Falling in Love With Mexico Again: A Journey Through Mexico City

As of November 2024, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to 52 countries, some multiple times. Yet, despite my extensive travels, my recent visit to Mexico City left me utterly captivated. It wasn’t my first time in Mexico—I’ve explored the Yucatán, Jalisco, Cabo San Lucas, and Tijuana, but this was my first time stepping out of the airport in Mexico City. And what I discovered there was beyond my expectations.

Before arriving, I had my hesitations. I’d heard Mexico City described as massive, bustling, and potentially unsafe. While it’s true the city is vast and lively, I was surprised to find that it didn’t feel unsafe. Sure, I stayed aware of my surroundings and tried not to stand out too much (not an easy feat me), but the city felt welcoming and secure.

What struck me most was how clean the city was and how much it had to offer. From its rich history and stunning architecture to its incredible food and warm people, Mexico City is an experience like no other.

I was particularly mesmerized by Chapultepec Park, which I learned is twice the size of New York’s Central Park. Wandering through it for hours, I marveled at its lush landscapes before reaching Chapultepec Castle, where the views are nothing short of breathtaking, and prior to getting lost on the way to the Mexican National Museum of Anthropology, which I now regard as one of the best Anthropology museums that I have visited in the World.

A Tapestry of Culture and Connection Mexico City is a place of contrasts and connections. Its layers of Aztec, Mexica, Spanish, and Mexican history coexist in ways that are humbling and inspiring. From the pyramids of Teotihuacan in the north to the canals of Xochimilco in the south, every corner tells a story.

The city has an undeniable vibrancy and a sense of unity despite its diversity. I met people from across Mexico, Central America, and even as far as Asia and Europe who now call Mexico City home. It seems to be a place that welcomes everyone, a sentiment echoed by many locals I spoke with.

Real Estate Temptations and Concerns As a real estate investor, I couldn’t help but explore potential investment opportunities. Mexico City offers a fascinating mix of new and old properties for sale. But two significant challenges give me pause.

First, seismic activity is a real concern. Mexico City experiences frequent earthquakes, with the last major one registering 7.6 on the Richter scale just two years ago. The city’s infrastructure shows signs of this activity, particularly in older buildings, raising concerns about maintenance and safety.

Second, the city’s foundation presents unique challenges. Built on what was once Lake Texcoco, much of the land is sinking at an average of 20 inches per year. This leads to visible soil instability, flooding, and sewage issues, which complicate the prospect of real estate investments.

Falling in Love, With Eyes Wide Open Despite these challenges, I fell in love with Mexico City. Its culture, food, and energy are irresistible. While the seismic and soil issues make me cautious as an investor, they don’t diminish the magic of this city, and I would gladly return again to explore the city more.

If you’ve never been to Mexico City, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a destination that will surprise and inspire you at every turn. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, savoring street tacos, or walking through its sprawling parks, you’ll find that this city doesn’t just welcome you—it invites you to fall in love with it, too.

Here’s to rediscovering the unexpected and embracing the beauty of places that inspire and captivate us. ???

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