St Louis Boat Show

By: Jim Scherrer

Being typical Midwestern U.S. cities, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Wichita all have a population of approximately 330,000 + / - 20,000 inhabitants. On average, their population declined by 1.5% over the last eight years.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico also has a population of just over 330,000 people, but the population exploded to more than 50% over the past eight years and its growth should continue in the future.

In addition to having roughly the same population, six of these cities are similar in a number of other respects, however, the differences are considerable. First, consider their similarities. They all have adequate infrastructure and services in support of residents, ie, terminals of travel (plane, bus, train and boat cruise, where applicable), schools and universities, hospitals, services police, water treatment plants, power plants and distribution systems, parks, theaters, stadiums, convention centers, etc. Of course, with this number of residents and shoppers, they have all the box "large" as Stores Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot, Office Depot, on the main market super, malls, etc. They also all have many good restaurants, nightlife, many clubs, golf courses, tennis tennis, and other social activities. Broadband Internet, satellite TV, VoIP phone, and all modern conveniences are also available in these cities.

Then we will compare the cost of living in these cities. In Puerto Vallarta, the cost of housing, automobiles, imported goods such as clothing, electronics and equipment, and some food products is higher than in cities of the Midwest. Property taxes, labor related to almost all services including medical, dental, legal, etc and the cost of goods manufactured in Mexico is much lower in Vallarta than in Midwestern cities. Gasoline, electricity, food, social activities, etc. are comparable in all cities. Like a note of interest, the Mexican peso was maintained constant with the U.S. dollar for the past decade. In summary, the overall cost of living in Puerto Vallarta is roughly the same as in Midwestern cities, and nobody should move to Vallarta to save money, or even should not be disturbed because of all additional costs associated with living in this tourist destination Vallarta.

With so many similarities, we must ask ourselves why the population of Midwestern cities has declined while that of Puerto Vallarta has increased by 50%. To answer this question, we simply compare the climates and environments that these cities have to offer and the reason becomes quite obvious.

During the winter months from November to May, the average daily temperature in Midwestern cities is 41 * F, while in Vallarta the average daily temperature is 73 * F. During these seven months, there is virtually no rain in Vallarta while Midwestern cities are inundated with rain and snow. If you have any interest in outdoor activities like fishing, golf, tennis, Vallarta's climate during this period is absolutely perfect so that the miserable winter weather in Midwestern cities is not very conducive to do anything outside except perhaps shoveling snow!

Next we consider the environment. The Midwestern cities do not really have much to offer in terms of beautiful mountains and views across the ocean! Located in the foothills of Sierra Madre on the shores of Banderas Bay along the Mexican Riviera, Puerto Vallarta offers some of the most magnificent views are everywhere in the world.

With an ideal climate and the views of world class, it is no wonder that 50,000 North Americans have made their haven of PV winter retreat. Some might complain.