Mark (Viergy) Viergutz

Status: Single
Employed or Retired:  Employed
Where are you living now / where are you from:  Currently living in Helena Montana for 18 yrs. Previously, Colorado, LA, originally from Nebraska
Timeframe for a move:  Hoping to retire or semi retire prior to winter 2017
Where else are you considering:  Costa Rica and inland Mexico
Why Vallarta:  I love the ocean. I am actually thinking more of the Riveria north of PV and am wondering what the local expats think of it compared to PV. I have done research and see that a lot of it is pretty touristy and expensive. I am not sure I want to live somewhere as big as PV proper. I am researching the other small towns along the coast North of PV. I am planning on coming down for a week and a half either in Nov/Dec 2016. Want to fly to PV, rent a car and go up the coast checking out the towns. I am currently learning Spanish and am the type that wants to be actively involved with the locals, not live in a gated community and only exist with other gringos. I will not have to work when I move and am interested in doing service work. I am not a drinker or party type person. I am more spiritual based and want to live a simple life and help others. Of course I want to make friends and be involved in many community activities.
How can ExPats in Vallarta assist you:  I guess I am mainly looking for advice about flying in for a 10 day period. Reserve places to stay versus wining it and landing where I land at the end of each day, in hopes of finding suitable lodging. (not looking for resorts). Interested in any tricks about renting a car.

Interested in any information or websites about the villages and towns further north along the Riveria.  Interested in the area south toward Manzanillo