7 Best Puerto Vallarta Neighborhoods

Puerto Vallarta is a beach destination in Jalisco, Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta is renowned for beaches, water activities, and festive nightlife. Beyond the activities and tourist destinations in Puerto Vallarta are the culture-rich ambient and palatable cuisines. Puerto Vallarta, amidst Banderas Bay, is known for its beaches with fine sand, excellent weather, and palatable cuisines. The characteristics of Puerto Vallarta have made way for one of the most popular beach real estate markets, particularly in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta offers an array of neighborhoods to live in and visit. Each Puerto Vallarta neighborhood is unique and offers different experiences from each other. Moreover, Puerto Vallarta caters to different interests, ensuring alternatives and options are available for tourists and visitors. There are various activities in each Puerto Vallarta neighborhood. For example, a free walking tour in El Centro is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the Centro neighborhood. El Centro is great for celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day or watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. In Zona Romantica, locals and tourists alike are drawn to the famed Los Muertos Beach wide, curved pier, illuminated at night. The other event held in Lazaro Cardenas Park in the winter and spring is the Olas Altas Farmer’s Market. Things to do in Zona Romantica include visiting Restaurant Row to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Basilio Badillo, known as Restaurant Row, is known in Zona Romantica to offer delicious Mexican flavors. Going to the mile-long Malecon Boardwalk is another activity to do in Zona Romantica. While in Zona Hotelera, water sports like jet skiing and parasailing are famous. Resorts found in Marina Vallarta include Mayan Palace and Velas Vallarta Suites Resort. Activities and sights in Conchas Chinas include beaches and dining. The 5 de Diciembre neighborhood houses many public galleries as well. And lastly, Puerto Vallarta South Zone offers visitors the breathtaking cliffside and panoramic views of the magnificent Pacific shoreline contrasting against the beautiful Sierra Madre mountains as the roadway approaches Conchas Chinas in tight curves. However, proximity to the beach is typical in all the neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta.

Listed below are the popular neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta.

• El Centro: El Centro is the heart of Puerto Vallarta. El Centro, most referred to as Centro or Downtown, is located in the Mexican state of Jalisco in the historic district of Puerto Vallarta. The neighborhood, located south of 5 de Diciembre and north of Zona Romantica and the Cuale River, is characterized by many stores, art galleries, dining establishments, cafés, and bars. A free walking tour is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the Centro neighborhood.
• Zona Hotelera: Zona Hotelera, known as the hotel zone in Puerto Vallarta, is filled with hotels and condos, there are shopping malls like Gallerias Vallarta to shop for international brands. Zona Hotera or Hotel zone is filled with American chain restaurants and movie theaters. Relax on the beach and be surprised by an ice cream vendor walking near the shore. Everyone will enjoy water sports like riding jet skis and parasailing.
• Zona Romantica: Zona Romantica is known as the Old Vallarta or Old Town. Zona Romantica, situated in the southern section of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown, is a hip neighborhood with numerous international restaurants and pubs that cater to LGBT and ex-pat crowds. Many of the city’s best restaurants, excellent cultural opportunities, activities, and the most popular beach in the city, the Playa Los Muertos, are found in Zona Romantica.

The most visited neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta is Zona Romantica or the Romantic Zone, sometimes referred to as the Old Town, Old Vallarta, Colonia Zapata, and Viejo Vallarta, to name a few. Zona Romantica is a neighborhood home to international restaurants such as De Cantaro, La Dolce Vita Zona Romantica, and Di Vino Dante. Zona Romantica neighborhood is situated in the southern section of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown. People visit the neighborhood because of Puerto Vallarta Attraction and Top Sights. Zona Romantica’s personality is defined by the union of a genuine Mexican town with top-notch amenities comparable to the ones found in resort areas. The walkways of the picturesque area are dotted with historic Mexican apartment buildings and opulent contemporary constructions. Aside from having the best food, Zona Romantica has the best hotels and lodging, for instance, the Hotel Tropicana and Casa Dona Susana. Many of the city’s best restaurants, excellent cultural opportunities, activities, and the most popular beach in the city, the Playa Los Muertos, are found in Zona Romantica. The famed Los Muertos Beach’s wide, curved pier, illuminated at night, attracts locals and tourists alike. The neighborhood has eateries, shops, spas, live theaters, nightclubs, and other amenities. Old Town offers prospective buyers beachfront residences on the renowned Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta. Condominiums are a common type of real estate in Zona Romantica. Real estate in Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town is a highly sought-after alternative because of the area’s attractiveness, diversity of activities, and opportunity to enjoy urban, beachside life. However, other neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta, including El Centro, Zona Hotelera, Marina Vallarta, Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta South Zone, and 5 de Diciembre, offer distinctive experiences. Thus, Puerto Vallarta, in general, attracts tourists, investors, and real estate buyers seeking the best property to acquire while enjoying the view, food, and comfort offered by each neighborhood.   

