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," commented one expat who made the move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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"I would suggest renting in the 5 Diciembre neighborhood. It has excellent food market, Leys, and a short hike to fresh meat and seafood. If you want to try it out, I suggest you first spend a week or more in the exceptionally well run Grand Paramar small hotel on the beach," remarked another expat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Puerto Vallarta?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Puerto Vallarta?
- Will I be able to find a job in Puerto Vallarta?
- What is life like in Puerto Vallarta?
- What do expats in Puerto Vallarta appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Puerto Vallarta?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Puerto Vallarta accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Puerto Vallarta like?
- What are healthcare services like in Puerto Vallarta?
- What are medical services in Puerto Vallarta like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Puerto Vallarta?
- What are emergency services like in Puerto Vallarta?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Puerto Vallarta?
- How are local medical facilities in Puerto Vallarta?
- As a foreigner living in Puerto Vallarta, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before moving to Puerto Vallarta?
If you live in Puerto Vallarta, newcomers to Puerto Vallarta would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.