Retired Pleasant
Retirement in Puerto Vallarta – what's going on south of the border?
Attention, baby boomers, do not be late for the party! If you have not noticed what was going is south of the border, but only heard about illegal immigration north of the border, the following appear to be quite awakening and informative.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a sleepy little Mexican fishing village located in the foothills of the Sierra Madres on Banderas Bay along the Mexican Riviera is no longer sleepy or little. The population has literally exploded since the filming of "The Night of the Iguana" in 1963. Vallarta has grown from 2,000 inhabitants before 1963 to the current figure of 350,000 inhabitants in 2007.
Today, the population of larger PV makes it the second largest city in the Mexican state of Jalisco, Guadalajara alone. Refer to the following graph this explosive growth and track its projection for the next ten years:
(Visit the website below for chart details)

If we this in perspective, you will notice that the graph above indicates that Vallarta has now the size of the St. Louis reached based on the projected growth is, it will equal in size Cleveland to within ten years. The important note is important for St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, etc., will all probably show little no, maybe even negative growth, while the PV is expected by another 50% over the next ten years. Now we ask, what's down there?
First, let's see who is moving. The entire sector of Vallarta is based on tourism and the immigration of North Americans. The U.S. data from the IRS does indicate a growth of 200,000 U.S. citizens a few years ago to 750,000 Americans live in Mexico in 2005. Of the 750,000 Americans, we can only estimate that 50,000 Americans and Canadians now call home Vallarta. With tens of thousands of apartments and villas currently under construction or in planning stage ten years, we can only imagine that in 2017, the North American population in larger PV will be somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000 retirees. The following are some of the reasons for this explosive growth:
Climate – The seven month "high season" from November to May has an average daily temperature of 73 * F with virtually no chance of rain.
Scenery – Vallarta, located in the foothills of the Sierra Madres in the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world, in the heart of the Mexican Riviera on the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful beaches, cliffs, mountain sides overlooking the bay, tropical flowers and wildlife, and all attractions one would expect to find in Paradise.
Safe – With tourism to the vitality of the economy, North Americans are "off limits" regarding to any form of criminal activity. Since guns are strictly prohibited in Mexico, burglaries, robberies, etc., are virtually unheard of. The primary objective of virtually all of the young generation of natives is to ensure all North Americans a pleasant and safe visit to Paradise so that they return soon and often. Fear of a terrorist attack in Vallarta? Forget it!
Friendliness – In 2001, a readers poll taken by Conde Nast magazine listed Vallarta as the friendliest resort destination in the world. Locals treat North Americans with dignity, respect, and as friends, family, and almost as royalty.
Clean water and food – The explosive growth of population has led to a complete renovation and expansion of urban infrastructure. This includes roads, power generation and distribution, and of course, water treatment and distribution systems. The water is clean and safe to drink from the tap throughout the city. All food products are now available in many new modern supermarkets equal to the finest in the United States. Food for home or restaurant consumption is closely monitored for cleanliness and controlled as in North America.
Medical care – Two new huge modern hospitals and one smaller modern clinic in Vallarta are fully compatible with all emergency situations and complex operations. Modern dental clinics are also in Vallarta offering crowns, caps, implants, and all basic dental practices. All doctors and dentists speak English and many of them have at least some training in the United States had.
Friends – Every North American that you see in Vallarta, and they are easy to spot, is either on vacation or retire, that is, none of them to to work tomorrow! They are all open to new friendships and newcomers are always welcome. It's a big party with no looming pressures of the office or the commuter drive in the morning.
Language – As the economy in PV is based on tourism, it is necessary to speak English. Therefore, it is estimated that at least 80% of the younger generation who now have their say or at least understand English. Communication is not a problem in Vallarta and there is no need to learn Spanish.
Travel Time – Although Vallarta is on the same latitude like Hawaii, it is only two to three hours from most of U.S. cities. Even the highways coming down from the U.S. are now all super modern toll roads and the drive to PV can be made in two days of the border.
Connectivity – With high speed internet service available citywide, internet based telecommunications, and satellite TV available everywhere, you have the same contact with the world you would have anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.
Activities – World class deep sea fishing for years, and will always be an important activity in Vallarta. There are now seven beautiful golf courses with more under construction. There are hundreds of tennis courts, water activities, nightlife in abundance, and many clubs and organizations to mention. If you have nothing to do in PV, it is only because that's your choice!
