So, the big question is always about the cartel presence in Puerto Vallarta or surrounding areas.

Yes, the cartel is present here and everywhere around the world.

However, Puerto Vallarta is one of the cities with the lowest crime rates in Mexico.

Tourists are safe anywhere in Mexico, as long as you do not look for trouble. There are some cities that are more dangerous than others, just like any other country in the world.

If you live a decent life you have nothing to worry about. The majority of shootings and kidnappings are related to drug dealing.

You can live in a 60 million dollar villa and drive a fancy luxury sports car and you don’t need body guards. The gated residential communities and/or resorts have un-armed security guards. These security guards don’t even have pepper spray.

So, cartel presence in Puerto Vallarta is not something you have to worry about if you are not in that kind of business.

As a buyer what you should be worried about is crooked developers. Crooked developers work with corrupt politicians to build new condo developments without permits or with hidden defects.

The mayor of Bahia de Banderas ¨Mirtha Villalvazo¨, is wanted for committing fraud in the building permits department. Several officials are in prison as a result of these investigations.

The ex governor of Nayarit ¨Ney Gonzalez¨, is wanted for committing a big time fraud with real estate in the Bahia de Banderas area. As a result of these investigations many new condo developments were confiscated by the General attorney of Nayarit.

These are clear examples of why it is very important to have a professional realtor on your side and not just someone trying to make a sale.

Does the cartel presence in Puerto Vallarta, affect the real estate market or the tourism industry?

It does not, the real estate market is booming with lack of inventory. Pre-construction with two years for delivery is the norm. Most properties are rented up to three years in advance.

Puerto Vallarta is the city that most people come back to every year. ¨The friendliest city in the world¨. 

Puerto Vallarta receives an average of seven million tourists per year. More and more resorts are being built as well. Montage and Rosewood are coming in the next couple of years. One and Only Mandarina, Imanta, St. Regis, Four Seasons, Conrad, W are only some of the most popular in the north side of the bay.

Our saying in Mexico is, ¨ A Mexican is born anywhere in the world¨. 

Every year more and more tourists decide to reside in Puerto Vallarta or surrounding areas. People from United States, Canada, Europe and South America are making Mexico, their home away from home.

Please contact us with your questions, comments, fears, doubts and/or suggestions.