Living in Mexico > Mexico City > Living in Mexico City
Last updated on: Nov 23, 2019
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.
With a population of approximately 8.5 million people, Mexico City is an exciting place to be an expat. People moving to Mexico City need to do their research and understand which neighborhoods are safe. If they have a family, proximity to international schools and family-friendly neighborhoods is important. Plus, you'll need to decide which local public or private hospital you would go to in a medical emergency. Our Living in Mexico City Guide covers these another other important topics such as health insurance, traffic and the best international schools in Mexico City.
The US State Department advises, "Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime is prevalent in Mexico City. Mexican government statistics indicate criminal incidents in the capital city occur at a significantly higher rate than much of the rest of Mexico. Pay particular caution to areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well. Neighborhoods such as Tepito and Guerrero warrant additional vigilance, especially at night. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees.
There are many well respected international schools and bilingual schools in Mexico City. Greengates, American School Foundation (ASF), Westhill and Lomas Altas are some of the most popular international schools amongst expat families.
"Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City and other major cities, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Mexican facilities often require payment 'up front' prior to performing a procedure, and most hospitals in Mexico do not accept U.S. health insurance," wrote the US State Department. For that reason, many expats purchase international health insurance.
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.
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DF stands for Distrito Federal (Federal District), which was the official name of Mexico City until January 2016, when President Enrique Pe?a Nieto officially changed the name of Mexico's capital city from Distrito Federal to Ciudad de M?xico. Mexico City is abbreviated as CDMX (Ciudad de M?xico).
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Yes, traffic in Mexico City ranks among the worst in the world. "Getting around town is a REAL pain I always tack on an extra hour to whereever I am going to. Traffic here is rush-hour 24/7 - just accept it and you will be fine," said one expat. In fact, according to Tom Tom's 2018 Traffic Index, Mexico City ranks number 9 in the world for worst traffic congestion. For comparison purposes, Los Angeles ranks #24, Tokyo #25 and New York #42.
If you're moving to Mexico City, don't let the traffic stats get you down. Do your homework and live within walking distance, or a short Metro ride, away from work. If you have school-aged kids, the same goes for their school.
A colonia is a neighborhood.
Expat enclaves aren't a thing in Mexico City. When a member moving to Mexico City asked which neighborhoods most expat live in, an expat offered a helpful response that many others agreed with, "I lived in DF [Mexico City] for 26 months near the Archangel in Colonia Cuahetomec. This is behind the American embassy on Paseo Reforma. There really isn't a gringo community in DF, but the greatest sprinkling is where I lived, Roma Sur and Norte, and Condesa. When I say sprinking, I mean you are in neighborhoods that are 200 Mexicans to 1 gringo. Polanco is an exciting place but expensive. There are a lot of upscale eateries, nightclubs and discos. It's where the jet set meets the powerful and connected."
If you have school-aged children, you'll want to research neighborhoods near schools that they may attend since traffic is a real consideration. If they need a school with an IB programme, for example, that narrows down the possibilities.
When a family moving to Mexico City asked for opinions about communities that are safe and provide good schooling, one member replied, "Santa Fe (where we live with our 2 kids); Bosques de las Lomas is also a very nice area to live; Polanco and Condessa are nice BUT only if you like the Urban life - busy and noisy, but accessible to many restaurants and night life.; you can also find housing in central DF."
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A very informative discussion ensued on the Mexico Forum about the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City. It's a helpful read that explains why the answer to this question isn't an easy one.
"In Mexico City it is very important to know where you will work in order to find your home. Commuting time can be terrible if you do not consider this important issues. Apartments are the most recommended housing for expats. One reason is security, and also you can make friends easier on the social areas like swiming pools, tennis courts, etc," advised one expat.
Polanco, La Condesa, Santa Fe and Roma are a few notable neighborhoods.
Expats interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expatriate Health Insurance
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
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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 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.
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Expatriate Health Insurance
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Guide to Living in Mexico City
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.
Healthcare in Mexico
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.
Best Places to Live 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.
International Schools 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.
Restaurants 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?
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.
Living in Mexico City
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.
Culture Shock in Mexico City
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.
Culture Shock in Mexico City
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.
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