seafood, local produce, and delicious street food. From shrimp tacos to pescado zarandeado (grilled fish), every meal offers a flavorful experience.
🏠 2. Choosing Where to Live in Mazatlán
When relocating to Mazatlán, choosing the right neighborhood is essential. Each area offers its own charm, lifestyle, and amenities.
🌇 Centro Histórico:
For those seeking colonial charm, the Centro Histórico (Old Town) is perfect. This neighborhood is filled with restored buildings, cobblestone streets, and plazas. You’ll enjoy easy access to cafés, local restaurants, galleries, and live music venues.
🏖️ Cerritos:
Located on the northern edge of the city, Cerritos offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere. Known for its beautiful beaches and spacious homes, this area is ideal for expats who want a peaceful lifestyle with easy beach access.
🌴 GOLDEN ZONE:
If you’re seeking a residential area with modern amenities, the Golden Zone encompases the neighborhoods of Lomas de Mazatlan, Gaviotas and El Dorado, El Cid (golf-course living), and Sabalo Country. The areas offer proximity to shopping centers, public transportation and the beach. This area is popular with families and long-term expats.
🌊 Marina Mazatlán:
For those who love the water, Marina Mazatlán offers luxury condos and easy access to boating activities. It’s a growing area with plenty of restaurants and bars catering to expats and locals alike. It is within a 5-minute drive from large grocery stores, shopping malls and cinemas, as well as banks, and padel and pickle-ball courts.
💡 3. Renting or Buying Property
When relocating to Mazatlán, most expats choose to rent before buying. This allows time to explore different neighborhoods and adjust to the local lifestyle.
- Vacation Rentals: Start by renting a furnished condo or house. Platforms like OCCAN Properties offer stylish, family-friendly vacation rentals in prime locations like Lomas de Mazatlán, Cerritos, and the Marina.
- Long-Term Rentals: If you plan to stay for several months or longer, long-term rentals are widely available. Contracts typically range from 6-12 months.
- Buying Property: Once you’re settled, you may consider purchasing. Foreigners can own property through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or by forming a Mexican corporation for commercial properties.
🍽️ 4. The Gastronomic and Cultural Scene
One of the greatest perks of relocating to Mazatlán is its culinary richness and vibrant culture.
- Fresh Seafood and Local Markets: Mazatlán is famous for its shrimp, marlin, and tuna, making seafood a daily delight. Local markets, like Mercado Pino Suárez, offer fresh produce, exellent butcher shops and authentic street food.
- Dining and Live Music: Expats enjoy the many restaurants and cafés offering live music. From the elegant El Presidio, Pedro and Lola’s, or Water’s Edge to the casual beach vibes of Rico’s Cafe in Olas Altas or Surf’s Up Cafe just passed Playa Bruja, there’s a dining spot for every mood.
- Festivals and Events: Experience Carnaval de Mazatlán, one of the largest festivals in Latin America, featuring parades, music, and fireworks. Regular events, art shows, and cultural activities make life in Mazatlán lively year-round.
🌞 5. Lifestyle and Activities for Expats
Relocating to Mazatlán means enjoying an active and social lifestyle.
- Beach Days and Water Sports: With miles of sandy coastline, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and beachcombing. Surfing hotspots like Playa Los Pinos and Playa Brujas attract water enthusiasts.
- Fitness and Yoga: Expats enjoy yoga classes, pilates, and gym memberships. Several fitness centers and outdoor groups offer classes with bilingual instructors.
- Golfing: Golf lovers can enjoy courses like Estrella del Mar and El Cid Golf & Country Club, both offering scenic views and top-notch facilities.
- Social Clubs and Groups: Expats can join language exchange groups, volunteer organizations, and social clubs, making it easy to build friendships.
🌟 6. Healthcare and Insurance
Mazatlán offers high-quality healthcare at affordable prices, making it attractive for expats.
- Private Hospitals: Facilities like Sharp Hospital, Clinica del Mar, Marina Hospital, and ALHMA Hospital offer excellent care, including specialists and emergency services.
- Healthcare Insurance: Expats typically opt for private health insurance. Policies cover everything from routine checkups to major medical procedures.
- Pharmacies: Medications are widely available and often cheaper than in North America.
✅ 7. Residency and Legal Considerations
Before relocating to Mazatlán, you’ll need to understand the visa process.
- Tourist Visa: If you plan to stay for fewer than 180 days, a tourist visa is sufficient.
- Temporary Residency: For longer stays, apply for a temporary residency visa, which is valid for 1-4 years. This allows you to open a bank account and rent or buy property.
- Permanent Residency: Expats who plan to live in Mexico indefinitely can apply for permanent residency, which comes with fewer restrictions.
🌅 Final Tips for Expats Relocating to Mazatlán
- Learn Basic Spanish: While many locals speak English, knowing basic Spanish will enhance your experience and make daily interactions smoother.
- Get Involved: Attend local events, join expat groups, and embrace the culture.
- Stay Flexible: Adjusting to a new country takes time—be patient and enjoy the adventure.
🏡 Find Your Home in Mazatlán with OCCAN Properties
Relocating to Mazatlán is a rewarding experience for expats seeking sunshine, community, and culture. Whether you’re renting a condo in Lomas de Mazatlán, a beachfront property in Cerritos, or a cozy spot in Centro Histórico, OCCAN Properties offers a variety of vacation rentals and property management services to help you settle in comfortably.
👉 Start your new adventure with us! Check out our available rentals and let us help you find your ideal home in Mazatlán. 🌴🌊
Our Guide to Long-Term Rentals in Mazatlan can also give you some good tips on how to go about choosing your new home-away-from-home.