Merida

Between the state of Quintana Roo to the east (Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen) and Campeche to the west, Mexico’s Yucatan state lies along the Gulf of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. Yucatan state has a vast coastline with a true beach culture, incredible vistas, rich wildlife and a relaxed, healthy lifestyle.

Ranked the Best Small City in the World for 2019, Merida is the capital and cultural heart of Yucatan state located on the northern side of the peninsula. Also ranked the Safest City of Mexico, Merida has about 1 million people. Several small towns and villages lie within a 40-minute radius of Merida. These communities have easy access to Merida with good streets and public transportation.

Merida is one of the most elegant and human-friendliest cities in the country. The graceful colonial architecture of the center mixed with rich cultural offerings and its small-town feel, make the city a highly-desirable destination among expats. With an incredible food scene, vibrant markets, outdoor events, cafe-lined streets, daily events are often free around town, in museums, theaters and parks. Merida has its own Symphony Orchestra and other jazz and opera events take place in the city’s 6 theaters.

A true beach culture and a world of discovery all within a day trip from Merida

The state of Yucatan offers a true beach culture with quiet strands of sunny beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, cool, blue cenotes, wild flamingo reserves, old haciendas and characteristic Mayan towns around the inland area. The preservation of the Yucatan is intimately interwoven with the Maya, their customs and languages.

A modern, healthy lifestyle at a good value

Merida and the state of Yucatan offer good value: pesos go further here than in other Riviera Maya destinations. The reduced cost of living and affordable housing have attracted many expats from Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

The modern lifestyle convinced them to stay. The transition process is easier here because of the conveniences of Merida: world-class affordable health care, up-to-date infrastructure including freeways and highways, easy access to beaches, high-speed internet from several providers, a modern international airport, shopping from small markets to boutique shops to big box stores and cheap public transportation.

The average high temperature in January is just above 30C (87 F) and the average low for that time of year is 17C (63 F). With a tropical climate, there are nothing but sunny blue skies from November through May. June through October can see some rain.

Community matters

Merida attracts interesting people. The city and its neighboring towns perpetuate a sense of community, a feeling of belonging and a place where participation is welcome.  With a vibrant expat community, the state of Yucatan and the city of Merida have many organizations to participate in, (Rotary, Lyons, Red Cross, English Library, Alliance française, etc.) and local groups focused on conservation, literacy, sustainability, culture, etc. If you want to be social, if you want to participate, it’s all here.