Explore Yucatán
The barrios of Centro
They are within walking distance of one another, and they are not remotely the same purchase.
Mérida has one of the largest centro histórico districts in Mexico, surpassed only by Mexico City. It is a couple of square miles, populated by thousands of colonial homes, shops, restaurants, parks, squares, theatres, schools, markets and art galleries — and it is where the large majority of expats in the city live.
Within it, the barrios have distinct characters. Below is what we tell buyers in the car. It is opinion drawn from thirty years of selling here, not fact, and the only way to settle it is to walk them.
Santa Ana
Closest to Paseo de Montejo, and the most established of the barrios for foreign buyers. Walkable to restaurants and the park, and priced accordingly. If you want to arrive and immediately have a neighbourhood, this is usually the answer.
Santiago
Built around one of the city’s best-loved parks and its market. More residents than visitors, strong daily life, and still a genuine mix of local and foreign owners.
La Ermita
Quieter and further south, around the Ermita de Santa Isabel. It has been the “next one” for a while, which means both that there is still value here and that you should look carefully at the specific street.
San Sebastián
Adjacent to La Ermita, and often bracketed with it. Traditionally more working-class, with larger lots for the money and more houses that need real work.
Mejorada
East of the centre around its own plaza, close to the Plancha park development. Convenient, increasingly sought after, and a short walk to Plaza Grande.