Chased the Views, But Found the Heart

Tucked away just beyond the lively beaches and tourist spots of Puerto Vallarta, Villas Universidad is a neighborhood that captures the heart of authentic Mexican life. It’s also my home. It’s a place layered with history and energized by ongoing change - where cobbled stone streets sit side by side with freshly paved roads, and old traditions blend seamlessly with new aspirations.

Living here has been an eye-opening experience, one that has deepened my understanding not only of the place itself but also of what it means to be truly connected to a community.

When I first moved to Puerto Vallarta in January of 2021, I thought I needed the fancy home in Conchas Chinas with the stunning ocean view to feel worthy of the beauty this new place afforded me. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely loved it, but I always felt a bit out of place. I believed I had to “deserve” the idyllic scenery and luxury, thinking I needed a certain setting to feel special and at peace. But I soon realized that it was never really about the scenery or material comfort. I was craving something deeper.

I was craving a Mexico that made me feel welcome and part of something genuine, and I firmly believe that many people feel the same way. If I’m right, and if you’re one of them, I encourage you to look further afield. Because I learned that the real charm of this place isn’t found in the perfect views or the luxurious homes, but in the warmth of the community, the resilience of the people, and the sense of belonging that comes from shared stories and support.

What makes Villas Universidad so remarkable is how deeply centered it is around its people. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the palpable pride in how residents maintain their homes, care for shared spaces, and support local businesses.

Walking through this neighborhood, I am greeted by familiar faces - neighbors exchanging friendly nods and greetings, children playing, and shop owners offering warm smiles. It’s a neighborhood where community isn’t an accessory; it’s the foundation.

Supporting local shops and markets here is more than a routine; it's a way of life. Whether buying fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade tortillas, or household necessities, I’ve come to see that shopping locally is an act of preserving the neighborhood’s soul.

The shopkeepers, with their genuine friendliness and pride in their produce, create a vibrant hub of daily life. These exchanges are meaningful, reinforcing bonds that go beyond transactional interactions. It’s clear that in Villas Universidad, the act of supporting small businesses sustains the fabric of the community and fosters resilience.

Walking through the neighborhood’s green spaces and open lots has become a form of renewal for me. Parks, community spaces, and even neglected patches of land are treated with care. Some are transformed into little oases where neighbors gather, children play, and elders rest in the shade.

The simple act of strolling along these areas reconnects me with the land and with the community’s shared effort to maintain a welcoming environment. Surrounded by greenery and the sounds of birds and laughter, I find a sense of peace that’s difficult to find amidst the rush of my working life.

One of the most striking aspects of Villas Universidad is its physical landscape. It’s a living testament to the neighborhood’s balancing act between old and new.

Cobblestone streets, with their uneven, historic charm, weave effortlessly alongside newer paved roads that make traversing the neighborhood more accessible. Walking along these streets, I often marvel at how the past and present collide and coexist - each adding its own character to the neighborhood’s identity.

Sometimes cows amble down streets, grazing in vacant lots that were once pure farmland, a gentle reminder of where this community has come from. The next day, a bustling new café or boutique might be opening its doors, signaling ongoing growth and hope.

This constant interweaving of rural tradition and urban development reflects the neighborhood’s resilience and adaptability. Families here are proud of their roots, whether that’s farming, artisanal work, or simply holding onto old customs while welcoming new ideas and entrepreneurs. They don't see these changes as threats but as opportunities to grow and to flourish. Supporting this evolution is a shared pride that shines through in how everyone cares for their spaces and each other.

Living here has nudged me out of complacency, forcing me to look beyond superficial interactions. Living in Mexico is more than just learning a few Spanish words or phrases, although those are invaluable, but it's also a commitment to studying the language more deeply, understanding the cultural nuances, and becoming a better listener and student of life itself.

Living here has pushed me to go beyond my basic vocabulary and really learn the language - not just to speak, but to listen and understand the stories that shape this community. As I listen more intently and participate more actively, I discover layers of meaning in simple interactions, whether it’s a neighbor sharing an old story, a restaurant owner explaining how they prepare their food, or a child telling me about their day. Every moment becomes an opportunity for growth - culturally, linguistically, and personally.

What I cherish most about living here is the neighborhood’s resilience. Despite the rapid pace of change - buildings rising, new businesses opening, and the neighborhood evolving - I see a steadfast pride in history and community.

The land itself bears witness to this resilience: rocky patches that once sustained farms are now home to modern homes and bustling cafes, yet the gentle cows grazing in empty lots remain as peaceful reminders of the area's rural roots. It’s a place where Old Mexico and New Mexico exist side by side, woven into a tapestry that continues to grow richer with each passing day.

This neighborhood has challenged me to move beyond superficial connections, encouraging me to truly immerse myself in the warmth of community and the everyday acts of kindness I now experience. Living here has shown me that the real charm of this city isn’t in the views or material comforts but in the genuine relationships, shared pride, and the ongoing dance of tradition and progress.

While I can’t say for certain that Villas Universidad, let alone Puerto Vallarta, will be my forever home, since big changes may be on the horizon next year, I do know with complete certainty that this experience will always be a guiding light in my journey in Mexico. My time living here will serve as a reminder of what it means to feel truly at home: to be connected, to belong, and to participate in a community that values resilience, pride, and growth.

This neighborhood has been, and continues to be, my teacher, showing me that home is less about permanence and more about the relationships you build, the stories you embrace, and the sense of belonging you cultivate every day.

No matter where life takes me next, I will carry the lessons of Villas Universidad in my heart. I will carry its resilience, warmth, and the beauty found in the merging of the old and the new. It has helped me see that feeling at home isn’t just about a place. It's about the community you become a part of, the stories you help grow, and how you leave your mark. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.