Since leaving Costa Rica, I have been residing in the beach town of Bucerias, north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This quaint and charming beach town on the Pacific Coast was once popular among divers, searching for pearls found in oysters. Hence, its name Bucerias from the Spanish verb” buscar” (to search). The town has this Bohemian vibe, combining the best of Mexican culture with that of tourism, offering an opportunity to have a deeper connection to local life, natural beauty and amazing sunsets! I liked it so much that I decided to purchase a condo here for getaways during the winter months and as an investment. Here’s what convinced me to take a leap….

 But First a Bit of History

To better understand the beach town of Bucerias, I must start with the history of Puerto Vallarta which has become a major urban center and resort city in Mexic0. Back in the 17th century, Puerto Vallarta, known then as Las Pena, was a shipping port that gradually developed into a self-sustaining village. It also became known for its banana plantations which help grow its economy in the 18th century. By the 19th century, it was attracting the attention of vacationers due to its pristine beaches and landscapes. Eventually, thanks to the film “The Night of the Iguana” with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (peppered with their scandalous romance), it boosted tourism opportunities that have also led to the formation of many retirement and second home communities.

As Puerto Vallarta became more internationally known, other part of the region expanded such as the formation of Nuevo Vallarta (renamed Nuevo Nayarit), opening job opportunities that also grew the area’s population. Nuevo Nayarit is a more modern style resort area, a mix of hotels, condos, timeshares and marinas, whereas Puerto Vallarta is more traditional and older.

 Bucerias is next to Nuevo Nayarit (about 6 miles) and has historically been a small fishing village started in the 1900 known for its exports of tropical wood and pearl diving which hints at its name. Gradually, it has evolved into a popular tourist destination among tourists and expats who may prefer a more traditional, laid-back bohemian vibe than what is offered by Nuevo Nayarit. More on buying in Bucerias later…

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta

 I selected an Airbnb studio in the town of Bucerias where I had scheduled my appointment with a stem cell clinic to address my back pain. Based on what I read about the beach town, I found it to be interesting and possibly a place where I may want to consider buying. I have been tracking the condo market in New Jersey through Zillow and was finding it to be overly priced, more than I had originally expected. I also wasn’t sure upon my return to New Jersey next year where exactly I want to live. To my satisfaction, I also wanted to boycott investing in New Jersey while Trump remains president. For me, it became crystal clear that investing in Mexico would be both profitable and fun.

Once I settled in Bucerias my focus was to commit to the 3-day treatment process for the stem cell procedure for my back that required blood work, an MRI scan and consultation with the doctor and staff. The process was sophisticated and efficient with the actual procedure occurring on the third day with instructions to not to be too active for at least two weeks. The stem cells take several months to regenerate and it is only a 50/50 chance that it could work. At the present I have both good and bad days regarding the level of pain on my back which is no different from what I have been managing. Only time will tell.

After walking the town and researching the pro and cons of owning property in a foreign country, Mexico made sense to me. I really like Bucerias beach town’s bohemian vibe, wanting to be more immersed in Mexican culture. I’ve always had a sweet spot for Mexico, having vacationed here many times before deciding to spend the first six months of my yearlong travel in 2023-24 exploring Mexico’s charismatic cities. This experience has only deepened my affinity for Mexican culture, history and its people.

Buying into Bucerias

Walking the streets of Bucerias, there are two worlds that come together in this small town. The golden zone strip (two blocks) from the beach which is the most touristy part of the city. There are at least several thousand condos already built, along with another couple thousands under construction. Tourists are from all parts of the world roaming the beaches and the streets.   Then, there is the other side of Bucerias, where locals live along with expats and condo renters (locals also live in the golden zone). Crossing a major street on the third block from the beach divides both these communities, giving each their space while blending the local experience with international visitors.  This part of the town is also the commercial district area. In fact, the construction industry market has a strong presence in Bucerias in part due to the redevelopment of the Nuevo Nayarit region. Throughout this mixed income/working class neighborhood there are taco stands, cafes, boutiques, all kinds of vending stalls along with street-vendors that walk the streets and the beach. My place is near a school where you consistently see students in uniform walking with their backpacks in the early mornings and afternoons. It is laid back, slow pace, and as bohemian as it gets. Much of it is relatable, yet one is fully aware this is a foreign country. One other aspect about living in Bucerias is its proximity to so many other beach towns, including Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, San Pancho, Punta Mita and more.

Once I researched the area, it was time to contact a realtor to look at properties. Omar who was fluent in English (although, I can speak Spanish) arranged for me to view about 7 properties before deciding on a two bedroom/2-bathroom unit with a swimming pool and parking on the other side of Bucerias (3 blocks/ 12-minute walk from the beach). I found the golden zone a bit too touristy and pricey. Next step was to hire an attorney to begin the closing process with plans to close by early May. I am now officially moved in as of May 6th.

 Final Note and My Photos

I am super excited about Bucerias becoming a second home and place that I can enjoy and earn income while allowing me to continue to explore the world besides living in New Jersey. Plans are to complete furnishing the place (it is already 75% furnished) and getting it ready for renting before heading back to my yearlong travel to Central and South America. I plan to stay through June, as there is quite a bit of work to do. This is my second rodeo owning a summer home and renting it. I owned a condo for 22 years, in Lake George, Upstate NY that I enjoyed and rented. By July, if not sooner, I will have a dedicated web page with photos on my Blog for those who might want to check it out.

My photos are of “Everything Bucerias” trying my best to capture what I love about this bohemian town. Its coastline, streets, markets, culture and people.  As always, remember to click the center of the photo for a full view of each photograph.

If, by chance, you are interested in buying property in Mexico, click here for an article on what that process is like. You already know how to reach me for more details (Pura Vida).

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