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East or West coast?

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guestuser
  4/12/2016 15:54 EST

I'm interested in people's thoughts about living on the east or west coast of Mexico. For instance Puerto Vallarta vs Playa del Carmen.

bluewater1
  4/12/2016 19:42 EST

As visitors we've enjoyed staying on the south end of PV, love the Romantic Zone for great happy hours and dining. And the outlying towns and coastal areas are ideal for living.

We've also enjoyed our visits to Playa, so much so that we chose to build a home there. We want the gorgeous sand and water, along with the excellent options for entertainment, dining, shopping, and excursions all along the Yucatan Peninsula. It's also closer to the rest of the Carib and the east coast of the US which we also like.

So your choice depends totally on what you are looking for. What are you looking for???

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guestuser
  4/13/2016 22:50 EST

Gracias.

I would like a casa surrounded by a wall for privacy and so my cat can roam free and I can have some garden and yard space. I need an art studio in the home.

I plan on painting, sculpting and working on projects. I want to be able to walk places, especially local markets for fresh food. Need a place to get art supplies etc.

Some cultural life would be good and being near medical care is important.

Sharon88
  4/13/2016 23:33 EST

Try Ajijic. It's a bit central. Perfect weather; almost every corner has a la tienda (small grocery store). Lots of art, and art supplies. Lot of expats.

guestuser
  4/13/2016 23:51 EST

Thanks. I was thinking of Guanajuato, but it's too cold for me and I really don't do well living away from the ocean, so need to be somewhere warmer and on the coast, but thank you.

bluewater1
  4/15/2016 05:19 EST

We bought just outside of Playa for the quiet which means we have to drive to the stores. But there are many options right in Playa where everything is within walking distance. The north end of 5th Avenue is a very nice area with nice shopping and fabulous restaurants (and 2 blocks to a gorgeous beach).
So playa offers not only the conveniences but many great dining options and bars. But it is a busier city now with a vibrant vibe and you may want something more colonial. You'd want to visit any area and rent in different spots to see if that is the experience you are looking for.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Cozumeldeb
  4/15/2016 16:05 EST

As my tag implies we live on the island of Cozumel bought in 2001. No regrets, safe, secure and absolutely beautiful sunsets. All areas have grown which can be good or bad. CZM has good ex-pat community..best advice decide what is most important to u. Spend time in each area..Q Roo is the prettiest in Yucatan area..Not a fan of Playa, way to crowded with security issues, we sometimes take ferry to shop or do dinner..although have high quality restaurants in Cozumel.

bluewater1
  4/15/2016 16:32 EST

We are the opposite as we much prefer the Riviera Maya over Coz. Just so much more! Yes Playa is a busy town and expanding, but we love the North end, and we bought in a quieter area where we can drive to Playa and ferry to Coz and Belize. Playa offers the best of everything IMHO. If it gets too busy we'll move to another area, so many to choose from...

Cozumeldeb
  4/15/2016 16:53 EST

As my tag implies we live on the island of Cozumel bought in 2001. No regrets, safe, secure and absolutely beautiful sunsets. All areas have grown which can be good or bad. CZM has good ex-pat community..best advice decide what is most important to u. Spend time in each area..Q Roo is the prettiest in Yucatan area..Not a fan of Playa, way to crowded with security issues, we sometimes take ferry to shop or do dinner..although have high quality restaurants in Cozumel.

guestuser
  4/15/2016 18:49 EST

Gracias. Good information. Yes, I prefer the more colonial and being able to get around without a car. Access, but not in the thick of it.

Weather, home, living without a car, and medical care are the important factors for me.

guestuser
  4/15/2016 18:54 EST

Cozumeldeb, what about hurricanes and island fever?

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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latinamerica2019
  11/4/2017 15:09 EST

living in playa del carmen. Hoping to relocate to this area in the near future.

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