The beach town of Tulum in Mexicos Riviera Maya is growing fast, thanks to robust tourism and a focus on luxury and sustainability, resulting in the arrival of eco-chic hotels, beach clubs and holistic retreat centers, including Papaya Playa Project, Be Tulum and Nomade. in Tulum already there are internationally acclaimed restaurants, such as Hartwood, Restaurare and even a new Noma pop-up thats scheduled to open later on this year. There is also incredible live entertainment, like acoustic performances by local musicians and the areas newest cabaret-style theater show.
In recent years, theres been an increase in the number of expats and retirees relocating to Tulum and other areas along the coast. International Living Magazine recently named Mexico, and the Riviera Maya region in particular, the [best place to retire in 2017](https://internationalliving.com/2017/01/the-best-places-to-retire/), noting its close proximity to the U.S., low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and overall easy transition to expat life.
To support this rapid economic expansion the residential property market is also increasing in Tulum, as rapid growth spurs new luxury condo developments, many featuring modern construction and eco-friendly design. The Tulum real estate market has surged over the past few years but the growth we are seeing now is a definite tipping point for the area, says Rob Kinnon, Owner at BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors the experts in [Playa Del Carmen real estate](http://www.buyplaya.com/), With the U.S. Dollar being so strong and in light of recent political changes retirees and families are flocking to the area to establish residences and purchase vacations homes.
Foreign buyers are attracted to Tulum for the white sandy beaches, relaxed atmosphere, low cost of living, and because its still a relatively affordable place to buy property; luxury studios at Central Park Tulum, a new condo development located just outside of downtown, start at as low as $99,000 USD, and several other new condo developments are offering [Tulum properties](http://www.buyplaya.com/Tulum_Real_Estate_Listings/page_2491607.html) for less than $150,000 USD, including Villas Las Palmas, Mun Tulum Zen Condos and The Highline.
Tulum is also attracting investors looking to earn income with high-yield rental properties, and its a strategy that appears to be paying off as tourism to the area continues to grow. According to data from the Mexican government, in the first half of 2016 arrivals were up nearly 8 percent from the previous year, beating out other popular resort destinations. During this same period, hotels in the Riviera Maya achieved an average occupancy rate of 89%, exceeding the national average and outpacing even Cancun. This is according to statistics released by the Mexican Association of Hotels and Motels.
Its expected that these numbers will only continue to grow, as current exchange rates favor domestic travel for nationals and make Tulum and the entire Riviera Maya region an increasingly affordable destination for foreign visitors and those looking to relocate abroad.
