With over 15 years of hospitality experience in Mexico, I’ve worked in excellent vacation destinations, and I can tell you that Puerto Vallarta is an incredible place. It’s undoubtedly the ideal home for countless hotel chains and a thriving real estate industry. I could say this city is unique.
Puerto Vallarta! Located on the Pacific coast, it’s a strategically located paradise offering natural beauty, developed infrastructure, and a thriving real estate market that never stops.
My entire career has been dedicated to helping families find the best vacation spot or their dream home. This allows me to get to the right place and see that what Puerto Vallarta has to offer is the maximum value you’ll get when investing. Puerto Vallarta has it all, from its enviable location on the map to its developed tourism infrastructure that has made it a mature real estate market.
Strategy for Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, in the area known as the Western Coast-Sierra region, approximately at 20°27’00” and 20°59’00” north latitude and 104°55’00” and 105°33’00” west longitude. This wonderful location, just 2 meters above sea level, offers direct access to the pristine Pacific Ocean.
The city itself is situated on the beautiful Bay of Banderas, one of the largest bays in Mexico, offering natural protection with calm waters. This unique natural condition not only provides a perfect environment for water sports but also protects properties along the water from strong waves, which depreciate surrounding real estate values.
From a professional perspective, Puerto Vallarta’s location is an inimitable competitive advantage. It is located just 196 km from Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, providing easy access to specialized services and valuable commercial ties. Its resort atmosphere, coupled with its proximity to a major city, offers the ideal combination for residents and investors.
Links and Connections: International Gateway
Air Contracting and Puerto Vallarta Air access to Puerto Vallarta is part of its benefits, with the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport just 4 miles from the heart of the city. This airport serves direct flights from Canada, the United States, Europe, and South America, and facilitates international buyers and tourists. (Be sure to check out my article on the expansion of this airport.)
In my years dealing with international clients, the conclusion is obvious: this seamless connection means an increased need for housing. International buyers especially appreciate the convenience, as they can fly directly to their properties without stopping from destinations such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Vancouver, and Calgary.
The ground infrastructure is also a feature. The highways connecting Puerto Vallarta to most other major cities are extremely well paved, making the delivery of construction supplies and specialized services very fluid. This not only reduces development costs but ensures that existing properties continue to be monitored and improved. Not to mention the recent opening of a superhighway linking Guadalajara with Puerto Vallarta, which makes it possible to travel this distance in just 3.5 hours, when before it took us a minimum of 6.
A Privileged Geography: Between Mountains and Sea
One of Puerto Vallarta’s most attractive real estate features is its topography. To the east, the city is surrounded by the magnificent Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, but to the west, it opens onto the Pacific Ocean. The region’s unique location provides varied climatic zones and different types of properties.
In the mountains, homes have beautiful panoramic views and are a bit cooler; perfect for someone looking for a mountain retreat that’s close to the beach. I’ve been able to discover properties in these areas, which have a minimum value that continually increases because they are select and the views are unparalleled.
Along the coast, there are properties with frontline access to golden beaches and clear blue seas. From oceanfront condos to private beach houses and villas, the options are varied, and all of these properties have their own unique appeal for the various types of buyers in the market today. The protected waters of Banderas Bay also provide an ideal environment for private marinas and docks, which are very attractive features for coastal properties.
Quintessential Cities and Residential Areas
Crucially, Puerto Vallarta has received responsible urban planning from the beginning of its development, establishing residential zones with unique characteristics that offer different options to suit diverse tastes and budgets. I come from a real estate consulting background and have worked in all of these regions.
However, expats who have lived in Puerto Vallarta for several years affirm that all regions have their benefits. The old part of town is nothing but tradition, an ancient Mexican tradition surrounded by amenities. The homes in 5 de Diciembre are of particular interest to buyers looking to experience traditional culture without being too far removed from modern conveniences. The rehabilitated colonial buildings and boutique condominium developments in this neighborhood retain strong values and continued appreciation.
Marina Vallarta is the most prestigious and exclusive real estate development in the city, where you can find some of the finest and most expensive properties in the bay with private docks, golf courses, and special memberships to area clubs. It’s a planned development, with an elevated lifestyle. The homes aren’t just homes; they’re some of the most desirable investments, ensuring a high level of quality and exclusivity.
Investment Opportunities and the Real Estate Market
Puerto Vallarta’s real estate sector has truly flourished in recent years. Working in the sector, I’ve seen how properties here retain and appreciate in value, especially those with ocean views or beach access.
Demand for vacation and retirement homes has skyrocketed, especially for Canadians and Americans. The trend has only accelerated since 2020, as many reevaluated their life priorities and sought homes in places with a healthier climate and quality of life. One of the biggest beneficiaries of that trend has been Puerto Vallarta.
Real estate investment opportunities are especially ripe with Airbnb rental properties. With five million visitors each year, there’s always demand for better accommodations. The list goes on with examples of well-located, professionally managed properties generating inflation-neutral returns of up to 8%-12%, light years ahead of traditional investment returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
In what state is Puerto Vallarta in Mexico?
Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, in the Western Coast-Sierra area. Even worse, we must be careful not to confuse one of our few prized coastal locations with other similar locations, as its location in Jalisco gives it unique accessibility and development potential.
What is the distance between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is located 196 kilometers (122 miles) west of Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco. This distance can be traveled by road in 2.5 to 3 hours, providing access to specialized services and commerce.
Is there an international airport in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is home to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, which is just 4 miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta. This airport has direct flights from various locations abroad, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.
Where is the best place to buy real estate in Puerto Vallarta?
From personal experience, Marina Vallarta is the area with the greatest potential for high-yield, high-value investments, and the historic center is the area to buy your vacation rental property. There are also great prospects for luxury residential projects in the southern coastal regions. Versalles and 5 de Diciembre have also become focal points of real estate growth.
If I invest in properties in Puerto Vallarta, is it unsafe?
Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities in Mexico for real estate investment. In recent decades, the city has been developing infrastructure, medical tourism, and tourism, and has invested in the quality of medical care and socioeconomic services. But my personal opinion is to always trust local people who are experienced in real estate or at least long-established in the area.
Conclusion: Your Opportunity in the Mexican Paradise
Puerto Vallarta is not just a gem on the tourist map; it’s an incredible investment opportunity with all the right ingredients: a direct location, natural beauty, developed infrastructure, and a trendy market that’s growing daily. Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a special convergence between traditional Mexico and the modern world.
My experience as a real estate advisor in this region leads me to believe that homes in Puerto Vallarta are solid investments with substantial appreciation. A steadily increasing tourist demand, a thriving second-home market, and future urban development are a perfect formula for forward-thinking investors.
Simple, simple, simple: See what Puerto Vallarta can do for you! Whether you’re looking for a place to retire, a vacation home, or a source of income, this remarkable bay sets the stage for opportunities that can change the course of your financial future. Now you can reach out to me. Let me reach out to you with details on how I can help you find your own piece of this Mexican real estate paradise. On this page, you’ll find all the current certified real estate offerings.