Mexico City, Mexico
Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico City
Last updated on Sep 05, 2022
Summary: Maybe it Mexico City's rich history or its incredible number of museums (140+ reportedly). Or, is it the picture-perfect weather with temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s year round? For most people, the pros list for Mexico City is long and the cons list is much shorter. What's not to like? Poverty, crime, traffic and pollution to name a few.
What are the pros and cons of living in Mexico City?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Mexico City responded:
"I have lived in 8 US states and four foreign countries - 29 addresses in all. No where has the cultural and historical offerings while still be as affordable as Mexico City. The city has a near-perfect climate and is visually stunning," explained one expat living in Mexico City.
"I love Mexico City because there are a lot of things to do and it's a very walkable city. However, I recognize that it can be unsafe and this is the only negative," said another expat in living in Mexico City, Mexico.
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What do expats in Mexico City appreciate most about the local culture?
"Having to conceal the fact when and if you dislike someone. Not being able to throw temper tantrums in public without facing possible legal problems. Being able to enjoy the moment without being paralyzed by thoughts of what you have to do in an hour or tomorrow! Being obligated to greet each and every person who you come into verbal contact with, saying 'buenos' or 'buenas', which would be unheard of in the U.S," added another person living in Mexico City.
"The history is amazing, and you have the pyramids on one side, the beautiful beaches on another, the perfect climate, the warm and affectionate people, and the food tastes great," explained one expat living in Mexico City.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Not reading newspaper editorials that dare to criticize any Mexican political officials. Plus, very few people say what is on their minds, sort of the opposite of African-Americans, West Indians, or Jews in the United States. It is a xenophobic culture, for the most part, sort of like the Chinese culture. Mexicans are far, far more relaxed when and if they are amongst their own kind, although there are occasional and definite exceptions," said another expat in Mexico City.
"The frequency of the crime is never easy to adjust to. It's much better now, but when I moved to Mexico for the first time, smog was a big problem. There seems to be a lack of organization in the way the country functions. But if you look at it with a sense of humor, it's almost charming. No one likes corruption, and it's a problem here," added another person living in Mexico City.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Mexico City
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico City
- International Schools in Mexico City
- 7 Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico
- Best Places to Live in Mexico
- Real Estate in Mexico
- Cost of Living in Mexico
- What It's Like Living in Mexico City
- Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico 2022
- 2022 Guide to Moving to Mexico
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico
