This city of 1m people has made 3 different lists this in 2017
1)Fortune Magazine Rated it #3 of the top 10 travel trends in the world
2) Cnn/money top places to retire abroad and rated Merida #1
3) Lonely Planet rated Merida in the top 10 of world for travelers Safety and Colonial Architecture!
Here is part of the article:
On the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula lies bustling Merida, the 14th-largest city in Mexico (pop. 777,615). A rich history has left Merida with beautiful Spanish and French Colonial mansions, some of which have been converted into hotels. Others are up for grabs.
Just check out this drool-worthy, 15,200-square-foot mansionwith modern amenities, for just $1 million. For those of more modest means, Merida is rife with pastel homes like this one, with 3,000 square feet, for just $104,000.
"This is where I want to live for the rest of my life," says Jim Mann, 65, who moved to Merida 16 years ago from Virginia and is now the owner of Merida Yucatan Real Estate. "The people are one of my favorites about Merida. They are so warm, friendly, and genuine."
Merida is also among the safest major cities in Mexico, with little of the drug-related crime and political unrest that have plagued other metros.
Americans need to set up a bank trust first—and then you have the right to use, renovate, and sell your home, but a Mexican bank holds the title in your name. The trust is valid for 50 years and then can be renewed for another 50. It can also be passed down to heirs.
Americans can visit in Mexico for 180 days without a visa, but will need one for longer stays. Buying property in the country makes it easier to obtain a temporary resident visa for up to four years. But if you want to work, you must have a job offer and obtain a work permit.
The photo below is my house which was used by the New York post for article it had on Merida a month ago!
PS Jim Mann was not my real estate agent but i have met him and is a very good guy and openly gay!