Cost of Living – The cost of basic staples is about the same as in North America, however, housing is about half the cost and housing related taxes are a fraction of those in the United States. All services are one half to one third of those in the U.S. including medical and dental care, because pay rates so much lower. The cost of food, outdoor activities, etc., are basically in line with those in the States.
Economic security – The Mexican peso, at approximately 10.8 pesos per U.S. dollar held firm for the past ten years. There are no devaluation concerns at this time as the Mexican economy booms.
Political Security – The PAN party has ruled Mexico since 2000 and will remain in power until at least 2012 to ensure a twelve-year run of consecutive Mexico is governed by Harvard graduates! Needless to say, they are pro-American and friendly to the north.
Investment – Property values have tripled Over the past ten years and are expected to double again over the next five years. With the booming economy, the Mexican stock market has also tripled in the last ten years. There is not slowing the growth in the near future.
Hopefully the more than 15 items, provide some explanation for the booming economy and explosive growth in Vallarta. They say The party is not over, that it has only just begun.
The Mexican National Tourism Development Foundation (Fonatur) has identified a piece of pristine Pacific 30 miles Ocean coast north of Vallarta as the new Riviera Nayarit which more than five billion U.S. dollars will be invested over the next ten years creating 30,000 new jobs as they build close to 20,000 new apartments, villas, hotels, etc. If the North Americans continue to flock to Paradise, the infrastructure growth and future planning to continue at a torrid pace.
If you retire or close to retirement, you should check out Vallarta before it's too late. If you're lucky, you You are included in the next 150,000 gringos that migrate to Paradise!
About the Author
Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 24 years and resided there for the past ten years. The mission of his series of 20 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us www.pvreba.com
What is a cheap and pleasant place to move to when you retire?
I do not mind a little snow, or warm weather, but nothing too extreme. Also, some sites with cheap real estate and friendly people.
looks like the South wins! I moved to a beautiful city 20 miles north of Nashville, Hendersonville TN said. We have four distinct seasons, but they are relatively mild. The people are great. H'ville has many excellent facilities and is growing in so far as restaurants and shops. We are right on Old Hickory Lake so there is boating and water sports and beaches. Home prices range from $ 150,000 – a lot! But you got a pretty nice house quiet. We are only about 35 minutes from downtown Nashville and all the wonderful things available there, ballet, symphony, museums, all genres of music, history galore, large parks with walking trails, hiking, more lakes, camping, great restaurants, etc. We absolutely love it here! Good Luck!
Longview vs Mount Pleasant, 2008, 1st Quarter Part 1
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Samantha Parkington American Girl Pleasant Company Lot with Bed & Desk (retired) $509.99 |
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American Girl Pleasant Co. Kit’s Treehouse Tree House RARE RETIRED USED!!! $369.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL ADDY IRONSTONE COMPOTE DISH SET NIB RETIRED PLEASANT COMP RHTF $324.99 |
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Kirsten Larson American Girl Pleasant Company (retired) $288.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL ADDY SWEET POTATO PUDDING KIT NIB RETIRED PLEASANT COMP RARE HTF $274.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL DOLL PLEASANT COMPANY SAMANTHA IN RETIRED STAR FLOWER OUTFIT $210.00 |
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American Girl Felicity Pleasant Company 18″ Doll Rose Garden Dress PC Retired $219.95 |
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AMERICAN GIRL FELICITY READING & WRITING LESSON PLEASANT COMPANY RARE RETIRED $229.99 |
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Kirsten’s Dress Set by Pleasant Company – On The Trail – Retired – MIP – NRFP $195.00 |
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Pleasant Company American Girl Josefina English Square Piano Retired & rare $195.00 |
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Samantha American Girl Pleasant Company Doll Retired Original Clothing $159.99 |
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FELICITY RIDING HABIT & HAT, RETIRED PLEASANT COMPANY 1995 $159.00 |
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Retired Samantha Doll Excellent American Girl Meet Dress Outfit Pleasant Special $149.99 |
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American Girl Pleasant Company Felicity Party Treats RARE RETIRED $150.00 |
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WOW NEW American Girl Doll FELICITY Doll RESCUE KIT Pleasant Company Retired NIB $139.00 |
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Pleasant Company Samantha doll & clothes retired lot original American Girl $149.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL FELICITY TRAVEL TRUNK PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED MINT CONDITION $149.99 |
