We just returned from an overnight visit to Playa del Carmen where, among other things, we touched bases with some of the posters to this forum. Playa is an interesting contrast. While having many of the attractions of Cancun, it's developed on a rather different model. Here we had government planning and international hotel chain investing and building in the Zona Hotelera. There, in Playa, it's been more about the entrepreneur. It seems to have grown up in a more natural way, with lots of small investors, mainly from Europe, opening businesses with their few hundred thousand euros, instead of mega resorts millions. While there are some of the later, much of Playa consists of charming takeoffs on European ideas of what a city street in the commercial district should look like. As with Cancun, the bulk of the city is built on the usual Mexican city model, and that's where most of the working Mexicans live. But, for small restaurants and bars per kilometer, Playas got it beat: even Yaxchilan doesn't equal it; and, with the recent beach restoration project completed, beaches that were just a few meters wide, two months ago, are now 60 meters and more, in places. Now's a great time to visit, for those who live in Cancun (and others). OW bus fare is just 40 pesos (20 for INAPAM card holders) and it takes just one hour and ten minutes to get there.
For us, Playa was a choice over Cancun, so with respect to that: (1) We live closer to the beach for less. (2) It's much smaller so I was hoping for less crime/problems. Impossible to say if that's true, but we haven't had any issues. The European element is an interesting collateral benefit; it has been nice to meet people from lots of different places and the restaurants are really varied. I'm guessing similar could be said of Cancun, but Playa's size might make it more accessible/apparent. Proximity (albeit unknown at the time we decided on Playa) to Akumal is a really great thing too. It's a short trip (~20 mins) for a weekend getaway and one that we try to take as often as possible.
When I moved to Cancun it took an hour and 20 minutes to get to Tulum. That trip gets slower as the area gets more developed.
Wow, that's a big change. I'm sure the buses are slower than a private car, but not near enough to make up that kind of difference. For us, in a bus, it takes about 50 minutes to get to Tulum. Edit: With the commercial development one would be inclined to think that infrastructure development would develop alongside; I'm guessing a modern freeway could possibly shorten the trip similar to the past?
When we moved here there were two stoplights on the Cancun-Tulum Hwy in PdC. So crossing Playa was not a big deal. Now it takes half an hour, or something ridiculous. That highway needs to be limited access, people travel at high speeds on it, yet there are a million and one driveways off it. Dangerous.
We will be retiring in 12 years and wish to make Playa our 1/2 - 3/4 time residence. We wish to acquire a home (condo, land, sfr) within the next couple of years and have it paid for by the time we retire. What are some good areas that are affordable, safe and convenient? Approximately what does it cost to live in the area (utilities, taxes, etc.)? Thanks for any advise.
There's an awful lot of variables to give an even remotely good approximation. But I'll try Where? Playacar: Private residential/hotel area. Lots of green space, lots of security, and a variety of properties ranging from condos to beach front houses. Central Playa del Carmen: Personally, I'd not live further out than 15th Avenue, but there are nice places out to 25th Av. In central Playa, where you live is mostly a matter of preference, as there isn't a whole lot of difference IMHO. Most of the properties in this area are condos, although there are some houses. West of the 307 there are lots of nice, newer homes, but I have no Desire to live that far out. (To have a car, would make a big difference though.) Cost Condos run the gamut from $130k USD to $700k USD and beyond. I haven't seen a house for sale in central Playa to give you an estimate on those, but in Playacar, I've not seen a house that cost under a million USD. However, if you don't require a modern/luxury property geared towards ex-pats or investors, you'll find the pricing of typical Mexican accommodations much cheaper. Out in the new subdivisions near Plaza Las Americas (West of the 307) there are 3/2 homes for sale for $350,000 to $600,000 MXP. Electricity totally depends on your consumption pattern. In a 1000 square foot place, if you go without using AC and/or an electric boiler, it can be as cheap as 100 MXP a month. With moderate AC usage you're looking at ~$1500 MXP a month and with heavy AC usage $4000+ MXP per month. Gas and water are pretty cheap ($120 MXP month for us) and cable, Internet etc. range from $400 MXP to $1000 MXP a month. For browsing real estate, see here: Playa del Carmen Real Estate - Riviera Maya, Mexico - Property & Lots for Sale
Coby, Thank you very much for the info. We'll be making a few trips over the next few years researching locations and prospectful units.
