You may have heard of the Mayan Riviera or Riviera Maya, but not everyone knows that this is one of the most popular destinations for American expats in Mexico. The bulk of the country’s expat community can be found in Puerta Vallarta, Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas. Why? Because Americans love to travel abroad and work remotely—and since Mexico is close by and has a relatively low cost of living, it’s an easy choice.
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is also a popular place for many expats. It’s located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico and includes Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. In fact, the United States is the top country of origin for expats in this area, followed by Canada and Europe.
It’s easy to see why this area is so popular; it offers a great climate with plenty of sunshine, warm weather year-round, and a laid-back lifestyle. The cost of living here is also very attractive compared to many other places around the world.
The Riviera Maya is a dream destination for many people, so it’s no surprise that expats are coming here in droves. With tropical weather, nearby Mayan ruins, the Caribbean Sea and some of the best beaches in Mexico, this stretch of coastline has a lot to offer.
It’s also close to Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is one of the most popular airports in Mexico. This makes it easier for expats—particularly those coming from places like the U.S., Canada or Europe—to get here with ease.
Playa del Carmen
We’ve been traveling for over 3 years now, and Playa del Carmen is one of the places we return to time and time again. The weather is perfect, the people are nice (unless you’re from Europe), the beach is stunning and full of amazing little shops.
It’s a great place to stay on a budget. You can get there by bus from Cancun, or if you prefer, fly into Playa Del Carmen International Airport and then rent a car (you’ll probably have to pay to park it in Playa Del Carmen though). If you choose not to hire a car, check out their buses! They depart every 30 minutes or less and cost about $10 USD round trip.
If you really want to get away from it all, they also have an airport that connects directly with the city center via helicopter! It flies daily on specific days at certain times; just ask your travel agent when you book your ticket so that you don’t miss it!
Tulum
The population of Tulum is growing rapidly, and with it the number of expats. Compared to Cancun, which has a population hovering around 700,000 people and which continues to grow quickly thanks to new residential developments popping up all over the area, Tulum’s roughly 25,000 residents are just a drop in the bucket. But growth aside, if you want to live in one of Mexico’s hippest towns on the Mayan Riviera you need to get ready to pay a premium for your place.
Real estate in Tulum costs are more affordable than what you would pay in Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Those who plan on living here full-time should consider this option when searching for an apartment or house to buy in Mexico.
Puerto Aventuras
Because Puerto Aventuras is a gated community, it has a relatively small population for the area: about 20,000 residents. However, it’s still in close proximity to other larger cities, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
It’s even smaller than Playa del Carmen was 20 years ago! But don’t let that fool you: Puerto Aventuras has everything you need. In addition to restaurants and shopping plazas on-site (which includes an open-air cathedral), there are golf courses and a marina nearby with boat tours of the surrounding reefs.
There are also beaches, parks, and other attractions that are easily accessible by car or public transportation. Because of its convenience to these many activities, Puerto Aventuras is popular with expats who come here to work or retire because it’s still quieter than most other resort towns in Mexico.
Cancun
The first word that comes to mind when you hear the name Cancun is probably “beach.” And you’re right to think that: the city and surrounding area are known for their beautiful beaches. But there’s much more to this location than sand and surf.
Located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun boasts a population of over 700,000. This is the largest number of people living in one place in Mexico. The city is known for its tropical climate, and it has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world, as well as expats from other countries (like Canada or the United States).
Punta de Mita, Nayarit
It might be a little surprising to realize that the most populated state in Mexico is not Baja California Sur, where you’ll find Cabo San Lucas and the tourist hub of La Paz.
The most populated state in Mexico is actually Jalisco. You can find Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico, in Jalisco.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende is located in the state of Guanajuato, about 260 miles northwest of Mexico City. The colonial town has several claims to fame: it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of the most prestigious art school in Latin America, Instituto Allende. It’s also home to more than 4,000 Americans—many of them retirees—and is a popular tourist destination.
Although it’s one place and can’t possibly offer all that you might want from life, San Miguel could be a good fit for you if you’re looking to retire abroad. You’d have your pick of churches as well as cultural activities like music performances and street fairs. The local architecture is stunning (think Spanish-colonial-meets-boho-chic), and there are plenty of art galleries showcasing works by both emerging and established artists. Although the cost of living in San Miguel tends to be higher than other places in Mexico, it’s still significantly lower than in the U.S., which allows many people to comfortably stretch their retirement savings further than they could at home.
Are you interested in receiving the best listings in Riviera Maya Mexico? Click the links below:
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Click here to read more about buying property in Mexico as a non-Mexican.
Buying a Vacation home in Tulum Mexico to Rent out
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8 Reasons Why Tulum Mexico Real Estate Market Is Booming (during the Pandemic)
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