Mérida is among the safest cities in Mexico, as well as in the Americas and the entire world.
It was the first city to be named American Capital of Culture in 2000, and the only city that has received the title twice, again in 2017.
Mérida has a rich cultural life which also reflects its diversity. Many free concerts, performances, and other events are held daily.
In 2015, the city was certified as an International Safe Community by the Karolinska Institute of Sweden for its high level of public security.
Forbes has ranked Mérida three times as one of the three best cities in Mexico to live, invest, and do business.
In 2022, the UN-Habitat's City Prosperity Index recognized Mérida as the city with the highest quality of life in Mexico.
Besides the Centro Histórico, Mérida offers wonderful neighborhoods, shopping malls, parks, and a plethora of restaurants in its newer sections.
Since the second half of the 20th century, Mérida has been growing enormously to the north and west.
The north is the area which has seen the greatest commercial growth, and it is here where you will find newer homes, shopping malls, hospitals, department stores, private schools, global franchises, and car dealerships.
Driving north on Prolongación de Montejo from the Centro, you will see many wonderful neighborhoods such as Montecristo, Montebello, San Ramón Norte, Montes de Amé, Vista Alegre Norte, and Altabrisa.
Middle and upper-middle class families have built everything from small homes to large walled compounds in these areas, as well as in San Esteban, San Miguel, Brisas, Jardines de Mérida, Los Pinos, Los Arcos, and Polígono 108.
Colonia México is one of the most popular areas due to the size and quality of the homes, and for its proximity to downtown Mérida and Paseo de Montejo.
This area began development in the 1940s, so many of the houses reflect a blend of modern and art deco styles, known locally as functionalism.
As wealthier families moved further from downtown, Colonia México was developed during the same time that Paseo de Montejo was extended into Prolongación de Montejo, and it is still considered an upscale area.
In the 1990s, the city expanded to the west. In the northwest, Francisco de Montejo (behind the Siglo XXI Convention Center) saw the construction of 40,000 homes.
This new development attracted residents from other parts of Mexico, especially Mexico City and areas of central Mexico.
In the southeast, Fraccionamiento Juan Pablo II (named after the popular Pope) was created, offering homes for lower-income families.
This area continues to expand across the Periférico into Ciudad Caucel and Villa Magna.
Today you see the sprawling City of Mérida, with so many wonderful neighborhoods and areas — be assured that you will find your perfect place.
We invite you to visit and see for yourself the beauty and culture of Mérida.
