The Best Places to Live on Mexico's Pacific Coast in 2023
Mexico is a popular destination for expats looking to relocate for a variety of reasons. It offers a blend of affordable living options, a good climate, a rich cultural experience, and a welcoming community. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and visit potential locations before making a decision.
The new popular expat areas in 2023 are located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The region is home to beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and plenty of outdoor activities. No matter what your budget or lifestyle, you’re sure to find a destination in Mexico’s Pacific that’s perfect for you.
Let’s look deeper into each of these enticing Pacific Coast areas, exploring what makes them special, why expats are drawn to them, and what to consider before making the move.
Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta offers a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
Puerto Vallarta is a nature lover’s paradise, with stunning beaches, lush mountains, and cascading waterfalls. You can go swimming, sunbathing, surfing, hiking, biking, and more.
The malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic beachfront promenade, is the heartbeat of the city. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers, and it’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere.
Foodies will love Puerto Vallarta’s diverse culinary scene, from authentic Mexican street food to upscale international cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, such as fish tacos, pozole, and enchiladas.
Here are some additional recommendations for things to do in Puerto Vallarta:
- Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a beautiful oasis with over 3,000 species of plants from all over the world.
- Take a day trip to the Marietas Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its stunning scenery and diverse marine life.
- Take a surfing lesson at one of Puerto Vallarta’s many beaches.
Besides being a popular tourist destination, it also has a large expat community, not only from the USA and Canada, but from all over the world. That means it’s easy to get by with English.
An important benefit of relocation to Puerto Vallarta is that here you will be close to all the amenities, including an international airport, and major medical facilities.
The area has a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, depending on your budget and lifestyle. Living costs are moderate, but beachfront properties can be pricey. Centro is the oldest and most vibrant neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively nightlife. Gringo Gulch is a popular expat neighborhood with a variety of restaurants, bars, boutiques and art shops. Conchas Chinas is a more upscale neighborhood with stunning ocean views.
The main disadvantage is that Puerto Vallarta can be crowded and touristy, especially during the high season. But if you`re okay with this, a charming coastal destination with a mix of traditional Mexican culture and modern amenities might be a perfect place for you.
Nuevo Vallarta
Located just north of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta is renowned for its upscale resorts, pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and shopping malls. It’s also considered one of the safest areas in Mexico.
While it comes with a higher price tag for housing and dining, Nuevo Vallarta is a good option for retirees and remote workers who are looking for a more upscale and relaxed lifestyle.
Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo is a laid-back beach town with a more traditional Mexican feel than Puerto Vallarta. It’s a popular destination for families and retirees.
This quaint fishing village offers affordable living costs and a variety of beaches to choose from, as well as a lively downtown area with restaurants, bars, and shops.
However, Zihuatanejo may not be for everyone, as it is more isolated than other places on this list and is less developed in terms of healthcare, infrastructure, and expat amenities. Besides, it can be humid and hot during the summer months in Zihuatanejo.
Mazatlán
Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, Mazatlán is the largest town on this list, with a population of over 500,000 people and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than the other places.
Mazatlán is most famous for its iconic beachfront Malecón (promenade), which is the third largest beachfront promenade in the world by size and international importance. The Malecón is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, unique statues and monuments, and a variety of activities to enjoy, such as walking, biking, fishing, and dining at one of the many street food vendors, restaurants or bars.
Mazatlán is also known for its Carnival, which is one of the largest and most popular carnivals in Mexico, and rivals the festivities of Rio and New Orleans. The Carnival takes place every year in February and features elaborate costumes, parades, music, and cultural events. Mazatlán’s Carnival is a must-see experience.
In addition to its beaches and Carnival, Mazatlán has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike:
- Explore the historic center of Mazatlán, with its colonial buildings, museums, and churches.
- Visit the Mazatlán Aquarium, one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Mexico.
- Take a day trip to Stone Island, a beautiful island located just off the coast of Mazatlán.
- Enjoy the many beaches in Mazatlán, including Playa Norte, Playa Olas Altas, and Playa Cerritos.
- Visit the El Faro lighthouse, which offers stunning views of Mazatlán and the Pacific Ocean.
- Visit the Mercado Municipal, a large indoor market where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and other goods.
Apart from its tourist attractions, Mazatlán also offers an affordable cost of living. Real estate prices are generally reasonable, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle down or invest in property. Daily expenses are moderate, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
Before moving to Mazatlán, it’s important to consider that it is a busy and noisy city, particularly during the high season and Carnival, when tourists flock to the area and traffic can get congested.
Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, as it is located in the Gulf of Mexico, which is known for its warm, clear waters. Manzanillo is also home to a number of protected areas, including the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and the Osa Conservation Area. These areas offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Manzanillo is a good option for retirees and remote workers who are looking for a more affordable and less touristy destination. It offers some of the most affordable beachfront properties in the region.
However, it’s important to know that Manzanillo is also a major port and a popular stop for cruise and cargo ships. As any port city Manzanillo has industrial areas, which can be a downside
Sayulita
Sayulita is a small beach town in Mexico with a bohemian vibe. It’s a popular destination for surfers and backpackers, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular with retirees and remote workers.
The community in Sayulita is tight-knit and welcoming, making it a great place to make new friends. The town is also relatively affordable, although prices have been increasing in recent years due to its growing popularity.
Sayulita is a great choice for retirees and remote workers who are looking for a lively and eclectic lifestyle. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to choose from, as well as a variety of activities and events to enjoy.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a surfer’s paradise with renowned surf breaks, pristine beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a tranquil and authentic Mexican experience away from the crowds.
Puerto Escondido is still relatively affordable compared to other popular retirement and remote work destinations in Mexico.
Some of the beaches in Puerto Escondido have strong currents, so it’s important to be aware of the risks if you’re planning on swimming or surfing.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is the most luxurious and exclusive destination on this list.
Los Cabos is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, including the One&Only Palmilla, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, and the Esperanza Resort. These resorts offer guests a variety of amenities, including private beaches, infinity pools, gourmet restaurants, and world-class spas.
Los Cabos is a golfer’s paradise, with over 20 world-class golf courses to choose from. These courses offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains.
Los Cabos is a popular destination for celebrities from all over the world. George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt are just a few of the celebrities who have been spotted in Los Cabos.
Before moving to Los Cabos, it’s important to consider that it is also the most expensive place to live on the list.
As you explore the diverse destinations within Mexico’s Pacific, consider your priorities and budget carefully when choosing between these unique and appealing cities. With warm climates, friendly locals, and breathtaking scenery, the Pacifico region beckons as an idyllic setting for your next chapter of life or remote work adventure.
If you’re ready to learn more about how to make your dream of relocating to Mexico’s Pacific a reality, book a personal consultation with me today. I’m here to help you navigate the process, identify the best destination for your needs, and make the transition as smooth as possible.
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