Thoughts of living in Playa del Carmen.
If you have experienced recurring thoughts that include the color turquoise, warm weather, not very hot weather, never cold temperatures (except in a cold refreshment), relaxed lifestyle or more desirable work environment, and a beach in the Caribbean of México, then keep those thoughts active and call Gary Martin Wendt. His similar thoughts began in October 1987 and were realized in a decision to move to Playa del Carmen in the year 2000.
Gary has been there, and done that. Gary is your guide and empathizer.
Your questions will lead to solid answers that likely include: which neighborhood to choose to match with your lifestyle.
1. Will you arrive as an expat or virtual worker?
Both profiles will share a few similar basic questions:
- How close to the beach?
- A 5–10 minute walk.
- Or bike? or by car for a better price.
- Noise tolerance day, and night?
- Close to join the nightlife.
- Sleep is preferred to activities and entertainment.
- Shopping and dining conveniences?
- Walkable.
- Plan to have a car.
- Taxi or colectivo.
- Budget priority?
- Start with a budget range depending on your preferences and requirements.
- Space rand layout equirements.
- Living expenses budget.
2. Location. Downtown/Centro.
Life in the city center.
- Walkable to shopping, dining, entertainment, transportation.
- 5th Avenue for meeting in cafes, bars, restaurants, coworking spaces, gyms.
- Beach nearby for beach life.
- More activity and lively street scene.
- Build community relationships, mingle with the locals and travelers.
- Music and traffic sounds of the city.
- Car not required.
- Condominium options: studios, 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms+, amenities, rooftop pool, jacuzzi, gym.
- Internet options are usually high speed in most buildings. Internet hotspots outside the home are widely available.
- Street-by-street differences in most characteristics of city life.
- Higher turnover of residents in the center.
2. Coco Beach and the northern side
Coco Beach is a popular mix:
- proximity to the sea,
- newer feel, still growing,
- local dining, shopping, entertainment,
- more tranquil than some parts of the Downtown “Centro”
- appealing in internet searches,
- architectural appeal,
- popular with couples
- a walk to the beach.
Be prepared for:
- higher prices,
- more condensed layouts,
- unique calculation of purchase price versus rental and occupancy rate.
- enjoy your rental !
3. Playacar II is a golf centric community that is:
It is a more residential area, greener, more orderly, and with a strong perception of safety and tranquility.
- residential single-family residences, townhomes, and condominiums,
- family oriented,
- quieter,
- more green space, more trees,
- more often owner-occupied,
- larger layouts, more bedrooms, higher purchase prices,
- most areas walkable of bike rides to the beach,
- connected directly to the downtown centro, avoiding the highway.
- longer-term rentals.
Be prepared for:
- less tourist demand, lower occupancy rates,
- less shopping and dining,
- gated security on all 3 road access points.
Consider: Playacar vs Downtown Playa del Carmen: Where should you buy your condo?.
4. Playacar I is beach front and steps to the beach
Playacar I is a beachfront community that is:
- residential single-family residences and condominiums,
- beach front and sea views,
- never more that 3 blocks to the beach,
- family oriented,
- quieter,
- more green space, more trees,
- often owner-occupied,
- larger layouts, more bedrooms, premium purchase prices,
- connected directly to the downtown centro, avoiding the highway,
- short-mid-long-term rentals are all popular. at premium rates.
5. Playa del Carmen across the highway
This report features Playa del Carmen residential vacation rental areas. The neighborhoods “across the highway” are primarily popular as homes for long-term stays. Most will be shared by international residents. Each will offer different features, usually more limited shopping and dining, advantages, and challenges. Vacation rental occupancy rates will be very low unless the owner is a marketing savant.
6. Resort communities
Premier master-planned resort and gated communities like Mayakoba and Corasol to the north of Playa del Carmen have been attractive to the traveler who chooses resort-style residential investment. All-inclusive hotel pampering is available independent of the residences in exclusive restaurants at the golf course and on the beach. Single-family homes and condominium surround a golf course and condominiums feature beach front living. Vacation rentals are potential with a targeted marketing effort.
7. Cities and communities from Cancun to Bacalar
Each will offer different features, attraction, benefits and challenges. Each is an interesting conversation!
Choose your guide before beginning your property purchase search. Gary Martin Wendt is your broker/guide at Playa Citizen Real Estate. My service is fee free. The call is free. +1-281-770-5258.
