Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City For Digital Nomads & Expats

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City For Digital Nomads & Expats

So you’ve decided to move south of the border because your job allows for it. We don’t blame you… living in Mexico City comes with a lot of perks. But, how do you choose the best neighborhoods in Mexico City to live in? 

It can be tough, but we’ve got you covered. Don’t believe how the media portrays Mexico City, because there are definitely more than a few safe neighborhoods. However, safety is probably not the ONLY thing you’re looking for. 

Looking for travel and health insurance before your next trip? 

Click here for a FREE quote from our favorite provider; SafetyWing

Let’s take a look at how you can go about choosing a place to stay in CDMX (that’s Ciudad de México, i.e., Mexico City for those who skipped Spanish class). We’ll get into specific recommendations later—but first, there are a few things you should consider.

What To Look For When Relocating To Mexico City

Mexico City
Photo by Ivon Gorgonio on Pexels

Being a digital nomad, or any other type of expat out of the US, you probably have different criteria for choosing where to live. Your destination may not be where you intend to live forever, but you’ll want to feel comfortable and make the most out of your experience. Here are all the factors you should consider when choosing a neighborhood in Mexico City.

  • Safety – For most expats, safety is the number one priority when moving to areas that are usually portrayed as “dangerous”. As you explore the city, you’ll want to note which are the safest areas to stay in. It’s best to ask locals, but you should also ask expats living in the area because they likely have different experiences.
  • Nightlife – More than a few digital nomads are night owls and that’s okay. Finding the cities with the best nightlife can be a determining factor in whether you should relocate there. It’s best to visit first so you can get a firsthand experience of the amazing nightlife and decide if that’s what you’re after.
  • Cost of Living – One of the main reasons people move out of the States is to save money—or to make the most out of their income. Mexico City is generally cheaper to live in, and if you are working with income from the States, then you’re good to go. However, it’s worth noting that some neighborhoods are more expensive than others. You’re better off choosing according to your budget. 
  • Food and Drink – Mexico is well known in the States for its awesome cuisine, and it comes only second to pizza. Authentic Mexican food, though, is on a whole other level. Even if you aren’t particularly into foodie culture, you’ll want to experience the foods locals are used to eating day-in and day-out.
  • Art and Culture – This is usually something people only consider when they’re on holiday. But living abroad can feel like a holiday sometimes. Different districts in Mexico City focus on art, architecture, and culture. 

Your Guide To The Best Neighborhoods In Mexico City

We know what you’re thinking—enough beating around the bush. You just want to know which neighborhood to choose. The thing is, Mexico City is just as diverse as NYC, if not more so. Picking the best wasn’t easy, but we scoured our sources to bring it down to these five. 

La Condesa

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City - La Condesa

Just over a couple of miles from the main square (Zócalo) of CDMX, people relocate to La Condesa for the chill, laid-back vibes. A lot of tourists come here for the burst of color and to talk about calm afternoon walks in the many boulevards of the neighborhood. 

If you want to experience Mexico City but you don’t feel like living dab-smack in the middle of a busy city, this is the place for you. We recommend this neighborhood for older expats that want to party (sometimes) but would rather enjoy a walk and spend the day on a park bench.

Narvarte

Neighborhoods in Mexico City - Narvarte

This is actually an area covering five neighborhoods and has historically been a hub for Immigrants from all walks of life. Naturally, that makes Narvarte one of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City for foodies. 

Tacos, international restaurants, and bars with great vibes. There’s a lot of fun in this neighborhood, and it is pretty safe. In fact, it’s a little forgotten, so you’ll find more locals than expats and tourists.

Centro Historico

Neighborhoods in Mexico City - Centro Historico

For those who are more into historical sightseeing, architectural beauty, and all the glamor you can experience that all in Centro Historico (literally, historical center). This neighborhood leans towards catering to tourists, so you may want to keep an eye out for scams and tourist traps.

However, it’s got to be the safest neighborhood on this list. After all, that’s where the leader of their nation goes to work on a daily basis—the Palacio Nacional, or National Palace.

There’s a lot to see and do in this neighborhood, although it isn’t the best for nightlife. Instead, visit the Catedral Metropolitana, or travel further back in time and visit the Aztec ruins

Zona Rosa

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City - Zona Rosa

This neighborhood (really a part of the Colonia Juárez neighborhood) actually started as a place for expats who brought in their money, and slowly included more and more local Mexicans who wanted to move out of the city center. Somewhere along the line, this became the best place to party in CDMX. 

Here’s where you’ll find that the streets are more alive at night than during the day. There’s a well-established gay community as well. People all over the city flock to Zona Rosa (Red Zone) for the bars, nightclubs, and much more.

Although technically it’s considered a safe part of the city, we feel that’s not entirely true. After all, a lot of drunks walking around are bound to get into fights and attract pickpockets as well. In any case, if you’re looking for the local clubbing scene, here’s where you’ll find it.

Check out our detailed blog post on Zona Rosa, right here.

Roma Norte

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City - Roma Norte

Deco architecture and the charm of this neighborhood make it the best place for younger expats. Within minutes of walking around Roma Norte, you’ll find yourself entranced by the magic spell of this neighborhood. 

Cafes, a great food scene, and great nightlife are the best parts of living in Roma Norte. If you like to party but have other interests, then you’ll enjoy moving here.

Check out our detailed blog post on Roma Norte, right here.

In Search Of The Best Neighborhoods In Mexico City: Final Thoughts

There you have it. In our opinion, Zona Rosa and Roma Norte are hands-down the best neighborhoods in Mexico City for expats. Of course, opinions are subjective, and you may feel more comfortable in any of the others we’ve mentioned. 

If you make sure to do your due diligence, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your lifestyle, budget, and other needs. Mexico City is full to the brim with expats, especially from America. You’ll find somewhere perfect for you. 

5 Replies to “Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City For Digital Nomads & Expats”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *