There are certain cities in the world that you visit once and understand why people want to stay. Mexico City for some is one of them.
What Steve and I loved most was not just the beauty, the food, or the architecture. It was the energy. The rhythm of life here feels layered and alive. One moment you are walking through tree lined streets in Roma Norte filled with cafés, bookstores, galleries, and locals walking their dogs. Next, you are sitting in a centuries old square listening to music beside historic buildings while surrounded by families, artists, professionals, and travelers from around the world.
As a realtor with a curious husband, we naturally observe how people live. We notice neighbourhoods, movement, lifestyle, walkability, design, infrastructure, and how a city makes people feel. Mexico City made us understand why more foreigners are choosing to spend extended time here, buy second homes, or fully transition into expat life.
And yet, like many global cities experiencing rapid international attention, there is another side to the story as well.
For many Canadians, Americans, and Europeans, Mexico City offers something increasingly difficult to find in major urban centres. It combines culture, affordability relative to many world cities, exceptional food, beautiful weather for much of the year, strong healthcare options, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a lifestyle that feels both exciting and grounded.
People are not just retiring here. Many are working remotely, splitting time between countries, investing in second homes, or looking for a more connected lifestyle.
Unlike resort destinations where life can sometimes feel isolated from local culture, Mexico City feels authentic. It is sophisticated and cosmopolitan while still deeply rooted in history and tradition.
Steve and I spent time wandering through neighbourhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, and parts of Centro Histórico, each offering a completely different feel.
We found the Neighbourhoods That Continue to Attract Foreign Buyers include…
Roma Norte & Condesa
These are often the first areas foreigners fall in love with. Think Paris meets Brooklyn with a Latin heartbeat. Tree lined streets, outdoor cafés, boutique hotels, incredible restaurants, bakeries, bookstores, parks, art galleries, and architecture filled with character.
We loved walking through Parque México, stopping for coffee, and simply observing daily life. There is an ease to these neighbourhoods that feels very livable.
Many digital nomads and younger expats gravitate here because of the lifestyle and walkability.
However, these are also some of the areas where locals openly expressed concern to us about rising rental prices due to foreign demand.
Another is Polanco.
Polanco feels more luxurious and internationally polished. High end shopping, upscale restaurants, elegant condos, hotels, and newer developments dominate the area.
It reminded us at times of parts of Yorkville or certain luxury urban pockets around the world. It attracts affluent buyers, executives, international businesspeople, and those looking for newer products and more amenities.
Steve and I enjoyed incredible meals in this area and could absolutely understand the appeal for someone wanting a sophisticated second home base.
And then there is Centro Histórico
This area is full of history. The architecture, churches, cultural buildings, and public squares are extraordinary.
While some foreigners purchase here, it feels more mixed in terms of residential lifestyle depending on the exact pocket. It is vibrant, busy, energetic, and deeply historic.
Experiences like attending Lucha Libre, wandering the streets afterward, and hearing live music late into the evening reminded us how alive this city truly is.
I could not write this article without talking about The Cost of Living.
One thing that came up repeatedly during conversations with locals was the growing impact of foreign buyers and renters on affordability.
This is not unique to Mexico City. We have seen similar conversations in Lisbon, parts of Vietnam, Madrid, Costa Rica, Miami, and even many Canadian cities.
Niko, who kindly allowed me to film one of the units he manages in Condesa shared that the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment rented for approximately $3,000 USD per month, or roughly $4,300 CAD.
For many foreigners, that may feel reasonable compared to Toronto, Vancouver, New York, or Los Angeles pricing. However, for many locals, pricing at that level has dramatically changed accessibility within their own neighbourhoods.
It is an important conversation and one that deserves sensitivity.
As travelers and potential buyers, we must remember we are entering communities where people already live, work, and raise families. Cities evolve, but balance matters.
One of the most interesting things we learned was how differently real estate operates compared to Toronto and much of Canada.
A local explained to us that there is no centralized MLS system functioning in the same way we use it in Canada. Pricing can feel much more subjective and inconsistent. In many cases, sellers simply decide what they want for a property and list it accordingly.
That can create significant variation in pricing between comparable properties.
For foreign buyers especially, this means having trusted local professionals becomes extremely important. But you should be aware the realtors are not required to have licenses! Market transparency, pricing history, comparable sales, and negotiation structures are simply not always as standardized as what Canadians are accustomed to. Basically, they will throw a number at you and if it works for you it is a meeting of the minds and the deal is done. I definitely can’t imagine how this works for relationship building
In some ways, it creates opportunity. In other ways, it creates risk.
If you are considering buying property in Mexico City, here are a few things worth carefully researching:
– Ownership structures for foreigners
– Legal representation and trusted local lawyers
– Tax implications in both countries
– Currency fluctuation
– Financing availability
– Building management and maintenance standards
– Security and neighbourhood dynamics wires and gates on most properties
– Short term rental regulations
– Healthcare access and insurance
– Must be willing to learn Spanish
– Whether you want a lifestyle property, investment property, or future retirement home
Most importantly, spend real time in the neighbourhood before buying. This is super important in my opinion.
Walk it in the morning. Walk it at night. Sit in the cafés. Talk to locals. Listen more than you speak.
A city can feel magical for four days on vacation and very different after four months of living there. As a note, Steve and I loved the area we stayed in for a week but both agreed if we were to live there we would be in Polanco.
Mexico City surprised us in the best possible way.
The people are generally warm, the creativity, the architecture, the culinary scene, the culture, and the sheer energy of the city created an experience that felt both stimulating and emotional.
As someone who has spent over three decades helping people navigate major life decisions around real estate, I also found myself reflecting on how global mobility is changing the meaning of “home.”
For some, home is where they were raised.
For others, it becomes the place where they feel most alive.
Mexico City seems to be becoming that place for many people around the world.
And after experiencing it ourselves, I can understand why.
Please feel free to always ask me for restaurants, entertainment and activity ideas around the world! And of course, realtors if considering a move or second home!
Thinking Beyond Toronto?
From Toronto condos to cottages, relocations and international properties, Cheryl and Samantha are connected to trusted professionals across Canada and around the world.
Before making a move, Contact us.
https://thegraffgroup.ca/book-my-digital-coffee/
Questions before booking? 416-219-2931 samantha@thegraffgroup.ca
The Graff Group 2145 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON, M5M 4B2
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique and professional guidance should be sought based on your circumstances. To discuss your specific situation with Samantha Graff Benmor, Experienced Divorce Realtor and Advisor since 1995, please use the contact details above.
There are certain cities in the world that you visit once and understand why people want to stay. Mexico City for some is one of them.
What Steve and I loved most was not just the beauty, the food, or the architecture. It was the energy. The rhythm of life here feels layered and alive. One moment you are walking through tree lined streets in Roma Norte filled with cafés, bookstores, galleries, and locals walking their dogs. Next, you are sitting in a centuries old square listening to music beside historic buildings while surrounded by families, artists, professionals, and travelers from around the world.
As a realtor with a curious husband, we naturally observe how people live. We notice neighbourhoods, movement, lifestyle, walkability, design, infrastructure, and how a city makes people feel. Mexico City made us understand why more foreigners are choosing to spend extended time here, buy second homes, or fully transition into expat life.
And yet, like many global cities experiencing rapid international attention, there is another side to the story as well.
For many Canadians, Americans, and Europeans, Mexico City offers something increasingly difficult to find in major urban centres. It combines culture, affordability relative to many world cities, exceptional food, beautiful weather for much of the year, strong healthcare options, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a lifestyle that feels both exciting and grounded.
People are not just retiring here. Many are working remotely, splitting time between countries, investing in second homes, or looking for a more connected lifestyle.
Unlike resort destinations where life can sometimes feel isolated from local culture, Mexico City feels authentic. It is sophisticated and cosmopolitan while still deeply rooted in history and tradition.
Steve and I spent time wandering through neighbourhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, and parts of Centro Histórico, each offering a completely different feel.
We found the Neighbourhoods That Continue to Attract Foreign Buyers include…
Roma Norte & Condesa
These are often the first areas foreigners fall in love with. Think Paris meets Brooklyn with a Latin heartbeat. Tree lined streets, outdoor cafés, boutique hotels, incredible restaurants, bakeries, bookstores, parks, art galleries, and architecture filled with character.
We loved walking through Parque México, stopping for coffee, and simply observing daily life. There is an ease to these neighbourhoods that feels very livable.
Many digital nomads and younger expats gravitate here because of the lifestyle and walkability.
However, these are also some of the areas where locals openly expressed concern to us about rising rental prices due to foreign demand.
Another is Polanco.
Polanco feels more luxurious and internationally polished. High end shopping, upscale restaurants, elegant condos, hotels, and newer developments dominate the area.
It reminded us at times of parts of Yorkville or certain luxury urban pockets around the world. It attracts affluent buyers, executives, international businesspeople, and those looking for newer products and more amenities.
Steve and I enjoyed incredible meals in this area and could absolutely understand the appeal for someone wanting a sophisticated second home base.
And then there is Centro Histórico
This area is full of history. The architecture, churches, cultural buildings, and public squares are extraordinary.
While some foreigners purchase here, it feels more mixed in terms of residential lifestyle depending on the exact pocket. It is vibrant, busy, energetic, and deeply historic.
Experiences like attending Lucha Libre, wandering the streets afterward, and hearing live music late into the evening reminded us how alive this city truly is.
I could not write this article without talking about The Cost of Living.
One thing that came up repeatedly during conversations with locals was the growing impact of foreign buyers and renters on affordability.
This is not unique to Mexico City. We have seen similar conversations in Lisbon, parts of Vietnam, Madrid, Costa Rica, Miami, and even many Canadian cities.
Niko, who kindly allowed me to film one of the units he manages in Condesa shared that the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment rented for approximately $3,000 USD per month, or roughly $4,300 CAD.
For many foreigners, that may feel reasonable compared to Toronto, Vancouver, New York, or Los Angeles pricing. However, for many locals, pricing at that level has dramatically changed accessibility within their own neighbourhoods.
It is an important conversation and one that deserves sensitivity.
As travelers and potential buyers, we must remember we are entering communities where people already live, work, and raise families. Cities evolve, but balance matters.
One of the most interesting things we learned was how differently real estate operates compared to Toronto and much of Canada.
A local explained to us that there is no centralized MLS system functioning in the same way we use it in Canada. Pricing can feel much more subjective and inconsistent. In many cases, sellers simply decide what they want for a property and list it accordingly.
That can create significant variation in pricing between comparable properties.
For foreign buyers especially, this means having trusted local professionals becomes extremely important. But you should be aware the realtors are not required to have licenses! Market transparency, pricing history, comparable sales, and negotiation structures are simply not always as standardized as what Canadians are accustomed to. Basically, they will throw a number at you and if it works for you it is a meeting of the minds and the deal is done. I definitely can’t imagine how this works for relationship building
In some ways, it creates opportunity. In other ways, it creates risk.
If you are considering buying property in Mexico City, here are a few things worth carefully researching:
– Ownership structures for foreigners
– Legal representation and trusted local lawyers
– Tax implications in both countries
– Currency fluctuation
– Financing availability
– Building management and maintenance standards
– Security and neighbourhood dynamics wires and gates on most properties
– Short term rental regulations
– Healthcare access and insurance
– Must be willing to learn Spanish
– Whether you want a lifestyle property, investment property, or future retirement home
Most importantly, spend real time in the neighbourhood before buying. This is super important in my opinion.
Walk it in the morning. Walk it at night. Sit in the cafés. Talk to locals. Listen more than you speak.
A city can feel magical for four days on vacation and very different after four months of living there. As a note, Steve and I loved the area we stayed in for a week but both agreed if we were to live there we would be in Polanco.
Mexico City surprised us in the best possible way.
The people are generally warm, the creativity, the architecture, the culinary scene, the culture, and the sheer energy of the city created an experience that felt both stimulating and emotional.
As someone who has spent over three decades helping people navigate major life decisions around real estate, I also found myself reflecting on how global mobility is changing the meaning of “home.”
For some, home is where they were raised.
For others, it becomes the place where they feel most alive.
Mexico City seems to be becoming that place for many people around the world.
And after experiencing it ourselves, I can understand why.
Please feel free to always ask me for restaurants, entertainment and activity ideas around the world! And of course, realtors if considering a move or second home!
Thinking Beyond Toronto?
From Toronto condos to cottages, relocations and international properties, Cheryl and Samantha are connected to trusted professionals across Canada and around the world.
Before making a move, Contact us.
https://thegraffgroup.ca/book-my-digital-coffee/
Questions before booking? 416-219-2931 samantha@thegraffgroup.ca
The Graff Group 2145 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON, M5M 4B2
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique and professional guidance should be sought based on your circumstances. To discuss your specific situation with Samantha Graff Benmor, Experienced Divorce Realtor and Advisor since 1995, please use the contact details above.
