Archive for the ‘Buying Real Estate in Mexico’ Category

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Lake Chapala: Resort-Style Residential Project El Dorado

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Old world charm, modern amenities, stunning views and an incredible climate can all be found at El Dorado, a world-class, resort-style residential project. Nestled amongst the Sierra Madre Mountains and situated on the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, the El Dorado condominiums and villas offer a new standard of living and vacationing.

With its sunshine and rich culture, Mexico is the destination of choice for many Canadian and American vacationers as well as retirees looking for a relaxing and rewarding new lifestyle. Ajijic, located in close proximity to Lake Chapala, Jalisco, offers the very best of Mexican life, blending sophisticated style with natural beauty, vibrant culture with a peaceful atmosphere.

El Dorado project

At the El Dorado condos and villas, you can enjoy fresh breezes while overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Chapala or take advantage of fine dining opportunities, social events and entertainment. The El Dorado condos and villas offer charming, comfortable living spaces which provide optimal privacy and yet are located in close proximity to shopping malls, restaurants, a golf course and, of course, beautiful Lake Chapala.

Developed by Vita Development and presented by Go Mexico Way, a premier concierge company with specialized knowledge and experience in Mexico’s Lake Chapala region, El Dorado features some of Mexico’s most incredible investment opportunities. In order to assist potential investors with the process of purchasing real estate in Mexico, Go Mexico Way acts as an educator and organizer. In this capacity, Go Mexico Way offers comprehensive sales events which provide potential real estate purchasers with all the information they need to purchase property correctly and securely.

Go Mexico Way’s El Dorado sales events involve getaways to Lake Chapala for three days and two nights. Five-star, lakefront accommodation, daily meals and a guided tour of Lake Chapala and the town of Ajijic are just some of what is included in these getaways. While Go Mexico Way’s Lake Chapala getaways provide exciting vacations and an enticing taste of Mexico, they also provide an opportunity to experience Lake Chapala and all that the El Dorado condos and villas have to offer.

By attending an escorted Lake Chapala getaway prior to purchasing property in Mexico, potential homebuyers will be able to get a feel for the region and determine the exact location and type of home that is most suitable for their preferences and lifestyles. Also, as previously mentioned, Go Mexico Way educates potential purchasers so all decisions and transactions can be made confidently and correctly.

With the shimmering waters of Lake Chapala, world-class amenities and sophisticated accommodation, El Dorado is an oasis where you can revitalize your mind, spirit and body. By taking advantage of one of Go Mexico Way’s El Dorado sales events, you can see for yourself just how enchanting life on the shores of Lake Chapala can be.

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Discover Lake Chapala - Largest Freshwater Lake in Mexico

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Owning a second home is a dream that many people have, and many Canadians and Americans set their sights on Mexico when thinking of an ideal location for a vacation home. However, purchasing a second home on your own may not always be financially feasible. Also, many people who do own a vacation property often feel frustrated that they cannot spend enough time there to get their money’s worth out of the purchase. After all, covering the expense of a mortgage, taxes and maintenance for a home that is used only a few weeks of the year is not necessarily very logical. Fortunately, fractional ownership is becoming more prevalent and allows vacation home purchasers to get the very most out of their money and their second home.

Lake Chapala

Fractional ownership is basically partial ownership of property. However, it’s important not to confuse fractional ownership with time shares. While both options are commonly used with vacation homes and resort properties, time shares involve the purchase of a specific amount of time for use of a property and do not actually transfer any ownership in the property to you. In contrast, with fractional ownership you will enjoy full ownership of the subject property for a certain amount of time each year. For example, fractional ownership opportunities in Lake Chapala, Mexico offer purchasers full ownership of properties for one month periods.

Fractional ownership has several advantages over time share and regular full ownership. While fractional ownership allows you to have a vacation home to go to, you will not have to bear sole responsibility for the property and the expenses that come with it. However, at the same time, you will receive the deed to the property and will be able to sell or gift your share of the property however you choose. Not surprisingly, these characteristics make fractional ownership very attractive to many people considering the purchase of a second home.

