When you’ve made the choice to relocate to the Riviera Maya, you are still spoiled for choices on where to settle. Are you looking for a big city vibe like Cancun? Would you rather head on down to the laidback Tulum? Or are you looking for a middle-ground place such as Playa del Carmen? Both Tulum and Playa del Carmen share a glorious climate, white coral-sand beaches, and modern amenities. Moreover, they both have easy access to tourist attractions, mysterious Mayan ruins and magical cenotes in the jungle. So, which would suit you best?
Tulum: laidback bohemian lifestyle
Tulum is still developing. But it has a reputation for eco-friendly and sustainable growth. The city seems determined not to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. Add to that the prospect of the Maya train project, the growing tourism market (Forbes Magazine reported an astonishing 76% growth between 2016 and 2017), and Tulum’s future seems assured.
The city has gained a reputation for good food, great music, a vibrant art scene and a high-end, yet bohemian, vibe that attracts beautiful people from all over the world. On the downside, Tulum can be slightly more expensive than Playa del Carmen and it doesn’t have as many amenities. However, you will find two large supermarkets, banks, shops and plenty of eateries – big and small – throughout.
Tulums’s Downtown is on the highway, just 2.5 miles from the ocean. It is lined with arts and crafts, restaurants (some authentic Mexican tacos), and bars. Moreover, you will find a string of delightful accommodations throughout the quaint little town at affordable prices.
Our real estate recommendation in Tulum
If you’re considering Tulum as your forever home for retirement, then you need to take a look at this beautiful 2-bedroom turnkey penthouse. You will bask in the privacy of a rustic, Tulum-vibe home with space to grow. It features an open-plan kitchen, storage space, large living areas, and more. Additionally, it is featuring a reduced-price promotion right now. The 14,000-USD-discount means you can purchase this home for just $185,000 USD (as of the time of publishing of this blog).
Playa del Carmen: lively, yet still a town
Playa del Carmen’s astonishing transformation from a fishing village to a sophisticated international tourist destination was a quick, but welcoming, change. The city attracts Americans and Canadians, especially snowbirds, who come down regularly during the winter months. There are also thriving German, Italian and Argentinian communities.
When it comes to transportation, Playa del Carmen has a strong infrastructure with plenty of public transportation options such as taxis, colectivos and the buses, called Tucsas. It will also benefit from the Maya train project, which will connect the region at key tourist sites.
Unlike Tulum, Playa del Carmen’s city center is right on the coast. One of the many pleasures of walking on Fifth Avenue, the famous pedestrian shopping street, is the glimpses of the Caribbean less than a block away. You will find all sorts of accommodation in Playa del Carmen. From small studio apartments to large luxury beachfront homes, there is something for everyone. Of course, it also has large hospitals, clinics, supermarkets and all types of shopping available.
The government has injected quite a bit of money on infrastructure, as well, which means that the once sleepy fishing villa is now at par with a city. You will notice that Playa del Carmen is bound together by music, overlapping waves and the untamable lushness of the tropics. The startling purple of bougainvillea and the summer, scarlet canopies of the Flamboyant trees make it a charming place to walk and live.
Our real estate recommendation in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for those who want to retire part-time to the Caribbean. Having a home near the city center with easy access to the beach, supermarkets and other amenities is great. Especially for a snowbird. So, this 3-bedroom condo with lock-off feature is a great investment to generate extra income during your retirement, as well. And, of course, you can enjoy it as you please. Take advantage of its incredible reduced-price, leaving it now at $280,000 USD!
So, Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
If you want to sustain all the comforts of a North American or European lifestyle in the tropics, Playa del Carmen is probably a better choice. But, if you want the magic of a seaside adventure under the bright stars and a bohemian vibe, then it was to be Tulum. The cities are just a short 40-minute drive from each other; so regardless of where you choose to invest, you can sample the best of both worlds.
Contact our expert Buyer’s representatives and let them guide you on finding the perfect home for you, in the perfect place.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!