Merida, Mexico

What do I need to know about living in Merida?

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When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Merida, they said:

"Merida is a great city with lots of free activities for adults and children. It is sophisticated, with diverse areas to live in and friendly people, and a good public transportation system. It is a pretty city. However, it is Hot! Come prepared for heat during the day, but the nights cool off comfortably. Make sure your home is well ventilated so that you can enjoy fresh air at night and not need air conditioning. You will not need to bring much, there are plenty of malls and stores with merchandise for you and your home from high end to low," added another expat who made the move to Merida.

How do I meet people in Merida?

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When we asked people living in Merida about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Definitely look up the two Merida Expat groups on Facebook before you come. Get acquainted with what goes on, advice for newcomers, how to find things, and, most importantly, introduce yourself and tell when you are coming. There is a breakfast club here, a monthly meet and greet, a bowling league, etc. FB has an activities calendar. I immediately went to several events within my 2nd week here," mentioned another expat in Merida.

What is life like in Merida?

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When we asked people living in Merida what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"That is a broad question to answer. I have lived in 2 other Central American countries and will say they focus a lot more on family than we do in the USA. Merida is by far more sophisticated than where I've lived before, is a wealthier city than I've lived in before. I would expect the proximity to the US has affected values, although the Yucatan retains much Mayan culture, different than the rest of Mexico," said another expat in Merida.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Merida accepting of differences?

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"This city is huge and very diverse. It's kind of a melting pot of different peoples and lifestyles. For example, the north part of town is completely modern, with buildings and homes that look very stark with linear architecture. The newer malls are also there. Other colonias range from old, historic structures to a mixture. I live in Campestre, which is one of the more quiet, residential parts but still has plenty of stores and shops and is only 6 miles from Centro (downtown). There is also Uptown, which has its own vibe. So, depending on what you like and how much noise and people you like to be around, there is a colonia for everyone and all get along and are friendly and welcoming," added another expat in Merida.

Is the cost of living in Merida high?

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We asked people about the cost of living in Merida, they wrote:

"The rents here are low for now. As more people discover the richness Merida offers, I know that they will increase, but for right now, you can get a very nice apartment or rental home for a fraction of what you'd pay in the USA. My advice is if you like it here, buy sooner rather than later (very carefully). Local food is very cheap and imports are what they are," commented one expat who moved to Merida.

What type of recreational facilities are in Merida?

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When we asked people living in Merida about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"There is a large sport club here for tennis and golf. Every Sunday the streets are closed for bikeathons for the entire family to participate in. And any time you want to hike, go visit a ruin. Most of the cenotes allow swimming and are wonderfully cool and magical," mentioned another expat living in Merida.

What is the weather like in Merida?

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"Hot. In the summer it is hot day and night, with no rain. In rainy season, it is very hot during the day but the nights usually cool off to pleasant 70's with a cooling wind, but not always. You can use sleeves at night but will not want them during the day," commented one expat who moved to Merida.

Are there good restaurants in Merida?

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"There are many night clubs with live music, from Salsa to Blues. There are too many restaurants to mention, from low end to high end. You will not want for a night life or if you are a foodie. I am a nght person, so I am speaking from personal experience," remarked another expat in Merida.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Merida?

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"There is everything in Merida from local street vendors, market stalls, to Super Duper big box markets. There is a Walmart that is a step above what you find in the States, Sears, and a few super duper markets that sell everything from household goods to groceries, all in one place. Several malls have recently opened, so you can shop from high end to low end, and Centro has many streets of unusual and unique shops. You will need to guard your money as these unique shops have lovely hand made items," commented one expat living in Merida, Mexico.