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This Is The Most Popular Mexican Caribbean Hotspot For Long-Term Digital Nomads

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The Mexican Caribbean is quickly becoming a magnet for American digital nomads as the popularity of remote work skyrockets. 

A digital nomad on a white sand beach in playa del carmen

With office-based work becoming increasingly obsolete, many employees are seeking more flexible options for long-term work, with a large number of them setting their sights on the Mexican Caribbean.

Improvements in safety, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a strong expat community are just a few of the reasons why Americans are choosing the Mexican Caribbean as their digital nomad home base.

Tourist looking out over the Caribbean sea

With that in mind, here’s the latest on the most popular cities in the region for American expats and why they’re trending this year.

Playa del Carmen Ranked Most Popular Hub For U.S. Digital Nomads 

Although Cancun is undoubtedly the most popular destination for sun-seeking travelers, Playa del Carmen tops the list as the sought-after location for digital nomads.

Around 1,220 foreigners have obtained residency status in the Caribbean resort destination from January to June this year, with Americans making up the lion’s share of that figure.

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@ginnythenomad 📍El Gran Café de la Avenida, 5th Ave and 54th street in playa del Carmen #playadelcarmen #digitalnomad #remotework ♬ Lofi – Domknowz

The coastal hotspot has been among the most popular destinations for several years already but has seen an ever-greater demand among digital nomads in 2023. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, quaint beaches, and vibrant downtown area, Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice for those seeking to work remotely while enjoying Caribbean vibes.

The bustling city is also home to a growing number of co-working spaces that provide digital nomads with comfortable and productivity-boosting amenities. 

a digital nomad in a beautiful cafe in playa del carmen

Some top-rated options include Cowork-In, a centrally-location office space that boasts several work areas including a terrace and conference room. The modern office space features light-colored interiors and high-speed Wi-Fi that are guaranteed to help you meet your next deadline.

Meanwhile, Nest Co-Working is a sustainable and trendy co-working office that promotes a sense of community. With weekly events, it’s a great option for those seeking to connect with other digital nomads. Expats can choose from several payment plans according to their needs. 

@themikeberner What would you add to this list? Best inexpensive restaurants in Playa del Carmen daleee #playadelcarmen #digitalnomad #traveltok ♬ Instrumental México – Teaga

These Mexican Caribbean Destinations Are Trending With Expats This Year

Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice for those looking for a safe, accessible, and fast-paced work environment. But other more remote destinations are also attracting a growing number of digital nomads. 

Surprisingly, the island of Cozumel is seeing its popularity skyrocket with expats, with around 227 residence permits issued during the first half of the year. But with the beautiful island recently being declared a Pueblo Mágico, now is the best time to settle in this growing destination.

@joshcruises THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL, MEXICO! 🟥🟧🟨🟩🟥🟧🟨🟩🟥 I really enjoyed my time at Mr. Sancho’s in Cozumel, Mexico! The all-inclusive package was well worth it, i truly feel like i got my money’s worth. The resort is beautiful, and the staff was so amazing. My server Carlos went above and beyond, he found me anywhere in the resort, whether the pool, beach, or table, and made sure I had a drink in my hand! 10/10 definitely would recommend a trip to Mr. Sanchos next time you’re in Cozumel! #cruise #cruising #cruiseexcursion #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cozumel #mexico #mrsanchos #mrsanchoscozumel #joshcruises #ocean #cruisehacks ♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) – Ellen Once Again

The island’s capital and largest city, San Miguel de Cozumel, is an exciting place to call home. With a booming Airbnb market as well as plenty of affordable long-term accommodations, Cozumel is a great alternative for those seeking to reconnect with nature while enjoying modern comforts.

The island is already home to a handful of small co-working spaces, such as Sundesk, which offers several flexible options for digital nomads. 

And when it comes to exploring the Mexican Caribbean’s stunning outdoors, few destinations can compete with Cozumel’s diverse beauty. With dozens of hidden white-sand beaches and endless coral reefs, it’s a heaven for nature lovers. 

@dariasavaya would you cowork here?😍🌿 #digitalnomad #tulum #mexico #tulummexico #coworking #fyp #digitalnomadtips ♬ Rebosando – Captain Planet

After Cozumel, Tulum saw the third-highest number of new residence permits in 2023, with nearly a 100 new residents. The southern cultural and historical hotspot is well-known for its large expat community, especially Americans.

With a handful of large co-working spaces and cafés targeting foreign residents, Tulum is a safe bet for digital nomads that want a little bit of everything.

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Florence Akinyi

Monday 14th of August 2023

I love Cancun beaches

Florence Akinyi

Monday 14th of August 2023

I'm interested to visit work and live in America