Yucatan is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture found in abundance in such cites as Izamal, Valladolid, and the state capital, Merida. But Merida is also known as ¨The White City¨ for the all-white mansions that line many of the major thoroughfares. These mansions were built after an economic boom that hit the Yucatan in the form of a single plant, Henequen.
At the beginning of the 20th century worldwide demand for this natural fiber plant used to produce sacks, ropes, and anything that required a strong, breathable material was enormous, and so Yucatan was the world’s #1 henequen producer and exporter.
The subsequent economic boom made some families very rich, so much so that they decided to hire a French architect and build an avenue in Merida reminiscent of Paris’s famed Champs-Elyssee. In the 1920,s there were more millionaires per square meter in Merida than any other city in the world.
TODAY
The entire state of Yucatan is experiencing its second economic boom. Merida and its coastal surroundings has become a magnet for American and Canadian baby-boomers who are seeking a better quality of life at a reasonable price.
This area is ideal for active retirees. The Yucatan coast which is only 30 minutes away via a four lane highway from Merida’s International Airport, is very similar in appearance to the beaches and water of Southern Florida as it too is on the Gulf of Mexico
These coastal properties are quickly being bought up by foreign buyers that have an understanding of the value that is offered by the state of Yucatan. For example, coastal properties located in the near by Caribbean state of Quintana Roo have rose astonishingly in the past 5 years, where one can easily spend $275,000 and up for a 20 meter lot with out electricity and paved road.
These educated buyers are seeking in Yucatan economic value that obviously will catch up with its sister state, Quintana Roo. However, unlike its sister state, what appeals to most is that Yucatan is less touristy and has positioned itself more as a relaxing foreign residential community with several scheduled signature golf courses and residential communities.
Plus the added benefits of an older, more established state developed over the years by a conservative, no tolerance to crime, wealthy citizenship. That has established Yucatan as the second lowest crime rate in all of Mexico, along with some of the country’s best hospitals (including the largest and most modern hospital south of the boarder) and a noted university community with high standards for education and culture.
And finally, shopping! Merida houses practically all of the North American style shopping malls, and familiar franchise outlets.
BOTTOM LINE, WHAT IS THE DRAW?
There are numerous personal reasons; however the key noted ones are Yucatan’s accessibility to the USA and Canada via direct flights from Houston, Miami, and Atlanta to Merida's international airport daily. Now with less than a 30 minute taxi or shuttle ride you can be to your property on the coast.
All those who visit Merida, the Capital city, absolutely fall in love with it, and see it as a great convenience to living so close. Merida with its parks and colonial mansions, avenues, and most importantly, the people, who are very kind and inviting. The numerous museums, zoos, cultural events, like the international arts and culture fair that Merida host each year.
And last the natural unique beauty and activity of the state, such as exploring the hundreds of Mayan ruins peppered throughout the state including Chichen Itza, recently honored as one of the seven modern marvels, that is less than an hour away. In addition exploring the underground river system in the nearby cenotes. These caves make great swimming holes during the summers mid-day.
If one is seeking an inexpensive second home in the Caribbean that offers the keys to a historical and enlightened with culture community, do consider owning a piece of your paradise here in the beautiful state of Yucatan.
