Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Mexico Expat Forum

Playa Del Carmen V Progreso V Chelem

New Topic Newest First
mexmike
  2/27/2018 09:05 EST

Hi Guys,

Im new to the forum and planning well in advance for my retirement 15 years off but no harm in planning.

We love Playa Del Carmen and that would be a great place to retire to (although I do think some charm has gone with all the tourism) but ive been looking more and more into Progreso and its neighbouring towns Chelem and a few others.

I have google earth VR and have been touring these places on that and I do like the look of the areas.

Are there any expats that can give me a bit of insight into living in Progreso or surrounding areas, as it looks like my money will stretch a hell of a lot further than it would in PDC.

I enjoy a quiet life but i'd like a bars and restaurants in relative walking distance, also what is internet like in these areas?
Are the locals friendly towards ex pats (from our experiance in the Riviera Maya, The Mayans are amazing people)

I know im a long time off moving here but I will at some point come over and explore the areas and my options.

Like I say we have been to Playa Del Carmen many times but Progresso and surrounding ares look very nice.

hrlee7804
  2/27/2018 13:36 EST

In 15 yrs so much will change for sure. We spend some time in Chelem and Progresso. The latter is too busy with the cruise ships when they are there. Chelem areas are just right for us and sounds like you too. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Nice bars and restaurants. Better prices on Real Estate also. I have issues with the gulf water vs ocean waters though. My wife says I will get over it. Merida has all the shopping you could ever need. Our next trip down (next month) we are going to the Zipolite area in Oaxaca. Surf beach on the Pacific. Main issue is the road to Oaxaca City....150 miles but 5 hours by car. Maybe Peurto Escondito or Hualtulco will have enough shopping and medical. I will know more after the trip.
For us it boils down to what we can afford and how we feel when we are there and the weather. Many can't handle the heat of the coast in the summer if they stay year around. If that is the case then lots of areas like Ajijic or Lk Chapalla. The people make it or break it for us.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

mexmike
  2/27/2018 13:47 EST

Yes I can imagine so much will change over the years and I will keep monitoring the areas in that time as much as I can.

I will definitely be taking a few trips to the areas before deciding on anything concrete, one thing I like about the Chelem area is that it is close'ish to Merida so if I want a bit of hustle and bustle then it not to far away but for the most I just want to put my feet up and relax maybe throw in a stroll to the local bar for a few Cerveza's.

We have been to the Riviera Maya 9 times and its the people that make it for us to, the Mayans are special people.

longtimelurker
  2/27/2018 19:22 EST

It is hard to compare the two, the gulf beaches vs the Caribbean beaches. But if you compare the gulf to a lot of the pacific beaches then they kind of equal out.

I live on the Riviera Maya and have visit the gulf coast a lot. I have many friends living there. One thing you should know about the gulf is that the "BUG" problem is very very very very bad in Sept-Oct. Between the sand fleas and the mosquitoes from the mangroves, people get eaten alive quickly.

mexmike
  2/28/2018 05:46 EST

Arrr yes, bugs, thats something I didnt think about.

peggyjune
  2/28/2018 10:12 EST

bugs - take garlic capsules regularly - before traveling and then every day. I found it really helps, I have traveled in the tropics/beaches - and do not get bothered with bitting critters - so much.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

hrlee7804
  2/28/2018 10:51 EST

I spent time in Progresso, Chixulub, Chelem and Chuburna last October and also Sept the year before. ON THE BEACH. Walked the Malacon, etc. Agreed there are no mangroves where I was but did not have a bug issue and none of my friends there talked about it. We went for walks at night and in the evenings .....nothing! I know it happens in places. I have spent some time in Hopkins Belize on the beach and got eaten up. Have not had that issue where I have been on the gulf. We are headed down to the Pacific beaches in Oaxaca next month.... will see what it is like there. Don't get too worried about the bugs or anything else. You are not the first American making the move...the rest survived. Mexico has a more stable and healthy gov than Belize so maybe they spray for bugs.

longtimelurker
  3/1/2018 09:23 EST

Any place where they do not clean up the seaweed daily or are on the mangroves have a huge problem with sand fleas and mosquitoes in Sept/Oct. But maybe they will fill in the thousands of hectares of mangroves in 15 years and build condos

atlantatoprogreso
  3/16/2018 13:12 EST

We bought a property in Progreso in August. We are one block off of the Malecon (on the East end) and a stones throw from the beach. LOVE IT. Can walk to restaurants, 24 hr OXXO, stores are close, Merida is only 30 minutes away. I could not be happier. I have been bringing my father, he's in his late 60s, and he is ready to sell his house here in the US and move their as well. I definitely prefer the atmosphere in comparison to that of PDC and Cancun. Good luck and congrats in advance of your new endeavor.

LeiaRowan
  3/16/2018 14:51 EST

I would love to hear more about the Progresso area! Some told me it is bug infested, sounded bad,.. you sound the opposite,.. and real estate in your area too, rent/buy?

LeiaRowan
  3/16/2018 14:51 EST

I would love to hear more about the Progresso area! Some told me it is bug infested, sounded bad,.. you sound the opposite,.. and real estate in your area too, rent/buy?

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

richmcintyre
  4/11/2018 19:12 EST

Hey Atlanta, love to buy you a cerveza sometime next week...... or two, for a quick download.
Cheers

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Mexico GuideLiving in Mexico Guide

Our Living in Mexico Guide is an introduction to everything about the basics for moving to Mexico: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Mexico Forum Mexico Forum
Join our Mexico forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Mexico.

Contribute to Mexico Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.

Best Places to Live in Mexico Best Places to Live in Mexico

If you're thinking about living in Mexico, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Mexico in 2023.

Healthcare in MexicoHealthcare in Mexico

If you're moving to Mexico or an expat living in Mexico, understanding the Mexican healthcare system is essential. We offer an overview of the public and private healthcare systems in Mexico, health insurance for expats in Mexico, hospitals and prescription drugs.

Cost of Living in MexicoCost of Living in Mexico

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Mexico.

Moving to MexicoMoving to Mexico Guide

Expats in Mexico share important tips for people preparing to move to Mexico. From banking in Mexico to finding a safe city, read these 8 tips before moving to Mexico.

Real Estate in MexicoReal Estate in Mexico

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Mexico.

Pros Cons of Living in MexicoPros & Cons of Living in Mexico

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Mexico.

Retiring in MexicoRetiring in Mexico

Advice for people retiring in Mexico.

Visa and Residency MexicoMexico Visa & Residency Guide

If you plan to move to Mexico, you'll need to understand the process involved and the order in which requirements need to satisfied. Here is an excellent primer on what you'll need to do regardless of the amount of time you plan to spend in Mexico.

10 Tips for Living in Mexico10 Tips for Living in Mexico

If you've recently arrived in Mexico, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Mexico.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Mexico Network Contribute
Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal