What is the Merida Crime Rate?

Shortly after my partner and I moved here a friend of hers came to visit. While we had plans to all go downtown that evening, I was wiped out from a long day at work. I let them know I wouldn't be joining them but would be happy to drop them off downtown. They skeptically asked if this was safe. I assured them nothing bad would happen. This is one of the safest cities I know, and I've travelled the world.

The two girls spent the evening going to different salsa clubs and bars, making new friends that took them around and showed them all the best places. They came back at around 3:30AM safe and sound with much more energy than I was ready for. They couldn't believe it. They explained how usually if they were out at night in Ottawa or other cities, there would usually be precautions that had to be taken and certain alleys to avoid, sketchy characters to cross the street for, but here they didn't feel unsafe at any point.

About the North... Everything from downtown to the most northern neighbourhoods is where middle and upper class families live. You have malls, groceries, restaurants, theatres and event auditoriums for concerts and such, all in the north. For the most part, there usually isn't much reason to go to the south unless you have friendships in the area.

About the South... From the southern point of the downtown core towards to the most southern point of the city is a progressive distribution of the poorer part of Merida... the other side of the tracks, if you will. This is where you will find the factories and plants as well as the working class that works in these. The south also have many businesses and restaurants, but you would find that the prices are much more affordable in this region. The standards are also different when it comes to decor as well as health and safety. You know you're in the south.

It would be fair to say that the majority of violent crime in Merida happens in the south. It's not something you hear about or see. But of course, these things do happen.

Now, as it pertains to theft, I wish I could say that most of it happens in the south too. And while I'm sure there is plenty of theft in the south, a good thief goes to where there is plenty to steal. This is the north. However, due to the extremely high police presence in the north, this is a dangerous game for thieves as there is a good chance they will get caught. But every now and then attempts are made.

This being said, I do know several people that live in the south who've never had anything bad happen to them. I do believe that to live in the south you need to evaluate your life style and what times you like being out and about as well as your situational awareness. Additionally, if you're used to a truly dangerous city, then Merida South is probably nothing compared to where you're from.

Why would a foreigner want to live in the south? House prices. One can easily find something sub $80,000 and even much lower in some cases. But of course, you're buying into a less secure neighbourhood.

We've talked about theft and violence for the totality of this article and I believe that this is the most you will ever think about this topic if you decide to move here. As you saw in the video, people here are smiling, friendly, waving and do not have their guard up as is necessary in so many cities around the world.

If this has brought you a little closer to considering a home purchase in Merida or the coast, I'd be happy to help you with a list of properties that match your criteria. If any of these tickle your fancy, we can schedule some viewings and see where the adventure takes you.