For Canadians and Americans who wish to take advantage of fractional ownership to purchase a share of a vacation property in Mexico, there are many great opportunities to consider, particularly in Lake Chapala. Located just 40 minutes from Guadalajara, Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake and offers an unbeatable climate. With its serene location and its proximity to Guadalajara, Lake Chapala is an ideal location for retirees and vacationers. Best of all, with a Discover Lake Chapala vacation, you can familiarize yourself with the area prior to committing to a purchase of real estate.

Discover Lake Chapala vacations provide an excellent way for potential real estate purchasers to travel to Lake Chapala and spend some time in the region. By getting to know the area in this manner, potential purchasers can decide whether or not Lake Chapala is the right fit for them and, ultimately, can make a real estate purchase feeling more comfortable and confident with the decision. The developments which offer Discover Lake Chapala vacations also offer fractional ownership opportunities as well as an exchange program with other fractional properties around the world. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of owning a vacation property while still being able to enjoy the experience of traveling around the world.

With the many inherent advantages that come with fractional ownership and the excellent benefits provided by Discover Lake Chapala vacations and worldwide exchange programs, purchasing real estate in Mexico is a dream that many more Canadians and Americans will be able to turn into reality. For those who want to purchase a second home in Mexico but have been hesitating due to limited vacation time or financial reasons, now could be the time to consider fractional ownership and to discover Mexico’s beautiful Lake Chapala.

Photo Credit: SanGatiche

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Mexican Real Estate - Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

While there are several mistakes that Canadians and Americans commonly make with regards to purchasing Mexican real estate, one of the main mistakes involves believing that one has to choose between traveling and owning real estate. Many Canadians and Americans, particularly those who are retired or who are approaching retirement, believe that it’s a financially wiser decision to travel rather than to buy real estate, or that purchasing property in Mexico will tie them down. However, the fact is that the decision to buy Mexican real estate really does not need to be an either/or decision. On the contrary, it’s very possible for Canadians and Americans to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Mexican Real Estate

To begin with, it’s important to think of purchasing Mexican real estate as an investment rather than simply an expenditure of money. Many regions in Mexico, including beautiful oceanfront communities, currently offer real estate at very affordable prices and for excellent value. Places like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Lake Chapala, La Paz and Playa del Carmen have seen price reductions due to similar economic challenges that many American real estate markets are experiencing. Particularly in areas where development is ongoing, such properties can present excellent investment opportunities. As Mexico continues to grow in popularity as a vacation and retirement destination, the value of your property will appreciate so that you will actually make money in the long run. Not only that, in the meantime you will be able to enjoy your Mexican property and the enhanced lifestyle that it provides.

With respect to traveling, purchasing Mexican real estate does not need to put an end to those dreams. In fact, owning real estate in one area of Mexico gives you the opportunity to use your home as a base and explore the many different regions, villages and climates of Mexico. By finding a Mexican real estate market that offers great value, you will be able to spend less on property so you will have money left over for traveling. Moreover, by purchasing real estate in a development or at a resort which offers a homeowner exchange program, you will be able to maintain full ownership of your home or condo while also being able to exchange the use of your home for the use of one at another resort. As there are more than 140 resorts around the world that participate in such programs, your travel opportunities will be far from restricted.

In short, purchasing Mexican real estate does not need to limit your ability to travel and can even provide enhanced travel opportunities. You simply need to look at buying Mexican real estate as an investment opportunity and purchase property in a development that will allow you to make the most of your money while also providing you with the lifestyle and flexibility that you want and need. When you go about things the right way, it’s easy to own Mexican real estate as well as travel so you can enjoy the very best of both worlds.

Photo Credit: Fire Horse Leo

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Mexico Real Estate - Avoid Old Misconceptions.

Friday, October 30th, 2009

When buying Mexico real estate, education is vital. If you don’t familiarize yourself with the facts and realities associated with Mexico and its real estate opportunities, you’re likely to end up basing your decision on old misconceptions and outdated opinions of the misinformed. In fact, listening to old misconceptions is one of the top mistakes Canadians and Americans make when thinking about buying Mexico real estate, and it often causes a loss of excellent investment opportunities.