The Malecon and the historic Zona Romantica, or the Romantic Zone, are the safest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is not only the most visited neighborhood but is the safest neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. The Malecon and the historic Zona Romantica are the safest neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta because many people visit the place most of the day. Thus, there is heightened security. However, some of Puerto Vallarta’s most hazardous streets are found further inland from the coastline. Although police patrol the tourist areas to increase safety, tourists must stay away from Puerto Vallarta’s more violent districts. LGBTQ residents benefit greatly from the Zona Romantica neighborhood and the addition of brides and couples. The Romantic Zone is thought to be the gay-friendliest neighborhood in all of Mexico. Zona Romantica is lined with restaurants selling authentic Mexican cuisine, vibrant LGBTQ bars, galleries of modern art, and boutique hotels on cobblestone lanes. The vibrant and culturally diverse Romantic Zone is another well-known feature. The safety of Zona Romantica is maintained by having police patrol the neighborhood. Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest tourist locations in all of Mexico. Thousands of visitors worldwide come to Puerto Vallarta annually to enjoy anything from family holidays to romantic getaways along the Banderas Bay shoreline.  Puerto Vallarta is safe. The safest location in Mexico for foreign visitors is Puerto Vallarta. Travel+ Leisure magazine frequently names Puerto Vallarta as one of the friendliest towns in the world. Puerto Vallarta Crime Rate is significantly low. According to Numbeo’s Level of Crime Index, Puerto Vallarta’s crime rate of 38/100 is considered low. Knowing that the local police enforcement is always moving to maintain city safety is comforting and reassuring about Puerto Vallarta’s safety. Standard precaution is encouraged among tourists and visitors to avoid getting involved in crimes such as theft and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Not flashing a lot of cash and not wearing expensive and attractive jewelry are encouraged.     

The neighborhood that has the best view in Puerto Vallarta is Conchas Chinas. Conchas Chinas offers the best view of the sunrise, the beach, and the city in general because the elevated neighborhood allows one to capture the view from above. Conchas Chinas is one of the most prominent neighborhoods in Banderas Bay, earning the moniker “Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta.” Residents take advantage of some of the most breathtaking views of Banderas Bay accessible in the area. Both immediate beach access and breathtaking hillside views are available in the Conchas Chinas neighborhood. Conchas Chinas is the ideal area for people looking for a quiet, affluent life. Just a short distance from the cultural attractions of Puerto Vallarta’s charming Old Town. Activities and sights in Conchas Chinas include beaches and dining. The rocky shoreline of Playa Conchas Chinas has carved out many secluded coves with crystal-clear water that seem to have been made just for personal delight. The busiest beach in Puerto Vallarta, Playa Los Muertos, lies next door but is quieter. Conchas Chinas offers many excellent restaurants, and Puerto Vallarta’s charming Old Town is only a short distance from art galleries, gourmet restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. 

