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Bucerias - La Cruz
In the northern curve of the bay, a couple of towns each with its own history have stood up to the test of time and now take their place in the movement of developments not only of infrastructure but also of additional projects with a focus on integrating the character of the town itself. Both Bucerías and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle share history as traditional fishing towns and as such, were historically slower in opening possibilities for projects from the outside. But after the construction of the four-lane highway to connect the entire region from just beyond the turn-off to Punta de Mita and Nuevo Vallarta across the Ameca River, it´s only been a matter of time.
PROS
• Good deals still to be had for both land and older home re-sales
• Fantastic renter market
• Market extends to include both national and international
• Quicker access to markets north of Banderas Bay
• Terrain offers easier construction possibilities
• Views are spectacular along coastline and on hills above
• Growing number of restaurants, clubs and shops
• Small town character is still genuine
• Long stretch of beach considered one of best on bay
CONS
• Out of loop of busy social whirl of Vallarta
• Distance for major shopping, stores, etc.
• Lacking some urban infrastructure
• Small town life not for everyone
• Highway cuts right through town creating upper and lower side
Bucerías was just a dusty bus stop on the route north even just seven or eight years ago but its development has sometimes outpaced even that of Vallarta. Nevertheless, re-sales of older homes and villas are still on the market now and then for those ready with the money in hand. Many of the homes can be either remodeled or expanded for the growing rental possibilities in this growing town. On all sides new stores, banks, businesses, restaurants and other services indicate the expectation of a solid future.
The state of Nayarit stepped up to the plate last year with the announcement of the development of a malecón to connect Bucerías with La Cruz to the north and Flamingos to the south. Already many beachside restaurants take advantage of this walking beach, the longest on the bay. While many continue to serve traditional seafood and other local specialties, others have opened to serve the developing gourmet palate of the town. One of the major annual events is the Virgin of Peace, celebrated with a weeklong period of street fairs, stands with local specialties and other wares, fireworks, carnival rides and a street dance. But the finale is definitely worth the trip: the virgin arrives with babe in arms on January 24 from the sea via a flotilla of colorful decorated fishing boats.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is nearly beyond recognition if you haven´t visited there in the last two years. Under construction are a number of new developments, chief among them the mega-project of the new marina. Consisting of a total of 368 slips, only 100 slips are available for long-term lease which allows the remaining 268 availability for daily rentals. A modern fueling station in addition to jetties and other services will provide the boaters all they need for both long- and short-term stays. A curved malecon will front the bay with shops, boutiques, restaurants, clubs, a yacht club and a boutique hotel adding gracious character to this classy marina.
On both sides of town developments are under construction with numerous options for accessible condo living as well as ocean front and ocean-view homes and villas including Punta Esmeralda and Brisas. The more established Vallarta Gardens received another injection of energy with the addition of Blue. The popular beach area around Manzanilla will be home to a new beach club with private access to a new area on the rolling hills north of the well-established Real del Mar.
While Real del Mar offers oceanfront and ocean-view custom homes at a very high end, the new development of La Joya Huanacaxtle will feature low-rise condos ensconced in the natural landscape of the jungle in the hillside with walking paths, gardens and every natural advantage. Just beyond Real del Mar is another area before reaching Destiladeras that is in plans for development, ostensibly to include another golf course, but plans remain to be announced.
