What's the Future of Playa del Carmen Real Estate?

Most people interested in the area have heard about the big boom in Playa del Carmen real estate during the early/mid part of the last decade. Investors, however, could be divided into two main categories; one is those who look back at this boom, wishing we were still in the middle of it, the other is those who look at the many new and exciting opportunities showing up in Playa del Carmen right now.
If you, as a buyer, are more interested in the second (i.e. you're interested in finding great deals and moving into the newest trends) consider the following information about hot-spots in Playa del Carmen's current real estate market.
Coco Beach - Coco Beach is a beautiful beachfront area just at the poing the main tourist area of downtown ends. For many visitors, this where everything ends; beyond are some nice beaches, but no more activities, no more restaurants, no more hotels, etc. This is all changing. The main downtown shopping and dining area, a pedestrian street called Fifth Avenue, keeps expanding northwards, and is now only a couple of blocks from Coco Beach. Also, just beyond this area, a new luxury hotel complex is under construction. Real estate in the Coco Beach area promises a good deal in terms of lifestyle for the near future; and right now, it's still within a close walk to the hub of Fifth Avenue.
Beyond Coco Beach - Another area to watch is that area just north of Coco Beach, behind where the hotel complex is going in. This area started off as Playa del Carmen's first working-class neighborhood in the early 90's, and is a short walk to the beach (5-10 minutes). There are a number of well-built homes that can be bought at low prices and remodelled. There are also a number of well-priced lots available. With the new hotels going in, there are also a number of nice little shops and restaurants showing up.
The North End of Playa del Carmen - While the two areas mentioned above are within the central area of Playa del Carmen, in general there can also be seen a northward trend with Playa del Carmen real estate outside of the town itself. Just north of the end of town, about 3 miles from the heart of downtown, or 1 mile north of the area just mentioned, there are a number of new, upscale gated communities. The image of the area has already been largely defined by upscale resorts and professional golf courses. Accessible prices on very comfortable properties are available since much of the area is still very new.
The "other side" of the highway. The one exception to the northward trend is an area just south of downtown (about 1 mile) on the other side of the highway, that is, the non beach side of the highway. This area is centered around a new mall with 2 large stores and a growing number of little shops and services. There are a number of gated communities, with both condos and lots for sale, and even a new resort-style community with a variety of on-site activities and services.

Playa del Carmen real estate is a growing market, continuing to offer excellent opportunities for those who know where to look.