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Mérida is not only a cultural center but a financial powerhouse in Mexico as well, with investors from all over the world flocking to trade, invest, and set up shop in the Yucatán capital. If you’re thinking of investing in property in the area, here are some things you should know about Mérida’s economic profile to see why all kinds of businesses from all around the world are establishing their presence here.

• For the past 30 years, Mexico has adopted the privatization of government-owned companies to cultivate liberal practices in international trade. Mérida, the capital city of the Yucatán state, is no exception.
• Principal industries in Mérida include the food sector, the clothing industry, furniture manufacturers, plastic products, and the gold and metal jewelry and gemstones sector.
• Mérida’s primary employment sectors are agriculture, forestry, hunting, animal breeding, and production. Only 1.35 percent of Méridanos are employed in these sectors. On the other hand, 20.5 percent of Méridanos work in the secondary sectors, which include manufacturing, mining, construction, and energy. Most Méridanos (a whopping 78 percent) are employed in the tertiary sectors, such as commerce, transportation, tourism, health, and education.
• Mérida is second among Mexican cities that enjoy a high quality of life. This attracts more investors from around the world to the city, which is home to the majority of the businesses in the state of Yucatán. There are 45,951 businesses in Mérida – 14 in the primary sector, 15,615 in the secondary sector, and 30,322 in the tertiary sector.
• The past years have indicated Mérida’s strong inclination towards the service sector, which exhibits a strong demand for labor, technical, and professional services.
• Another notable industry in Mérida is manufacturing: of aerospace equipment, accessories, electrical and electronic equipment, and electrical power generation equipment.

On the whole, the future is definitely looking bright for Mérida. As Julio Quesada, the President of the Comision Local de Empresarios Jovenes de Coparmex Mérida has said, “People have a positive outlook on coming to Mérida to invest.”

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The Maya Civilization is an ancient civilization of Mesoamerica principally renowned for their Maya script as well as for their many advancements in the domains of art, architecture, agriculture, mathematics and astronomy. It is the most studied pre-Columbian civilization together with the Aztecs and the Incas. During the pre-Colombian period, the Maya Empire occupied areas that are today part of Southeastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, western portions of the Honduras and El Salvador. The history of this great civilization is often divided into 3 principal periods:

Preclassic
This period was characterized by non-migratory communities and the introduction of clay figurines and pottery. Staple crops of the Maya diet, including maize, beans, squash and chili pepper, were already being cultivated. Small villages grew to form cities with large temples, sculpted monuments and causeways. Stelae or upright stone slabs were built to celebrate achievements, validate the power to rule, and most importantly to glorify the king.

Classic
In this period, the lowland Maya built dated monuments using the Long Count calendar. It was the period of large-scale urbanism and intellectual and artistic development. Agriculture was intensely developed together with a city-centered civilization comprising of independent city-states. Pyramid temples and palaces were built in the center of their greatest cities. The Maya participated in long distance trade, from the Motagua River to the Caribbean Sea and north up to the coast to Yucatán. Trade included basic goods such as obsidian, salt and cacao with select goods such as jade, ceramics and quetzal feathers.

Postclassic
Much of the disintegration of the Maya empire occurred during this period. In the northern Yucatán Peninsula, the postclassic city of Mayapan was an important post later abandoned around 1448 due to political, social and environmental turmoil. Persistent conflict in the Yucatán followed, which ended just before Spanish contact in 1511. The Yucatán Peninsula was divided into a number of independent provinces with a common culture but differed in their sociopolitical groupings. Spanish explorers discovered wealthy coastal cities and flourishing marketplaces.

Contact Period and Spanish Conquest
In the second decade of the 16th century, the Spanish launched three expeditions to explore the Yucatán coast, which involved all manner of clashes with the Maya. In 1527, Francisco de Montejo and Francisco de Montejo y Leon, his son, led a series of military conquests against the Maya states of the Yucatán Peninsula. By 1546, the whole of the northern peninsula was under Spanish rule and the last remaining Maya city, Nojpetén (in Northern Guatemala), fell to the Spanish in 1697.

