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A Glimpse of the Good Life in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

It’s not easy to leave a life of familiarity and comfort behind in an attempt to establish roots in a new city let alone a foreign country. Yet millions of expats do it, and if you would ask, the majority of them would emphatically declare it was the best decision of their lives.

For some, they are fed up with exorbitant healthcare and living costs. Others have the advantage of working on-line and can set up their offices in any destination with a decent internet connection. There are those that fall in the category of anti-snow, while others seem to have been born nomads. Travel and the fresh experiences that accompany a new passport stamp are what ignite these adventurous types’ burning desires.

You are not alone if you have been contemplating an international move.  Whatever sparked your curiosity and led you to the life-changing decision, know that countless others have sat on this same fence.

In fact, the young and burgeoning city of Playa del Carmen has a multitude of residents from around the world that were once in the exact spot you find yourself in. It is natural to experience feelings of anxiety and hesitancy as you approach that monumental step towards living the life that dreams are made.

Although entering into a new culture and learning the laws and customs of a foreign land can take some time, the enhancements to your lifestyle are worth it. Living in Mexico’s Riviera Maya in particular means you will spend very little time in traffic. Most expats have help around the house, so less time is spent on laundry, dishes and cleaning bathrooms. Hiring someone to cut your lawn, clean your pool, and wash your car is very affordable. This newfound abundance of free time allows you to pursue your passions and spend more time with the people you love.

Whether you have a young family, you are retired, or you have always fantasized about having an office with a Caribbean view, there is no shortage of fun activities for every age in Playa del Carmen.

Within a half hour of this Mexican Caribbean gem are dozens of eco-parks, ancient ruin sites, and hundreds of extraordinary, limestone swimming holes, known as cenotes. There are lagoons, biosphere reserves on which to explore the intriguing native fauna and flora, as well as Pueblos Magicos (designated ‘Magic Towns’) brimming with history, culture and charm.

Just a ferry-ride away, you can spend a day or a weekend soaking in the relaxed, island vibes of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, or Isla Contoy. Within the Yucatan Peninsula are limitless treasures to discover such as the Lagoon of 7 Colors in the fort town of Bacalar, the starfish and stingrays in the spellbinding, crystalline waters of El Cielo and the ‘Yellow Town’ of Izamal.

A state-of-the-art theater hosts concert, dance and live theater performances at little or no-cost. There are two movie cinemas, several cultural centers, an aquarium, a planetarium, several public and private school options as well as museums.

Art is not just on display within the galleries and museums of Playa del Carmen. Take a walk on the beach in the morning and witness a sunrise that splashes vivid tones of orange and pink across the seascape.

Unless you are in the hub of the downtown core, it is not unusual to see a flock of parrots do a fly-by over your backyard. Deer in the area have enjoyed the harvest from the passion fruit vines that grow along our fence. Stripe-tailed coatis and speedy sereques scamper across the lawn in search of ants or fallen fruits to munch on. Iguanas come out to sun themselves on the rocks, while bright, yellow-bellied Kiskadees bathe in the pool. Every so often, you will encounter a fascinating spider monkey or two. To be able to observe these fearless and agile creatures in their natural environment never ceases to amaze.

Making acquaintances is easy through learning programs that offer language, cooking or painting classes. Networking and personal development meet-ups take place around the city each month. If you golf or would like to take up the sport now that you have created more leisure time in your schedule, there are a handful of challenging and scenic courses minutes from the city. Local discounts and 2 for 1 specials make playing golf in the Riviera Maya an affordable pastime.

When considering healthcare, you can expect the same or higher quality for much less here in Playa del Carmen. Everyday grocery items, dentist visits, and all insurances are a fraction of the cost as in the United States or Canada. On any given day, an enchanting new restaurant will pop up to join the exciting and delectable dining scene in Playa del Carmen. Eating out and other indulgences such as spa visits are also far more affordable here compared to other North American cities.

Life can be as simple or as active as you make it in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Regardless of your chosen lifestyle and pace, you can count on being immersed in surreal natural beauty as well as sunshine for over three hundred days of the year.

So what’s stopping you from living the life of your dreams? Take the first step today and contact the team at Bric Real Estate to see what is possible.