Living in Mexico City
Travel Guide Series
Table of Contents
Wow is the word that comes to mind upon arriving in Mexico City. It’s busy; It’s enormous; it’s stunning; it’s loud; its history at every turn; it’s a European City in Mexico; It’s pulsating energy that you can feel, and you will never be the same again. Living in Mexico City is exhilarating, and this city has an electric pulsating heartbeat.
Mexico City is a place that I have come to love and appreciate for all that it has to offer. While it may not be for everyone, I believe that so many things make this city truly special. That’s why I want to give you an overview of all the things that make Mexico City such a unique and wonderful place to live. I can never do Mexico City justice by writing about it. There is just too much to do and say about Mexico City.
Are you considering a move to one of the most vibrant, electrifying, and exciting cities in the world? Look no further than Mexico City, the world’s 6th largest city with over 20 million people. Whether you’re looking for a change of pace, a lower cost of living, or the chance to immerse yourself in rich culture and history – Mexico’s bustling capital has a lot to offer. In this travel guide series of Living in Mexico City, we’ll provide an in-depth look at what it’s like to live in Mexico City. Get ready to fall in love with Mexico City! Vamos…
Topics: People Ask
Living in Mexico City Travel Guide - Finding a Place to Live in Mexico City - Best Neighborhoods to Live in Mexico City - Navigating Transportation in Mexico City - Things to Do and See in CDMX - Adjusting to Live in Mexico City as an Ex-pat - Cost of Living in Mexico City - Is CDMX Safe and a Good Place to Live - Why is Everyone Moving to Mexico City - Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico City - Travel Resources - History of Mexico City - Best Hotels and Tours in CDMX
The History of Mexico City
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and the largest city in Latin America. It has a long and storied interesting history.
The city was founded by the Aztecs, a group of indigenous people who lived in Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The Aztecs built the city named Tenochtitlán on an island in the middle of a lake (now modern-day Mexico City). The city was an important center of culture and trade. I wrote more about the history of Mexico City HERE.
In 1521, the Spanish conquered Tenochtitlán and renamed it Mexico City. The city became the center of Spanish rule in the region and grew into a major metropolis. Over the centuries, Mexico City has undergone many changes, including periods of prosperity, occupation, conflict, and unrest.
Today, Mexico City is a thriving, modern city with a rich history and a diverse culture. It is home to a wide variety of people from all over the world and is known for its vibrant arts, music scene, delicious cuisine, stunning beauty, and historical architecture.
The Weather in Mexico City
It’s perfect, and I will just say it – the best weather in the world. Like many cities in Central Mexico, you don’t need an A/C or heat.
Mexico City is located at a high altitude of over 7,300 feet and is close to the equator, which results in a temperate climate year-round. During the day, temperatures typically range from 70-80F, with average temperatures at 57-67F, but it can get chilly at night. The warmer months are March to June, while December and January tend to be cooler, with lows in the mid-40s. Despite being cooler, these months still offer plenty of sunshine and clear skies.
The rainy season in Mexico City runs from April to November and is characterized by short, often inconvenient showers. However, these showers can sometimes be heavy and result in flooding, mainly due to the city’s location in a valley surrounded by mountains. Additionally, Mexico City is situated near an active seismic plate and can experience earthquakes. Interesting fact – Mexico City is sinking each year.
How to Get to and Navigating Transportation in Mexico City
Mexico City has direct flights to/from most anywhere in the world, and once you arrive, you can easily travel anywhere in Mexico within a couple of hours.
Mexico City has plenty of affordable transportation options, including the second largest metro in North America, buses, colectivos (local buses), taxis, and rideshare services like Uber. I take Uber anywhere in the city for less than $5.00. Talk to the taxi drivers upfront to avoid any pricing discrepancies.
If you’re feeling active, you can also try out the city’s bike-sharing system called Ecobici for a fun and healthy commute. On Sundays, they close the famous Paseo de la Reforma, where only walking and bicycles are allowed.
Plus, with all these options, you don’t even need to own a car to get around. Many people in Mexico City don’t have cars, and if you do have one, there are even restrictions on which days you can drive based on the age of your car and license plate to control pollution.
So don’t worry about needing a car to get around in Mexico City – plenty of other options are available! Like many other places in Mexico, you walk. Living in Mexico changed my entire mindset of staying active and not relying on driving everywhere, which we all are used to in the States.
A Day in the Life of Living in Mexico City - Best Neighborhoods
While there are many safe colonias in Mexico City where you can live and go about your daily life, some areas of the city may not be as safe. If you’re unsure which areas to avoid, it’s always a good idea to ask a resident for their advice. Some of the colonias that are generally considered safe include Del Valle, Narvarte, Roma, Condesa, San Angel, Polanco, Santa Fe, Roma Norte, and Coyoacan. Of course, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions, no matter where you are. Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of your surroundings to stay safe in Mexico City.
Your ex-pat day may start by waking up to the sounds of the city and birds singing. You may have breakfast at a local cafe, trying out some traditional Mexican dishes like chilaquiles or huevos rancheros with a cup of your favorite coffee. For lunch, you may choose one of the many vendors for something truly unique as you walk down the Reforma shopping. In the afternoon, you may have some free time to explore the city and try out different activities.
