Affordable Cancun: Should you move there?
In three words, yes, yes, and yes. Fifty years ago, this corner of the Yucatan Peninsula was empty scrubland. There was nothing but the deserted ruins of a string of Maya trading ports. Then the Mexican government decided to develop it into a southern version of Miami, with better weather, warmer water and softer sand. However, today Cancun is a bustling resort city with a population approaching a million. Like Miami, its high-rise luxury hotels sit on a narrow strip of land separating Nichupte Lagoon from the Caribbean. The city center is across the lagoon.
Facilities
Cancun is served by Mexico’s second-biggest airport (after Mexico City) with direct flights from many North American and European destinations. It doesn’t feel like a third world city; it has everything from local markets and modern shopping malls with familiar North American outlets like Office Depot, Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club to a concert hall, comfortable playhouses and movie theaters, and regular music events which attract front-line international bands. Plus 750 restaurants, both Mexican and international, so an interesting challenge would be to eat out at a different location twice a day for a year!
Because of the thriving tourism and conference trade, English is widely spoken and many expats get by with no more than rudimentary Spanish. Moreover, seven hospitals provide excellent medical care at reasonable prices and, as throughout Mexico, resident expats can join Seguro Popular, Mexico’s health insurance scheme. Most medications can be bought over the counter without prescription at the many pharmacies.
The cheap bus network and taxi service make car ownership unnecessary. Power is pretty reliable. Internet is fast, stable, and cheap. In addition, the local expat community is knowledgeable and helpful; just sign up to one of their Facebook groups, join their social life, and ask all the questions you want.
Lifestyle
Although it’s a big, busy place, life in Cancun is, well, Mexican. You will find a laid back lifestyle, full of music and laughter. And if you need a change from the hum of the city, there are isolated beaches to the north, the magical Island of Women (Isla Mujeres) to the east, and the intriguing mix of haciendas, biospheres, colonial cities, Maya pyramids and jungle to the west. South along the coast are a string of smaller resorts, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There’s scuba diving on the coral reef, and every form of water sport known to man. Free time? Your choice!
Accommodations
Even housing expenses with beach frontage or an ocean view can be surprisingly reasonable. Here are three of our current modern family homes, all in secure condos with pools, at under $300,000 USD to buy. Select the links for more information. And do get in touch to see what else we offer.
4-bedroom, 4-bathroom, 3-floor home, minutes from the airport. $235,000 USD
3-bedroom, 3-bathroom, child-friendly condo. $246,839 USD
2-bedroom condo with penthouse, overlooking the ocean. $299,000 USD
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!