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Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean in a laid-back Mexican coastal town, where colorful streets lead you to warm smiles and easy laughter.
That’s the life Sharon has found in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Originally from Oregon, USA, Sharen has spent over two decades visiting this charming city on and off before she finally took the plunge to make it her permanent home. She lives on social security and is able to do so comfortably without sacrificing her quality of life.
In her recent video interview, Sharon reflects on the friendly culture, affordability, and year-round sunshine that drew her to this Mexican coastal town. If you’ve ever dreamed of a relaxed, tropical lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle, Sharon’s journey might just inspire you to plan a life-changing move of your own.
Falling in Love With Zihuatanejo
Sharon’s story begins with a series of vacations to Zihuatanejo over the course of 20 years. Despite exploring other countries, she always found herself returning to this particular spot on Mexico’s Pacific coast. That same endearing charm eventually convinced her to settle in this beachside town after she retired.
“There was nowhere like Zihuatanejo,” she says emphatically. “I love the people, the friendliness, the pace, everything.”
For Sharon, it wasn’t just the scenic beaches or the fresh tropical breeze; it was also how she “jived with” the overall atmosphere. Living in Zihuatanejo allows her to enjoy a slower tempo—walking around town, meeting new friends, soaking up the sun, and embracing an active lifestyle. Here, walking from the beach to the mountains or simply chatting with neighbors doesn’t just feel good—it feels like home.
Embracing Community and Friendships
The heart of Zihuatanejo is, without a doubt, its people.
Sharon quickly found that both expats and locals welcomed her warmly.
“Even if my Spanish isn’t very good,” she chuckles, “if I’m trying, they try, and we laugh a lot and get it figured out.”
This easy acceptance is something you can’t help but cherish in a new home abroad. Neighbors look out for each other, offer to share in local cultural events, and extend dinner or party invitations whenever they can.
The expat scene, especially during the high season, is bustling with a variety of social clubs and activities. Sharon joined a book club and a ladies’ luncheon group and even hopped on the pickleball trend. She also describes the many connections she’s made: friends who check in on each other or gather for fun outings like hiking in the evenings when the weather is cooler.
“It’s a good life,” Sharon says. “I’m very, very fortunate.”
Everyday Joys and Challenges
While Zihuatanejo has so much to offer, Sharon is open about a few quirks that newcomers should be prepared to navigate. Utilities can sometimes be unreliable—power or TV signals might go out without warning. Rather than getting upset, Sharon has embraced a go-with-the-flow attitude:
“Don’t get uptight about it..since it’s usually fixed fairly quickly.”
Another major difference is that English is not widely spoken outside the main tourist areas.
“The people get frustrated sometimes because they don’t realize that English is not a primary language here, and they really do need Spanish. … It’s not like Puerto Vallarta or a lot of places, which there’s a lot of English spoken. Anytime you get maybe two to four blocks off the tourist areas, you’re primarily Spanish.”
If you plan on settling here, putting in the effort to learn the local language is important for day-to-day interactions. These small trade-offs, in Sharon’s eyes, pale in comparison to the warmth and vibrancy of the local culture.
Want to dive deeper into what makes Zihuatanejo so special? Check out our private Mexico relocation tours and get a boots on the ground perspective before you choose where to live in Mexico!
A Safe and Welcoming Environment
Sharon emphasizes that she feels “perfectly safe” in Zihuatanejo, even as a single woman living alone. She’s found the streets well lit, and locals quick to step in if they sense any kind of distress. In fact, Sharon notes that many single women have moved here and found a comfortable place in this community.
They build tight-knit support systems, checking in on each other or going out together in the evenings.
Beyond that, the city has a tourist police force dedicated to helping visitors and newcomers feel at ease. Often, any misunderstandings stem from language barriers, and these officers are there to keep locals and newcomers on the same page.
