9 Pros of Living in Mérida, Yucatán
9 Pros of Living in Mérida, Yucatán Mexico TL;DR
There are at least 9 pros to living in Mérida, Yucatán. Certainly, like any place, there are negatives as well. It’s just the way the world works. If a place is so great, then it will turn expensive and out of reach for the common person. Bureaucracy, business friendliness, climate, cost of affordable housing, cost of living, crime, cuisine, family friendly, fun, healthcare, infrastructure, job opportunities, language, location, nightlife, and restaurants are the main attributes people consider when choosing a place to live. Obviously, this list is subjective as some things are important to some, while others are not. For example, I don’t care about nightlife. Those days are long gone; however, I understand if that’s important to someone else.
1
Mérida Blends Old-World with Modernity Seamlessly
Mérida was one of the wealthiest cities in the world at the turn of the 20th century. Its wealth was created from the production and sale of rope made from the henequen plant which is abundant in the Yucatán peninsula. Rope was exported to the United States and Europe. The wealth can be seen as one drives down Paseo Montejo and marvels at the mansions alongside the beautiful avenue. Henequen was Mérida’s green gold or “oro verde” just as the banana is Ecuador’s “oro verde”. In fact, Ecuador even has a hotel chain by that name. However, Mérida is also very modern with shopping plazas such as Alta Brisa, Galerías, La Isla, and The Harbor, all of which are located in the north of the city. These malls offer all the modern conveniences of the world we currently live including fine dining and shopping hosting some of the most recognizable brands in the world. This is undoubtedly one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida.
2
Safety is One of the 9 Pros of Living in Mérida
Naturally, people seek a safe place to live. Mérida is certainly safe in terms of physical violence. It is not, however, immune to theft. I’ve mentioned in other blog posts and videos how my bicycle was stolen from the gated community I lived in. Still, the city is safe from violent crime. For whatever reason, it just doesn’t happen there. Urban legend claims that the rival cartels have an agreement to stay clear of Mérida as they have families that live there. I highly doubt that’s true due to the nature of the cold-blooded atrocities that happen between cartels. I bet there’s no “gentlemen’s agreement” of any sort between narcos. Regardless, safety from physical violence is definitely one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida.
3
Yucatecan and International Cuisine
The food in Yucatán is delicious. I love cochinita pibil, panuchos, salbutes, sopa de lima and more. As much as I love Mexican food, I like variety and Mérida delivers on all fronts, whether it be Brazilian rodizio, burgers, Chinese, pizza, sushi etc. One of my favorite sushi places is located on the first floor of La Isla mall called Izakaya. I love it. They have 2 for 1 on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. Check it out! Yucatecan gastronomy in addition to various other cuisines is certainly one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida. You’ll never run out of different foods to try.
4
Traffic Isn’t That Bad in Mérida
I’ve driven all around Mérida and I must say it’s pretty easy to get around, whether you’re going to the beach, el centro, or shopping, it’s rare to find unbearable traffic. It does exist at peak hours but it’s certainly not as bad as major cities around the world. I don’t find it to be an issue. Having little traffic is definitely one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida.
5
Progreso is 20 Minutes Away; Valladolid 2 Hours
If you’re located in the desirable northern part of Mérida, then the beach city of Progreso is just 20 minutes away. This small city is home to the longest pier in the world and is close to Chicxulub, the home of the crater by the same name, thought by historians to have caused the dinosaurs extinction. This is very convenient. You’re able to “go for the day” and be home for dinner. There are certainly better beaches like Celestun but they’re much further away. Additionally, the fabulous Valladolid, which is in my top 5 cities I’ve ever been to, is only 2 hours away. It sits smack dab between Mérida and Cancún. The city is surrounded by the best cenotes Yucatán has to offer and has an awesome chill vibe to it. I absolutely love Valladolid. Check out the Maya dancers performing la Jarana at Parque Francisco Cantón Rosado in el centro. You’ll love it. The proximity to Progreso and Valladolid is undoubtedly one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida.
6
Mérida, Yucatán Isn’t That Expensive
Naturally “expensive” is subjective. I’m stating that overall, for most expats aka immigrants, Mérida is relatively affordable. It certainly has its expensive places, like rentals that go for 50 to 60 thousand pesos a month and homes that are selling for 7 million plus pesos but generally it still has affordable housing in good areas of the city, like in the north where I lived. Apart from the electric bill, most things are relatively inexpensive. I mention the electric bill because it can be pretty steep if you’re running the AC constantly, which is practically necessary in Mérida. In March of 2024 Mérida broke a record and reached 44 Celsius or 111 Fahrenheit and that’s not even the hottest month. May is the hottest. However, groceries and basic necessities are quite economical making it one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida as compared to other cities.
7
Yucatecos Are Kind and Tranquil
People in the Yucatán are generally very friendly and give off a chill vibe. I’ve never seen terrible anger like road rage or any real bad aura in all the time I lived there. People are typically happy. Of course, like any place in the world you’ll come across some exceptions, but the overwhelming feeling is one of peace, tranquility and kindness. It’s one of the first things you’ll notice upon arrival. It’s what makes Mérida and the Yucatán a truly special place. This calm, friendly demeanor is one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida.
8
There’s Lots of Greenery and Life in Yucatán
The truth is the climate in Mérida leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion which is why I moved to Querétaro after 5 years. However, as much as I like the weather in Querétaro, I miss the greenery and life that the Yucatán has. Hot, humid conditions aren’t great in terms of comfort for the average person, but those same conditions breed life. Mérida is no doubt alive. You can feel it everywhere. There is lush greenery all-around. You hear numerous species of tropical birds chirping away. I miss those sounds. Afterall it’s a jungle. While I still prefer the dry weather in “brown” Querétaro, the surrounding verdant landscape and fauna in the Yucatán is more pleasant on the eyes and ears making it undoubtedly one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida.
9
Downtown Mérida is Special
The super clean and nicely appointed Paseo Montejo, Paseo 60 and el monumento de la patria makes downtown Mérida a treat for anyone. It’s alive with activity and is the focal point of social activities in Mérida such as the Coca-Cola Christmas Parade or the Sunday “Biciruta” day. On Sunday part of Paseo Montejo gets blocked off to allow children, families or anyone for that matter ride bicycles in a safe, welcoming environment. There’s a Walmart on the left side when heading into town, but you wouldn’t even know it’s a Walmart as a green fence surrounds it and keeps the beauty of the area in check. There are numerous restaurants alongside Paseo Montejo as well as the famous ice cream shop El Colon, going strong since 1907. The whole downtown vibe is surely one of the 9 pros of living in Mérida.
