Help Me Choose A House In Mexico

We’ve made a decision.  It's been something that we have been pondering for some time.  This summer helped and the Christmas break solidified what we already knew.  We are going to move to Mexico (Playa del Carmen specifically) full time when I retire; hopefully in the next five years, so what is the next step?  Buying an apartment; one in which we will live in the foreseeable future.

At first it all seemed so very exciting. Our realtor flooded us with possible apartments, condominiums. We had our budget, are desired location, the have and have nots of what we wanted and didn't. And we have narrowed the list down significantly, but the more I think about it, the more daunting such a task is quickly becomming. What if our investment falls flat? What if the area that we purchase significantly declines over the next few years? What if there are hidden damages that we are obvliously unaware? I know there are risks to most good things in life but this week I've been feeling like I’m riding a mini roller coaster, one that doesn’t make you too terribly dizzy, but still causes quite a bit of anxiety, maybe even a bit of nausea.

So, with all that in mind I thought I would show you the contenders for places that could potentially be our home at some point.

It is to be noted that the downtown area, where we are looking, in Playa del Carmen is not very large.  Literally a good 20 minute walk can get you to most places, so location for me is not a make it or break it.

All options are two bedrooms.

And I have named them based on how they feel to me.

Option #1: The Hacienda

I love this option for many reasons.  It's so authentically Mexican in style and personality.  I mean, just look at the bathrooms. 

Then there's the large porch that you can enter from the living room and the master bedroom.

It also has a shared pool and rooftop (although it's devoid of any furniture but you do have a view).

And you have your own laundy room in the apartment itself.

The location is only a few blocks from the beach.  You can actually see the ocean from the main balcony.

The downsides: It is unfurnished, which can be a good thing for we will have the opportunity to pick out our own stylized furniture, however, it will not be move in ready.

Also, the neighborhood itself.  Right now it'a fine, but has the potential to become more run down if the other apartments do not maintain or improve their situation.

The bohemian in me sees myself floating around barefoot in a gold flowy dress, wine glass and book occupying each hand until I land on that beautiful porch.

Option #2: ANAH Penthouse (THE WINDOW)

The positives: private rooftop with hot tub, fully furnished, shared rooftop pool, and free yoga classes on Monday and Wednesdays.

The negatives: There are no balconies attached to the downstairs, a bit further from the beach, no laundry room in the apartment or on the premise (or at least it wasn't listed in the description), the most expensive of the three, and the highest maintenace price of them all.

But this does speak to my bougier side. I can see myself in a robe, one of those silky situations that has bell sleeves and is dark green in color; a very dirty vodka martini in hand as I watch the sunset out that window.

Then….

Option #3: The Wildcard

It’s smaller, but priced well, shared pool, furnished….no laundry unit in the apartment or on the premise that I can tell.

But it has character.

I would definately get rid of of the small table and chairs and expand the living room.

The porch stretches from the living room to the master bedroom.

I can of course see myself here as well. A cocunut rum and coke light swirling in my glass as I swing on the hammock like some sort of exotic monkey.

So, dear reader, you can see my dilemma. Three viable options and I can see parts of myself living in each property.

It is possible that we will find a fourth or maybe even fifth option, but for now these possibilties are the top contenders. We are lucky to have family that live near the area, so they have been visiting the properties for us.

But...

would love to hear your opinions, thoughts.

Where should our future home be in Playa del Carmen, I’m interested to know what you think. Drop it in the comments if you feel so inclined.