Mazatlan, Mexico

Capital City

Reality check for Americans moving to Mazatlán: The port city's population of 501,441 masks a heavy bureaucracy and subtropical climate that can be a persistent headache. Tourism may dominate, but the economic base also includes fishing and manufacturing - hardly the tropical paradise some expats envision. While the historic center offers cultural attractions like the renowned Angela Peralta Theater, safety is an ongoing concern with the city's proximity to drug cartel activity. Mazatlán may appeal to sun-seekers and bargain-hunters, but it's no retire-and-relax destination.