Almost four years have passed since moving to Merida and starting a hotel, The Villa @ Merida. Since then, much has changed.

In 2004, one could feel the electrifying energy of a vibrant city about to explode. Change had slowly gripped Merida over the prior decade, which was evident in the new car dealerships and malls chain stores, a significant departure from Centro Mercado shopping. Now the recognizable patterns of modern living are everywhere. The growth of Merida is estimated to double the population in the next decade or less, an unprecedented 10% growth to 2 million. Mexicans throughout the country, in particular Mexico City and non nationals are moving to this region, for a variety of reasons. Lack of crime, pollution, coupled with a favorable climate and affordable lands are the primary motivators. Merida, with a present population of one million, last year had one murder.

In the 2006 report about the Yucatan by OEDC, Organization of Economic Developing Countries, with a 30 country membership including Mexico, it was stated that the Yucatan is the fastest growing region within the OEDC. Medical facilities are on par with developed nations and Merida boosts the best hospitals in all of Latin America. There is a noticeable difference in the Mexican multi-teared system; first and foremost is a genuine concern about one’s health, well being and service required; secondly the paper work and ones ability to pay. This in large part is due to the lack of litigation in Mexico; a refreshing change from the US and Canadian attitude. Many doctors, though trained abroad, prefer to practice in their own country putting family and quality of life ahead of monetary gains. Doctors here all specialize, simplifying the need for multiple appointments. For example Merida’s top neuro-surgeon, a graduate of McGill University in Montreal Canada does not take appointments beyond the following day and when you have finished your visit the bill is $50 USD.

Medical conventions and medical tourism are both on the rise with conventions doubling in the past 3 years. The state and municipal governments are continuing to invest in infrastructure. The city’s 6 lane divided ring road is now complete, the 35 kilometer eight lane highway to the beach at Progreso will be completed in mid 2008 and a second ring road of the city is well on its way from planning to reality. Highways throughout the state had been improved under the stewardship of the past government and the present leadership is very much in the arena of tourism and social growth.
Growth and the anticipation of growth are everywhere.

Statistics showing the number of retirees in the aging western world, particularly the USA, are not lost on either government or developers. Both want to capitalize on this growth and this is evident in the number of new resort and recreational developments. Two years ago there were no developments; today 15 of varying magnitude. Within the next three years Merida and area will have gone from 18 to 81 holes of golf, a Jimmy Connor tennis camp, a polo facility and beach condo developments numbering into the hundreds. The quality of construction and the amenities offered are steadily improving with an ever increasing demand. The emphasis has always been on Caribbean beach properties from Cancun to Tulum and of late centering on Playa del Carmen. The demand for those areas has driven the prices to heights not easily attainable by a large majority of buyers and the focus has therefore shifted to the less expensive gulf coast beaches. The numbing effect of several direct hit hurricanes have left some buyers wondering if it may not be prudent to invest in beachfront properties 250 to 300 kilometers from the main strike zone. Hurricane insurance premiums have reached staggering heights with limited coverage that could seriously jeopardize one’s investment.

Over the years, there has been an exodus from old Merida families from Centro and its immediate adjacent areas.. A desire for a more modern, easily managed home closer to amenities has precipitated a migration ever further north. Merida is becoming decentralized. This is evident in the number of new malls and shopping areas with surrounding housing developments. Last year Merida had one Wal-Mart; it now has three and next year there will be five. Pretty or not this trend is driven by Mexico’s emerging middle class and investors such as the Hines Group of the USA are quick to join the fray.

Merida’s historical center is continuing to see a revival driven by the international community. The sheer beauty and magnitude of this once hub of commerce in Mexico’s oldest city, has people wanting to belong to a piece of antiquity. The willingness of the international community to purchase and restore the buildings in Centro adds to the charm and integrity of the city. The people moving here bring with them a variety of talent from renowned chefs, established and aspiring artists, musicians well known or recreational to entrepreneurial individuals bringing their own brand of ideas initiated through will and hard work.

All to say, living in or moving to Merida at present is extremely exciting, whether one wants to live life in a thriving vibrant central environment, seek a more secluded life of beach, tennis or golf or be an active member of the investment community, all is possible. If ever there was ever a place to reinvent oneself, nothing comes closer than Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Since the inception of REID the investment climate has been changing rapidly. Realizing one ambitions is difficult in ones own backyard but when taken abroad to different customs, language, financial and social structure, sound advice in essential.

Our team is here to assist in creating well grounded footings from which to work.

People are our business.