Living by the beach: the pros and cons of paradise

The paradise of living by the beach — working with a daiquiri in hand, Hemingway-style, and catching the coastal breeze — also has its downsides.

Living in Mérida is a chance to improve your quality of life. The heat, so typical of the city, is also in the hearts of its people, who proudly guard an ancestral identity.

There are nearby archaeological sites such as Uxmal, the Ruta Puuc and Dzibilchaltún — you can spend several Sundays visiting them. Without leaving the city, you’ll also find entertainment at restaurants and bars with live music and a local vibe.

These are appealing factors, of course, but the value of living just 30 minutes from the nearest beach to Mérida is priceless.

Thinking of living by the beach near Mérida? These are the things to weigh before taking that big step.

Advantages of living by the beach

Peace and quiet

Life on a beach is relatively calm. Not all the houses are occupied year-round, so you’ll enjoy much more calm than in the city.

Clean air

You’ll be closer to nature, the sea and green areas, so you can be sure you’ll breathe clean air, away from the environmental, visual and noise pollution common in big cities — and sometimes in Mérida.

Close to the city

Some beaches are a little farther from the city, but places like Puerto Progreso, Chelem, Yucalpetén and Chicxulub are a short drive from Mérida. You’ll never lack convenience stores for the items you need for a quiet life in your new home.

Good for blood pressure

On health benefits, beach life has been listed as one of the best ways to keep healthy blood pressure levels, and the sun will give you a good amount of vitamin D, which helps, among other things, to strengthen your bones.

Less stress

For some, getting away from the city is a chance to forget the stress and worries of daily life caused by things like traffic, insecurity or pollution.

No extreme heat

The climate difference between Mérida and the nearby beaches is huge. The high temperatures Mérida reaches during the year make the news; on the nearby beaches they are never as high, thanks to the sea breeze.

Disadvantages of living by the beach

Emergency services

Bear in mind that while there are private clinics in Yucatán’s main ports, the range of health services can be somewhat limited on the more distant beaches.

Hurricanes

Yucatán, sitting right in front of the Gulf of Mexico, is exposed to hurricanes. The season usually runs from June to November, so you should consider that at some point a cyclone could form and affect the area where you live.

Maintenance costs

Whether you rent or buy a beach property, you must budget for the items needed to care for the house, especially if it faces the sea.

Sea salt, humidity, wind and sun exposure can wear down paint and corrode walls and pipes. There are, however, specialised products for home preservation.

Security

There are seasons when tourist numbers are higher, and that is when the houses on Yucatán’s beaches fill up almost completely. On the days you travel to the city, it is recommended to appoint someone to watch the property while you are away.

Lack of public transport

If you have your own car, living by the beach won’t be a problem. If you don’t, you’ll need to take it into account. While there is public transport between the main ports and the city, the options are not very varied and the service tends to take a little longer than usual.

Now that you know some of the pros and cons of moving to a nearby beach, you are ready to make the best decision for your interests and needs. Ready for the adventure?

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