Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Having been blessed to have been born and raised in another paradise, Key Biscayne Florida, I have always been very appreciative of my lifetime experiences and blessings.

When I came to Vallarta for the first time (to spend 3 days, and that was in December of 1995), NEVER in my wildest dreams did I EVER think that I would even consider moving here. In fact, I had been planning on moving back stateside to my hometown. I have been in Mexico since 1991, and have had the opportunity to live in some wonderful places before I made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

The reality of living and loving my dream in Vallarta cannot be more conclusive than after a wonderful trip back in time and to my native soil.

I have to say that the 2 week adventure started in Miami and concluded in the most inviting and serviceable of all places in the world, Walt Disney World.

The factor that is the most evident in this entire journey (my life) is that Puerto Vallarta has the most empathetic and caring people compared to all the places I have had the privilege of experiencing.

From the moment we landed to the moment we departed, there were numerous encounters with incredibly pleasant and wonderful people but nothing in comparison to how "Nuestro Pueblo Vallartense" interacts and genuinely coddles its own - and its tourists.

We in Vallarta have an amazing connection with the authentic Mexico in most aspects of everyday life. From the cobblestone streets to the palapas and tile roof tops you see a continuance of the Old World charm that makes the local people open their homes and their hearts to newcomers and visitors alike.

As you stroll through different parts of town you'll find a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking for authentic homemade tortillas, fresh cuts from the butcher, the fresh catch of the day, a handcrafted gift for a dear friend, a one-of-a-kind memento for a relative, a lifetime memory of snorkeling at Los Arcos, and even made-to-order "Endless Sunsets," for the most part chances are very good to excellent that there will be someone that can help you satiate that special craving or need.

What makes Vallarta even more unique and special is its people. In fact, Vallartenses have been associated with one of the friendliest cities in the world.

In 2011, Puerto Vallarta won the title of the 'Friendliest City in the World,' as chosen by readers of the prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveler. In 2010, the city was named the 'Best Holiday Destination in Mexico' by USNews.com.

The breathtaking backdrops created by the Sierra Mountains meeting the Bahía de Banderas provides a dreamlike romantic setting for weddings, which led to Puerto Vallarta being named the 'Most Romantic Place in Mexico' as well as the 'Favorite Beach Destination' by users of the About.com website in 2012.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) picked Puerto Vallarta as the Top Destination to Retire Overseas in its September, 2010 issue of AARP - The Magazine. According to the article:

Financial experts traveled the globe to name their top five overseas retirement destinations. Decision factors included weather, expatriate community, cost of living, available housing, health care alternatives, and access to the U.S, as well as local culture and leisure activities.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the undisputed #1 destination for American retirees. With its rich local and colonial culture, lavish beaches and affordable real-estate, Puerto Vallarta offers the low-cost, laid back lifestyle retirees seek to find in a community.

Present day, the presence of numerous sidewalk touts selling time-shares and tequila render the city's atmosphere more akin to tourist-heavy resorts like Cancun and Acapulco, but overall the city's friendly reputation remains relatively undiminished.

Puerto Vallarta became a popular tourist destination in the late 1960s as the city became more accessible to visitors. It is located on the same latitude as Hawaii's latitude and visitors are treated to a similar climate. With 330 days of sunshine a year, Puerto Vallarta vacationers bask in annual average temperatures of 83 degrees.

Concluding, I want to re-iterate the Pueblo we call "ours" is more than wonderful, and that on a large scale comparison from my humble viewpoint, Puerto Vallarta stands above many cities in the world. My recent two week trip back down memory lane only made me realize how incredibly special and unique Vallarta is. The interactions and exchanges we experience daily are not to be taken lightly or for granted. When compared to places like Walt Disney World, and as we all know they are indisputably the leaders in the service and tourism industry, Puerto Vallarta maintains a very high standard.

If you are thinking about buying a vacation, retirement, or investment property in Puerto Vallarta or the greater Banderas Bay area, contact Tropicasa Realty Agent Grace Ramirez at 322-294-1816 or grace(at)tropicasa.com.

Since 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate. Tropicasa Realty is the region's representative for "The Leading Agents of the World" and with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with AMPI. Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office - Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas or in their San Marino Office - San Marino Hotel at Rodolfo Gomez 111-4. While in PV they can be reached at (322) 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.

Click HERE to learn more about Tropicasa Realty, or visit tropicasa.com.