Real Estate Articles

What do you think of when you hear "Mexico retirement community?" Wide, sandy beaches, a balcony overlooking the ocean? In a place like Playa del Carmen, this kind of retirement has gained a strong reputation for a very good reason, but even typically beachfront centered community like Playa del Carmen, excellent properties back from the beachfront are beginning to appear as an attractive retirement option

Let's consider the benefit of the areas on the newer "jungle" side of Playa del Carmen real estate. Some of the features it offers are:

• 2 new malls

• 2 large-screen movie theaters

• large stores like Sam's, and several similar to Walmart

• a new upscale outdoor shopping and dining plaza (in the planning stages)

• cheap taxi rides downtown ($3 or less), or to the malls (if they're not within walking distance)

• close driving access to Riviera Maya's 8 golf courses

• very spacious communities, with plenty of green areas and pools

• lower prices for high-quality real estate

These factors, and many more benefits such as club houses, gyms and full condo-hotel services in some developments, make retirement in these new areas convenient, comfortable and active. The typical development style of gated communities with large common areas offers an ideal combination of security and privacy with a close-nit community atmosphere.

And what about the beach? It's still only a 10 to 15 minute drive away. The taxi ride is about the same as to downtown ($3); coming back, they will might charge up to a dollar more if you get a taxi right at the beach or at Fifth Avenue. If you want to save this dollar, walk a block or two back, and prices will be back to normal.

If you choose retirement in this part of Playa del Carmen, you'll be trading walking distance to the beach for more space and bigger lawn areas for a lower price, as well as a close walk to a mall and/or upscale shopping area.

If you're concerned about property value, this area is also receiving the focus of the municipal government's upcoming investment push, to bring new services and new high-end development. Chances are property will see good appreciation here.

Which is the better choice? That's up to you. But just remember - there are many retirement choices; one of Playa del Carmen real estate's strong points is its variety.

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

About the Author:

Thomas Lloyd, founder and president of TOPMexicoRealestate.com, has numerous diplomas and certifications in Mexico Real Estate topics and is one of only a few professionals to hold Mexico's new degree in real estate, accompanied by a Professional Identification Number, "cedula profesional." He has over 15 years of direct experience in Mexico's business culture.