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Heading to Playa del Carmen as a digital nomad and not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to live steps away from some of the best cafes and events to meet other nomads or live in a quieter neighborhood by the beach, this post highlights the best Playa del Carmen neighborhoods for digital nomads. Pack your bags and get ready for an epic adventure!
Gonzalo Guerrero
Just up from Playa Centro is one of the major neighborhoods in Playa del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero. Starting at Calle 8 Norte until Calle 40 Norte, this area is where you want to set yourself up in Playa if you’re looking to be within walking distance to supermarkets, local markets that carry fresh produce, homemade sourdough, and lots of imported goods that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in town (hint: the shop is called DAC). Here you’ll find the heart of the city’s expat scene, some of the main tourist attractions, and a bit of everything in between.
Rent prices are really going up in the Gonzalo Guerrero area and in recent years, properties are being priced comparatively to rentals in Western Europe and the U.S. and Canada. That being said, you can find some of the best accommodation options in this part of town. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance to some Playa del Carmen’s best restaurants, bars (not to mention the beach!), and great cafes to work in if you’re getting tired of chilling at your apartment.
If you’ve just arrived in Playa del Carmen and looking to make some new friends from around the world, make sure to check out Laura’s Quiz Night, happening every Tuesday at 7 p.m. local time at Buzo’s. It’s a great place to meet other travelers and connect with the community!
Zazil-Ha
Head a few blocks north of Gonzalo Guerrero and you’re in Zazil Ha, an excellent choice for winter vacationers and digital nomads if you’re looking for that small local neighborhood vibe. Major perks of living in Zazil Ha is about a ten minute walk from Coco Beach, a free beach with lots of expat meetups like weekend volleyball or yoga.
You’ll also have a variety of accommodation options, whether you’re looking for a small studio or a bigger suite to share with your nomad friends. Lots of properties come with a rooftop pool to boot.
Getting ready for your adventure to Mexico? Make sure to read our post on the Top 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Playa del Carmen!
Colosio
Luis Donaldo Colosio was once the sleepy part of town but it’s now one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Playa del Carmen. With rent prices spiking in the city, developers, landlords, and vacationers are all heading here to get a piece of that Playa pie.
What was once known as a ‘no-go’ zone for tourists is now a neighborhood where you can find smoothie bowls, trendy taco restaurants, wellness meetups, and funky tattoo shops.
The Colosio neighborhood is pretty big so you’ll have much more choice when it comes to accommodation, and many rental properties have only been built in the past year or two (or are still in the works).
Even with the sound of construction throughout the day (though that will depend on the block you’re living on, so make sure to enquire beforehand), lots of remote workers are heading to Colosio for the cheaper rents and the quieter beaches.
Playacar
Head a few blocks south of Centro and you’re in Playacar, another good choice for digital nomads in Playa del Carmen. This neighborhood caters to travelers looking to get away from the party scene and enjoy afternoons in more upscale, European-style cafes and boutique shops.
This neighborhood is lots of higher-end villas, luxury golf resorts, and some hidden-away resorts that give you access to some of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen. If you’re looking to splurge on a stay for a week or two, consider Playacar as your neighborhood and see how you like it!
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