Beth Reichert Making the Move to Sayulita

Beth Reichert grew up on a farm about an hour south of Chicago, attended Arizona State for college, and then moved to San Diego. She has fond memories of driving across the border for lunch in Rosarito. Mexico. After many years living in southern California, she returned to Chicago, and lived in the city. Just over five years ago, she decided to make a change and moved to Sayulita.

How did you first hear about Sayulita?

In my previous life, I did a lot of business travel so I had a lot of time on planes. I believe the first time I read about Sayulita was in a United Airlines magazine… I won’t say how many years ago that was. Then I heard about it again in 2000. My family vacationed for number of years in La Jolla Mismaloya, so I was familiar with Puerto Vallarta, but not this area. So, I put it on my list to visit.

What was it about Sayulita that made you want to move here?

When I was looking at making my move to Mexico, I had certain criteria that Sayulita met - close to an international airport, access to a city, jungle and ocean, plus beautiful beaches. I also liked that it was a surf town and full of life. Thinking back, what cinched it for me was that I was immediately comfortable here the first time I visited. It just felt right.

What was the hardest adjustment you had to make when you moved to Sayulita?

Anything new has an adjustment period. In Mexico, the biggest is navigating living in a foreign country. I looked at it as a challenge -think of all the new things I will be learning. Plus, I had always dreamed of living in Mexico. So, if there were some difficulties along the way, so be it.

What did you find most rewarding about moving to Sayulita?

For me, the most rewarding thing is that I’m living my dream. It doesn’t get better than that.

What do you like most about living in Sayulita?

What I love most about Sayulita is that the majority of people who live here, really want to be here. And for that reason, people here are genuinely happy. I also feel very free and in touch with nature living here. We are surrounded by beauty every day.

Are you involved with any local organizations or do volunteer work? If so, what do you do?

There are many great organizations in Sayulita to support and opportunities to volunteer. My favorite is SayulitAnimals and participating in their spay and neuter campaigns. I also enjoy adopting turtle nests, which helps support Campamento Tortuguero Sayulita.

What do you do for fun and relaxation? Any favorite restaurants or places to go?

I enjoy SUP…both paddling and surfing. I also love morning walks to other beaches in the area with my 4-legged friend. Add a latte from Coffee on the Corner and it is a perfect morning. Another pastime is studying Spanish. Not that it is relaxing, but very important. I believe firmly that if you are living here you should speak the language and learn the culture. So, I continue to take classes.

How do you support yourself?

Like many folks here, I do several things. More or less, I’m retired, but have rental property in the states and manage a vacation rental in Sayulita, Casa Terramar. I also have a vacation rental provisioning business, Sayulita Kitchen.

How does the cost of living in Sayulita compare to where you used to live?

Chicago…are you kidding? It’s much lower here. But for Mexico, Sayulita is more expensive than other places I’ve visited. But the good news is that you really don’t need a lot to live here. You learn to do with less and it feels very liberating.

How has the experience of living in Sayulita changed you?

I am definitely way more easygoing. My family laughs at this….like what happened to you? Also, I’m more tolerant and patient.  And yes, I had to give up being a perfectionist. Otherwise I would go crazy.

What advice would you offer someone wanting to move to Sayulita?

For those thinking of making the leap, realize that vacationing and daily living are very different experiences. Do your research and then do more research. Learn Spanish. Accept the good and the bad of living in Mexico. Enjoy the ride and remember that we are guests in this wonderful country. Sayulita is a very special place and I feel truly fortunate to be living here. Sometimes I have to pinch myself!