They may visit a museum, go shopping, or take a walk in one of the city’s many parks. In the evening, you may meet up with new friends for dinner on a patio or in a nice restaurant before a night out. As you wind down after a fun night – the city is still alive with energy, but you may save that for another day. The energy and city never stops.
Resources
Check out the best Travel Tours list that features popular activities, guided packages, and hidden gems you must see at Viator.
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Things to Do and See in Mexico City
Mexico City has something for everyone, no matter what your interests are. If you love food, art, nightlife, history, adventure, or nature (or all of the above), this city has you covered. When it comes to food, you’ll find a wide variety of options, from international cuisines to local street food and everything in between. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some delicious street tacos, which can be found all over the city and are especially popular at night. And don’t forget to sample some of the native foods of Mexico City – you won’t be disappointed. See the full list of things to do in Mexico City HERE.
If you love being outdoors, Mexico City has plenty of parks to explore, like Parque España and Parque México, which are great for families and pets. Chapultepec Park (my favorite), one of the largest in Latin America, is a must-see with its lakes, museums, and castle, roughly double the size of Central Park in NYC. It feels like a forest in the middle of the city and is a popular spot for bike rides, joggers, walkers, and paddle boating. And if you’re looking for more adventure, there are plenty of national parks and outdoor activities just outside Mexico City, including hiking and boating. Don’t forget to stop by Castle Chapultepec!
And, of course, Mexico City is rich in history and culture, with numerous historical and cultural sites to visit. There are a ton of parks, squares, and markets to discover as well. Visitors can experience performances at the Palacio de Bellas Artes or the Teatro Degollado or visit one of the city’s many churches. Visitors can stroll around the hip uber popular Condesa and Roma neighborhoods or attend a performance at the city’s famed opera theater.
Mexico City’s Historical Center is a must-see, with its ancient Aztec temple (Templo Mayor), monuments, museums, and other attractions. And don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s colonias, like Coyoacán, the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. If you’re interested in archaeology, several archaeological sites are just outside Mexico City, like the magnificent Teotihuacán.
In addition to all of these historical and cultural sites, Mexico City is also home to various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. You may have heard of the Día de Muertos, Independence Day, and the Festival de México, but there are many more events to discover. No matter when you visit, there’s sure to be something exciting happening in the city.
Cost of Living in Mexico City
Mexico City, or CDMX as it’s often called, is divided into 16 colonias (boroughs) that feel and look distinctly unique, so you have plenty of options for finding a rental that fits your budget. CDMX is not the cheapest place to live, but it is still very affordable compared to other cities north of the border. Prices for apartments in the city can vary widely, but here are a few examples of the cost of living in Mexico City: More Information.
If you’re looking for an apartment to rent, keep an eye out for signs that say “se renta” (meaning “for rent”), which usually include contact information for the landlord. Walking around the city is a good way to keep an eye out for potential rentals, or you can also try searching online (Facebook Market Place) or through a real estate agent.
Each colonia in Mexico City has its own variety of restaurants, cafes, entertainment options, and shopping options. You’ll find everything from galleries and movie theaters to malls, supermarkets, and local markets called tianguis. These tianguis are outdoor markets that usually operate on specific days of the week and are a great place to find affordable produce and other goods.
If you don’t need to make a full grocery trip, you’ll also find small shops called abarrotes in each colonia that carry everyday items or one of the well-known OXOXs. These are similar to convenience stores in Canada or the United States. Generally, a single person can expect to pay around $100-200 monthly for groceries in Mexico City. Each part of the city provides a unique experience and has its own personality.
Reasons to Call Mexico City Home
There are many reasons to call Mexico City home, but here are the top 7 reasons to consider:
Culture and history: Mexico City is home to a rich culture and history, with ancient Aztec ruins, colonial-era architecture, and a vibrant contemporary art scene.
Affordability: While Mexico City is not the cheapest place to live, it is still relatively affordable compared to many other cities worldwide.
Food: Mexican cuisine is world-renowned, and Mexico City is home to a wide variety of delicious food, from street tacos to fine dining.
Climate: With its temperate climate and plenty of sunshine, Mexico City is a great place to live if you enjoy warm weather.
Diversity: Mexico City is home to a diverse population, with people from all over the world living and working in the city.
Outdoor activities: The city is surrounded by mountains and has many parks and green spaces, making it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Proximity to other destinations: Mexico City is within easy reach of many other destinations in Mexico and Central America, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.
But if all that is not enough, I suggest perhaps the most important reason you may want to move to Mexico is – to live the life you never imagined you would live. Mexico City gives everything you could ever want in a large city with the added advantage of feeling like you are living in a European City such as Paris, Barcelona, Munich, or even Vienna.
Ciudad de Mexico - CDMX - Mexico City a Paradise by Many Names
By any name you want to use, it may be the most fantastic city in the world! Mexico City is a must-visit destination with so much to offer! From ancient ruins to modern art, the city has it all. Plus, the food is amazing, and the people are super friendly and welcoming. And with its affordable cost of living, it’s a wonderful place to call home. I still can’t describe Mexico City to people that haven’t been there. You will have to experience it, and I look forward to hearing about it.
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, Mexico City!
As always, we appreciate you and Live Con Todo.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Britannica
- Living Cost
- Trip Advisor
- CDMX.gob
- Personal Experiences
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Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand