This blog is a shared experience from Lydia Jones, who packed up her life in England to move to the Riviera Maya.
Many people have packed up their life in the United States, Canada and Europe and made the move to the Riviera Maya. Here, taxi drivers ask us why we would move from abroad. We give them two answers: warmer climate and warmer people. Mexico may have a violent reputation, but it doesn’t feel like that here in the Riviera Maya. I feel at complete ease walking up and down our little street in the center of Playa del Carmen. Along the way, I give out courteous buenos dias to the many people I now know. I feel utterly safe and at home here.
Exchanging the Winter for the Eternal Summer
This place sings with cheerful music, night and day. It also resonates with common courtesy (thank yous and youre welcomes). There are daily affectionate hugs, too. The first time I shopped in Walmart, I thought the staff were having some kind of corporate love-in. I look back at home from the Mexican viewpoint and think of how no one will smile at you – whether it’s in North America or Europe. If I could wrap up the Riviera Maya in one word it would be warmth.
I woke up one morning, looked at the news and saw the container ships buffeting their way towards foreign parts. I couldn’t face another winter; so, I decided to follow them. To start, I made spreadsheets. We needed a place that would tick off the following criteria:
- On the Caribbean
- Decent temperatures
- Not a big city, but one that sustains some culture
The one place that ticked off all the boxes was the Riviera Maya. Specifically, Playa del Carmen. So, I sold up and moved.
Becoming a Part of the Culture
At first, I felt out of place; but I slowly got into a community. This is highly important in order to feel at ease and start become part of the culture, traditions and life in your chosen destination. Facebook was a great help for finding expats in my same situation. They are wonderfully generous with information and will plug you into the social group that matches your needs.
And I might be getting ahead of myself and setting priorities wrong. It might be considerate to find a place to live first. Whether you rent or purchase, finding a home that suits your needs, budget and wishes is important. Either way, however, Mexico is glorious. The sun shines, the colors are vibrant, the people are warm and generous. Forget guided tours. Getting lost through the Yucatan jungle will lead you to Mayan ruins and Spanish haciendas that seem long forgotten. People will always come to your aid. You will improve your Spanish – and there are many ways to get around to doing so. A wonderfully vague sweep of the arms means straight on (todo derecho) – but, who needs directions on an adventure?
Moving to the Riviera Maya is Easy!
So, what do you need to transfer your whole life into a tropical paradise? It’s actually very simple. Come here, feel the warmth from the wonderful people and the climate. Stroll through the side streets and enjoy the music and laughter. Learn the language to revel in the courtesies. Share in a community. Fall in love. Finally, get Top Mexico Real Estate to help you find your dream home. They have thousands of properties for all types of people, budget and needs. Lastly, get your friends back home to e-mail you about the lousy weather and, trust me, you will not regret a single day!
If this sounds like a dream to you, contact Top Mexico Real Estate’s Buyer’s Representatives who can help you find the perfect investment, vacation or retirement home in this sunny corner of paradise.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
