Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A pivotal discussion on the “Gentrification of the Digital Nomads of Puerto Vallarta” was convened by Dr. Jesús Cabral Araiza, coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUCosta) of the University of Guadalajara. The discussion panel featured insights from four eminent academics seeking to shed light on the complex issue that is reshaping the socio-cultural landscape of Puerto Vallarta.
Dr. Paola Cortés Almanzar was the first to articulate her perspective on the issue, emphasizing that gentrification in Puerto Vallarta is a problem that has yet to be thoroughly analyzed or identified as a social phenomenon. Nevertheless, it is increasingly becoming visible due to the concerted research efforts of academics from CUCosta and other institutions.
Dr. Cortés elaborated that digital nomads leverage internet connectivity to work from any location. According to her, these individuals have become a focal point in Puerto Vallarta’s gentrification processes, reshaping traditional notions of work, space, and community.
Dr. Juan Pablo Medina Valverde extended the conversation by describing gentrification as a ‘great monster’ with palpable effects on individuals, society, and governmental regimes. He asserted that the phenomenon displaces local people from their original communities, inducing acute psychological distress.
An example cited was the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, where increasing demand for basic public services like water and electricity due to new apartment towers is diminishing the quality of life of the resident population.
Valverde also touched on the legality of property ownership in Mexico, stating, “A rule of law was that foreigners could not acquire property in a strip of the coastal zone. However, due to legal figures like trusts, the problem has complicated dimensions when discussing gentrification.”
Dr. Alfonso Baños Francia, an expert in urban planning, acknowledged that critical issues are being sidelined. He highlighted the skyrocketing land prices in the romantic zone, where a square meter now costs up to 80,000 pesos. This has led to locals selling their properties. North American foreigners, particularly those drawn to Puerto Vallarta due to its appeal as a hub for digital nomads, are buying these properties for rental purposes rather than residential living.
In closing remarks, Dr. Baños drew attention to the broader implications of gentrification, emphasizing that it disrupts not just the physical landscape but also the social and cultural fabric of the community. “The current mentality prioritizes exploiting territory over valuing it as a place of origin that deserves respect,” he said.
Dr. Jesús Cabral Araiza extended his appreciation to the panelists and facilitated a Q&A session with attending students from various majors, including Psychology, Biology, and Physical Culture and Sports. The event underscored the critical need for ongoing discourse to address the manifold issues related to gentrification and digital nomads in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A pivotal discussion on the "Gentrification of the Digital Nomads of Puerto Vallarta" was convened by Dr. Jesús Cabral Araiza . . .
