Mérida, a growing city: its 6 world-class distinctions

Safety and peace are not the only perks of living in Mérida.

Mérida has grown notably in recent years and has long ranked among the best cities to live in Mexico. In fact, in the survey “Mexico’s most liveable cities”, by Gabinete de Comunicación Estratégica, the capital of Yucatán scored 83.3 out of 100.

The survey rates aspects such as housing quality, transport, pollution and natural beauty. It was also recently named the best small city to visit outside the US.

But those are not the only figures that might convince you to move to Mérida. Its residents enjoy incomparable privileges compared with other Mexican capitals. And no wonder. Living in this capital is synonymous with living in a safe city — the best option to move with your family and buy a house in Mérida.

Real estate investment in Mérida

Mérida is known for its colonial architecture and the beauty of its neoclassical mansions, like those on the Paseo de Montejo. It also matters for the real estate development rising in some parts of the city — the north, for example, with major apartment towers and gated communities.

And the numbers keep showing favourable results. According to Realty World Mexico, Mérida ranks fourth nationally in investment in new homes, with about 7,816 units sold during 2018. The same report says the state capital recorded more than US$2 billion in residential real estate investment in 2018.

According to the Association of Real Estate Developers, Mérida is among Mexico’s five most important municipalities for new housing. On prices, a house of around 220 square metres can be bought from 9,500 pesos per square metre — an excellent price for the added value compared with other states.

Two places to invest: Centro and the north

Mérida is having a good real estate moment, and that momentum has helped raise the profile of older areas. One example is the Santiago neighbourhood in the centre. Its bohemian, cosmopolitan atmosphere has transformed the area. Dozens of restaurants, cafés and art galleries have bet on it. A favourite among foreigners, many have decided to buy old mansions, restore them and use them for commercial or residential purposes.

The north of the city has a similar fortune. Considered Mérida’s most expensive area, it features luxury housing developments and gated communities with great amenities.

Living in Mérida: education, investment and connectivity

Beyond the quality of life you can breathe when you move to Mérida, other very important factors raise residents’ standard of living. Education is one: the city has prestigious schools and universities, public and private, at every level.

If you are thinking of investing, living in Mérida has its benefits. It is an affordable city with enough infrastructure to set up any kind of business. Its modern infrastructure is a powerful magnet for local and foreign investors.

Economically, moving to Mérida is a sure success. The city has benefited from economic momentum and, according to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), ranks among the top places to invest and start a business.

Its location is also privileged. Buying a house in Mérida means connectivity with the world’s main capitals and cities. It has an international airport with daily flights to cities such as Mexico City, Miami, Toronto, Houston, Las Vegas and some European cities.

Safety

Safety is a decisive factor when choosing a place to live. The National Public Safety Survey by INEGI has placed the capital of Yucatán, for several years, as the safest city in the whole country.

Some figures from the survey:

• 65.1% trust the municipal police
• 78.7% trust the state’s security authorities
• 56.4% consider the government effective at solving various problems

The latest results of Mexico’s Peace Index, by the Institute for Economics and Peace, show the five best-rated states in terms of safety: Yucatán first, followed by Nuevo León, Aguascalientes, Querétaro and Campeche.

Nature

Another decisive factor is its great natural diversity. Mérida is a few kilometres from wonderful nature reserves and imposing archaeological ruins hidden in the jungle.

Home to numerous species and fabulous seabeds, the Yucatán peninsula is a paradise a few kilometres away if you buy a house in Mérida. The state also has picturesque Magical Towns such as Izamal, with archaeological ruins and an old convent — one of the largest in the region — built in 1549. Other options are the famous Celestún reserve or the wonderful cenotes of Cuzamá. And its beaches, like Progreso or Sisal, stand out for their calm, clear waters.

Mérida’s closeness to the Riviera Maya or Cancún is a real plus. Just 120 kilometres away, you can reach the Maya city of Chichén Itzá or the paradise beaches of Tulum.

Culture and recreation

Finally, no small draw is its interesting culture, which is not limited to the pre-Hispanic world or Mexican folklore but also includes modern, avant-garde expressions. Its museums and art galleries are the best example.

And when it comes to cultural events, you’ll never be bored. Living in Mérida guarantees a packed schedule of concerts, exhibitions and festivals throughout the year.

See also: Mérida, the business capital of southeastern Mexico.