Mexico has become one of the most popular destinations for retirees and expat communities alike. This also includes people who have second homes, vacation getaways, and investment properties. According to the US State Department, it is estimated that approximately 1.5 million Americans are living south of the border. With Mexico being only a hop – skip, and jump away from the United States makes for a rather convenient choice.
When the kids grow up and leave home to begin a life of their own, retirement isn’t that far away. People who are nearing retirement age will start exploring their options. Some will keep their family home and take up gardening or start a long-awaited hobby. Others will downsize or even move to another town or possibly a different state. Then some people are ready to enjoy retirement by making their nightly dreams a reality! Â
According to several multimedia publications – nationally and internationally, there are quite a few retirement havens spread throughout Mexico. This alone speaks very favorably to many North Americans entering their golden years. What makes for an ideal environment when considering relocation? Retirees who are looking for their place in paradise can address the answers to this particular question. Â
Many of the following elements will contribute to an ideal utopia:
- One of the most practical reasons retirees look at relocating is to reduce their daily living costs – daily, monthly, and annually.
- The next most popular reason is to enjoy year-round tropical weather, beautiful white sand beaches, and the Caribbean Sea’s clear-turquoise water.
- Having the ability to purchase a home on or near the water. Acquiring your ultimate dream home can be more affordable outside of the US or Canada.
- Having quality, as well as affordable healthcare, readily available.Â
- Other amenities include easy accessibility to a major airport, little to no language barrier, and other familiar conveniences.Â
These are just a few of the reasons why people look across the border when wanting to relocate. Within the last few decades, quite a few expat communities have been established throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The state of Quintana Roo, and especially the Riviera Maya with its tranquil setting and welcoming culture, offers everything mentioned in the above list and more.
Let’s look at a few towns that fit the above itinerary. These expat communities are growing in popularity each and every year. The brief paragraphs will outline many of the amenities that make them attractive options for retirees.
Here are the most popular towns for expat communities in the Riviera Maya:
Tulum
Tulum is the fastest-growing town in the Riviera Maya. This trendsetting community has a reputation for being an eco-friendly and self-sustaining culture with a Zenistic ambiance. This tropical paradise offers a variety of homes that will suit almost anyone’s lifestyle. Tulum’s downtown features lots of boutique shops, open-air markets, and traditional eateries. There are also several national and international corporate brand amenities available. Some of Tulum’s most valuable assets are its unspoiled jungles, fabulous beaches, and crystal-clear Caribbean water. If you are looking for a laidback environment with a lower cost of living, Tulum should be at the top of your list!
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a quiet fishing village that escapes the hustle and bustle of a touristy destination. This quaint little village will take you back to a time when life was much more straightforward. Spend the day snorkeling along the Mesoamerican Reef or take a panga to fish for tarpon, snook, and permit. Puerto Morelos offers palm tree-lined beaches that stretch for miles. You won’t find corporate retail here. Stroll through the street-side shops that offer handcrafted and one-of-a-kind items. The local eateries serve freshly prepared cuisines along with your favorite beverage. Puerto Morelos real estate is very affordable, and the cost of living to match. Here is a place where you can live without a worry in the world!
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has grown from a small fishing village to a world-famous vacation destination. It is home to the largest expat community in the Riviera Maya. If you ever wanted to retire and feel like being on vacation 24/7, Playa is the place you want to be. It offers everything under the sun when it comes to various shopping opportunities, trying exotic cuisines, and enjoying local entertainment. Spend the day lying on a pristine beach with its beautiful turquoise water nipping at your feet. When evening rolls around, enjoy dining at one of 5th Avenue’s many restaurants. There are a variety of properties that will fit anyone’s budget. Come and see why people never what to leave playa del Carmen.
Cozumel
Cozumel, also known as the island of swallows, is just a short ferry away from Playa del Carmen. With Mexico’s Great Mayan Reef just off its shore, Cozumel is known as a diver’s mecca. The town of San Miguel offers about every shopping opportunity possible. Watch a magnificent sunset from one of the many restaurants that look out over the blue contouring horizon. Island life can be very affordable on Cozumel when considering other Caribbean islands. Real estate is very reasonably priced when comparing it to other island destinations. Cozumel can provide the life you have always dreamed of.
Other Honorable Mentions
Additionally, there are several more expat communities in the Riviera Maya that aren’t as widely popular. These hidden gems are off the beaten path and away from the crowds and tourist traps. Less popular communities like Akumal and Xpu-Ha provide more seclusion but, at the same time, are still close enough to all the conveniences. Then there are gated communities like Puerto Aventuras. This self-sufficient community offers a variety of homes, a full-service town square, a golf course, and stretches of white-sand beaches. These three options not only provide a lower cost of living but also they offer totally different lifestyles. Â
The towns and expat communities highlighted above offer similar amenities no matter which location appeals to you. When comparing affordable real estate, low taxes, and monthly expenses, we think you will find that the Riviera Maya offers a much lower cost of living. Other benefits to being an expat in the Riviera Maya are the year-round warm weather, fabulous white sand beaches, the beautiful Caribbean Sea, and tropical landscape. Let’s not forget the easy access to Cancun’s International airport. Last but not least, the laidback atmosphere and stress-free surroundings are just what the doctor ordered!Â
These and more reason to #ChooseMexico as your new home!
Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… we make it happen!