For years I've been telling people how great Olympia is as a place to live, work, and play. In the 30 plus years I've lived here, I've seen incredible growth. Nonetheless, Olympia retains much of it's small town feel. Downtown Olympia looks much the same today as it did 30 years ago. Most of the changes have involved city improvements, mostly to Olympia's beautiful waterfront areas. The boardwalk along Budd Bay's marina's and port is fantastic, as is the park around Capitol Lake.

Olympia is the capital of Washington State with a Capitol Campus as nice as any I've seen. The political activity surrounding the Capitol adds interest, as does our Evergreen State College. With our quality of life, low crime, great schools, easy access to Puget Sound and our many lakes, I definitely think of Olympia as one of the world's very best places.

But don't take my word for it, here are some links to articles:

• #6 - Kiplinger Magazine 2009
• #23 - Forbes Magazine 2009
• #40 - Money Magazine 2008

Kiplinger Magazine just released it's annual list of the best cities in America and Olympia, Washington, came up at number 6. Congratulations Olympia! Well deserved recognition.

Discover Olympia

Kiplinger Article

Cozumel is without a doubt a world class tourist and scuba-diving destination. Just off the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel has it all - white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, cool sea breezes, and all the modern conveniences.

Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean with an estimated three million passengers visiting a year. Although the big ships bring the big crowds, they also bring big money, which allows Cozumel to maintain it's modern infrastructure and keep the beaches clean. It also allows for full employment of the island's residents and thus a low crime rate.

The city of San Miguel provides ample shopping, banks, private schools, gyms, museums, and more. There's an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course at the Cozumel Country Club. If you can't find it here, try nearby Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

For all Cozumel has to offer, real estate prices are remarkably low. A small but tidy 2-bedroom home can be found for as little as $65,000 US. Condos on or near the beach start at $150,000 US.

To rate Cozumel, or suggest your Best Place To Live, visit: VMLS.com

Merida is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yucatán. Merida is one of Mexico's cleanest and safest cities. When we were there during Carnival, the streets were packed until late in the evening, but we saw not one instance of violence. The same holds true for our late evening visits to the colorful Centro District. Of course, some common sense is appropriate when traveling anywhere in the world.

Merida offers many compelling options for purchasing real estate. We visited a small downtown home some friends of friends had recently purchased and renovated. Just one block off Merida's charming main street, the Paseo de Montejo, we found a parking space just a short walk from the front door. The solid door, with a barred window on either side, gave no clue as to the charming home inside. With tile floors throughout, solid wood doors and trim, and beautifully crafted wrought iron work throughout, it was like stepping back in time to Colonial Mexico. That is, until we discovered the modern kitchen, two modern baths, and two large bedrooms. The back opened up to a charming patio with a huge old palm tree, lots of flowering plants, and a small pool and fountain. The owners recently paid $35,000 US and spent another $15,000 US on renovations. One very similar was abandoned next door.

There's a world of new things to discover in Merida. When we were there last, there was a Picasso exhibit at one of Merida's many art galleries, featuring works never before seen outside of Spain. The Paseo de Montejo is lined with interesting galleries, shops, and restaurants. The historic Centro District features a large park, surrounded by historic buildings, with many shops and open-air restaurants. A drive around Merida takes you along some amazing streets lined with the old mansions from the Colonial era.

But today's Merida isn't just about old. There's plenty new and modern too. The newest of Merida's two malls features an ice-skating rink, upscale stores, restaurants, and a small casino. Merida's suburbs look much like anything you'd find in the US or Canada, with the possible exception of the red tile roofs and palm trees. A very nice, newer 3-bedroom home with a pool can be had in the $250,000 to $300,000 price range.
From Merida, it's just a short 30-minute drive to the spectacular sandy beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Many Merida residents keep a second beachfront home along the Gulf. When the summer temperatures become unbearable, as they often do, a retreat to the cool afternoon coastal breezes provide a welcome break. Prices for beachfront homes, condos, and land along the stretch of beach from Celestun to Dzilam Bravo are some of the least expensive in Mexico. A comfortable beachfront home can still be found in the $150,000 price range.

For more information on Merida and Merida real estate, visit our website at VMLS.com

Many people still remember President Ronald Reagan's condemnation of the Sandinistas and his unabashed support of the opposing Contra regime. (Although many seem to have forgotten the fact that the US covertly sold arms to Iran to fund this war against Nicaragua.) In spite of US meddling, Nicaragua is now a democracy. But is it a great place to live or own a second home? Anyone with experience in Nicaragua could perhaps join our conversation and answer some questions as to cost of living, health care, housing costs and availability, and all the other things that can make a place the best.

Certainly, the Dominican Republic is one of the world's most beautiful Caribbean vacation destinations. But is it a great place to live or own a second home? Anyone with experience in the Dominican Republic could perhaps join our conversation and answer some questions as to cost of living, health care, housing costs and availability, and all the other things that can make a place the best.

Certainly, there's much to recommend Hawaii. For decades, it's been one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. But is it a great place to live or own a second home? Anyone with experience in Hawaii could perhaps join our conversation and answer some questions as to cost of living, health care, housing costs and availability, and all the other things that can make a place the best.

Certainly, Belize is one of the world's best places for Scuba divers. But is it a great place to live or own a second home? Anyone with experience in Belize could perhaps join our conversation and answer some questions as to cost of living, health care, housing costs and availability, and all the other things that can make a place the best.

Gig Harbor is a great little community just outside of Tacoma and Seattle Washington. The whole town is centered on a neat little marina that is home to commercial and recreational boats. Many of the homes in Gig Harbor have fabulous view of the harbor, Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. I am a very active person and I have found that there are many things to do in Gig Harbor. Kopachuck State Park is just ten minutes from town and offers great camping. It also sits right on the water and is great for swimming and kayaking in the summer. The McCormick Trails, ten minutes from town, are also a great place to hike or run. There are about ten miles of trails that meander through the woods. On rainy days the local YMCA is a beautiful facility to check out. There are two large indoor swimming pools with a play area for kids and a water slide. The YMCA also has multiple basketball courts and a 200meter indoor track. You can get guest passes if you just want to visit for the day.

I love Mexico. When the days grow short in the U.S. Northwest, what a treat to spend a few months in the sun and sand which is so plentiful just south of the border. But oh the summers! It's too hot to breath and the tropical humidity zaps all of one's energy.

Thankfully, in the summer, I get to be in Gig Harbor. Our cool Pacific Ocean breezes keep the temps down to comfortable ranges and the humidity in check. And there's so much to do here in the summer. Everybody heads outdoors - running, walking, hiking, swimming, rowing, sailing, fishing, you name it.

If only you could have both? Well, you can! With all Gig Harbor has to offer, homes and condos are plentiful and affordible. And south of the border, there are many locations which offer very affordable housing.

So that's the ticket! A summer home in Gig Harbor, Washington, and a winter home in Mexico. Both for what a starter home would cost in San Francisco or San Diego.

Hmmm, that does sound good! Check out Gig Harbor at: www.vmls.com/usa/washington/gig-harbor/. Check out many Mexico locations at: www.vmls.com/mexico/.