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Now imagine this: You’re waking up to ocean breezes drifting through your window. You hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore, seagulls circling the marina, and a guitar strumming softly from a neighbor’s patio. This isn’t a vacation fantasy—this is everyday life in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a small town on Mexico’s Pacific coast that has quietly become a favorite among expats looking for something more peaceful and more real.
So, if you’re thinking about moving to Mexico and want to avoid the overcrowded tourist spots, let’s talk about whether La Cruz might just be the right fit for you.
Where You’ll Find La Cruz—and Why It Feels So Different
La Cruz (as locals and expats simply call it) is about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, tucked into the Riviera Nayarit coastline. You’re close enough to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy major hospitals, shopping malls, and international flights, but far enough away that the crowds and chaos don’t follow you home.
With a population of around 3,000, it still feels like a village. People wave to each other on the street. The town square hosts live music, farmer’s markets, and expat potlucks. “It’s the kind of place where you actually get to know your neighbors—and not just the ones next door,” one American retiree told us during a relocation tour.
Weather: Tropical and Warm, But Manageable
If you’re not a fan of snow, you’ll love La Cruz’s climate. The dry season runs from November to May, with warm days in the 70s–80s°F (mid-20s°C) and cooler, pleasant nights. The rainy season, from June to October, brings humidity, heat, and afternoon downpours—but they’re usually short-lived. Even during summer, you’ll get sunny mornings for errands or beach time.
Locals often say, “You run your errands before lunch, and then the rain gives you permission to slow down in the afternoon.”
Is La Cruz Welcoming to Foreigners?
In a word—yes.
Thanks to its location near Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta, La Cruz is already familiar with international visitors. Most shops, restaurants, and services cater to both locals and expats, and English is widely spoken, especially in the marina area and at the Sunday market.
You’ll also find regular community events, wellness classes, and live music nights where it’s easy to meet people. “I made more friends in one month here than in five years back home,” said a recent expat from California. If you’re craving real community—and not just a place to live—La Cruz delivers.
Where to Live in La Cruz: Neighborhoods and Rental Costs
If you’re thinking about putting down roots, there are a few areas you’ll want to explore:
1. In-Town / Pueblo Area
- Vibe: Walkable, traditional, near markets and local shops.
- Rental Costs: Around $500–$800 USD/month (Starting at $10k MXN+) for a modest 1- to 2-bedroom home or apartment.
- Tip: Look for handwritten “Se Renta” signs when walking around. Many rentals aren’t listed online.
2. Near the Marina
- Vibe: A bit more polished, with condos and townhomes close to waterfront dining.
- Rental Costs: $900–$1,500 USD/month for mid-range homes, often with pools or security.
3. Luxury Developments
- Popular areas: Alamar, Borneo, and Punta Pelícanos.
- Vibe: Gated communities with resort-like amenities—perfect if you want a high-end, low-maintenance lifestyle.
- Rental Costs: $2,000 USD/month and up.
No matter where you live, utility costs are usually affordable:
- Electricity: $75–$175 every two months depending on AC usage.
- Water & Gas: Around $10–$30 USD/month.
- Internet: $25–$60 USD/month depending on speed and provider.
Most couples find they can live comfortably on $2,000 + USD/month, including rent, groceries, and basic outings. If you go out a lot or opt for upscale housing, that number can creep toward $2,500/month or more.
Pro Tip: Most beaches in Mexico tend to have seasonal costs when it comes to rentals. High season tends to be between November through April. So, don’t be surprised if you get a landlord wanting to charge you a different cost for a rental in the summer than in the winter months.
What About Shopping and Groceries?
You won’t find big-box stores or malls right in town—but that’s part of the charm. You’ll shop at small family-owned tiendas, the Sunday artisan and farmers market, or the Mercado del Mar by the marina—famous for its fresh-caught red snapper, shrimp, and lobster.
For more variety, Bucerías (just 10 minutes away) has chain supermarkets like La Comer, Soriana, and Chedraui. And Puerto Vallarta has Sam’s Club, Costco, Walmart, and everything else you might miss from back home.
You get the best of both worlds: “I buy my vegetables from a woman who grows them herself, and then I drive 20 minutes for my almond milk and peanut butter,” as one expat joked.
Healthcare in La Cruz: What to Expect
For minor needs, La Cruz offers small clinics and pharmacies like Farmacias Similares, where you can get basic check-ups without insurance for about $3 USD.
For anything more serious, you’re about 15–30 minutes from full-service hospitals in Bucerías or Puerto Vallarta, including internationally accredited facilities with English-speaking doctors.
If you’re managing a chronic condition or want fast access to specialists, just know you’ll likely be driving to a bigger city. Many expats say this is a worthwhile trade-off for the peaceful lifestyle.
Transportation and Getting Around
La Cruz doesn’t have Uber or ride-share services, but you’ll find:
- A local taxi stand with reasonable prices.
- Shared vans (colectivos) running up and down the Nayarit coast for less than $1 USD.
- Rental options for cars and scooters in nearby Nuevo Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta’s international airport is only about 30–40 minutes away, making travel in and out of Mexico relatively simple.
What Do People Do for Fun?
This is not a nightlife town—and that’s exactly what many people love about it.
Your evenings might include:
- Grabbing a drink at Oso’s Oyster Bar during a live music night.
- Browsing the Sunday market for artisan bread and crafts.
- Kayaking off Playa Manzanilla (some restaurants will lend you gear if you eat with them).
- Enjoying a potluck or dinner on a neighbor’s patio.
“I haven’t stepped inside a club in years, and I don’t miss it one bit,” said one Canadian expat in her 60s. “Here, we make our own fun.”
What Are the Downsides?
La Cruz isn’t for everyone. You should know:
- It’s hot and humid in the summer. Visit during June–September before you commit long-term.
- Limited big-city amenities: No malls or brand-name retail in town.
- Basic healthcare access: Great for minor needs, but you’ll drive for anything complex.
That said, many people love the slower pace. “It’s not about what you can buy here,” one couple told us. “It’s about how you live.”
Ready to Explore La Cruz for Yourself?
La Cruz offers a truly special kind of lifestyle: laid-back, connected to nature, and full of kind, open-hearted people. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point. You’re here for community, calm, and a slice of the real Mexico.
If you’re serious about moving to Mexico and want boots-on-the-ground help, check out our Directory of Trusted Contacts. It includes our directory of vetted relocation tour guides in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and all across Mexico. These are people we’ve personally vetted who can help you tour neighborhoods, find housing, navigate the visa process, and settle in the right way.
➡️ Get instant access to our online course and directory when you buy the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide.
Still not sure if La Cruz is right for you? That’s okay. The best thing you can do is visit first, talk to people living there, and get a feel for what day-to-day life really looks like. And if you need help planning that trip, we’ve got your back.
Sign up for our free email series, download our free moving to Mexico cheat sheet, or connect with one of our relocation experts. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let us help you move to Mexico the right way.
