Living in Puerto Vallarta as a digital nomad is a dream come true. This city boasts an international airport, plenty of coworking spaces and cafes, furnished apartments, an incredible food scene, and a lively nightlife. It’s one of the top destinations in Mexico for digital nomads.
Imagine waking up to the breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre mountains meeting the Bay of Banderas. The stunning scenery makes you feel like you’re living in a postcard. Puerto Vallarta (PV) is particularly ideal for those seeking a warm winter retreat.
When I first visited PV years ago, it was mainly a spot for tourists, snowbirds, and retirees. Back then, working online from Puerto Vallarta was almost unheard of. Fast forward to today, and the digital nomad community has flourished. Despite some growing pains, my experience as a digital nomad here has been nothing short of fantastic.
Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in Jalisco, has a population of about 225,000, which doubles when including the metro area. The city is nestled between the ocean and the mountains, with neighborhoods spreading up into the hills—be prepared for a workout if you live there, but think of all the street tacos you’ll burn off!
The city, known for attracting cruise ship passengers and members of the LGBTQ+ community, has also become a hotspot for digital nomads. It’s easily accessible with direct flights from many U.S. and Canadian cities and offers an exceptional quality of life.
Since my first visit in 2017, the nomad scene has exploded. Back then, it was rare to find anyone my age working remotely in PV, and coworking spaces were non-existent. By 2023, multiple coworking spaces have sprung up and many cafes and restaurants welcome nomads with laptops.
A very active Facebook group regularly organizes meetups, making it easy to find like-minded friends. Whether you’re into hiking, live music, or beach hanging, you’ll find your tribe here.
Puerto Vallarta combines the amenities of a big city without the headaches. Direct flights to the U.S. or Canada, major retailers like Costco, and cinemas showing the latest releases are all available. Traffic and construction can be an issue, but nowhere near as bad as in bigger cities like Mexico City.
In terms of safety, Puerto Vallarta is generally very secure for digital nomads. Common sense precautions, like not wandering around drunk late at night and keeping an eye on your belongings, apply here as they would in any city.
Neighborhoods in PV each have their charm. Versalles is now a nomad and foodie hub, with great coworking spaces and cafes. You’ll find amazing food and easy beach access here. The 5 de Diciembre (5D) neighborhood features cobblestone streets, taco stands, and a mix of local pride. El Centro is the heartbeat of PV, offering attractions like the Malecon and the cathedral.
For nightlife enthusiasts, the Romantic Zone is the place to be with numerous cafes, gyms, and restaurants. Conchas Chinas, although quieter, is perfect for those who prefer a peaceful environment while still being close to the action.
Finding accommodation can be daunting. Options include Facebook groups, exploring neighborhoods, using vacation rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO, or hiring a local real estate agent.
Costs in PV are rising, but it remains affordable compared to the U.S. and Canada. A 2-bedroom apartment might cost around $1,500 per month, local food is inexpensive, and buses cost about $0.60. Groceries from local markets are cost-effective, and dining out, even at fancy restaurants, remains affordable.
Living in PV and working remotely is easy with widespread fiber optic internet. Some top coworking spaces include Vallarta Cowork, Joint, and Natureza. Cafes also serve as great working spaces.
When you’re not working, there’s plenty to do. Enjoy beach outings, boating trips, snorkeling, whale watching, day trips to nearby bohemian towns or mountains, and adventure activities like ATV rides and zip-lining. The food scene here is fantastic, with local cuisine and food tours.
Winter months are perfect weather-wise, but summers can be hot and stormy. Even during the low season, PV mostly avoids hurricanes thanks to its protective bay.
While PV lacks a digital nomad visa, many stay on 180-day tourist visas. Temporary residency might be an option if you meet specific requirements.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic place for digital nomads. It offers great weather, a supportive community, plenty of activities, and a diverse culinary scene. Despite some minor downsides like construction noise and rising costs, the pros far outweigh the cons.
If you decide to give PV a try, maybe we’ll bump into each other and enjoy some street tacos and beers while watching the sunset. See you in Puerto Vallarta, amigo!
