Cozumel is without a doubt a world class tourist and scuba-diving destination. Just off the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel has it all - white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, cool sea breezes, and all the modern conveniences.

Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean with an estimated three million passengers visiting a year. Although the big ships bring the big crowds, they also bring big money, which allows Cozumel to maintain it's modern infrastructure and keep the beaches clean. It also allows for full employment of the island's residents and thus a low crime rate.

The city of San Miguel provides ample shopping, banks, private schools, gyms, museums, and more. There's an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course at the Cozumel Country Club. If you can't find it here, try nearby Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

For all Cozumel has to offer, real estate prices are remarkably low. A small but tidy 2-bedroom home can be found for as little as $65,000 US. Condos on or near the beach start at $150,000 US.

To rate Cozumel, or suggest your Best Place To Live, visit: VMLS.com

Merida is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yucatán. Merida is one of Mexico's cleanest and safest cities. When we were there during Carnival, the streets were packed until late in the evening, but we saw not one instance of violence. The same holds true for our late evening visits to the colorful Centro District. Of course, some common sense is appropriate when traveling anywhere in the world.

Merida offers many compelling options for purchasing real estate. We visited a small downtown home some friends of friends had recently purchased and renovated. Just one block off Merida's charming main street, the Paseo de Montejo, we found a parking space just a short walk from the front door. The solid door, with a barred window on either side, gave no clue as to the charming home inside. With tile floors throughout, solid wood doors and trim, and beautifully crafted wrought iron work throughout, it was like stepping back in time to Colonial Mexico. That is, until we discovered the modern kitchen, two modern baths, and two large bedrooms. The back opened up to a charming patio with a huge old palm tree, lots of flowering plants, and a small pool and fountain. The owners recently paid $35,000 US and spent another $15,000 US on renovations. One very similar was abandoned next door.

There's a world of new things to discover in Merida. When we were there last, there was a Picasso exhibit at one of Merida's many art galleries, featuring works never before seen outside of Spain. The Paseo de Montejo is lined with interesting galleries, shops, and restaurants. The historic Centro District features a large park, surrounded by historic buildings, with many shops and open-air restaurants. A drive around Merida takes you along some amazing streets lined with the old mansions from the Colonial era.

But today's Merida isn't just about old. There's plenty new and modern too. The newest of Merida's two malls features an ice-skating rink, upscale stores, restaurants, and a small casino. Merida's suburbs look much like anything you'd find in the US or Canada, with the possible exception of the red tile roofs and palm trees. A very nice, newer 3-bedroom home with a pool can be had in the $250,000 to $300,000 price range.
From Merida, it's just a short 30-minute drive to the spectacular sandy beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Many Merida residents keep a second beachfront home along the Gulf. When the summer temperatures become unbearable, as they often do, a retreat to the cool afternoon coastal breezes provide a welcome break. Prices for beachfront homes, condos, and land along the stretch of beach from Celestun to Dzilam Bravo are some of the least expensive in Mexico. A comfortable beachfront home can still be found in the $150,000 price range.

For more information on Merida and Merida real estate, visit our website at VMLS.com

If you're looking for a medium-sized inland city with great amenities, Xalapa (sometimes spelled Jalapa but always pronounced ha-LAP-ah) could be a good fit. From film to theater to music, it offers as many cultural activities as a city twice its size.

Known as the "Athens of Veracruz," Xalapa is a city that exudes creative and intellectual energy. Xalapa is home to three universities and arguably the best music school in Mexico. Chic coffee shops and bistros fill with shoppers during the day. Then in the evening, students, academics, and writers, engage in dynamic conversations above the tinkle of wine glasses and coffee cups. Walking through the city center, you see placards at almost every corner announcing concerts and plays. Xalapa's symphony orchestra is considered the best in Mexico--but there are all styles of music here, from rock to jazz as well as classical. One of Xalapa's highlights is the anthropological museum, widely considered the best in Mexico after the one in Mexico City.