Culture
The unique culture of Mérida and the state of Yucatán is a result of its geographical isolation from the rest of Mexico. Moreover, despite centuries of colonization, the conquistadors were unsuccessful in their efforts to completely suppress Mayan culture, whose traditions and religious elements survive to this day.

These strong traces of Mayan culture are manifested not only in historic texts, but in the day-to-day life in the Yucatán. You can see it in celebrations like Hanal Pixan, a Mayan/Catholic Day of the Dead celebration that blends disparate elements from the two religions including crucifixes, skull motifs and food offerings. On All Saints’ Day, a Catholic holiday, the Mayan tamal pie Múkbil pollo is offered to the dead along with a cup of hot chocolate.

Language
Spanish is spoken with a Yucatec Maya accent. The Yucatec Maya language is spoken by around a third of the state’s population and is characterized by its melodic flow filled with what is known in linguistics as plosive sounds.

Although the Mayan language is the first language of many Yucatecans many students are also now learning English in schools.

Cuisine
Yucatecan cuisine bears little resemblance to what is popularly known as “Mexican” food. It is the result of a mélange of influences, including indigenous Mayan, Mexican, European, Caribbean, and even Middle Eastern.

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Mérida is home to the third largest centro histórico (historic center) district in all of the Americas (the other two being Mexico City and Havana, Cuba). The district features a neat grid layout, where visitors will find many buildings constructed during the colonial period, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

Aside from its elegant historical buildings, Mérida’s centro histórico is popular for its picturesque streets and avenues that exude an Old World charm. In recent years, the district has experienced an influx of not only tourists, but homebuyers as well, who are drawn to the prospect of living amid its beautiful and romantic living spaces.

At a Glance

• Join a walking tour and find out about the rich history of many of the Colonial buildings lining the streets of the centro histórico.

• One of centro’s top attractions is the Cathedral de San Ildefonso, which was built in the 1500s out of stones originally from Mayan pyramids and temples. Cathedral de San Ildefonso is the oldest cathedral in the entire continent.

• The Casa de Montejo (Montejo House) is a Spanish Plateresque-style building that dates back to 1549. The building used to serve as shelter for soldiers before it was converted to a home for Mérida’s first governor, Francisco de Montejo, and his family.

• Centro’s central plaza transforms into an enjoyable street festival each Sunday. Here, you’ll find live music and dancing, along with plenty of street vendors selling an assortment of Mérida’s most popular delicacies.

Mérida Real Estate and Homes for Sale – Yucatán Real Estate and Homes for Sale

The centro histórico is one of the most attractive locations in Mérida to live, and plenty of fantastic homes are available in this beautiful, historical district. Choose from comfortable three-bedroom homes, two-story homes that come with beautiful terraces and backyards, and elegant Colonial mansions with balconies that overlook centro’s charming streets and avenues.

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So you’re interested in purchasing real estate in Mexico. To help you in this endeavor, here are some things you should know about buying real estate in the country.

• The buying process is almost the same as it is in the United States. This works to your advantage, especially if you’re really familiar with the buying process in America. Of course, there are certain additional steps you need to take when buying real estate in Mexico, or in any other foreign country, for that matter. In your case, you need to get acquainted with things such as a Fideicomiso or a bank trust.Another important thing to note is that the process of property acquisition in Mexico might not be as detailed as the US’, which poses something of a risk for the parties involved. Don’t fret, though – our experienced real estate team at Property Pros MX will protect and represent your interests.
• Brush up on Mexican real estate laws and procedures. You don’t need to be an expert and be able to recite provisions by memory, but being familiar with the local real estate laws and procedures allows you to make informed decisions, particularly with the legal aspects of purchasing a property in Mexico. You’ll never know when your knowledge about Mexican laws will come handy. And, yes, you will want to have access to legal advice – we’ll connect you with the right professionals.
• Identify if the home you’re interested in is within a restricted zone. According to Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, non-Mexican citizens are not allowed to hold a real estate title within a restricted zone. To get past this obstacle, you’ll need to get a Fideicomiso, which allows foreign ownership through a property trust. A Fideicomiso’s initial term lasts 50 years but can be renewed.

