People often ask me why I chose to leave behind my family, friends, and career to move to Puerto Vallarta. Many wonder how I plan to make a living without fluency in Spanish or financial security. Despite these questions, I remain focused on what truly matters to me and have faith that the answers to these concerns will reveal themselves in time. My love for Puerto Vallarta was immediate and undeniable from my initial visit in 2001. I am drawn to its charm, colonial architecture, and natural beauty – all of which ultimately led me to make the decision to move there. Here are a few reasons why I love Vallarta and why I made the big move there:
1. THE WEATHER – Located on the 105 degree east Prime Meridian and sharing the same latitude with Hawaii, Vallarta experiences a warm tropical climate throughout the year. During the Winter/Spring dry season, daytime temperatures can range from mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, while the humidity increases heading into the summer/rainy season, resulting in temperatures that can exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and make some days feel hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer also brings spectacular tropical downpours and lightning storms, with some raining so heavily that visibility is reduced to just two feet.
2. CLOSE PROXIMITY & WALKBILITY – During the initial two years of my stay in PV, owning a car was unnecessary due to the proximity of everything, including cafés, restaurants, the local produce market, neighborhood grocery store, retail stores, beach, boardwalk, and nightlife, which were all within walking distance. In case of a need to go to the big box supermarket or mall, a 10-20 minute bus ride sufficed. With the city experiencing growth, more entrepreneurs are opening up businesses in different neighborhoods, increasing convenience and value for tourists and inhabitants.
3. A CALMING ENVIRONMENT – Puerto Vallarta has an atmosphere that eases both the body and soul, which was a refreshing change from the tension-filled city life in Los Angeles. The hustle and bustle, high expenses, and prolonged commutes made everyone appear tense. In contrast, Vallarta is more tranquil, although it took some time to get used to the slower pace. Initially, I expected the same fast-moving LA life when I relocated to this small haven and struggled to adjust. It was only when I began to appreciate the unhurried lifestyle that I realized how much I had been missing in LA. Moving to this town meant leaving the grueling traffic, long commutes, and high expenses behind. I now enjoy my time better, take in the ocean and mountains’ view, breathe in fresh air, and see more happy faces around me.
4. MOTHER NATURE – Puerto Vallarta offers various opportunities to connect with nature. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Sierra Madre Mountains through activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and ATV tours. With over 60 miles of coastline, Banderas Bay boasts beautiful beaches from Punta de Mita to Cabo Corrientes, some of which require boat rides to access. From December to April, visitors can witness humpback whales and their calves breaching during whale watching tours, while year-round dolphin sightings and baby sea turtle hatchings are also awe-inspiring experiences. Other outdoor activities include snorkeling at Los Arcos, kayaking at Caballo Beach, surfing, wind sailing, fishing, and deep sea diving, or simply relaxing on the beach.
5. THE LOCALS – PV is often recognized as one of the most amiable cities in the world due to the affectionate nature of its local inhabitants. Both Mexican nationals and foreign residents throughout the city exhibit authentic hospitality towards visitors. The lifestyle that PV offers is exceedingly beloved by the locals. As a frequent tourist from Southern California, I made it a point to engage with both expats and nationals regarding their impressions of living in Puerto Vallarta. Every person I approached was willing to share their experiences and offer insights on transitioning to Vallarta. In PV, it is not unusual for a fellow shopper at a local retail store to initiate conversation with you; a phenomenon that is rare to encounter in the United States.
6. GASTRONOMY – Puerto Vallarta is not just known for its beaches, it also boasts some of Mexico’s best gastronomy. The city offers a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes as well as modern culinary cuisine with exotic flavors that will tantalize even the most discerning palate. You’ll find plenty of family-owned taco/street stands and restaurants throughout the town, some of which have been passed down through multiple generations, serving authentic Mexican dishes at reasonable prices. And if you’re a foodie searching for a unique and exceptional gourmet experience, Banderas Bay is home to a plethora of world-class restaurants, featuring everything from French, Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian cuisine, to an endless variety of international dishes.
7. AFFORDABILITY – Though not the reason why I fell in love with Puerto Vallarta, affordability happens to be one of its advantages, with lower costs for food, insurance, public transportation, entertainment, property tax, ocean view and beachfront homes (along with luxury options), healthcare, medicine, high-speed internet, and more.
Living in Mexico has significantly improved my quality of life, owing to the warm climate, friendly people, rich culture, natural beauty, and more. Beyond being grateful for the country’s numerous opportunities and incredible experiences, Mexico has provided me with a home where my loved ones can visit and feel welcome. I am pleased that I decided to relocate at the right time.
In case you are considering relocating to Puerto Vallarta, reach out to us at info@tanielchemsian.com and inform us of any assistance you may require to facilitate your significant move.
