85.9 F
Puerto Vallarta
HomeVallarta Living

Vallarta Living

Living in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

For many the thought of living in - or even near - a major tourist resort is about as appealing as a buying a condo in Disneyland. But here in Vallarta, the incredible natural beauty, combined with a small town atmosphere and the inherent warmth and friendliness of the local people, attracts foreign residents who enjoy the good life.

With a colorful blend of the old and the new, the Banderas Bay region offers an unrivaled combination of simple pleasures and sophisticated charms. Fine dining restaurants, art galleries, upscale shopping centers, internet cafes and nightclubs peacefully coexist alongside taco stands, street-side vendors and open air markets selling Mexican handcrafts, and strolling Mariachi bands.

But much of Puerto Vallarta’s magic is in the hearts of her people. Often described as “one big, happy family,” Vallartenses are known for their hospitality and for going out of their way to welcome foreign residents. And, since the Mexican people are extremely tolerant of different lifestyles, international residents and Mexican locals can live side-by-side in harmony – provided that the expatriate can learn to be creative and adaptable.

Puerto Vallarta is an unhurried refuge for people seeking more than just a beautiful beach. Those of us who choose to live here embrace the challenge of learning patience and understanding. Taking the time to “stop and smell the roses” along the road to becoming bicultural gives us the opportunity to grow – and to enjoy a more relaxed way of life.

• BELOW THE FOLD •

Fall For Your Dream Home in Mexico with CRATE Interiors

For North American investors, owning a vacation home in Mexico is a dream, but furnishing it from afar can be complex. CRATE Interiors offers a unique service that handles every detail on the ground. This done-for-you approach allows owners to effortlessly turn a property into a move-in ready home.

September 2025 News from PuRR Project Puerto Vallarta

Get all the latest news from PuRR Project, Puerto Vallarta's non-profit no-kill feline shelter, and learn how easy it is to 'virtually adopt' a PuRR kitty. If you're in town, come meet some of their adoptable kittens every weekend at the PetCo Adoption Center.

A Week of Celebration for Puerto Vallarta’s Seniors

Puerto Vallarta's seniors kicked off a week of celebration with a lively sports morning, organized by the DIF System. The festivities, filled with friendly competition, honor the city's older adults. The week will culminate with the Municipal Ambassador for Senior Citizens competition on Thursday, August 28th, at Teatro Vallarta.

Hector Armendariz’s Art Featured in Galleria Dante Buy Now Sale

Galleria Dante, Puerto Vallarta’s largest and most eclectic art gallery, is currently offering a Buy Now Sale on new works by acclaimed Mexican artist Hector Armendariz. Born in Chihuahua, Armendariz is recognized internationally for blending classical training with symbolic and mystic themes that capture the spirit of Mexico.

Grandparents’ Day in Mexico: Celebrating Wisdom and Love

Mexico celebrates Grandparents' Day every August 28, honoring the wisdom, love, and guidance that grandparents bring to their families. This special occasion offers a chance for families to gather and express gratitude for the invaluable role grandparents play in their lives and in society.

Puerto Vallarta Advances Equality and Safety with Barrios de Paz

Puerto Vallarta is making history in Jalisco by becoming the only municipality to fully participate in the Barrios de Paz (Neighborhoods of Peace) program, which promotes equality, safety, and violence-free communities. With programs for schools, public spaces, and men, the city sets a statewide example for a safer, more just future.

Smart Cooling: How ‘Dry Mode’ Can Save You Money

Tired of the heat and humidity? Learn how your air conditioner's 'dry mode' can make your home feel cooler and more comfortable while saving you money. Discover this often-overlooked feature and start enjoying a more efficient way to beat the summer heat.

Puerto Vallarta Heat and Humidity: When Relief Will Arrive

As summer stretches on, many residents and visitors find themselves asking the same question: When will the weather finally cool down? While the heat and humidity may feel unrelenting, the reality is that this climate pattern is normal for Puerto Vallarta. True relief usually doesn’t arrive until late November, around Thanksgiving.

Passion and Purpose at Cuale Spay and Neuter Clinic

In Part Two of my Cuale Spay and Neuter Clinic in Puerto Vallarta series, the focus is on the people behind it all. The volunteers. The ones who prep surgical tables, comfort groggy cats and dogs, translate for worried owners, and clean up everything at the end of the day.

Local Business Leader Pays It Forward with Free Book Giveaway

CRATE Interiors' president, Debra Stevenson, is giving away 20 copies of Alex Hormozi's new book, $100M Money Models. This giveaway is a special opportunity for entrepreneurs in the Banderas Bay area to learn from a renowned business expert. It's a way to accelerate the next wave of local success stories.