If you don’t want to get a bank trust, then you can work with a Mexican corporation to purchase that real estate within the restricted zone. Foreign business owners highly benefit from this as this method is used strictly for commercial real estate. Get in touch with Mexican legal counsel if you want to pursue this scheme.

How to Buy in Mexico – Mexico Real Estate

For more information on Mexico’s real estate buying process, log on to http://www.theYucatántimes.com/2015/02/the-process-of-purchasing-property-in-mexico/ or schedule a consultation with us – we look forward to helping you fulfill your real estate goals here.

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Small outlying towns of Mérida – most famously known as La Ciudad Blanca – is a cultural force on its own, but step beyond its boundaries and a whole new world opens up to you. The surrounding cities and towns will serve as baby steps in your quest to explore the rest of the Yucatán.

Tixkokob

Its name might mean “place of poisonous snakes” in the Mayan language, but Tixkokob is far from lethal. This picturesque town is just a short drive away from Mérida. It’s a small town that allows visitors an intimate peek at everyday life in the Yucatán, from their traditional Mayan customs to more modern ways. Travelers flock to Hacienda San Jose, a popular accommodation when in town.

Izamal

An hour’s drive east from Yucatán will take you to the yellow city of Izamal, where you will find a clash of the region’s roots and its colonial heritage. From ancient Mayan pyramids to one of the largest Spanish monasteries in Mexico, Izamal is definitely a place to visit. It’s a bright city, and we mean that quite literally, for Izamal is bathed in ochre-yellow paint. It’s definitely one unforgettable and unique place.

Progreso

When the heat is unbearable, you go to the coast to feel the sea breeze caress your face. Yucatán’s main port, Progreso, has been around since the late 19th century. Less than an hour’s drive away from Mérida, you’ll be greeted with clean, sparkling green waters and perhaps a flamboyance of flamingos in the bay. Progreso’s a little touristy as cruise ships regularly dock on the port.

Celestun

It’s quite far from Mérida, we admit, but a trip to Celestun is worth it. The sleepy fishing village is where time stops, allowing you to kick back, relax, and enjoy coastal beauty at its finest. It’s got some nice beaches, and the town center is worth a visit, but Celestun’s crowning glory is its wildlife sanctuary, the Biosfera Ria Celestun, one of the two flamingo breeding colonies in North America. Aside from flamingos, you’ll get to see pelicans, egrets, spoonbills, sandpipers, and various other waterfowl.

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When it comes to relocating to a completely new place, it’s completely understandable to have some doubts. Mérida is a great place, but if you need a little more convincing, then this page might just help you make up your mind.

Great Quality of Life for Less

We can’t tell you just how much it’ll cost you to live in Mexico – it all depends on your spending habits and lifestyle choices – but we can guarantee that living in Mérida will significantly cost you less than living in, say, the US. Here are some reasons why:

• Basic food commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and other grocery items cost less.
• Thanks to legal reforms that were introduced in 2014, prices for telephone services have become less expensive than ever.
• The international oil market does not dictate the gasoline and diesel prices in Mexico as they are set by the Mexican government. Residents are also able to buy gasoline for considerably less in local gasoline stations.
• Unless you use electricity beyond a certain level, electricity costs are mostly manageable. There are, however, government subsidies offered to help you keep your electric costs at a minimum.

If you really want to spend less, then learn how to assimilate and immerse yourself in local customs and culture. A fun, affordable lifestyle in a colonial setting with great living conditions as well as a myriad of entertainment opportunities make Mérida a great place to live.

Healthcare

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Wonderful colonial architecture, a rich Mayan past, warm people, and a perfect climate – it’s easy to fall in love with Mérida.

A City of Plazas

Plaza Grande, without a doubt, is Mérida’s centerpiece. Located in Downtown Mérida, the plaza is surrounded by stucco buildings painted in delightful light colors. Instead of neat and trim lawns and gardens, the plants in Plaza Grande are allowed to grow the way nature intended them to: uninhibited and free. Large trees provide ample shade, adding to Plaza Grande’s cool and languid atmosphere. Méridanos often meet up with friends in the city plazas as it’s the perfect avenue to gather and catch up.

