MERIDA, MEXICO - Why are expats flocking here?!?
Mérida, Yucatán is the city with the most polarizing opinions we've seen. For many, it's their favorite place in the world. For others, you couldn't pay them to go back to Mérida.
Why are the opinions on Merida so polarizing? Coming from the people who love it, they often cite that it's the safest city in Mexico. They like that there are many museums and cultural events and we also frequently hear that healthcare is very high quality and quite affordable. Mérida is a big city with all of the conveniences that come with it. There's fast internet, the beaches of Progreso are only a half hour away, and there are other cool destinations within a reasonable driving distance. In addition to all of those things, there's a significant expat community which makes adjusting to a new lifestyle much easier.
Coming from the people who hate Merida, they say it's dirty, the bus pollution is horrible, and the weather is miserable for most of the year. They say "Sure, Progreso isn't too far away, but it's the worst beach I've ever been to." And although things are cheap compared to the US, the city is significantly more expensive than most cities in Mexico.
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@sharingeverybite (Maddie)
@shenanigator (Jordan)
@laska (the Siberian Husky)
For those who are adverse to sub-tropical weather, Merida is never going to be an ideal spot to spend more than just a few days — especially during summer.
Unique Charm
That said, however, there is an undeniable charm to the place. In terms of the people, the safety and the other factors that you have mentioned, Merida is unique among cities in Mexico.
Yummy Local Cuisine
Then there is the food. If you are into Yucatan cuisine there is no better place for cochinita pibil or tamales Yucatecos than Merida. Sopa de lima... well, that's another issue — Valladolid is the bets place for that.
Clean and Neat or Scruffy -- NO Middle Ground
Merida has been growing at an incredible pace. There is definitely a clear distinction between the old city, the growth spurt during the latter half of the 20th century, and the newest neighborhoods and communities from 2000 onward. Sort of like seasonal rings on a tree in reverse order. The further outward you go, the newer the area.
The city has the nickname of "la ciudad blanca," for how clean it is supposed to be. The reality is that the upkeep of the city has a dichotmous history. It goes through periods when it is immaculately kept — even the old town and the market. Then there are other periods when there is highly noticeable neglect.
This may be due in part to policies and budgeting practices by city-level government. That is what I have been told by locals in the past. I have seen Merida in both conditions — clean and scruffy. Sorry to hear that it is currently going through one of its scruffy patches.
Nevertheless, it is one of my favorite cities in Mexico. Also, as you said, the expat presence is solid.
Great video as always!
I stayed in Merida for a few days and I loved it. I stayed in the hotel right in the city center(plaza grande) and ate ice cream right next door every day. Lol