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North Shore
One of the fast-growing areas of the North Shore is a region called Costa Banderas just between La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta Mita. Larger in area, Costa Banderas includes a number of new developments as well as a couple of established ones that are taking on a second wind as prices rise on this fantastic stretch of sandy beaches and coves. While some areas offer beachfront, others provide oceanfront or ocean-view with numerous options for a luxurious but laid-back lifestyle.
PROS
• Some of the highest-end properties in Banderas Bay region
• Security, privacy and safety are prime concerns
• Basic infrastructure completed within most residential areas
• High rental value
• Isolation from traffic, outside concerns
• Great golf, outdoor activities
• Access to sailing, fishing, water sports
• Safe investment
• Fantastic beaches and marvelous coastline
CONS
• High initial investment
• Neighborliness not easy due to terrain, spacing of properties
• Infrastructure for many services still in process of construction
• Distance from social life, restaurants, cultural whirl of Vallarta
If you may have noticed, the majority of the pros and cons are similar to those of Punta de Mita since the areas share similar terrain as well as climate and infrastructure. Nevertheless, since Costa Banderas includes a number of different high-end developments, the infrastructure for each one is being handled individually which also makes it move more slowly. Security is a main concern as properties reaching several millions of dollars are not uncommon.
Also similarly to Punta Mita, most developments are designing constructions that blend with the terrain while minimizing landscaping to maintain the natural surroundings as much as possible. The newer homes tend to have as much living space outdoors as indoors with spectacular views of the bay and beyond. The respect of the environment makes Costa Banderas a favorite for weddings and other special events. While transportation for groups can stretch the budget, privacy is guaranteed as are safety and security concerns.
Beginning from Destiladeras Beach, due for a major project soon, the first development is an area of fractional beachfront homes with ocean front homes for sale as well. Los Veneros offers a center for events and activities at the world-class beach club with a project in the works for ocean-side condominiums, perhaps the only ones in the planning for this primarily low-density area. El Farallon is the most established with large high-end luxury homes providing good rental returns. Some large lots are still for sale for those looking to build.
Punta del Burro is a private enclave that developed some 25 to 30 years ago with casual beachfront homes that went for under $30,000 USD. A rejuvenating wind is blowing through the area with property values increasing to half-a-million and more. The privatized area is surrounded by Costa Banderas with plans for typical village to be built behind it. Designs include shopping, restaurants, a small pueblo as an anchor similar to those in La Cruz on the one side and El Anclote on the other. While still not under construction, another golf course is also planned for this area.
Paradise Cove follows on the coast, all the lots sold out to home builders. Pontoque consists of oceanfront and hillside lots priced comparatively moderately from 1/2 million to 1/2 million USD. Several large parcels of coastline are under consideration for developments by two major hotel corporations, but rather than developing another major resort, the word is that boutique hotels at the very top end fit in more appropriately with the environment and character.
El Banco provides beachfront homes on spectacular lots with ocean views while further inland a lake is being created to provide additional options for lakefront homes. A deluxe boutique hotel will be built with management by a former member of the Rosewood hotel group.