Other notable plazas include Plaza Bolivar, Plaza Mayor, Plaza Sucre, and Plaza Las Heroinas or Plaza of the Heroines. Snap a picture or two while enjoying the sights and sounds of Mérida’s city squares and upload it online; residents and tourists have access to free wireless internet in several parks and cafes throughout the city.

A Taste of Mérida

The best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and Mérida’s food vendors know this for a fact. Sample authentic Yucatecan fare in Pasaje Picheta, a shopping center where you can find several convenience food vendors as well as boutiques. Street food vendors are also found in city plazas as well as markets. Trust us, you won’t get hungry in Mérida.

One of the Americas’ Oldest Cathedrals

Churches are scattered throughout the city, but one reigns supreme. The Mérida Cathedral is considered to be one of the oldest cathedrals in the continent, and was said to have been completed at around 1598. Aside from being the embodiment of the region’s rich colonial history, the cathedral also has a piece of the ancient civilization of Maya in it – most of the stones used in its walls came from the ruins of T’hó, the Maya city on which Mérida was built. The Mérida Cathedral is definitely a wondrous sight and the fact that it’s never empty serves to illustrate the fact that the church still plays a large part in the lives of most Méridanos.

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Have you ever considered retiring to Mexico? If you have ever contemplated the fun idea you know there are plenty of advantages to retiring to Mexico. Mexico is close to home, has cheaper prices and beautiful year round warm weather. Mexico also has extremely friendly immigration laws for those looking to retire. People with pensions as low as $1,000 USD a month can apply for a permanent resident visa or $500 USD if the foreigner owns property in Mexico.

Our company has helped many foreigners find their dream home in Mexico. Here is a list of the top 5 reasons why our clients decided to retire to this beautiful country.

Flexibility
The close proximity of Mexico to the United States and Canada. This allows retirees to live a flexible lifestyle. Many of our clients like the idea of keeping their home and purchasing a second property in Mexico. They can go back and forth whenever they need or want to visit friends and family, get medical care, go shopping or visit the beach. The clients use their new dream home in Mexico as their snowbirds paradise, summer home or vacation home. Living the best of both worlds.

Low Investment to Move
If you want to experience life overseas, all you need is a plane ticket and a Live It, Compare It & Buy It Tour. The Live It Tour allows you to live and experience various property in and around Merida, Yucatan. Compare all the properties in the area that fit your wants and needs. And when you find the perfect property in Mexico, buy it. You can purchase a nice condo, house, even beachfront and on the beach in a popular area Progreso or Chelem for around $50,000 – 70,000 USD.

Low Cost of Living
Low cost of living in Mexico is one of the main motivations for people looking to retire in Mexico. Your pension or savings will stretch much further in Mexico. A pension of as little as $1,000 USD a month would allow you to live in a beautiful tropical paradise and enjoy the little luxuries Mexico has to offer. You could have staff to do your cleaning and gardening, visit the spa or occasional take a short trip to visit the other areas of Mexico. The lower cost of living in Mexico allows you to enjoy a better life on a lot less money.

A Growing Community of Expats and Retirees
Over a million retirees already living permanently in Mexico, and an unknown number living here part-time. Some of popular retirement areas are home to many communities of foreign retirees. These areas also have local expat hangouts, volunteer and social groups. You are sure to meet other expats that share similar interests and forge long, lasting relationships.

Cheap Medical Care
Medical procedures can cost half as much or less as they would in the United States. Insurance premiums are also lower than that in the United States. Additional, Mexico allows foreigners to join government run medical services such as IMSS and Seguro Popular.

Merida, Yucatan Mexico has first class hospitals, often staffed with English-speaking and U.S. medical school-trained doctors. Living as a retiree in Mexico, you could afford even elective procedures such as cosmetic dentistry or other cosmetic care. As an example, the cost of a crown in Mexico can cost around $300 to $400. The same procedure would cost three to five times as much with a U.S. dentist.

Property Professionals Mexico Real Estate and Development is an American owned company based in Merida Yucatan. One of our main objectives is to help foreigners to become homeowners in Mexico. We have the credentials and experience to help you find and purchase your dream home in the most popular destinations in Mexico.

And remember, here at Property Professionals Mexico Real Estate and Development in Merida, Yucatan you are our first priority!

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