The name comes from its history of homes built for foreigners, who began coming to Puerto Vallarta in the early ‘50s. During the following decade, when Hollywood arrived for “The Night of the Iguana,” the area received another infusion of foreign residents. This very Mexican neighborhood continues to be popular with the foreign community today.
In the following table of pros and cons, a comparison is presented for the prospective buyer.
PROS
Within walking distance of downtown galleries, restaurants and shopping
Accessible home prices
Mexican-style construction
Mexican neighborhood
Views of mountains, bay and city at night
Friendly area with parties at night
Artsy neighborhood
CONS
Limited parking
Old construction of some homes
Area poorly lit at night
Noise
Lots of stairs
Parties at night
Can be very folksy
Perhaps the biggest draw for the area is the view, both toward the mountains and the sea. Evening breezes cool the pleasant porches, decks and balconies, most built facing south, west or southwest, with palapas for shade. One of the major pluses is the view of the city lights at night, making the area feel like part of the city rather than separate from it.
However, since it’s a residential neighborhood, there are activities, such as the ringing of the church bells and water truck bells, the haunting whistle of the knife sharpeners, children playing in the street, dogs barking, roosters crowing and music playing, that may take some getting used to for new residents.
Probably the major consideration in choosing Gringo Gulch is whether you want to have a vehicle. Many homes have no parking, which is also hard to find on many of the streets. The lanes are not only rambling, but also paved with irregular cobblestones that can make walking difficult even in the daytime. Lighting at night can be random, as well.
Two well-known Mexican architects, Marco Aldaco and Manuel Mestre, known for their celebration of natural elements, have built and remodeled numerous houses in Gringo Gulch. Their embracing style contrasts with the comfortable, homey constructions of Guillermo Wulff, who built many of the area’s homes in the ‘60s and ‘70s, as well as the set for “The Night of the Iguana.”
Homes are primarily constructed of traditional adobe bricks, but many of the original homes have been reinforced with modern materials. Only a few of the newest homes are built of concrete blocks. The use of wooden vigas, long cushioned benches and tile and brickwork is common. Natural earth-tone floors are usually of tejas, the broad Mexican tiles with a glossy or matte finish. Colors abound in the use of fabrics, whether blankets, rugs, spreads, upholstering, or even tile work.
Many of the homes have been sold over the years, with prices for fixer-uppers ranging from $150,000 to $275,000, while new or completely remodeled homes begin at $350,000. The land value, with smaller lots facing the river with a view, runs at about $60 - $80 USD per square foot, with the average lot size about 3,000 sq. ft. The title to the property allows land-use rights to residents, even while they can own the construction, governed by a special clause, ”Legal Fundus in Emphyteutic Census.”
Since there are many rentals of homes, bungalows and villas available in Gringo Gulch, prospective buyers might consider renting for a season to see how this colorful neighborhood with its romantic history fits their lifestyle.
