Overview
Old-school Pacific beach city, Malecón life, retirees love it.
Neighborhood breakdown
Centro Histórico
$600-1,400/moColonial restored, art galleries, walkable · Walkability: Excellent
The revitalized historic core — colonial mansions converted to galleries and B&Bs. Walking distance to Plaza Machado, the cathedral, and the Malecón.
Olas Altas
$700-1,500/moOriginal tourist strip, bohemian · Walkability: Excellent
The 1950s tourist strip — old hotels turned condos, café culture, gay-friendly. Sits right where Centro meets the ocean.
Zona Dorada (Golden Zone)
$700-1,500/moMid-century tourist zone, beachfront condos · Walkability: Good
The 1970s-80s tourist strip — beachfront condos, big resort hotels, restaurants. Heavy concentration of full-time expats.
Marina Mazatlán
$900-2,200/moNewer marina + condos, family · Walkability: Moderate
Northern modern development — yacht marina, high-rise condos, golf course. Popular with newer arrivals.
Cerritos
$700-1,800/moNorthernmost beach, undeveloped feel · Walkability: Poor
Far north Mazatlán — wild beach, less developed, growing condo construction. Popular with surfers.