Zona Hotelera offers the greatest number of places to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Zona Hotelera, or the Hotel Zone in Puerto Vallarta, as the name suggests, the neighborhood allows visitors to discover the most lodging options. Many condominiums and hotels are found near shore and are newer or at least relatively modern. Zona Hotelera is traversed by Francisco Medina Ascencio, Puerto Vallarta’s major thoroughfare. The neighborhood’s abundance of taxis pleases visitors who stay in Zona Hotelera. The city core is only a few minutes away by taxi or bus, as well as Uber, and is accessible by foot once coming from the south of the Marina. Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination with various lodging options, but the Hotel Zone is where one finds the most hotels. The location is accessible from the expansive Hotel Zone to popular tourist destinations in the immediate south, like Downtown and the Romantic Zone. Hotel Zone has five beaches that characterize the area. Playa de Oro, Playa Camarones, Playa las Glorias, Playa Tranquila, and Playa Los Tules are the beaches in Hotel Zone. Zona Hotelera is characterized by more beachfront hotels and resorts, ranging in price and facilities. Real estate in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone includes chic, opulent condo projects, and quaint, Mexican-style apartments. The region offers everything vacationers and locals look for in a resort location, including white-sand beaches, fine dining, upscale shopping, and spas. Additionally, Hotel Zone is home to Puerto Vallarta Hotels and Resorts[1] . Zona Hotelera has become the main destination for dining and entertainment in Puerto Vallarta. The Hotel Zone is a great region to consider if an investor, renter, or buyer is looking for a beachfront home with city advantages. Nonetheless, the neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta are safe to stay in. The various neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta each have a unique feel. While others love the thought of sipping cocktails at an infinity pool in the Hotel Zone or a private beach in the South Zone, travelers searching for a bustling region would enjoy the Romantic Zone.     

Yes, a visitor or tourist can rent a house in Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhood, be it local or foreign. Houses for rent in Puerto Vallarta have an average rental cost of over $1,000 or approximately 20,000 Mexican pesos a month. A visitor can rent an apartment in Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhood for $900 or around 18,000 Mexican pesos per month. Houses and apartments for rent in Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhood range vary between a minimum of $200 (around 4,000 Mexican pesos) and a maximum of $3,500 (around 70,000 Mexican pesos). Puerto Vallarta Homes for Rent [1] are marketed toward foreigners, increasing its value by nearly 100%. The rental and sale price of a property varies based on the area and location of the property. Houses for rent accessible to the top destinations in Puerto Vallarta cost more than houses located in the city’s secluded site. Visitors, especially foreigners, spend well above the average costs because of the prestige that the location entails, as well as for security, proximity to attractions, and services. Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhood offers great real estate deals not only for rentals but as well as for sales.  

Yes, a visitor or tourist can buy a house in Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhood, local or foreign. Buying a house for sale in Puerto Vallarta is straightforward in terms of legality. Partnering with the best real estate broker and real estate agent is helpful. The demand for houses with four bedrooms, three bedrooms, and two parking spaces is predominating the real estate business. Puerto Vallarta Home for Sale[1]  with three bedrooms and two bathrooms has an average price of $247,069. Compared to a house with two bedrooms and a bathroom, which costs an average of $253,707. Moreover, the average cost increases to $1,065,258 if the house is situated in a subdivision. While in development or other types of housing complexes, the cost decreases to $385,466. Note that all the digits presented are ballparks. Houses in the tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta have an average sale cost of $1,260,267. Of course, the house and lot size matter in the price of the house for sale. Houses with bigger square feet cost more than typical and smaller houses.

Properties and real estate for sale in Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods include houses, apartments and condos, office spaces, hotels, new residential developments, land/lots, villas, gated communities, golf courses, and beachfront properties. Properties and real estate for sale in Puerto Vallarta offer a wide array of options. Properties and real estate are available to purchase in Puerto Vallarta. Real estate in Puerto Vallarta offers a distinctive and diversified range of homes positioned in various neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Due to great demand, numerous new developments are currently being built throughout Banderas Bay. Excellent weather, miles of gorgeous beaches, and a seductive, laid-back atmosphere are all found in Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhood. Puerto Vallarta is a terrific area to vacation and invests in property and real estate because the neighborhood appeals to buyers looking for a second home near the beach. Golden sand beaches, pleasant weather all year round, and superb cuisine make Puerto Vallarta a widely sought-after vacation spot. Thus, the wide array of available properties and real estate options makes a good venture for Puerto Vallarta property and real estate investment. Owning a property and real estate in the Puerto Vallarta neighborhood is a great way to diversify an investor’s portfolio. Investing in Puerto Vallarta’s properties and real estate for sale gives an investor a solid nest-egg investment for the future.