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RETIRED Original Pleasant Company KIRSTEN American Girl Doll w/ LONG STRING $120.00 |
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American Girl Doll Kirsten Retired Complete Outfit EUC 1994 Pleasant Company $132.99 |
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American Girl Pleasant Co Limited Edition NIB Samantha Bathing Costume I-Retired $139.99 |
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American Girl Kirsten Fishing Set – Retired, Complete, Pleasant Company $139.95 |
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American Girl Pleasant Company Samantha Winter Party Dress NWOB – Retired $129.99 |
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Pleasant Co American Girl Molly Retired Wood Furniture Drop Leaf Table 2 Chairs $109.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL KIRSTEN TRESTLE PINE TABLE & CHAIRS BOOKS PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED $124.95 |
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American Girl Doll Pleasant Company Retired Samantha Steamer Trunk Doll Storage $95.00 |
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American Girl Doll Kirsten Retired Complete Weaving Loom Pleasant Company NIB $112.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL FELICITY TEA LESSON PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED $119.99 |
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American Girl Pleasant Co Addy Patterns Retired NEW $110.95 |
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Retired Samantha American Girl- Pleasant Company $99.00 |
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American Girl FELICITY Doll RESCUE KIT Complete Pleasant Company Retired PC MINT $100.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRL KIRSTEN SCHOOL DRESS AND SHAWL W/HAIR TIES RETIRED 1989 PLEASANT $109.99 |
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Samantha’s Cranberry Party Dress Set by Pleasant Company – Retired – Excellent $99.95 |
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American Girl pleasant company Kirsten Doll.dressed, book NICE Retired $89.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL PLEASANT COMPANY SAMANTHA’S WICKER TABLE & CHAIRS RETIRED $89.99 |
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American Girl Doll Lindsey of the Year Retired Brown Hair Blue Eyes Pleasant Co. $89.00 |
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NEW PLEASANT COMPANY 1995 AMERICAN GIRL MOLLY’S AFTER SCHOOL OUTFIT NIP RETIRED $95.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRL KIRSTEN SWEDISH DIRNDL & KERCHIEF RETIRED PLEASANT COMP 1992 $99.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL SAMANTHA PLAID CAPE GAITERS HAT MUFF RETIRED Doll AG Pleasant Co $99.99 |
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Retired American Girl Kirsten Doll Dressed in Her Meet Outfit Pleasant Company $84.96 |
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American Girl Molly’s Doll Wardrobe Trunk Pleasant Company retired collectible $69.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL 18″ DOLL MOLLY PLEASANT DOLL CO. GREY EYES Retired W/outfit $79.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRLS PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED KIRSTEN FISHING SET FROG CRICKETS BASKET $79.99 |
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RETIRED Pleasant Company American Girl ~1996 FELICITY’S NOAH’S ARK ~ MIB $79.99 |
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American Girl Doll Kirsten with Party Outfit Retired Pleasant Valley Company $85.50 |
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PLEASANT COMPANY ADDY’S BIRTHDAY IRONSTONE COMPOTE SET RETIRED $85.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRL-PLEASANT CO. ELIZABETH FELICITY RETIRED TEA TABLE+2 CHAIRS VGUC $75.00 |
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American Girl Doll Kirsten Pleasant Company retired $75.99 |
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American Girl Samantha Scenes and Settings 1904 Retired Pleasant Company EX+ $64.99 |
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American Girl Pleasant Company Retired JLY 14? Doll $70.20 |
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American Girl Doll Felicity Retired Riding Breeches & Hat Pleasant Company $79.99 |
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Vintage American Girl Pleasant Company Samantha Parkington Doll retired co. $70.00 |
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Pleasant Company American Girl Samantha Nature Paraphernalia – Retired, Complete $78.95 |
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American Girl Retired Samantha Doll, Beautiful Hair Pleasant Company $69.00 |
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American Girl Pleasant Co Beach Accessories NEW Retired $74.95 |
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American Girl Samantha Travel Duster & Hat Retired Pleasant company $78.17 |
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Blonde Pleasant Company Bitty Baby Twins – 2002 retired! with Polar Bear Outfit! $60.00 |
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American Girl Doll Addy Original Retired by Pleasant Company $60.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRLS PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED KIRSTEN SCHOOL LOG BENCH BUCKET & LADLE! $59.99 |
