Make Paradise Your Home in Riviera Maya Mexico

by Mallory Evans

We’ve all heard the phrase “blue water, white sand” when thinking about our next vacation destination, but have you ever considered it when planning the next stage of your life? Living abroad after you retire presents the perfect opportunity to keep adventure at the heart of your life, and in places like the Riviera Maya, this lifestyle is well within reach.

A Caribbean oasis, the Riviera Maya is located along the northeastern coast of Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula. While its northern and southern neighbors—Cancun and Tulum, respectively—are known for their nightlife, wellness retreats, and younger crowds, the Riviera Maya’s smaller developments offer a different way of life. Instead, the Riviera is ideal for those looking to lead a laidback lifestyle steeped in natural beauty and local flair.

The area has become increasingly popular in the past decade as U.S., U.K., and Canadian retirees and remote workers flock to the Riviera’s ivory beaches and turquoise waters. Why vacation in paradise when you can just make it your home?

Let’s see if living abroad is right for you.

Laidback Living

The Riviera Maya is home to several sought-after towns for new residents, including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, and Akumal.

The northernmost town, Playa del Carmen, is ideal for those looking for a relaxed pace of life without forgoing ease and comfort. “You can find a bit of everything,” Mark Kilpatrick, expat and co-founder of Caribe Luxury Homes Real Estate Mexico (caribeluxuryhomes.com) says when speaking about the area. “It’s very tailored to the expat community.” But don’t confuse relaxation with boredom. The small city boasts lively restaurants, bars, shops, and clubs. Playa del Carmen is home to vacationers, locals, and snowbirds alike.

Further south, Puerto Aventuras is a quieter destination for long-term residents, especially those searching for an idyllic retirement experience. This gated community is a newer development in the area, surrounded by lush landscapes, the beautiful oceanfront, a golf course, and several marinas. Puerto Aventuras is also well-regarded as a safe, family-friendly place to visit or live.

And finally, Akumal, located between Puerto Aventuras and Tulum, is a small resort town home to ample wildlife and Yal-ku Lagoon, a popular swimming and snorkeling destination. Beyond vacation rentals, it also has several residential areas tailored to expat communities. This tight-knit community is beloved by all who visit.

Natural Beauty Abounds

The Riviera Maya is a sun-seeker’s paradise with its year-round rays and tropical climate. The beaches are the main allure of the Riviera found throughout its 75-mile stretch down the Yucatán Peninsula. Taking its name from its French and Italian predecessors, the Riviera Maya boasts turquoise waters, lush palm trees, and scenic coves dotting its shores. Whether they’re living on an oceanfront property or closer to town, the Riviera’s residents enjoy easy access to the beach. So swim, relax, and soak up the Caribbean sun! But, your adventures are just beginning at the beach. Explore the many cenotes, or underground caves, throughout the area. These crystal-clear freshwater pools are a welcome respite after the sun and sand. Or, snorkel and take in the beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second biggest in the world. Playa del Carmen and Akumal offer snorkeling tours to swim among the reef’s corals and sea creatures.

Real Estate Paradise

Alongside the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya, affordable real estate prices draw in new residents from across the globe. “The cost of living here is just incredible,” Kilpatrick says. “[Remote workers] are able to earn in U.S. dollars and spend in pesos.” And, Mexico’s housing market simply trumps its U.S. counterpart. Kilpatrick explained that presale two-bedroom condominiums sit between $250,000 to $300,000, and presale three-bedroom condos come in around $350,000.

Even during the pandemic, mortgage rates remained stable in the area. Compared to the U.S., residents pay very little in property taxes—usually between $100 to $200 per year. Gated communities, like Puerto Aventuras, are also a cost-effective retirement option in the Riviera Maya if you’re looking for a different experience living abroad.

Cultural Melting Pot

With the area’s Mayan roots combined with its recent real estate boom, the Riviera Maya boasts a meld of Mayan, Mexican, and non-native cultures. Spanish and English are both widely spoken, giving residents a chance to learn a new language or brush up on their skills. Though the Riviera Maya attracts visitors and long-term residents from the U.S. and the U.K., it’s also a popular vacation destination for Mexicans throughout the country.

For history buffs, Mayan ruins pepper the area, including one of the world’s tallest step-pyramids Nohoch Mul, near Playa del Carmen. Most other archeological sites are further inland but are well worth the journey.

Living abroad is an exciting and unique path for your retirement plan. The Riviera Maya offers a beautiful landscape and an equally beautiful culture to spend the next stage of