Zipolite started changing after the hurricanes of 1999 (or was it 2000?) that destroyed all the palapas on the beach. They were replaced by concrete lodgings, albeit some with hammocks on balconies and some open-air hammock cabanas.
The hurricanes, Rich and Pauline, didn't move the location of Mazunte in relation to Zipolite and Puerto Escondido! :-)
Memo, when were you last there?
I went with a mate here back in 1992! It was way different then but I can imagine how it has changed like many places do.
Back then we got a bus to a road that ended, then we carted our packs across country for half a mile and finally arrived at a beautiful beach resort. There were about 10 beach bungalow operations which had their own kitchens and fed you. Huts on the beach, weed by the box ($10) and people dying in the riptide!
Ah the old days were sometimes better...
I went the first time in 1978, then it was quiet. I've been back the last 3 years for 3 weeks each time with my wife, it is Paradise! We have met lots and lots of people that spend months and years there. It's as safe as anywhere. Probably safer than any other parts of Mexico. Puerto Angel is old and run down, zipolite has the most going on and the most to do, San Augustinillo is quieter more upscale a little, still very mello, Mazunte is smaller, more Raegae, and past that is La Mermejita, if you want one on one quiet this is where you want to be. This is what Zipolite was like in the 70's, but it is starting to grow. So far it is growing in a eco manner 'Solar Only' etc. It is beautiful. Stay in Zipolite so you are not traveling at night, you can visit the other beaches during the day, when travel is perfectly safe. At night we walk safely along the litup palapas along the beach near the main street of Zipolite, where life is vibrant and alive, then slip nicely off to bed in the safety of our rooms.
Ps the weed is only $8.00 now for a big bag. It hasn't changed very much.