Zona Hotelera, Zona Romantica, and Marina Vallarta are Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods with more real estate properties. Zona Hotelera’s real estate properties include chic, opulent condo projects, and quaint, Mexican-style apartments. Zona Hotelera’s real estate properties offer everything vacationers and locals look for in a resort location, including white-sand beaches, fine dining, upscale shopping, and spas. Additionally, Zona Hotelera real estate properties are the home of Puerto Vallarta’s largest resorts. Zona Hotelera is a great region to consider if an investor or buyer is looking for a beachfront home with city advantages. Zona Romantica is a neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta rich in real estate investment. Zona Romantica’s streets are dotted with opulent new developments and conventional Mexican-style apartments. Old Town offers prospective buyers beachfront residences on the renowned Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta. In Zona Romantica, condominiums are a common type of real estate. In reality, a recent boom in development has led to the construction of several new condominiums in Zona Romantica, several of which offer pre-construction rates. Marina Vallarta is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most upscale neighborhoods. The most luxurious villas and homes for sale in Puerto Vallarta are found in Marina Vallarta’s real estate selections. The Marina Vallarta Golf Club is surrounded by real estate. Marina Vallarta offers magnificent, roomy beachfront condos with hotel-style amenities. Condos in residential developments, as well as condos along the Marina boardwalk, are other choices.  

Conchas Chinas, Marina Vallarta, and Zona Romantica are Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhoods that are best for residential property. Conchas Chinas has residential, hotels, and resorts that are high value and luxurious. Conchas Chinas is best for a residential property because the neighborhood’s properties have ocean views and scenic scenery of the whole of Banderas Bay. Conchas Chinas is one of the best places to live and own a residential property in Puerto Vallarta because the neighborhood is exclusive. Living in Conchas Chinas is surrounded by luxury houses and condominiums in the hills. Conchas Chinas is located in the south-center of the city with easy access and borders the Sierra Madre. The residential and subdivisions in Conchas Chinas are equipped with all the services in the same place. For example, the residential subdivisions in Conchas Chinas have cafeterias, restaurants, shopping centers, supermarkets, and self-service stores. Marina Vallarta is another exclusive neighborhood that offers Residential Properties in Puerto Vallarta.  Marina Vallarta has a great tourist attraction and has residential areas and golf courses overlooking the Pacific beaches. Marina Vallarta is suitable for renters, buyers, or investors seeking exclusivity because the neighborhood is far from the city. Marina Vallarta is approximately 15 minutes by taxi or car if the destination is Romantic Zone. Restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, resorts, superstores, and handicraft stores are among the establishments that are found in Marina Vallarta if planning to buy a home in the neighborhood. Zona Romantica, known as the Old Town or the Old Vallarta, is one of the best places in Puerto Vallarta to live and visit. Zona Romantica offers a friendly and Bohemian feel. Zona Romantica is known for its number of restaurants, cafés, bars, and art galleries. Zona Romantica is best for a residential property because everything is conveniently located, and the neighborhood has easy access to places of interest, such as the Playa de Los Muertos. The neighborhood is an excellent option for families with children, newlyweds, older adults, and the LGBTQ community. Moreover, Zona Romantica offers job opportunities in the tourism and cultural activities sector. Hospitals, bus stops, beaches, and markets are accessible in Zona Romantica, making the neighborhood the best for a residential property.       

El Centro, or the Downtown, has the best commercial space for sale and lease. El Centro is the heart of Puerto Vallarta. El Centro, most referred to as Centro or Downtown, is located in the Mexican state of Jalisco in the historic district of Puerto Vallarta. El Centro has the best commercial spaces for sale and leases because the neighborhood draws many people to the Malecon boardwalk on the waterfront. Malecon boardwalk is well-liked for late-night strolls, bars, and nightclubs. El Centro is characterized by many stores, art galleries, dining establishments, cafés, and bars. Moreover, El Centro serves as the business center of Puerto Vallarta, considering the location and as the city center. Properties and real estate that are best for commercial and business are found within the neighborhood. Investors are eyeing commercial spaces to start or open a shop in El Centro. Being one of the most visited neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, El Centro attracts investors, renters, and buyers of commercial space.

