Moving to Merida, Mexico

"Inalambrica is a nice area, close to a lot of parks and easy access to centro and the main market, there is a huge sports facility nearby too (Complejo deportivo Inalámbrica). Would not assume that because it is not near a main road means that it is quiet, all neighborhoods have bus routes that run through them and some streets are heavily used for short cuts or in this case to get to the Deportiva. There is no zoning laws like the US so the house could be next to a restaurant or business. I would recommend at least renting for 6 months to get a real feel for the place," explained one expat living in Merida, Mexico.

"Merida is made up of the Centro area (downtown) and then many different neighborhoods which are called colonies and Fracc's. We were told by a realtor that many expats move to the North Merida area, which is nice and very safe with many stores and restaurants. He said anything above Calle 59 is good. We ended up finding a place in a small neighborhood called San Pedro Uxmal. I don't think there are many expats there, but the home had everything we wanted and the price was good. We are very happy there," remarked one expat in Merida, Mexico.

"We wanted to be in the city, near the center. And we wanted a home that was old and renovated. We found lots of homes to choose from," said one expat in Merida.

"A renovated colonial stone house, about 100 years old. And it's very typical of the expats around here," said one expat who made the move to Merida.

"My husband found a two bedroom one bath house in Pensiones neighborhood in Merida Yucatan for about $35,000 USD. It needs another $10k in upgrades or remodeling but it is a cute home and would be great. The rents here are all over the place. But a huge home with a lot of amenities unfurnished in my neighborhood (4 bedrooms or 5 with three bathrooms and so on? Goes for $14,000 Mexican pesos a month. About $675 or $700 USD give or take," said one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"We are paying $12,000 pesos/month, which is about $625 USD which is less than we paid in a mobile home community in Florida. Our TV/Internet/Home phone is approx. $70/mo. We have not gotten the electric or water bills yet, but we have been told that electric is about the same as the US and water is cheap. Trash pickup is about $3/mo," explained one expat living in Merida, Mexico.

"The cost of housing in Merida can vary depending on size, location and amenities. Generally, rent for an average one-bedroom apartment will range from about $300 to $500 USD a month, and three-bedroom apartments can start at around $500 USD a month. Prices for more upscale, luxurious housing can be higher," said one in Merida.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Merida, there are several factors to consider. If you are planning to stay in the city for an extended period of time, buying could be a more economical choice. In terms of home values, Merida offers some of the best prices in all of Mexico, meaning its real estate can offer an attractive return on investment. On the other hand, rental costs in Merida are typically very low and offer a range of housing options. This can be beneficial if you are looking for flexibility or prefer to live in more temporary accommodation. Ultimately, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision," remarked one expat in Merida, Mexico.

"Three things I wish I had brought: Trader Joe's grocery store anything organic (food) Three things I wish I'd left at home: Can't think of anything," said one expat in Merida.

"When moving to Merida, it's important to pack comfortable clothing, such as shorts and t-shirts for warm weather as well as some warmer clothing for the cooler spring months and occasional cool nights. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and other UV protective gear to help protect you from the sun. Bring some lightweight rain gear, such as a poncho and waterproof shoes, in case of a tropical rain shower. Pack your favorite books, music, and other forms of entertainment to help you settle in and get to know Merida. Consider bringing kitchen supplies such as pots, pans, and tableware, to help you fill your new home with the comforts of your own cooking. Finally, don't forget to bring along an open mind and sense of adventure to help you get the most out of your experience in Merida," said one expat who made the move to Merida.

"My husband and I were told by the shipper that once we have a Merida address that our items will be shipped to our door within a few days. We have been here for almost a month and we have found that our items are still in Miami!! We were also told that our items cannot be sent from Miami until my husband gets his Temporary Resident card (which he applied for, but we have been told that it will take approximately a month to get it). Once he has the card, then they will schedule the items to be sent and it takes 10 days to go across the Gulf of Mexico and then a few days to go through Customs. So at this rate, we will be lucky if we have our items for the New Year and we have been in Mexico since October 27th. Please be warned about this and make sure that you get everything in writing. We did and we are still having issues. We wish we would have all our items that we shipped and have not found anything that we had wished we left yet," explained one expat living in Merida, Mexico.

"Not that we have noticed yet, but I'm sure that will be happening in the future :-)," said one expat in Merida.

"I said a word in Puerto Rican Spanish that is very commonly used to mean 'to take', and it means to have sex in Mexican Spanish. It made people laugh. But I turned it around and told them but you guys say this word for the meaning of insect and that is a sexual word in Puerto Rico. They would laugh. You got to realize words mean different things in different societies and not to take yourself too seriously," remarked one expat who made the move to Merida.

"It is important to be aware of cultural nuances when visiting Merida. Respect the local customs and dress conservatively by avoiding revealing clothing, particularly when visiting public or religious sites. Show respect to the local people by allowing them to set the pace of conversations and not engaging in any debates or discussions about religious topics, as this could be considered offensive. Additionally, avoid speaking loudly in public places as this is considered impolite in Merida. Furthermore, do not attempt to take photographs of people without obtaining their permission first, as this could be considered intrusive," explained one expat living in Merida, Mexico.

"Oh, my, where do I start? This is my 4th country and I am here to stay! Merida has surpassed my expectations- it is a large city, with many different neighborhoods to choose from, each with their own separate, distinct vibe. Activities are everywhere- every night a park holds a free event. Centro is hopping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The shopping is first class, many very nice new malls, and restaurants are everywhere, for every price range. Most of all for me is the culture- there are so many fine museums and homes to tour that I have made a list so that I don't forget any. And then there's the cenotes to swim or dive in, found nowhere else but the Yucatan, and the Mayan ruins nearby," offered one expat living in Merida.

"Merida is an attractive destination for expats due to its affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and year-round warm climate. The city is known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and picturesque plazas, providing a quaint atmosphere to explore. Additionally, locals are incredibly welcoming, offering expats the opportunity to form lasting friendships. Merida's proximity to the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and a wealth of Mayan sites further add to its appeal. With its charming atmosphere, an array of activities to take part in, and a laid-back way of life, Merida is a great choice for ex-pats looking to experience something new," wrote one expat living in Merida.

"Merida offers a wide range of healthcare services for its citizens. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized care. Merida also has a number of pharmacies and laboratories that provide access to medications and diagnostic tests. Additionally, the city has a number of health centers that provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings. Merida also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care, such as cancer treatment, fertility treatments, and mental health services," said one expat.

"Merida offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has a number of hospitals and clinics that provide quality care and services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized treatments. Many of the hospitals and clinics are equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Additionally, Merida has a number of pharmacies that offer a variety of medications and medical supplies. For those seeking alternative treatments, there are also a number of holistic health centers and spas that offer a range of services, such as massage, acupuncture, and yoga," commented one expat who moved to Merida.

"I had two routine check up procedures at Clinica Merida, and they were done very professionally and excellent at a low cost. Merida has two medical schools for doctors so health care in Merida is excellent," said one expat.