Choosing a Location
So that it matches your lifestyle needs
Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash
So much goes into moving. It is especially stressful and your thoughts will be everywhere. But it can still be enjoyable. Manage the situation and avoid going crazy from the senseless speculation of whether you have all the essentials for your new life in Mexico.
"Why?" You ask. Because you should enjoy your life in Mexico City and keep clear of blaming yourself for your lack of preparedness when the water runs out during your bath. Which is highly likely if you do not research neighborhoods in Mexico City.
Remember, you are the Expat/Foreigner that is moving to another country. Not just any country, just the one that is so different in every sense you can think of. Simple becomes complicated. Even looking for a place to rent in Mexico City is an adventure in itself.
Let’s begin talking about living in Mexico City. Where to begin? How about we start by talking about the layout of Mexico City. It will help when house hunting.
How Mexico City is structured
Every Mexican city follows the same blueprint. They are planned and designed similarly. This would be a plus anywhere else in the world, but here, it is the reason why you will face the same challenges no matter where you live in Mexico.
Apart from bad planning, there is little regard and enforcement of zoning laws in neighborhoods. You will find schools and residential areas right next to or above bars, stores and other businesses. Imagine passing a sex shop walking home or getting harassed by some shady individual. Good manners are hard to find here in Mexico.
You can prevent living these awkward situations by first understanding how Mexico City is organized. Mexico City is divided into 16 Alcaldias, what we consider Boroughs/Precincts. They are managed by an Alcalde, who is voted into office every 3 years.
Before 2018, they were referred to as a Delegado. Modifications in the constitution allowed for the change in name to Alcalde and the opportunity to seek re-election. Otherwise, the Alcalde would not be allowed to run again at the end of their term.
Within the Alcaldias you will find Colonias. A fancy word for saying neighborhoods. It is more formal and the specific name is actually used in all official documents. You also have to use them in postal addresses.
Colonias are not communities. You do not have a certain Colonia for a specific group. However, certain parts of Mexico City do cater to specific activities. Here is a file listing the 1,812 Colonias and 16 Alcaldias in Mexico City.
Another important point I have to make is that an Alcalde is a political position, meaning you have to run on one of the many political parties here in Mexico.
Politics take precedence and will affect you
Before the change in 2018, Alcaldes were the sole authority in decision making. What they said went. Changes were made in order to get more people involved in the decision making process that directly affects them.
So, a consensus was reached to form a power sharing council consisting of 10 to 15 members to serve alongside the Alcaldes. The council would serve as a "checks and balances" because the Alcalde would no longer be able to make unilateral decisions.
These council members are indirectly elected by the people. 6 to 9 members are elected by the winning party and 4 to 6 member are elected by the losing parties. Supposedly it is to protect the voice of the minority electoral.
These individuals approve budgets, determine how it is allocated and how the money is spent in your neighborhood, as well as evaluate and supervise government agencies.
Unfortunately, like a lot that goes on in Mexico, nothing is respected and a lot of abuses arise from this power sharing structure. It always seems like their first order of business is to raise their salary.
Be aware of this before it is too late
I am going to let you in on a secret about living in Mexico City. An unspoken truth no one likes to talk about much less acknowledge. It might even rub you the wrong way, but here it goes.
Every Alcaldia, regardless of how “high-class” you try to make it out to be, will experience the same problems as other Alcaldias. What do I mean? Well, I won’t share all my secrets just yet, but I will give you a clue.
Expect this no matter where in Mexico City you live
As I stated before, Mexico City lacks planning. We, as residents of Mexico City, suffer from this shortfall. It is noticeable in everything from infrastructure to public services paid by our taxes.
So, expect your “posh” neighborhood to be next to some not so desirable part of Mexico City. For example. You have the Alcaldia Cuauhtemoc located in downtown Mexico City. It is considered the business hub of the city and is filled with office buildings and shopping centers.
In this Alcaldia, the Zona Rosa can also be found in the Colonia Juarez. You can spend a whole afternoon bar hopping or window shopping here. But it is also home to the Colonia Tepito, one of the most crime infected neighborhoods in all of Mexico City.
It is also where the majority of counterfeit products originate from. It is roughly a 10 minute metro ride from the Zona Rosa.
Likewise, the so-called prestigious Colonia Santa Fe in the Alcaldia Alvaro Obregon is filled with malls, expensive apartments and fresa restaurants. But it is found right next to the very dangerous Colonia Barrio Norte. As of 2019, this colonia has surpassed Tepito in crime.
Our experience
We live in the Alcaldia Gustavo A. Madero, in a middle-class colonia. We are about a 10 minute walk east to access Line 6 of the subway. The walk takes us through mostly residential areas. However, you will be alarmed as you pass by what I call a “Lost City” that is located in a different colonia.
It was supposed to function as temporary shelter for people affected by the earthquake of 1985. We are in 2021 and the “temporary shelter” is still functioning. These individuals do not pay rent, light, water or taxes. Most of them resort to informal work but others dedicate themselves to straight up robbing people.
"Go to the nearest metro bus stop". Just the same, we have to walk by the not so nice Colonia San Bartolo Atepehuacan on our way there. This area is home to a taco strip that is visited by individuals looking for a bite to eat, usually after a night of drinking. It can get very unpleasant.
Conclusion
Don't base your decision by first impressions when deciding where to live in Mexico City. You will be very disappointed and turn into an extremely disgruntled individual.
You will notice basic amenities missing from your home and adjustments will be needed to make your new residence in Mexico City comfortable. Housing arrangements in Mexico City are not the same in every Alcaldia and Colonia, they differ and sometimes dramatically.
Let us help you avoid bad decisions. After all, we already lived through it. Our guide is your connection to living comfortably and preparing for life in Mexico. Because a lot of things can go wrong in an instant.
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