Moving to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

"There are a few neighborhood guides online, including on insidepv.com, with pictures and video of the areas. It's relatively easy to choose where you want to be, because Puerto Vallarta is divided into 5 distinct areas- Marina, Hotel Zone, Centro, Old Town, Mismaloya. The marina is pricey, surrounded by a golf course and yacht slips, fine dining and art galleries. The hotel zone is a strip of resorts and modern shopping centers. These two areas resemble southern California or Florida. Centro is downtown Puerto Vallarta where the famous malecon boardwalk is located- loud, popular with tourists, fast paced Old Town Puerto Vallarta is slower paced, trendy, more traditional with cobblestone streets, residences, bars/clubs- this is also the popular gay area and has become quite stylish. Mismaloya is farthest south with different areas along the way, marked by "the crescent beaches." This area is lush in tropical jungle and lined with villas and luxury condominiums overlooking private beaches and the ocean," remarked one expat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"I initially chose to move to the marina area which is quite nice and a bit pricey but far from downtown Puerto Vallarta. I then moved to the Southern area of Puerto Vallarta, Old Town. This is a very trendy area and the prices are often far higher than other neighborhoods, despite this being the less modern area," remarked one expat who made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

"One way to find a place to live in Puerto Vallarta is to browse online listings of available properties. Several real estate websites offer listings of apartments, condos and houses for rent in Puerto Vallarta. Additionally, a popular option is to use the services of a local real estate agent or company, who will be able to provide personalized advice and assistance. If necessary, it may also be possible to use local bulletin boards in the area to find available properties. Finally, it can be beneficial to speak to local business owners, as they may be able to point you towards suitable housing options," explained one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"My favorite area is 5 Diciembre with a more local atmosphere and more Mexican nationals full time occupants, than some of the others," said one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Versalles, Aralias & Fluvial just to name a few. Rentals are found easy with boots on ground. You need to view in person and no deposits until you arrive. Otherwise, most likely, you will have a problem with your deposit and may never see it. In Zona Romantica (my opinion is that it’s for visitors/tourist) you will have fireworks almost every night, many tourist, road blocks for celebrations/water repairs, spring/winter breaks, flooding during the rainy season, and parties non-stop," said one expat who made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

"The 5 Diciembre neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta is charming and has many good restaurants. I stay in a 4th floor apartment in the Paramar Hotel, great breakfast, wonderful staff," explained one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"I live in an apartment/condo. This is typical housing when living in town. Condos were built around the older homes of the locals which are usually very poor, built for convenience rather than for comfort. If living out of town, or up on the hills surrounding Puerto Vallarta, villas and luxury condos are common and frequent. Some of latin America's most famous architects have designed villas in these areas," said one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Much lower. I moved here from New York where my rent was close to 3,000 USD for a loft. My rent now is around 700 USD for a very nice 1 bedroom. Inland, apartments start at $100-$300 USD for decent apartments. To be near the beach however, expect to pay no less than $600 for something decent, and around $1000 for something really nice. Utilities are unpredictable but inexpensive for the most part. I work for InsidePV.com so I have at least 2 computers running all day, and occasionally run the air conditioner. This runs me about $35 USD per month. If I run the air conditioner regularly, the bill can easily jump to double or triple," remarked one expat who made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

"The cost of housing in Puerto Vallarta varies greatly depending on several factors, such as location, size of the home, and amenities. A basic one-bedroom apartment in the city center may range from 750 to 1,200 US dollars per month, while larger homes in more upscale areas may cost up to 5,000 US dollars or more. Additionally, renting a villa in the area can range from several thousand US dollars to over 10,000 US dollars per month depending on size and amenities," explained one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Puerto Vallarta depends on your individual needs, preferences and budget. Renting a home might suit those looking for short-term housing or those who enjoy variety in their living arrangements. Purchasing a home could be a great option for those looking for a long-term residence or those wanting the security of owning their own property. Before making your decision, consider your personal preferences, needs and budget, as well as the benefits and drawbacks associated with each option," said one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"I wish I had brought more electronics, books, and computer software. All are easily double or triple the price in the US. This includes computers and pc accessories, cell phones, stereos, tv's, books, and magazines, etc. I also wish I would have brought a dehumidifier- they are impossible to find here but absolutely essential. Quality cosmetics, beauty products, and health products are not available here and what is, is limited or made with locals in mind- for example, products for dark hair and skin tones or health shakes made from a local cactus. Linens here are often not as soft and comfortable as we are used to in the states and Egyptian cotton is impossible to come by. Comfortable furniture- beds, sofas, and chairs are usually hard as rocks here with rough fabrics. What I could have left are most of my designer clothing and high heels- cobblestone streets ruin shoes and humidity eats fine fabrics. It's not uncommon to go to your closet and pull out a shirt with mildew on it after even a week. If you're not too attached, there's no need to bring decor items- the art scene here is great and plenty of international decor shopping and boutiques," said one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"When traveling in Puerto Vallarta it is important to be mindful and respectful of local culture and customs. Specifically, visitors should try to avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places, particularly when visiting religious sites. It is also important to acknowledge the traditional beliefs and practices of the local population by avoiding topics such as religion and politics and refraining from disrespectful gestures and jokes. Additionally, locals are proud of their culture and food, so it is important to be respectful when trying local dishes. When interacting with locals, be sure to greet them with a friendly smile and an appropriate greeting such as a “Buenos Días.” Finally, visitors should respect the area’s historical landmarks and traditions when visiting the city," replied a member in Puerto Vallarta.

"Puerto Vallarta offers a high quality of life, with a pleasant climate and plenty of activities available. Its colonial charm makes it a popular destination for expats. Its location on Mexico's Pacific coast also gives it a great deal of natural beauty, making it the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery. The moderate cost of living and the availability of modern amenities and conveniences is an added plus. In addition, Puerto Vallarta has an expatriate-friendly environment, as it offers a strong expatriate community that provides a great platform for networking and finding new opportunities," wrote one expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

"Be sure to have travel insurance... helps to speak Spanish to communicate more freely with the caregivers, however someone there will speak English," commented one expat living in Puerto Vallarta.

"Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, while the private hospitals offer more specialized services and treatments. In addition, Puerto Vallarta has a number of pharmacies, medical laboratories, and other medical facilities that provide a variety of services. Many of the private hospitals and clinics also offer medical tourism packages, allowing visitors to receive medical care while enjoying the city's attractions. Puerto Vallarta also has a number of medical centers that specialize in specific areas, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. In addition, the city has a number of medical spas and wellness centers that offer a variety of treatments and therapies," commented one expat who moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide quality care and services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized treatments. Many of the hospitals and clinics are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals, and they offer a variety of treatments and procedures. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. For those seeking alternative treatments, Puerto Vallarta also has a number of holistic health centers that offer a variety of services, such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga," said one expat.

"As cash customers of healthcare services in both the US and Mexico, we have found that private system medical costs all across Mexico are 1/20 of what it used to cost us back in California. We have also found the quality of care to be better," said one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.