What would my neighbors be like in Puerto Vallarta?

What your neighbors would be like in Puerto Vallarta depends on where you live. There are some neighborhoods inhabited by mostly foreign residents —most often, US and Canadian. Some are more heavily US and some are more heavily Canadian.  There are also many neighborhoods that are primarily Mexican.  And there are also neighborhoods that are totally mixed. Of course there’s a smattering of folks from other parts of the world too—Europe, Asia, South America,...

What your neighbors would be like in Puerto Vallarta depends on where you live. There are some neighborhoods inhabited by mostly foreign residents —most often, US and Canadian. Some are more heavily US and some are more heavily Canadian.  There are also many neighborhoods that are primarily Mexican.  And there are also neighborhoods that are totally mixed. Of course there’s a smattering of folks from other parts of the world too—Europe, Asia, South America, Africa—it’s an interesting place to live and that there is considerable diversity here. 

 

Comparing Puerto Vallarta to New York City, New York City is largely vertical; there’s high-rise after high-rise. Puerto Vallarta is a lot more horizontal. Of course, we do have some high rises, particularly in areas near beach and more tourist oriented places.  But if you get away from that, either up in the hills or in the flatlands off the beach, it’s more horizontal.  So you’re looking at more single family homes and the occasional multi-family home.  As a result, Puerto Vallarta is less congested; there’s not as much population density.

 

It is sometimes suggested that people from New York are rude and I might be biased, having live there for 22 year.  I think New Yorkers are GREAT!  But Puerto Vallarta, it’s going to seem friendlier. I believe Puerto Vallarta was voted the friendliest city in the world maybe 3 or 4 years ago and I’m sure that still stands to large extent.  Mexico in general is a super friendly place where friendship and good will are paramount.  

 

(In 1963 Robby Krieger, The Door's guitarist taught himself flamenco guitar while on holiday, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico , pictured.)

Most of your neighbors in Puerto Vallarta would be nice. However, just like anywhere in the world, there are some places in Puerto Vallarta where you wouldn’t like to be, but those kinds of places in Puerto Vallarta are very small or very far from the city. I’ve never heard of an expat complaining about being uncomfortable with their neighbors or their neighbors being mean to them. 

 

For example, my colleague Michael, who is from Chicago,...

Most of your neighbors in Puerto Vallarta would be nice. However, just like anywhere in the world, there are some places in Puerto Vallarta where you wouldn’t like to be, but those kinds of places in Puerto Vallarta are very small or very far from the city. I’ve never heard of an expat complaining about being uncomfortable with their neighbors or their neighbors being mean to them. 

 

For example, my colleague Michael, who is from Chicago, lives in the same neighborhood that I live in and has never had any problem with it. I’ve never heard any complaints about their neighbors from the people I know and the clients that we have. If you move to Puerto Vallarta, your neighbors will be the last thing that you would be worried about.

 

  

 

(Michael Keller expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Best Places contributor, pictured.)