Forums > Areas > Southern Mexico

1 2 View All

fhollin

May 17, 2004, 2:07 PM

Post #1 of 26 (3694 views)

Shortcut

Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

I see a lot of postings about retiring in SMA, PV, Chapala, etc., but I see very little about people from the US and Canada going to the Yucatan. My wife and I have been entertaining the idea of moving to the Puerto Morelos area. Being an avid scuba diver, the area naturally appeals to me, and a lot of the things I've read indicate that it's actually cheaper than some of the other places I mentioned earlier. Any comments?

Fred in Montreal

daniel27

May 17, 2004, 8:24 PM

Post #2 of 26 (3648 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Fred,
It is a great area. I do not know how the costs compare to the other areas you mention but the whole Riviera Maya area is worth exploring.
You have to go and check things out for yourself. There are a lot of Canadian and American Expats all up down the coast and over near Merida. There are many types of housing and you should look at all the area from Cancun down to Tulum.
I found that the area is probably more expensive than many places in land but that is true anywhere you look. Places on near the beach are always more expensive.
The area lives on tourism and in many ways is more affluent than other parts of Mexico so sometimes prices are higher.
Take some time and explore and thats the only way you will know if it is for you.
Write me if you have any more questions.
Dan

linda52

May 17, 2004, 9:47 PM

Post #3 of 26 (3641 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

We also were considering Puerto but after a recent trip we have changed our minds due to increased costs since our last visit. Now we are considering Bacalar or even Oaxaca (for the temps) with the ocean several hours away. We are looking at Feb., or perhaps sooner, to head down and make some decisions.
Good luck!

linda in Golden, Colorado

fhollin

May 18, 2004, 7:39 AM

Post #4 of 26 (3623 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Dan and Linda, thanks for your input. We plan on making the move in the next two years (maybe sooner if we can wrap up business at home). As appealing as beachfront may be, we recognize that it comes at a cost, and we have no problem with buying a house 10 or 15 miles (or more, if necessary) inland, which I imagine is a lot cheaper. We have personally checked out the Chapala and PV areas, but we just found the Carribean more attractive. Presumably one can keep costs down once one learns the ropes (where to shop, buy food, etc.). In any case, we would definitely rent for 6 months or so to get a feel for it before buying anything.

Fred

fhollin

May 18, 2004, 7:42 AM

Post #5 of 26 (3622 views)

Shortcut

Re: [linda52] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Linda, when you say you noticed the prices had increased, are you talking about property, or just costs in general?

Fred

mexicoanswers

Jun 3, 2004, 8:35 PM

Post #6 of 26 (3507 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Hi! My husband and I live in a beach house in Progreso, Yucatan. It's not the Caribbean, but it's on the water! Rents here are pretty reasonable...especially long term rentals (10 months of the year) You can find houses from $550 to 700 on up to $2000 a month (for real luxury!). We haven't explored the Caribbean too much, but want to look over there too. In the meantime, we really like living in Progreso! Many Americans and Canadians live here part of the year, too. I can answer questions you may have about this area, if you want. Jan Morgan

fhollin

Jun 7, 2004, 1:02 PM

Post #7 of 26 (3472 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mexicoanswers] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Jan, thanks for the info. I had looked at places in Progreso on the internet and they seem pretty reasonably priced. My wife and I are going down for two weeks on Sept.4 and plan to drive from Cancun right down to Xcalek, checking out places along the way. We would like to be down there for good in a year from now.

sfmacaws

Jun 7, 2004, 1:51 PM

Post #8 of 26 (3466 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Prices are going up quickly along the coast but there are still some relatively reasonable places. Since you say that you would not mind living off the water, you may find one. There are some areas being divided now near Aventuras but on the west side of the road (away from the water) and there are ranches and other properties inland that are a more reasonable price. What you'll find is that many - perhaps most - of the ex-pats who live there year round do not live right on the water. Frequently those with water front houses also build a casita near the road and live there at least in high season. Here in Akumal there are some beautiful houses in the area between the sea and Yalku lagoon, although these are also getting pretty high in price. There are many reasons but probably the biggest is that property on the water is worth much more when rented to vacationers and the process of moving in and out of your house gets tiring. Another reason is that it is generally quieter and more peaceful off the water and away from the tourists. Third is that you can have a much more luxuriant garden if your property is protected from the ocean breezes, not to mention the odd hurricane.

