Bucerias
Bucerias, Nayarit, has been a favorite for homeowners for many years, especially when Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, started getting a little too big for some and people started heading north. Real estate development has caught up here as well, with a number of large developments, primarily for condos or townhouses, are now situated in or around Bucerias.
It is unfortunate that Bucerias has been divided, twice over, by Highway #200 which runs right through it, and also a dry river bed (at least for most of the year), that also serves a a road during the dry season. But this hasn't stopped Bucerias from becoming one of the bay's favorite towns for Americans and Canadians, who usually purchase real estate on the oceanside of the highway, where most of the action–restaurants, shops, and bars–takes place.
Bucerias has plenty of character and reflects the strong culture of Mexico. If it's Mexico you are looking for, you'll find it here more so than in neighboring Flamingos or the North Shore. The area has strong markets for both homes and condominiums for sale on the beach, hillside and in the towns. Bucerias homes tend to be older, featuring classic Mexican architecture, with some impressive homes along the beach.
While it may be easy to take laid-back Bucerias in Riviera Nayarit for granted, the number of similarities between this small oceanfront town and Puerto Vallarta—when it was a smaller city, that is—are definitely worth keeping in mind: great restaurants, a thriving live music scene, an art walk, residential and commercial areas, are just a few of them. Other amenities include shopping centers and supermarkets that round off Puerto Vallarta-like city life without its hustle and bustle.
Considered one of Riviera Nayarit's most visited destinations, Bucerias is ideal for anybody looking for a relaxing getaway, whether you are spending a day or a weekend in town, or for extended stays.
The town of Bucerias is located between Nuevo Vallarta/Flamingos, on the south, and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle right after it, and follows the coastline along a narrow stretch of land, with two distinct neighborhoods divided by a small stream of water that increases in strength during the rain season.
The highlight of the southern section is Lázaro Cárdenas street, featuring a number of restaurants, shops and art galleries along a six- or seven-block stretch. Most of the surrounding streets are residential, with a few b&b's and bungalows thrown in the mix.
The northern part of town can be accessed from the highway along its main street and features Bucerias' church and beachfront main plaza, a great place for people watching, particularly on Sunday afternoons. Many traditional Mexican shops and eateries can be found in its vicinity, including an outdoor market.
A pedestrian bridge connects both neighborhoods, making it easy to walk from one to the other. However, they are only connected for vehicular traffic along the highway.
Bucerias real estate options, until recently has to be older, featuring classic Mexican properties, with some impressive homes along the beach. But increasingly, and at a rapid rate, new, boutique condominiums projects have been built along the beach and further inland on the hillside. The newest projects have taken over the larger estate lots on the beach providing easy oceanfront access and great views. Real Estate is moderately priced, unless you are right on the beach and then it becomes more expensive.
Beachfront
Traditional Bucerias homes, both on the beach and behind it, although many being torn down for condominium projects. Mix of both local and tourism real estate. Low to medium-high pricing.
Second largest town in the bay after Puerto Vallarta, fronting the longest beach in the bay with quite a large community behind. Plenty of shops, restaurants and amenities.
This is more traditional Mexico living, offering tourism real estate opportunities along the beach with a lively Mexican community behind it.