When most people think of Mexico retirement in a beachfront community like Playa del Carmen, they usually imagine retirement directly on, or a very short walk from the beachfront – and it is no wonder considering the lure of these wide beaches with soft, white sand. However, good options in Playa del Carmen condos and homes are beginning to become available in alternative locations, i.e. not directly in the beachfront area.
What would retirement be like in a neighborhood not directly on the beachfront? Â The following points about developments back from the beach are worth consideration in making the decision if your Playa del Carmen retirement should be within walking distance to the beach or not.
1. Access to the beach
Before moving to other points, it is important to note that even “far from the beach” in Playa del Carmen is not really far from the beach. With a large number of easily accessible public entrance points, the newest, most distant developments on the edge of the city are still about a 10 minute drive (maybe closer to 15 if you get unlucky with the handful of traffic lights along the way.) If you don’t want to own a car, a taxi is only about $3. Taxis in Playa del Carmen are all officially registered, and are very safe. You’re definitely not giving up the beach.
2. Lower prices, lower fees
Playa del Carmen condos in these areas will generally cost less, or at least offer more for the same price. The same is true about condo fees.
3. More space
This is related to point number 2. Since the areas farther back from the beach are still in somewhat lower demand, developers can offer a larger amount of green space and recreational areas directly in the neighborhood.
4. Large number of retirement activities
In the “back” part of Playa del Carmen, there are two new shopping malls, very close to numerous new developments. These malls not only provide large supermarkets, warehouse style club stores, English movie theaters, nice cafes and many other stores and services, but one also includes an informal chess club (no membership or anything, you just sit down and play).
Depending on the development or neighborhood which you choose, some include community recreation areas and buildings with a large number of options for relaxing, such as pools, gyms, card rooms, etc. The idea providing “condo-hotel” services is also growing, with benefits such as baggage drop off, and transportation downtown, not only eliminating the need for a car, but even for taxis in most cases.
If you are planning retirement in Playa del Carmen, consider an alternative location. If being very close to the beach is the most important point for you, there are many excellent options; but if you feel you can trade just a bit of distance for many services and conveniences, plus lower prices, these would be an option worth considering.
Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK
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Hidden Worlds says
Thanks for the post! Cancun and Playa del Carmen are my favorite vacation spots. There’s so much to do!