The other side of the 307....

[redhed]

Been there? wow...I just looked at the interactive map of Playa here and can't believe how much there is over there.

I'm guessing it is the area where the locals live....and work? I love visiting Mexican towns and meeting locals but really only have only seen Playa from the beach up to the 307.

Have any of you spent time over there? Any decent housing for rent? Places to grocery shop, markets etc? Anything like the locals' resident areas of Merida?

[John]

Across the highway looks like a big void on our map, now doesn't it? I'm waiting for a new GPS to come from the States later this month, then I'll have to spend some time adding some places across the highway.

Most of the area is definitely residential, but there is more commercial stuff going in there every week. The two newest shopping malls in Playa del Carmen are located across the highway, Plaza Las Americas and Centro Maya.


As far as places to rent... yes, you can find some very large places there for less than you can find it in the Centro area. If you do not mind cab or colectivo rides into town reguarly, this might be a good option. If you are lucky enough to have an auto here, you'll find that there is less and less free parking in town.

[redhed]

Your map is wonderful, John. Thank you so much for doing that.

I am very interested in snooping around over there. I'm a budget traveller all the way and enjoy so much being with the locals. And....colectivo is my mode of transportation.

I'll betcha there are some great markets where the locals buy their produce, etc. I'll be sniffin' those out.

[PlayadelSoul]

I live on the other side, in Residencial Santa Fe. My house is about 5 minutes from Plaza Las Americas. The plan is to move the center of Playa over our way, with City Hall moving in a year or so. This will free up the current government plaza for more development, I guess. Also planned are a city theater, cultural center, a few parks and some other stuff. They have recently begun to advertise the area and promoting their plans.