Mexico Real Estate

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about Mexico and Mexico real estate, particularly in relation to ownership laws, crime and the quality of local infrastructure. For example, many Canadians and Americans believe that Mexican roads are terrible to travel on and that gas stations are few and far between. However, the truth is that the majority of roads in Mexico are very good and that the number of gas stations is certainly more than adequate.

Other old misconceptions that prevent many Canadians and Americans from purchasing property in Mexico are that foreigners can’t own Mexico real estate and that Mexico is a dangerous, crime-ridden country. However, once again, some simple self-education will reveal just how misguided these perceptions are. To begin with, it simply isn’t true that foreigners aren’t able to own real estate in Mexico. Furthermore, the per capita crime rate in Mexico is actually significantly lower than it is in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

In addition to the lack of truth in the above misconceptions, potential buyers of Mexico real estate should also be aware that Mexico has a strong, growing economy and that the Mexican government has demonstrated a commitment to improving infrastructure with the construction of new highways and other projects. It’s also becoming easier for foreigners in Mexico to obtain title insurance and traditional mortgage financing.

Consequently, once you stop listening to the misinformed and learn the real facts, it’s not surprising that Mexico is considered one of the top retirement destinations in the world. With its amazing climate, gorgeous natural surroundings and affordable housing prices, Mexico is not only an excellent place to live, it’s also an excellent place to invest. So to ensure that you don’t miss out on an amazing investment opportunity, listen to the facts and avoid old misconceptions.

Photo Credit: Wonderlane

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Mexico Real Estate: How to Buy Property in the Right Place

Friday, October 16th, 2009

In recent years, Mexico has been a real estate hot spot for Canadians and Americans looking for retirement or vacation homes. After a visit to our sunny southern neighbour, many tourists are drawn not only by the good weather but by the culture and pace of life. Of course when we’re on vacation it’s easy to fall in love with a place. We wake up every day and get to enjoy whatever sights and activities suit our mood. There is little stress in life and as a result we can easily be convinced that buying vacation homes in Mexico is a great idea. And it is. Unfortunately, many investors fail to take the time to do the proper research. Buying property in a foreign country is different than buying at home. At home you’re familiar with the communities, amenities, facilities, and housing prices. You either know or can easily access an expert who knows which areas have peaked in prices and which areas offer a great long-term investment. So why, when shopping for homes in a foreign country like Mexico, are buyers willing to spend their savings seemingly at the drop of the hat? Whether you’re mesmerized by the appeal of a beach-side community or you incorrectly conclude that if everybody else is buying it must be a good deal, it’s easy to make mistakes when buying property in Mexico.

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First of all, you need to remember that as far as climate is concerned, Mexico offers different risks than most of the States and Canada. Indeed, in Canada, although the weather can be quite cold, destructive weather effects are quite rare. On the other hand, like you would expect in the Southern U.S., Mexico faces its share of inclement and dangerous weather. Hurricanes are of course the main topic of weather discussion and must be considered when purchasing property in Mexico. Mother Nature somehow manages to always have the last laugh. Imagine investing your retirement savings into a Mexico home that’s in a high risk hurricane zone and seeing it destroyed by the devastating effects of a hurricane. There is plenty of research available to help you choose a region of Mexico that is low risk for hurricanes and therefore a more sound investment for your future. Areas like the Baja Peninsula, the west coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Matamoros to Veracruz, and the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula including Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Cozumel are all high-risk hurricane zones. Granted, these are some of the most popular tourist regions in Mexico but investing in real estate here can certainly present interesting challenges. For the security of your family and your investment it is much more advisable to consider low risk hurricane zones like Villahermosa, Acapulco, or Baja North. If you’ve got your heart set on coastal property, your safest investments will be between Acapulco and Huatulco or the region east of Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico. Typically speaking, the west coast of Mexico, with Pacific Ocean beaches, tend to be low to medium risk hurricane regions while the east coast with Gulf of Mexico beaches sees more tumultuous weather.

