Americans have been buying real estate in Mexico for decades, but the trend has increased considerably in recent years.

What's the primary reason for this? Well, as is usually the case with real estate, it comes down to two things -- cost and location.

The cost factor is obvious. You can buy property in Mexico for much less than it would cost in the United States. As for the location factor, Mexico is home to some of the most pristine beaches and tropical locales of anywhere in the world. Put these two factors together, and you have an attractive package for real estate investors, retirees and transplants from north of the border.

But Where in Mexico?

When most people think of buying real estate in Mexico, places like Puerto Vallarta and Baja often come to mind. But there are lesser-known areas with just as much appeal. One such area is the city of Manzanillo in the state of Colima, Mexico.

The City of Manzanillo

Located just three hours southwest of Guadalajara, Manzanillo lies in the center of what has been historically called "The Gold Coast" of Mexico. This centrally located coastal area has long attracted visitors with its temperate climate and mountainous seaside settings.

The State of Colima, Mexico

Colima is a small state, sharing a border with the Mexican states of Jalisco to the north and east, and Michoacan to the south. To the west, Colima borders the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the capital city of Colima, the state's main cities include Manzanillo and Tecoman. The state has an area of 5,455 square km, with an estimated population in 2004 of about 571,000 people.

The Attractions of Manzanillo

Manzanillo is the self-proclaimed "sailfish capital" of the world, and it hosts an annual international fishing tournament. A vibrant city of culture and charm, Manzanillo has escaped the “western” commercialization found in other cities in the region. Visitors to Manzanillo have described it as an "old seaside village where the sunsets last forever."

* You may republish this article online as long as you keep the hyperlinks active.