Real Estate Articles

Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a very large region with many, many excellent Mexico real estate options; two of the most outstanding are Puerto Vallarta real estate and Mazatlan real estate, both of which combine the new and the old, but in distinct ways.

Puerto Vallarta started off as small fishing village on the Pacific Coast; during the 50’s a handful of American expats took notice of the community and made it their home.  About a decade later, Hollywood took notice, and, in addition to the films shot there, one of the first big Hollywood romances gained fame from Puerto Vallarta.

Now, that same little fishing village forms the “Old Town” where “Malecon,” the oceanfront heart of the city’s dining, shopping and nightlife, is located.  The Old Town, defined by narrow cobblestone roads and little white homes with red-tile roofs, is home to many little handicraft shops and local restaurants.

All around the Old Town, though, new neighborhoods have taken root, some with more history than others.  Beautiful homes with large terraces and high-rise condos can be found in these areas.  Stretching north and west around the Bay of Banderas new communities and suburbs have sprouted up with condos, shopping centers, golf courses, large international stores, state-of-the-art hospitals and much more.

Real estate for expats is generally found in the older neighborhoods surrounding the old town, or out in the newer suburban areas, again, offering the choice between old and new.

Puerto Vallarta could perhaps be best described as modern beachfront city with the historical charm of a Mexican fishing village forming its vibrant heart.

Mazatlan, on the other hand, was established as a city during colonial times.  By the late 1800s, the city was vibrant in economics and culture, and had become home to one of Mexico’s favorite music styles (“Banda”) and one of Mexico’s favorite beers (Pacifico), both inspired by immigrants from Central Europe, interestingly enough.

Mazatlan had drawn national tourism on significant levels before showing up on the international radar; when it did, a similar process took place where the beachfront area of the city attracted high-rise condos and modern services.  The biggest difference in Mazatlan is that the old colonial home in the city center have attracted expat buyers as well, combining the charm of a colonial city lifestyle and the nearby beachfront.

Both cities offer modern conveniences and services, as well as very modern property options.  Both, in their own way, offer a strong presence of old Mexico, giving buyers the “best of both worlds.”

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