Moving to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Last updated on Oct 18, 2023

Summary: Many expats move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere. The city offers a wide variety of activities, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the nearby jungles and mountains. The cost of living is also much lower than in many other parts of the world, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their retirement savings. Additionally, the city is home to a large and growing expat community, providing a great opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a unique lifestyle.

What do I need to know before moving to Puerto Vallarta?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Puerto Vallarta, they said:

"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 who made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.