Imagine trading the familiar comforts of home for a vibrant, tropical paradise where work and life blend seamlessly. That’s exactly what DeAn Dickinson did when she moved from Colorado to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. In this article, I’ll share DeAn’s inspiring story, her experience living in a beautiful community just outside Playa del Carmen, and how she manages to work remotely for a U.S.-based company while enjoying the unique lifestyle Mexico offers.
DeAn’s story begins in Colorado, where she lived for over two decades, raising her son as a single mom. When the COVID-19 pandemic shifted many jobs to remote work, DeAn saw an opportunity to fulfill a long-held dream of living in Mexico. She sold everything — her home, vehicles, boat, and even her swimming pool — and donated what she couldn’t sell. With just three to four pieces of luggage and her beloved dogs, Kaylee, an applehead Chihuahua, and a 13-year-old Chihuahua-terrier mix, Diane made the big move.
Importing pets into Mexico was a straightforward process for DeAn, though it required some planning. Her dogs needed rabies vaccinations, health checks, and proper documentation. DeAn flew into Mexico with her dogs and family, noting that border crossings by land tend to be less strict than airport arrivals. Her advice to pet owners moving to Mexico is to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date and to be prepared for health inspections upon arrival.
DeAn lives in a secure, gated community called Lolka Tun, which lies northeast of downtown Playa del Carmen. The community comprises four neighborhoods—Lolka Tun, Balam Tun, Provenza del Mar, and another Lolka Tun section—with a mix of fourplexes and over a hundred individual homes, or “casas.”
What struck DeAn immediately was how safe and peaceful the community feels. She shared that she rarely locks her doors or bike because the neighborhood is so secure. There’s a 24/7 security guard, and visitors must show ID to enter. Vehicles are photographed and tagged for added security. This peace of mind is a key reason she loves living here.
Homes in Lolka Tun range from about $80,000 USD for smaller units up to $250,000 for larger, more upgraded houses. DeAn purchased her home for $150,000 USD and has since expanded it with an upstairs palapa area, including an ensuite bedroom, office, and multiple terraces that offer stunning outdoor living spaces.
DeAn’s home blends modern conveniences with the relaxed charm of Mexico. Inside, she has a granite countertop kitchen equipped with a refrigerator featuring an ice machine, an oven, and ample cabinetry that even includes a wine rack and glass holders. She enjoys cooking traditional American meals, including Thanksgiving dinners with a multicultural group of friends and family.
The house has two bedrooms and a full bath downstairs, along with a quarter bath. Upstairs, DeAn built an office and bedroom suite under a covered palapa, providing a tranquil workspace with jungle views and visits from local wildlife like iguanas, monkeys, and colorful birds.
Living in Playa del Carmen offers a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. DeAn shared some of her monthly expenses:
One of the highlights of the community is a large palapa with a grilling area, sink, and space for events like parties, yoga sessions, or birthday celebrations. Residents can rent this space for about 400 pesos, making it a perfect spot for social gatherings.
While DeAn lives in a peaceful gated community, she also enjoys the vibrant energy of Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue. This pedestrian-only street is the heart of the city’s nightlife, shopping, and dining scene.
DeAn describes Fifth Avenue as a place to visit when you want to feel like you’re on vacation. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, clubs like Club Mandela and Coco Bongo, and street performers ranging from fire dancers to people dressed as Spider-Man. It’s a lively cultural melting pot where visitors can shop for everything from artisanal crafts to cowboy boots.
Though the nightlife is exciting, DeAn notes that the constant “boom boom boom” of music every night might not be for everyone, especially elderly residents like her parents. The party atmosphere is fun but can be loud, so living outside the downtown area offers a nice balance of peace and easy access to the action.
One of the most inspiring parts of DeAn’s story is how she manages to work full-time for a U.S. company while living in Mexico. She works in credentialing for healthcare providers, enrolling doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to be in network with insurance companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Aetna.
Her job involves managing a network of 44 providers across multiple urgent care centers and pediatric clinics. DeAn’s role is highly computer-based, allowing her to work remotely with a flexible schedule. She typically works 9-to-5 but adjusts her hours seasonally to match Florida’s time changes.
To ensure a smooth workday, DeAn has set up a robust internet system with two providers and modems—one upstairs and one downstairs—to avoid downtime. She even uses a VPN to access U.S. work systems securely and has a backup internet solution with Starlink in case of outages.
DeAn emphasizes the importance of loving what you do and creating a comfortable workspace. She enjoys working outside on her palapa patio when the weather allows, surrounded by nature’s sounds and visits from wildlife. This connection to the environment makes her feel less like she’s “at work” and more like she’s living a dream.
Her flexibility allows her to take breaks, make coffee, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while staying productive. DeAn’s advice for anyone considering working remotely from Mexico is to first visit and find a place where you can feel comfortable, productive, and inspired.
DeAn’s personal experience with healthcare in Mexico is reassuring. As a two-time breast cancer survivor who has undergone 26 surgeries, she has had extensive interactions with medical professionals in Playa del Carmen, Merida, and Cancun. She praises the quality of private hospitals and notes that many doctors speak English and have trained in the U.S.
She balances her medical care in Mexico with her U.S. job, regularly sharing treatment updates with her employer. DeAn’s story highlights the accessibility and affordability of healthcare in Mexico, a significant consideration for many expats.
DeAn Dickinson’s journey from Colorado to Playa del Carmen is a testament to the possibilities of modern remote work and the allure of a relaxed, fulfilling lifestyle. By carefully planning her move, investing in a safe community, and balancing work with the joys of Mexican culture and nature, she has created a life many dream of.
If you’re considering a similar path, DeAn’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration. From navigating pet travel and housing costs to setting up reliable internet and enjoying vibrant local culture, living and working in Playa del Carmen is not only feasible but deeply rewarding.
Whether you’re drawn by the beach, the community, or the opportunity to work remotely in paradise, Playa del Carmen offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort. DeAn’s experience shows that with the right preparation and mindset, you too can make the Mexican dream your reality.
