Living in Mexico > Mexico City > 7 Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Last updated on: Sep 05, 2019
Summary: Mexico City's neighborhoods are as varied as its wonderful people. Find out what expat consider the 7 best neighborhoods in Mexico City.
There are many nice neighborhoods, called colonias, in Mexico City. Expats often ask, " What are the best neighborhoods in Mexico City?" While most expats will explain that there really aren't neighborhoods in Mexico City that would be called expat enclaves, there are many that expats love. Here are the 7 best neighborhoods in Mexico City according to expats:
Polanco is an upscale neighborhood in the Miguel Hidalgo borough of Mexico City that is sometimes described as the Beverly Hills of Mexico. Avenida Presidente Masaryk is a famous, high-end shopping street in Polanco. One of the best things about Polanco is Chapultepec Park. Part of this beautiful park lies within the borders of Polanco. Additionally, the Soumaya Museum, National Museum of Anthropology and Teatro Telcel (a state-of-the-art underground theater).
"I would use the word trendy to describe Polanco, where we have been to perhaps a dozen or so times. I imagine taller newer buildings with street-side shops/restaurants and condo/apartments above. Lots of glass and metal. Polanco has a young feel to it. It is rather commercial. When you hop in a taxi in Polanco, the meter starts at a rate perhaps twice as much as elsewhere in Mexico City. I do not think of large single family houses with large yards when I think of Polanco," described one expat.
Expats living in Mexico interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
La Condesa or Condesa is south of La Zona Rosa. Parque Mexico (pictured above) is a beautiful park in La Condesa.
"La Condesa is sort of like the Soho version, filled with actors and monied young folks," remarked one expat. Another said, "La Condesa is an affluent, progressive area." Others say it feels European and is home to many hip, fashionable young people.
Jardines del Pedregal is an affluent area in southern Mexico City. "Jardines del Pedregal (aka Pedregal) is perhaps 90% very nice large single family homes. There is very, very little commercial. There are virtually no taxis and such."
Santa Fe district is very modern and filled with skyscrapers, restaurants, businesses and upscale stores. It's located on the western side of Mexico City. The Centro Santa Fe shopping mall claims to be the largest shopping mall in Latin America. Expat families like Santa Fe. International or bilingual schools in Santa Fe include: The Westhill Institute, Eton School and Pinecrest International School.
La Roma is the hipster neighborhood (think Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY) that was the backdrop to the 2018 Oscar award winning movie, Roma. Roma has two distinct sections, Roma Norte and Roma Sur. Residents can go grocery shopping at Mercado Medellin, spend the afternoon at Museo del Objeto del Objeto and learn to salsa dance at Mama Rumba.
"Roma (La Roma) has many what I'll call town homes. I would use the word eclectic to describe Roma. Still there are many street-side businesses; restaurants, bars, etc but also mom and pop retail laundries, ferreterias, print shops etc.," said one expat.
Located west of the historic district of Mexico City, La Zona Rosa is an affluent area. The area is famous for its nightlife and is especially popular with tourists and the gay and LGBTQ community.
Bosques de las Lomas (aka Bosques) is a popular, upscale colonia in western Mexico City that's popular among expats. It's a good area for families. There are two schools in Bosques that may be good options for expats with enough Spanish-language skills. They are Del Bosque (Catholic girls, bilingual, preschool - 12th) and Instituto Cumbres Bosques (Catholic boys, bilingual, preschool - 12th).
Sirelo, offers you a simple and hassle free solution to plan your move to Mexico. You'll get up to 5 FREE quotes from trusted international movers. Takes 1 minute! No obligation. Save up to 40%. Only qualified and professional movers. Get your quotes now!
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Expats talk about the best places to live in Mexico City, living near work to avoid hours of traffic every day, crime in Mexico City, international schools and much more.
If you're moving to Mexico or an expat living in Mexico, understanding the Mexican healthcare system is essential. We offer an overview of the public and private healthcare systems in Mexico, health insurance for expats in Mexico, hospitals and prescription drugs. Plus, a list of the best hospital in Mexico City.
If you're moving to Mexico City with kids, international schools are probably a top priority. Here's a list of some of the most well-known international schools and bilingual schools in Mexico City.
Is Mexico City Safe? What are the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City? Expats answer these questions and offer tips (based upon first-hand experience) for avoiding being the victim of a crime.
Look for the charm, enjoy the warmth of the people, travel in the country, visit traditional restaurants, visit museums, and enjoy having a unique life experience.
An expat from New York City describes the culture shock she experienced living in Mexico City. She appreciates that people in Mexico City able to enjoy the moment instead of hurrying through life.
Dive into the culture. Just go ahead and feast on the country's native food, see the country's movies, and visit ALL the sites. Even dress with the traditional clothes once in a while, just to really get into it.
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Some of Betsy's more popular articles include 6 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica, 12 Things to Know Before Moving to The Dominican Republic and 7 Tips for Obtaining Residence in Italy. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Expats in Mexico continue to rate the country highly. Even though there are always security concerns, expats who prepare properly enjoy excellent weather in close proximity to the United States and at a much lower cost of living.
Expats talk about some of the biggest challenges they've faced living in Latin America. Whether you're moving to Panama City or Punta del Este, this article is a must read to help you prepare (hint: you'll be much happier if you learn the language) and adjust your expectations (realities: the roads are rough, the pace of life is slower and bureaucracy is unavoidable). Despite all of the challenges, the list of what expats like about life in Latin America far exceeds the challenges.
This tax guide for Americans living in Mexico is an important read. Do you need to file a tax return in Mexico? Plus, an overview of Mexico's tax system, income tax rates, Mexico resident qualifications and more.
Is Mexico City Safe? What are the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City? Expats answer these questions and offer tips (based upon first-hand experience) for avoiding being the victim of a crime.
Expats from the United States and Canada often choose to move to Mexico or retire there. Here are some of the locations that they recommend most to others considering living in Mexico.
Updated On: Sep 05, 2019
First Published: Sep 05, 2019
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Expats talk about the best places to live in Mexico City, living near work to avoid hours of traffic every day, crime in Mexico City, international schools and much more.
If you're moving to Mexico or an expat living in Mexico, understanding the Mexican healthcare system is essential. We offer an overview of the public and private healthcare systems in Mexico, health insurance for expats in Mexico, hospitals and prescription drugs. Plus, a list of the best hospital in Mexico City.
Mexico City's neighborhoods are as varied as its wonderful people. Find out what expat consider the 7 best neighborhoods in Mexico City.
If you're moving to Mexico City with kids, international schools are probably a top priority. Here's a list of some of the most well-known international schools and bilingual schools in Mexico City.
Support your favorite restaurants in Mexico City as they recover from the pandemic. Submit a free listing for them on Expat Exchange to help spread the word about them to the expat community.
Is Mexico City Safe? What are the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City? Expats answer these questions and offer tips (based upon first-hand experience) for avoiding being the victim of a crime.
Look for the charm, enjoy the warmth of the people, travel in the country, visit traditional restaurants, visit museums, and enjoy having a unique life experience.
An expat from New York City describes the culture shock she experienced living in Mexico City. She appreciates that people in Mexico City able to enjoy the moment instead of hurrying through life.
Dive into the culture. Just go ahead and feast on the country's native food, see the country's movies, and visit ALL the sites. Even dress with the traditional clothes once in a while, just to really get into it.
Copyright 1997-2021 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.