Cost of Living and Healthcare
One of the biggest draws for many expats considering a move to Mexico is the affordability, and Zihuatanejo is no exception. Sharon breaks down some of her own expenses:
- Rent and Utilities: Sharen rents her beautiful apartment for $11,000 MXN or $550 USD/Month– all bills paid. Some landlords charge extra for electricity if you use air conditioning heavily- Sharen’s landlord includes electricity.
- Groceries: Sharon estimates spending around $350 USD per month on everything from fruit and yogurt to paper goods and cleaning supplies. She prefers buying fresh produce from local street vendors, saying it “really comes in from the fields fresh,” but she’ll occasionally visit bigger stores like Soriana, Chedraui, or even Sam’s Club for certain items.
- Drinking Water: Large containers of water (often called garrafones) cost about 25 pesos or $1.25 USD each, which is far more economical than buying small plastic bottles.
- Transportation:
- Taxis range from about 40 pesos or about $2 USD within town to 100 pesos or $5 USD each way if you’re heading to La Ropa Beach.
- Combis (small public vans) are a fraction of that cost—12 pesos or 0.60 cents for in-town rides, 13 pesos to La Ropa, 17 pesos to Ixtapa, and 20 pesos to Playa Linda- all less than $1 USD.
- Healthcare: Minor doctor visits can be as low as $10 USD, prescriptions are typically under $20 USD, and more specialized visits (like a cardiologist) might cost around $100 USD. The recent lab work Sharon needed ran about $350 USD without insurance, which would have been significantly higher back in the United States.
Additional Reading: What Are Your Healthcare Options in Mexico?
Lifestyle Tips: Weather, Clothing, and Getting Around
Though Sharon thrives in Zihuatanejo’s climate, she advises anyone considering the move to visit during the hottest months of summer.
“The heat can be unrelenting,” especially if you’re used to milder weather. However, it can feel quite similar for people who’ve lived in places like Florida or Texas. Air conditioning is available but best used sparingly, especially during peak hours, to avoid high energy bills and to keep the electrical grid stable.
Another practical tip? Pack cotton clothing. “Polyester makes you sweat,” Sharon laughs, “and you don’t need anything to promote that.” Larger sizes can be hard to find locally, so bring enough to suit your taste. For getting around, combis (small public vans also known as colectivos) are cheap and convenient at just a fraction of the cost of a regular taxi. Perfect for short trips across town or even out to Ixtapa.
Making New Connections and Building Community
Moving to a new place can feel isolating if you don’t actively seek connections. Sharon was intentional about immersing herself, particularly through volunteering at a local dog shelter. “I’m a dog lover,” she explains, “so I went to see what I could do to help, and that was to walk the dogs.” One simple act led to meeting someone who invited her to a beachside game of Rummikub, which in turn opened the door to the ladies luncheon group.
Sharon’s network blossomed from there.
She connected with like-minded people who share her love for snorkeling, hiking, and social gatherings. “If I had come, rented an apartment, and stayed in my apartment,” she admits, “I would still be alone.” Instead, she gained a support system and friendships that make Zihuatanejo feel like a true home.
Want To Explore Zihuatanejo?
Whether you’re drawn by the sunny climate, the affordability, or the warm, family-centric culture, Zihuatanejo promises an enriching experience for those ready to embrace something new.
As Sharon highlights, the key is to come with an open mind and a willingness to adapt.
“There’s a lot of beautiful things about here,” she says, “but it’s not like home,” so don’t expect American or Canadian norms to apply.
Instead, “get out there and try the combis, try the fondas, buy from the street stores,” she encourages. It’s these small daily adventures and heartfelt interactions that truly capture Zihuatanejo’s spirit.
Feeling inspired by Sharon’s story? Check out our Mexico Relocation Tours– We connect you with awesome locals who guide you through local neighborhoods, introduce you to local communities, and help you discover all the ins and outs of living in Zihuatanejo (or somewhere else in Mexico).
Your new life under the sun could be just around the corner!