Once you feel confident that hurricanes are not a major issue, you can consider what kind of property suits you best. Many visitors to Mexico stop in regions like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen and are drawn to the fact that these areas are well-developed, offer excellent amenities, and a wealth of properties to view. On the other hand, being the most well-developed tourist regions in Mexico makes property in these regions among the most expensive in Mexico as well. Moreover, the influx in tourism every winter means that infrastructure is taxed as you’re inundated with people from 4-6 months out of the year. For some people looking to buy in Mexico, this may be exactly what you want. Providing you have the funds, you’re welcome to shop for homes in regions that have the most restaurants, shops, and tourist facilities. However, many people looking to invest in Mexican real estate want to get a better deal. Likewise, some of you would be drawn to a more relaxed environment where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. All the bells and whistles of a big Mexican resort town do nothing to pique your interest. As such, you should consider regions where the tourist boom is just beginning. The towns are friendlier, are more representative of Mexican culture, and provide greater long-term investments.

Perhaps the most important step in your search for Mexican real estate is finding a great representative. A real estate agent with a track record of success will likely have a wealth of knowledge about communities in Mexico and where you will find the biggest bang for your buck. Do the research first and you’ll almost certainly find a home that you can enjoy in Mexico for years to come.

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Tulum Real Estate

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Mexico certainly has no shortage of seaside resorts but Tulum, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is renowned internationally as one of the finest sites for investigating Mayan ruins. Historically, Tulum likely served as a central defense post for the Mayans and the city today boast remnants of an ancient protective wall that once surrounded it. It is believed that the city was originally called Zama but renamed in recent times after the Mayan word for “wall.” As it sat at the intersection of major land and sea trade routes, Tulum was once a thriving civilization that today stands as one of the best remaining examples of fortified Mayan cities and is home to a host of ruins and artifacts. With various temples, fortresses, and buildings to explore it is no wonder that Tulum attracts tourists from around the world.

Tulum Mexico Real Estate

In addition to the historical significance of the region, Tulum benefits from its location on the Mayan Riviera. Just 80 miles south of Cancun, tour buses have been regularly delivering visitors for day trips to the ruins for years. Yet recently, the city is beginning to build a name for itself in its own right. Development in Tulum was initially spurred by the popularity of the archaeological site but the town and hotel district are expanding such that the city is highly respected beyond its link to Mayan cultures. The warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean meet long stretches of silky white sand and the kinds of ocean adventures associated with Mexican resort towns are on hand. From snorkeling, diving, and parasailing to swimming and kayaking, the welcoming Caribbean Sea awaits you in Tulum. Beyond the coastal attractions throughout the area, you’ll also have the jungles to explore. Fresh water cenotes which connect to underground water ways can be toured for a one-of-a-kind diving experience. Combining these splendid historical artifacts and buildings with the natural beauty that travelers identify with the Mexican Caribbean, Tulum has quickly become a favorite destination for visitors to Mexico.

Finally, as the tourism industry in Tulum has continued to expand, business and infrastructure developments have followed. The city center offers a range of culinary delights, unique markets and shops, and hotels while maintaining a charming small-town feel that is highlighted by its friendly and welcoming citizens. It seems almost shocking that a town which is home to some of the best and most visited Mayan ruins in Mexico as well as a thriving tourist industry has managed to stay so quaint. Nevertheless, in Tulum you’ll find the amenities and activities offered by big name resort towns like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta as well as a vibrant and thriving Mexican culture that holds strongly to its roots.

In recent years, Tulum has become the target of much real estate investment. Hotels, condos, and other housing developments have made their mark and yet Tulum continues along much as it has always been. Because it is a much smaller city which only recently gained attention as a beautiful tourist destination, home buyers can still find some great deals in the area. Retirees and expatriates or even those shopping for a vacation home will certainly be attracted to Tulum’s stunning landscapes and marvelous ruins but also to the relatively inexpensive properties that can be found. Tulum might even be described as one of the best places in Mexico to get a bargain vacation home without sacrificing the beaches, activities, and amenities that have become synonymous with Caribbean coastal resort destinations. Plus, as the region continues to gain more recognition world wide as one of Mexico’s premier tourist spots, home owners can expect to see a very quick return on investment. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a place to retire in peace, Tulum certainly warrants your attention.