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Felicity Invitation From Mrs. Dunmore & Fashion Doll Pleasant Company Retired $67.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRL KIRSTEN TWO-TONED BOOTS NIB RETIRED PLEASANT COMPANY $69.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL DOLL NELLIE PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED TRACK OUTFIT $53.00 |
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Samantha’s Play Outfit by Pleasant Company – Retired – MIP – NRFP $59.95 |
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Molly’s School Dress Outfit by Pleasant Company – Retired – MIP – NRFP $59.95 |
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HUGE AMERICAN GIRL PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED LOT $31.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRL PLEASANT CO~ ADDY WORK DRESS, APRON & CLOTHESPIN~ Retired NEW $59.00 |
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PLEASANT Co AMERICAN GIRL RETIRED KIRSTEN ~ IN MEET DRESS $46.01 |
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American girl doll skiing outfit RETIRED silver pink green skiing pleasant co. $50.00 |
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American Girl Doll Felicity Retired Pleasant Company $50.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL OF TODAY SCHOOL ACCESSORIES NEW IN BOX RETIRED PLEASANT COMPANY $59.99 |
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American Girl Kirsten Summer Fishing Outfit Dress Straw Hat Pleasant Co. Retired $59.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL PLEASANT COMPANY DOLL RETIRED KAILEY 2003 DOLL OF THE YEAR $45.00 |
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Samantha Doll’s Gray School Dress American Girl Pleasant Company Retired Rare $49.99 |
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Samantha Sailor Outfit Summer Dress Pleasant Co American Girl Retired $49.99 |
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Meet Felicity Rose Garden Dress Outfit Pleasant Co American Girl Retired 1993 $49.99 |
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NICE! Kirsten’s Red School Dress w/Hanger Pleasant Co American Girl Retired 1989 $49.99 |
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Pleasant Co American Girl Samantha Meet Outfit with NEW Locket Retired EUC $54.99 |
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pleasant co.Kirsten retired Summer Striped Fishing outfit DRESS CHERRY STRAW HAT $49.95 |
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Pleasant Company American Girl Doll Molly’s Clothes Dress Patterns Uncut RETIRED $49.99 |
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American Girl Pleasant Company Molly Retired Suitcase $44.00 |
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American Girl Pleasant Company Retired Kitty Cat Costume Complete! $44.00 |
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Pleasant Co RETIRED BITTY BABY DOLL BEDDING mattress quilt set American Girl $50.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRL SAMANTHA PLAID CAPE GAITERS RETIRED Doll AG Pleasant Co $49.99 |
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Doll Clothes 18″ Retired Pleasant Company American Girl Felicity Meet Dress $49.95 |
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SOCCOR OUTFIT 1 I PURPLE Pleasant Co.retired 1996 American Girl doll clothes $45.00 |
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American Girl * SAMANTHA * Dresser Commode * RETIRED * VGC * Pleasant Company $35.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRLS PLEASANT COMPANY RETIRED MEET KIRSTEN SHOES & 1 KNITTED SOCKS +2! $44.99 |
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AMERICAN GIRL KIRSTEN PLEASANT COMPANY SCHOOL SUPPLIES SLATE BAG retired LOT HTF $42.00 |
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Pleasant Company | American Girl Kirsten’s Party Treats Flower Basket | Retired! $44.00 |
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Retired American Girl Doll SAMANTHA Cast Iron Wood School Desk Pleasant Company $34.99 |
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American Girl Felicity Doll Tea Caddy Pleasant Retired $43.20 |
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PLEASANT COMPANY AMERICAN GIRL “Kailey” DOLL – Blonde, brown eye – retired! $36.27 |
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Pleasant Company Retired American Girl Bitty Baby Wicker Bassinet Never Used! $25.49 |
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American Girl Doll Pleasant Company Samantha Retired Cranberry Christmas Dress $41.99 |
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American Girl Retired Pleasant Company Felicity Holiday Outfit Dress Elizabeth $39.99 |
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American Girl Kirsten Doll Retired Work Gown ONLY Pleasant Company $42.99 |
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American Girl Samantha’s CHRISTMAS MUSIC BOX PLEASANT CO BRAND NEW RETIRED $40.00 |
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KIRSTEN 1994 PLEASANT COMPANY Retired School Dress & Shawl, $39.00 |
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AMERICAN GIRL FELICITY CHRISTMAS GOWN ~ PLEASANT COMPANY 1995 ~ RETIRED $39.95 |
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American Girl Doll Kirsten Retired Trestle Chair Pleasant Co $32.99 |
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American Girl Doll Kirsten Retired Foot Stove & Pan Pleasant Company ONLY $38.99 |
