Mazatlán is a “real” city of almost a half-million people.
Here, you can choose to be part of the American/Canadian community, speak mostly English, and ease your way into Mazatlán aided by people who have come before you…
Or within a few hundred yards, you can live in one of several Mexican environments, speak only Spanish, and immerse yourself in Mexico’s rich culture.
There’s even an in-between world where bilingual Mexicans and Spanish-speaking expats happily share the same neighborhoods.
Mazatlán has a large and well-maintained colonial center. Many colonial centers are just a few blocks of Spanish colonial architecture, but the historic district in Mazatlán is quite large, offering a wide range of price, style, and state of renovation.
Expats who come here to live (or stay seasonally) usually end up in the historic district in Centro.
Investors, however, will find good deals all along the waterfront, which is over 10 miles long. Each sector has its fans among the city’s visitors, and rental traffic is brisk.
One thing that sets Mazatlán apart from Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen is that it’s predominately a Mexican destination. There are plenty of expats in
Mazatlán, but they’re a very small presence.
In Mexico’s beach markets, you’ll get the most intrinsic value for your money in Mazatlán.
Mazatlán is a market that has grown significantly in the last decade. Back in 2022, the average price per square meter in Mazatlán was $2,440, today it’s $3,179—still significantly cheaper than other popular comparable markets like Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen.
Plus, a good rental market exists in the winter, when North Americans flock to Mazatlán… but it’s also good in the summer, when Mexicans come for their annual vacation. There are plenty of good property managers to keep your place booked and cared for when you’re not there.
Mazatlán offers almost 11 miles of mostly contiguous, beautiful beaches, bordered by warm, clean, swimmable waters. The adjacent boardwalk is five miles long, most of it with adjacent bike lanes. The two longest beaches are each three miles in length.
Prices are great. Whether you’re dining out or buying a property, you’ll find prices to be remarkable. The best property bargains are often priced in Mexican pesos or Canadian dollars, but almost all properties are low when compared to other beachfront markets around the world.
Sincerely,
Lee Harrison
Contributor, Global Property Advisor