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Golf comes to La Paz

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Golf as a sport has grown in popularity considerably over the past few years. Retired professionals like Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Gary Player have managed to build successful careers designing golf courses that complement resorts and vacation homes around the world. La Paz is a Mexican resort town in Baja that has managed to create a quaint and friendly vacation community without compromising the more authentic aspects of Mexican living. It is a vibrant seaside location that offers a range of activities and amenities to attract tourism such as diving, snorkelling, and kayaking. Meanwhile, La Paz holds rank as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Mexico to live making it particularly interesting to expatriate communities. Now, with the introduction of a world-class 18-hole golf course in La Paz vacation and retirement properties throughout the region became even more desirable.

Mexico Golf Real Estate

Paraiso Del Mar is the first golf course to be developed in La Paz and constitutes only a small portion of a 1700-acre golf resort and residential development plan. Located on a peninsula flanked by the Sea of Cortez and the Bay of La Paz, Paraiso Del Mar was designed by Arthur Hills and Brian Yoder to take full advantage of the sandy, untouched natural beauty of the peninsula. By focusing on environmentally conscious development, Hills and Yoder have managed to create a course of the highest possible standard that relies on natural topography and geography to exemplify an outstanding golf experience. Moreover, the architects of the course attempted to be truly innovative in their design. Firstly, the course features Seashore Paspalum grass which requires less watering than standard golf-course grass making it much more sustainable. In addition, this course has absolutely no rough. Instead, the fairways are bordered by sandy banks serving as a reminder of La Paz’s unspoiled natural backdrop. The details of this course are proof of the designers respect for the lay of the land. Little was done to artificially mould the landscape and golfers will experience this fact first hand. The rolling hills of the course present challenges to even top golf professionals as even tee-boxes are influenced by the natural topography. Paraiso Del Mar therefore stands not only as the first golf course in La Paz but also as a model of the world’s great courses.

While La Paz has much to offer in regards to real estate developments for vacationers or retirees, the development of golf courses is sure to make the region more attractive. For many North Americans, golf and vacations are synonymous and resort destinations are clued into this fact. As more and more tourists are looking for premier golf vacations, the popularity of golf resorts has skyrocketed. La Paz is therefore ideally situated to draw home buyers. As far as real estate investment is concerned, few Mexican cities can compete with what’s on offer in La Paz. Of course we expect to find warm and sunny weather year round, pristine beaches bounded by clean, cool waters, and the vivacious Mexican cultural identity, but La Paz offers more than our expectations.

Since La Paz has been identified as an exceptional resort community, real estate and infrastructure developments have been thrown into high gear. Nevertheless, the true beauty of La Paz is always on display. In fact, it is perhaps the rugged and untouched natural surroundings that have put La Paz on the resort map. Vacationers the world over descend on La Paz for access to the hundreds of islands in the Bay of La Paz, to enjoy some of the world’s greatest snorkelling and diving, and to breath in the sights and sounds of a city that embraces it’s cultural heritage. Combine the fact that La Paz is emerging as a tourist center while maintaining a strong link to its roots and you can see why La Paz is ideal for investment. With the spring opening of the Paraiso Del Mar Golf Resort, the future of La Paz as a vacation or retirement community seems solidified.

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La Paz Real Estate – Hotspot in Mexico

Friday, August 21st, 2009

The stunning seaside city of La Paz offers dry, warm and sunny year-round weather and the kinds of activities and amenities you would expect from a resort destination. With one of the highest standards of living in all of Mexico, La Paz has recently seen unprecedented growth leading to new real estate and infrastructure developments. The true beauty of La Paz is demonstrated by its position as the eco-tourism capital of Mexico. Easy access to the hundreds of islands off the south coast of the Bay of La Paz make it an ideal location for exploring marine environments and the many endemic species in the region. Moreover, water activities such as diving, snorkelling, and kayaking are among the best you’ll find in North America. Indeed, La Paz is a favourite location for water fanatics as the city boasts several marinas, boatyards, sailing tours, and more.