The average real estate property price in Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods is within the popular range of $250,000-$1,500,000. Properties and real estate in Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods include houses, apartments and condos, office spaces, hotels, and new residential developments. Properties and real estate in Puerto Vallarta offer a wide array of options. Properties and real estate are available to purchase in Puerto Vallarta. Real estate in Puerto Vallarta offers a distinctive and diversified range of homes positioned in various neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Due to great demand, numerous new developments are currently being built throughout Banderas Bay. Prices are dependent on the type of property and real estate to purchase. Condominiums and apartments cost lesser compared to the cost of buying or renting a house in Puerto Vallarta. However, real estate properties in Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhood range from inexpensive to expensive, and the price range has to do with more than the size and location. The real estate property investment in Puerto Vallarta has appreciated over the years, implying that the average prices of real estate properties are continuously increasing. Real estate in Puerto Vallarta is going where the land and the nicer beaches are, and investors have been flocking to the neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta. In general, property values in Puerto Vallarta are climbing, and the real estate market is healthy.

The best months to visit and go to Puerto Vallarta are April through June because the weather is nice, and hotel prices are reasonable. Compared to the winter high season, during the season, the place is rather dry and has fewer visitors. Go to Puerto Vallarta from December to March if the goal is to go whale watching and enjoy the best weather, Puerto Vallarta has to offer. There are notable events that should not be missed, events in Puerto Vallarta. These events include the Historic Center Art Walk (October to May), Day of the Mexican Flag (February), Benito Juárez Day (March), Vallarta Pride (May), Mexican Independence Day, National Charro Day (September), Dia de Muertos, Festival Gourmet International, Feast of the Virgen de Guadalupe (November-December). The climate in Puerto Vallarta throughout the year is mostly tropical, delightful, sunny, and warm. The weather in Puerto Vallarta is a compliment to being a beach destination.      

Puerto Vallarta is a vacation destination renowned for breathtaking beaches, marine life, water activities, and neighborhood resorts. Puerto Vallarta has a lot of activities to offer. Puerto Vallarta Things to Do [1] include walking in the Malecon, soaking up the local culture, hiking, exploring Isla Cuale, and restaurant hopping. Malecon is a beachfront promenade stretching from El Centro to the Zona Romantica. Malecon let a tourist enjoy about a 1.5 km walk, which is a perfect place for a stroll. Artists selling paintings and other artworks are seen while walking in Malecon. Soaking up the local culture should be a bucket list when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta should be experienced not only the activities the place has but to experience the vibrant Mexican culture. A great way to start experiencing the culture is by visiting the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Moreover, enjoying a cruise ship ride and water activities are prominent in Puerto Vallarta. Additionally, hiking, walking tours, clubbing, restaurant hopping, shopping, and golfing are experienced in Puerto Vallarta as well.

Yes, there are different activities in each Puerto Vallarta neighborhood. For example, a free walking tour in El Centro is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the Centro neighborhood. El Centro is great for celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day or watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. El Centro is a great option if visiting Puerto Vallarta and looking for a hiking spot. El Centro offers a steep climb uphill but does not take long. The view from above is worth every drop of sweat. In Zona Romantica, locals and tourists alike are drawn to the famed Los Muertos Beach’s wide, curved pier, illuminated at night. The Olas Altas Farmer’s Market is held in Lazaro Cardenas Park in the winter and spring. Things to do in Zona Romantica include visiting Restaurant Row to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Basilio Badillo, known as Restaurant Row, is known in Zona Romantica to offer delicious Mexican flavors. Going to the mile-long Malecon Boardwalk is another activity to do in Zona Romantica. While in Zona Hotelera, water sports like jet skiing and parasailing are famous, including fishing, sailing, and boating. Resorts are found in Marina Vallarta, including the Mayan Palace and Velas Vallarta Suites Resort. Activities and sights in Conchas Chinas include beaches and dining. Many public galleries are found in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood. And lastly, Puerto Vallarta South Zone offers visitors the breathtaking cliffside and panoramic views of the magnificent Pacific shoreline contrasting against the beautiful Sierra Madre mountains as the roadway approaches Conchas Chinas in tight curves. However, proximity to the beach is typical in all the neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta.