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Mazatlán has five very different areas, each unique in its own way. From north to south, these are Cerritos, the Marina, the Golden Zone, the Malecón and Centro Historico.
Cerritos, at the north end of Mazatlán, has become a very popular place for foreigners to purchase second homes. It’s a mixture of homes in gated communities and new beachfront condominiums. The beaches are beautiful and the area is tranquil. Lots of restaurants are opening at Playa Bruja and there’s a very nice trailer park. The bus system is excellent, able to take you all the way to Centro for under $10 pesos.
Marina Mazatlán, when completed, will be the largest marina in Latin America. Homes in gated communities are being developed with housing in the mid-$200,000 range. Condos surround the marina, with views of the ocean and sunsets. Clusters of restaurants and other retail stores are opening fast - in the past year, a drycleaners, two car washes, gas station, emergency center, and several coffee shops have appeared. Tech Milenio and the Mazatlán International Convention Center built new facilities, and plans are set for a mall. No car is needed, as the Golden Zone is a short bus, taxi or pulmonia ride away. Of course, many boat slips are available as well as dry dock facilities. Under construction is an 18-hole Peter Flemming golf course. In my opinion, homes and condominiums will increase in value as the area is completed.
The Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone, is known for beautiful hotels, outstanding restaurants and night life, and long stretches of beach, but there are also many well-established neighborhoods, like Gaviotas, Lomas de Mazatlán, El Cid, El Dorado and Sabalo Country Club. These areas are safe, residential neighborhoods with excellent schools, with nationals and foreigners living side-by-side. Walking distance to the beaches, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, and just about everything you could want makes this a desirable area with homes ranging from $100,000 US to over $1 million US. Everything is available to home owners in their own backyard. The Zona Dorada neighborhoods are a good investment as a primary home or vacation retreat.
The Malecón is the famous boardwalk of Mazatlán, where you can walk, bike or rollerblade safely along the ocean. There’s beach access at several points. This area is an investor’s dream, with abandoned buildings and older homes nestled next to beautiful ocean-view condos. Restaurants are opening and small grocery stores are conveniently located along the entire walkway. To the east of Ave. Del Mar are many older neighborhoods with modest homes. Ferrrocarrilera, Flamingos, Playa Del Sol are areas popular with Mazatlecos, and many foreigners are finding “diamond in the rough” homes for under $100,000 US. The baseball stadium, home of the Mazatlán Venados, is here. The best part of living in the Malecón area is its central location between the Golden Zone and Centro Historico.
Centro Historico is the corazón, or heart, of Mazatlán. Many foreigners are finding this area the place to invest. Home prices are reasonable. The area reflects the true taste of Mexico. You’ll find plazas, markets, small shops, street vendors selling tacos, ice cream, hot dogs and lively, bustling “real” Mexican neighborhoods. During the day, Centro is the business center of the city; at night it’s the entertainment center. Restaurants, live entertainment, family fun are all available. Frequent foreign visitors rent or buy in this area because, they say, “This is Mexico.” Centro Historico is being reborn with investors refurbishing the beautiful old buildings, following strict architectural guidelines to save the integrity of the buildings and the neighborhoods. Olas Altas, Playa Sur, Los Pinos and Loma Linda are but a few of the popular residential areas. Beaches, the harbor, the lighthouse, boats to Stone Island are all within walking distance. Bed & breakfasts, art galleries, shops and a mélange of restaurants make this a popular winter destination for tourists and snowbirds.
Gary McQuin & Selene Cisneros Mendoza are co-owners of Mazatlán Dream Team Real Estate. They specialize in residential and commercial properties. Questions about purchasing a home in Mazatlán? Contact them at www.mazatlandreamteam.com , 6691-58-0883 or 6691-27-0339.
