Moving to Merida, Mexico

"One thing is very important if you are thinking of renting. When you pay the first and last months rent, they also ask for payment to a lawyer. You will need to meet with a lawyer (our realtor was with us) and the forms that you have to sign are in Spanish. We had been told that most homes that are rented also need a co-signer, a person who will go with you to the lawyer to vouch that if you do not finish paying the year of rent, that they will pay the remainder of what is owed. Luckily for us, the owner of our home waived the need for a co-signer, so it worked out well for us, but it's really hard moving to a new country, not knowing anyone and then finding out that you need to find a co-signer to rent a property!!! Be aware," remarked one expat in Merida, Mexico.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Merida is to search online on websites like Airbnb or Craigslist. Additionally, you can reach out to local real estate agents who specialize in housing in the Merida area to help you find the right place. Another option is to use online expat forums such as Expat-Merida.com, which can be helpful in connecting you with other expats who have experience living in the area, who may even be able to provide tips and advice on finding suitable housing. Finally, you can try personally asking around within the local community to see if there are any housing opportunities available," replied a member in Merida.

"After studyinng the market here for 2 1/2 years and debating renting or buying, we learned a lot about neighborhoods. And we learned the best way to figure out where you want to be is to come down and go airbnb for a while in different neighborhoods to figure out what you want. For those of us on a budget, Norte and Santiago are much too expensive and the father you go from Centro prices fall dramatically. We just bought a house and it was only after looking at very many and being ready to pounce on one that was significantly reduced in price and in excellent condition. Those go very quickly. Even renting, remember if you don't like the neighborhood, you're stuck for a year usually," commented one expat who made the move to Merida.

"Use spanish in your seaches. Casa y depas en PV, departamentos para rentar, etc. It is still better if you rent an airbnb and walk around the area that you are interested in just looking for places that are available. The ones that are real cheap tend not to be listed on the web. NEVER send money as a deposit. Don't hand over any money until you are actually inside of the apartment with the owner or an agent that you are 100% sure is authorized to be acting for the owner," remarked one expat 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," said one expat in Merida.

"I live in a large furnished studio with good sized kitchen with pantry (full size appliances), true dining area (room for 6-8) living area with sofa, coffee table and 2 chairs and nice sized bedroom area. It has a yard with parking and outside dining and is fully air conditioned. It's actually the ground floor of a 2 story house so it's larger than most studios IME. Including my power, water, garbage, gas and WIFI, it's under $400 USD per month. Outside my front door is a park and 2 more parks are within 3 blocks in opposite directions. It's a great neighborhood away from downtown but still has every kind of business within a 5 minute walk. A really nice mall is 2.4 miles away and it's dog-friendly! I've lived in 3 different neighborhoods in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico including Centro and this is by far my favorite! FYI, my AC runs 24/7/365. It's clean, quite, walkable and has green spaces," remarked one expat who made the move to Merida.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Merida is typically modern and stylish with a mix of traditional Mexican design mixed with contemporary design. The architecture of the homes and apartments usually features large windows and balconies, giving a nice open feeling. Many have floor tiles and white walls, giving it a distinctive Mexican look. The furniture is typically comfortable, yet simple and modern. Expats in Merida can also enjoy outdoor living spaces with outdoor dining areas, pool areas and landscaped gardens," said one expat in Merida.

"We rented a 3 BR/3 Bath home. It is very modern and has a small front yard and a beautiful back yard with a pool. It is 2 stories. We also have a terrace overlooking the back yard and a sunny roof top overlooking the front of the house. The house has a large wall around it and an electric gate in the front which is very nice for our 2 dogs and 2 cats. They can go in and out as they please," 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," explained one expat living in 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," said one expat in Merida.

"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 expat who made the move to 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," said one expat in Merida.

"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.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to 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," 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 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.

"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.

"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," commented 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," wrote one expat living in Merida.

"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," replied one expat when asked about moving 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," stated one expat who made the move to Merida.