Another area to look at is just north of Chetumal around Lake Bacalar. Beautiful area, more protected from the sea, on a large, gorgeous lake (called the lake of 7 colors) and still not off the chart in price.

Good luck to you. It's a wonderful area of Mexico.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

Annie_CA

Jun 15, 2004, 2:09 PM

Post #9 of 26 (3387 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mexicoanswers] Retiring in Yucatan

Hi Jan,

I asked about this on the thread I started about Merida &
noise. Now, I just reread this thread and thought you may be
able to answer my questions. I'm visiting Merida and Progresso in October and if I stay for the winter by myself, I'm wondering whether there are any organized social groups where I could easily meet other ex-pats in Merida. Right now, I'm thinking that I will want to live in the city; however, I've never been to the Yucatan, so I'm only guessing.

Also, do you know whether I can bring my laptop and get connected fairly easily in Merida. I notice that the ads for
rentals mention cable tv but not internet service, tho' I did
find a reasonably priced residential hotel that said internet
was available. I'm not sure whether that means in the room or in a cafe a block away?

Another question is whether cell phone service is good and whether it is any cheaper than phone cards. As you can tell
my concerns are about staying in touch with family and friends as well as making new ones. I'm 58 & have moved to
a new areas by myself before where I made new friends but never outside of the US. So, this will be a new adventure, yet I know I need to plan well because I don't want to feel
cut off from my support system.

I will appreciate any information you can give me.
Thanks, Annie

mexicoanswers

Jun 15, 2004, 8:57 PM

Post #10 of 26 (3376 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Annie_CA] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Hi, Annie! You will find social groups in Merida, no problem. Internet service in your house will be arranged through the phone line, and if you don't want to worry about it, internet cafes are plentiful! We brought a cell phone from U.S., but it didn't work very well down here, so we invested in a cell phone here. Everyone buys phone cards to operate their cell phones, and also to use public phones. We use DialPad on the computer and it saves a bundle calling the States or Canada, or anywhere in the world. You may want to check out a web site that is "Merida based" called MeridaInsider.com Folks are very friendly here and the prices are pretty "non-touristy" by our estimation. We enjoy living on the beach, although I know it's not for everybody.
Anything else you can think of, give me a holler! Jan

Annie_CA

Jun 17, 2004, 1:35 AM

Post #11 of 26 (3351 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mexicoanswers] Retiring in Yucatan

Jan, this is very helpful information, especially the cheaper
calling method through the computer. I spend time on the pone
each day chatting with friends and doing some business, so finding an inexpensive way to call the states is important.

How did you begin meeting people when you got to Progresso?
How long have you been there and have you developed some close friendships? Just curious, tho' I know everyone is different.

Thanks for menioning "Merida Insider." I signed up immediately and have been reading the whole site. That was just what I needed.

Thanks again, Annie

mexicoanswers

Jun 17, 2004, 2:30 PM

Post #12 of 26 (3333 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Annie_CA] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

We started meeting people here who lived here, just by walking around and visiting shops. We also met many Canadians who were here for the winter, and continue to come year after year. The most important thing anywhere is to just lose your shyness and get out there and talk to people! ...but most people know that already! We have been here in Progreso area since January and will return in September, after spending July and August in the States.

Annie_CA

Jun 17, 2004, 3:30 PM

Post #13 of 26 (3330 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mexicoanswers] Retiring in Yucatan

Excellent advice. I like being friendly. I don't know
why we don't talk with each other more when we're out and about. I think people are more open to chatting with others they don't know when they are away from their home area, where everyone seems to get so caught up in "the busy-ness" of the day.

Thanks again for the words of support. Annie

Grampy

Jun 17, 2004, 4:46 PM

Post #14 of 26 (3327 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mexicoanswers] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

We live in Central florida and have been used to airconditioning most of our life, We love the balmy weather.
The wife and I want to retire in Merida.
Can you tell me how much is electricity?

Carlos & Patty Thomas

johneparker

Jun 19, 2004, 7:01 AM

Post #15 of 26 (3297 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Annie_CA] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

I have purchased homes in both Merida and Progresso. There is a great ex-pat community here. There is the Merida English Library where many ex-pats get together. There is also www.meridainsider.com where ex-pats share information about the area. Please look into this site for a wealth of informaiton. Also look at www.yucatantoday.com for more information.