La Paz Real Etate

Still, La Paz is more than a beach community. Recent real estate developments such as Costa Baja Marina and Golf Resort are a testament to the growing popularity of this location not only for Mexican residents but expatriates as well. Between 1985 and 2007 the population of the region has swelled from 36,000 to more than a quarter of a million and yet still maintains itself as a pleasant and friendly city. As tourism continues to grow it may seem unbelievable that the area is still ecologically oriented and offers a cultural experience that many of the larger resort destinations have forgone. Nevertheless, amenities abound. From first-rate restaurants, pubs, and music to shopping and beach destinations, a visit to La Paz is eventful and entertaining.

La Paz Mexico

Perhaps the most attractive qualities of the region lie in the unspoiled natural surroundings. The city is serenely positioned along the Bay of La Paz and is surrounded by a backdrop of impressive mountains. Blue skies and warm temperatures are the standard in La Paz which is one of the reasons that so much investment has come to the city in recent years. Shopping for real estate in Mexico can be overwhelming as there are no limits to the number of beach destinations and resort developments. As such, many buyers are inclined to invest in the big market regions like Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen or Cancun simply due to familiarity. La Paz is a diamond in the rough. With a small community feel in addition to superior amenities and entertainment options, purchasing real estate in La Paz is a no brainer. Enjoy the sun, sand, and warm bay waters of La Paz and you’ll also find that you can escape the tourist throngs. While still a favourite destination of international tourists, La Paz has managed to maintain a level of anonymity that allows the city to remain quaint and friendly.

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Playa del Carmen - Centre of the Mayan Riviera

Monday, August 10th, 2009

The coastal city of Playa del Carmen is ideally situated on the Caribbean Sea approximately 70km south of Cancun. Boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and year round sunny weather it should come as no surprise that Playa del Carmen has become one of the premier tourist destinations in the country. Indeed, along with the beaches comes a wide variety of world class water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and parasailing. In addition, as this fine city served as a rest point for Mayans travelling to the island of Cozumel, the peninsula where Playa del Carmen is situated is a great spot for touring Mayan ruins. For example Tulum, the last Mayan outpost, is less than an hour from the city and is known for its collection of ruins. Clearly, there are a number of interesting attractions for the tourism industry.

Play del Carmen Beach

Originally a small fishing village, it wasn’t until later that tourism became a major player in Playa del Carmen. With the addition of a ferry to the island of Cozumel and access to world renowned scuba diving tourists began to notice the charm of the city. Because it’s much smaller than Cancun, Playa del Carmen was considered a great vacation alternative for tourists who wanted to escape the crowds. Moreover, there was no sacrifice to be made in choosing to visit this growing city as it is home to stunning beaches, lush surrounding jungles, and countless outdoor activities.

Play del Carmen Beach Bar

Most recently, Playa del Carmen has become a popular destination for cruises as well. As the geographical centre of the Mayan Riviera, the area has grown rapidly over the past few years. The development of Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, has given tourists and residents a plethora of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shopping to enhance their Playa del Carmen experience. In addition, residential developments make the city an ideal location for those looking for a great vacation or retirement home. The expatriate community is certainly beginning to assert itself here. More and more foreigners are descending on Playa del Carmen in part because of the striking natural surroundings but also because it is a more relaxed alternative to more established tourist regions. While still not on par with the size of the tourist industry in traditional Mexican destinations like Cancun and Acapulco, Playa del Carmen offers the amenities of these famous cities with a slightly more low-key atmosphere.

Playa del Carmen Fishing

The history and culture of this fine beach destination mark it as a must see for any travel enthusiast. However, this is more than just a spot for a quick stopover. Housing projects, including the development of high end condos and vacation homes, such as Paseo del Sol and El Faro by Cantex Realty make Playa del Carmen a great place for investing in property. Living in Playa del Carmen brings year round sunny weather and average temperatures of 25°C, soft, sandy beaches along the Caribbean coast, and top tier facilities you would expect from a premier tourist destination.

