Their beaches are broad and clean, refreshed by ocean breezes that come without fail. Services are more limited than those in Puerto Vallarta and, while the distance varies from 45 minutes to an hour, that’s much of the attraction for many investors and residents. Even though bargains might be discovered, it’s no longer the cheap land of a few years ago, and prices are bound to continue rising with the major project at Litibu.
PROs
Investment opportunities
Clean, broad beaches
Breezes off the Pacific Ocean are more dependable than on Banderas Bay
Beachfront still available
Flavor of each town is distinct
Adequate services, restaurants, bars
Friendly people
Receives decent national market from other areas
CONs
Distance from Vallarta
Limited social and cultural options
Limited educational opportunities for families
Tends to be more seasonal
Limited hours and times for doing business
Need for vehicle
• SAYULITA
Located just 35 minutes north of the airport in Vallarta and known the world over for great surfing, Sayulita imparts the flavor of California in the ‘60s with a Mexican touch. Still a fishing village, boats line the sloped sandy beaches during the day and can be seen along the horizon early in the morning. Service in the colorful restaurants is attentive, albeit at a more laid-back pace. Cyber cafés are now common, while lazy dogs still wander the streets. Several upscale resorts include Villa Amor and the hillside Haramara, a Zen yoga retreat. Investment options include La Colina de la Iguana, a low-density, high-quality complex of individual villas, bungalows and condos with a great view of the sea. Visit www.sayulitalife.com for more information.
• SAN FRANCISCO
The next town along the coast heading north is San Francisco, more commonly called San Pancho. Even the comfortable use of a nickname for this town gives a clue as to the flavor of its community, both foreign and native. It doesn’t attract the surfers, yet brags a long, wide beach that seems to stretch for miles on either side. Casual restaurants and bars provide service to visitors and residents all year-round. This town also boasts the first polo field in the area, serviced by aficionados from along the coast with beautiful, well-maintained stables and well-trained horses. Stop by on Saturdays during the season for the matches. Stay at the upgraded Costa Azul or any of the many bed & breakfast villas. Investment opportunities include Las Olas, a single-family, gated residential community on 25 beach lots. See www.sanpancho.com for more information.
• LO DE MARCOS
The fast-growing Lo de Marcos, north of San Francisco off the same highway, is another story of just a small fishing village cum tourist resort town. The pace is even more varied here, but investment opportunities abound in the purchase of single-family residences at reasonable prices. See www.lodemarcos.net for more information.
FARTHER NORTH
As you continue along the highway, several other towns are worth mentioning, particularly the busy Guayabitos. North beyond Guayabitos is Las Varas, where the highway heads toward the coast once again. This route will take you to the beautiful Matanchen Bay and on to San Blas. Get out and explore the north coast, check out the number of quiet beach towns for other corners unknown.