In Reply To

Ed and Fran

Jun 22, 2004, 10:34 AM

Post #16 of 26 (3278 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Grampy] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Grampy - you asked: "Can you tell me how much is electricity? "

Since no one has taken a shot at this yet, I'll tell what little I know. I can't guarantee it will be the same where you're going, since we live on the western Gulf Coast, not in the Yucatan, but since I think CFE (your friendly government run electric light company) is the only game in town, our rates will probably be close to what you experience there.

Over the last 6 months we have paid 3 bi-monthly light bills. The rate in pesos per kilowatt-hour have ranged from a low of $1.09 to a high of $1.38.

The increasing rates we have seen over the last 3 billing periods have reflected our increased use of the a/c. Keep in mind that down here the more you use the higher the rate you pay. I can't wait until I see the bill for this two month period. I actually think it works in reverse, that is there is a rate for electricity. The less electricity you use, the more the rate is discounted, as you use more they gradually phase out the discount.

Anyway, as imperfect as it is, there's a reference point for you.

Regards

Ed

Grampy

Jun 22, 2004, 11:13 AM

Post #17 of 26 (3271 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Ed and Fran] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Thanks all, youse guys are a great help.
We pay .084 cents per Kwh, we used 1722 KW last month and with the taxes and surcharges the bill was $ 164.90.

So, it looks like we would be paying more in Merida, year round. The summer months here (June, July, & August & are the hottest). 86-100F
Nov. Jan & Feb, we don't use the airconditioner.

fhollin

Sep 24, 2004, 10:06 AM

Post #18 of 26 (3101 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Grampy] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Well, we finally did it. My wife and just returned from 2 weeks in the Yucatan (went from Cancun to Xcalak and back) and ended up purchasing 1 1/4 (wooded lot) between Akumal and Puerto Aventuras. Now all we have to do is put a house on it!

daniel27

Sep 24, 2004, 4:27 PM

Post #19 of 26 (3088 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

All I can say to you is bienvenudos y buno fortuna
if that is correct Spanish.

Dan

sfmacaws

Sep 25, 2004, 1:31 AM

Post #20 of 26 (3076 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Did you buy from Salvador? in the area across from Aventuras? If so, it's a very nice area. I have friends who also bought there.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

fhollin

Sep 27, 2004, 6:32 AM

Post #21 of 26 (3047 views)

Shortcut

Re: [sfmacaws] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Gracias to all!

Yes, it's from Salvador, the entrance is just off the highway, directly across from the El Dorado. There are 100 lots, each 5,000 sq. meters. Are your friends happy there, Jonna?

sfmacaws

Sep 27, 2004, 10:19 AM

Post #22 of 26 (3036 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

They are very happy with the lots but they hadn't started building when I left in April. I went out there with them as their lots were getting cleared and hiked around. There were caves and really nice rocks on the lot I was on, it is on the road farthest back in the jungle and to the south.

I actually know about 5 people (maybe more) that bought out there, I was very tempted. Some of them are now living in the states and will probably sell or keep them for an investment, others intend to build this winter last I heard. Salvador did a good job subdividing and picking owners, he's a really nice guy.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

fhollin

Sep 27, 2004, 10:44 AM

Post #23 of 26 (3034 views)

Shortcut

Re: [sfmacaws] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Thanks for the insight, Jonna. We're on the second-to-last road from the back, to the south. While we were there, we checked out the Portobello development (partial ownership condos) in Puerto Aventuras. The quality was amazing, and they said they could build individual houses as well, on our lot. Have you heard anything (good/bad) about them?

sfmacaws

Sep 27, 2004, 11:03 AM

Post #24 of 26 (3031 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fhollin] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

No, I don't have any information on them. I'm sure you know that you will need to be present during the building of your house, don't try to do it from a distance.

I'll be happy to ask around about Portobello but I won't be back this year until December. We have some committments in the US in November. If you are down there when I am, I'd be happy to introduce you to my friends who bought lots. One of them in particular is very knowledgeable about the area, he is local and owns significant other property on the Costa Maya. It was his lot that we went out and hiked around on.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

fhollin

Sep 27, 2004, 11:23 AM

Post #25 of 26 (3030 views)

Shortcut

Re: [sfmacaws] Retiring in Yucatan

| Private Reply

Jonna, thanks for everything. We may try to make it down in the spring, hopefully we can meet you then. And yes, I agree with you, we would definitely want to be there during the building, and visit it every day just to let everyone know you're on top of things. I hear this can take 8-12 months, but that's OK. We're hoping to be down there for good this time next year.

1 2 View All