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Puerto Vallarta - “The Friendliest City in the World”

Monday, July 20th, 2009

As far as Mexican resort cities are concerned, few compare with the fame and beauty of Puerto Vallarta. Located on the Bahia de Banderas of the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta is blessed with a tropical climate, impressive beaches, and all the amenities one would require. For the most part, this region of Mexico relies on the tourism industry, with 50 per cent of economic activity derived from the industry. Indeed, North American and domestic tourists are attracted to the sun, sand, and relative safety of the area. During the peak tourist season from November to March, Puerto Vallarta is a bustling sea-side city which lives up to its name as “The Friendliest City in the World.”

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Since the 1960s, Puerto Vallarta has rapidly expanded as a major resort destination. With the Mexican government investing in infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and utilities, throughout the sixties and seventies, the city became easily accessible by air and ground. During this expansion, greater numbers of Mexicans descended upon the city to vacation. Seeing the possible influx of tourist dollars as a boon for the area, Puerto Vallarta was upgraded to the status of “city” in 1968 clearly marking the government’s intentions to develop the region as an international tourist destination.

Following early tourism trends, the late seventies and early eighties was marked by rapid expansion and development of luxury hotels. With a devalued peso, the city was a bargain for international tourists, especially from the United States. The mid-eighties as it were brought an obvious spike in tourism thereby stimulating further development.

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In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has also become a premier retirement spot for North American retirees. As more retirees are attracted to the city there has been a great deal of development with regards to condominiums in addition to hotels and rental apartments. Expatriate communities throughout the city are obviously drawn to the warm climate and friendly people as well as the opportunity to invest in beautiful properties. In addition, Puerto Vallarta offers safety and convenience much like we would expect from our home cities. While poverty has become an issue over the past 20 years, the city is still regarded as one of the safest destination in Mexico. Moreover, the rapid growth in tourism over the last two decades has allowed Puerto Vallarta to develop amenities such as art galleries, restaurants, and golf courses making it a versatile destination that transcends its beach vacation status.

Obviously, Puerto Vallarta is a great place to buy property because of the climate and geography. Whether people are searching for vacation homes or retirement property, the city has a wide range of appropriate accommodation so that home owners can relax and enjoy the comforts of Mexico. Moreover, the city is often overlooked as an interesting cultural destination. The colourful Mexican celebrations derived from its Spanish and indigenous history make Puerto Vallarta a vibrant city to behold throughout the year. It almost feels commonplace for the streets to be filled with parades, music, and dancing. There are also world-class amenities such as restaurants, art galleries, and symphonies to be enjoyed.

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Not surprisingly, as Puerto Vallarta has continued to grow as a city with regards to infrastructure and amenities, there have been several developments underway. Because it’s still a relatively small city, with a population well below 300,000, construction is not disruptive to the natural charm of the city. Tropicasa developments include condos and homes throughout the area. Most of these new sites are focused on sophistication and elegance making them ideal vacation or retirement homes.
Many of these homes or condos have spectacular views and offer the kind of convenience you would expect. Walking distance to the town or beaches, fully equipped luxury kitchens, and access to the tropical jungles that surround the city are only a few of the benefits buyers can derive from new developments. The new construction definitely appears to cater to those looking for luxury. No expense is spared from zoned air conditioning and spa bathrooms to marble floors and granite countertops. Whether you’re on the market for a condo or home and even regardless of your price range, luxury seems impossible to avoid because of the discerning tastes of previous buyers throughout the area. Rest assured, Tropicasa developments are state-of-the-art but they are also flexible when it comes to budgets.

Clearly, Puerto Vallarta has gained notoriety as a tourist favourite from year to year and recently has become a favourite spot for buyers of vacation and retirement homes. With a wide range of home comforts and beautiful beaches set against the backdrop of tropical jungles it is easily understood how Puerto Vallarta has evolved into a world-class resort destination.

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