Why Live in Yucatan, Mexico?
James Greene
January 07, 2009
When people first think of Yucatan, their thoughts may turn to Cancun or a dimly remembered geography class from high school. But this Mexican state has far more to offer, especially for people seeking a real estate investment.
Yucatan's first economic boom
Yucatan is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture, found in abundance in such cites as Izamal, Valladolid, and the state capital, Merida. Merida is also known as "The White City" because of the all-white mansions that line many of the major streets. These mansions were built after an economic boom that hit the Yucatan in the form of a single plant: henequen.
Henequen was in high demand at the beginning of the 20th century. It was a strong, breathable material that was best used for sacks, ropes, and twine, and Yucatan had a lot of it. During that time, Yucatan became the world's top henequen producer and exporter.
The subsequent economic boom made some families very rich. The nouveau riche decided to hire a French architect and build an avenue in Merida reminiscent of Paris´s famed Champs-Elyssee. In the 1920s, there were more millionaires per square meter in Merida than any other city in the world.
Yucatan today
Now, the entire state of Yucatan is experiencing its second economic boom. Merida and its coastal surroundings have become a magnet for American and Canadian baby boomers seeking a better quality of life at a reasonable price.
This area is ideal for active retirees. The Yucatan coast, only 30 minutes from Merida´s International Airport on a four-lane highway, is similar to the beaches and water of Southern Florida, as they both border the Gulf of Mexico.
Foreign buyers are rapidly purchasing these coastal properties because they understand the value of Yucatan real estate. For example, prices for beachfront property in the neighboring Caribbean state of Quintana Roo have risen astonishingly in the past five years, where one can easily spend $275,000 and up for a 20-meter lot without electricity or a paved road.
Yucatan is poised to catch up with Quintana Roo in economic value. However, unlike its sister state, Yucatan's appeal is less touristy. Yucatan has positioned itself as a more relaxing community with several scheduled signature golf courses and residential neighborhoods.
Another benefit to Yucatan is that it's an older, more established state that has been developed over the years by a conservative, wealthy citizenship. Because of their influence, Yucatan has the second lowest crime rate in all of Mexico, along with some of the country's best hospitals and a noted university community with high standards for education and culture.
And finally, Merida houses practically all of the North American-style shopping malls and familiar franchise outlets. It's any shopper's dream.
Bottom line: What is the draw?
Every person has their own reasons for wanting to live and invest in Yucatan real estate. However, there are some key reasons that people turn to Yucatan for its beachfront property.
Accessibility: Houston, Miami, and Atlanta have direct flights to Merida every day, and flights to Yucatan are usually no more than three or four hours, what you could expect on a domestic flight. After a relatively short flight and a 30-minute taxi ride, you can be at your Yucatan beachfront property.
Culture: All those who visit Merida, the capital city, absolutely fall in love with it. They see it as a great convenience to live so close to the beautiful White City, with its parks, colonial mansions, avenues, and most importantly, the kind and inviting people. The numerous museums, zoos, and cultural events, like the annual international arts and culture fair that Merida hosts, ensures that even the most sophisticated people will have plenty to sate their cultural appetites.
Exotic beauty: The natural beauty and activity of the state is all around you, no more than an hour's drive away, if it's not already on your front porch. Explore the hundreds of Mayan ruins peppered throughout the state, including Chichen Itza, one of the seven modern marvels of the world. Swim through the underground river system in the nearby cenotes. Or, just enjoy the scenery while you're working on your golf swing at one of the many new signature courses in Yucatan.
If you're seeking an inexpensive second home in the Caribbean that offers the key to a historical and culturally enlightened community, then consider owning a piece of paradise here in the beautiful state of Yucatan.
Contact International Holdings today at (785) 783-4790 for a free tour of this picturesque area.
Yucatan's first economic boom
Yucatan is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture, found in abundance in such cites as Izamal, Valladolid, and the state capital, Merida. Merida is also known as "The White City" because of the all-white mansions that line many of the major streets. These mansions were built after an economic boom that hit the Yucatan in the form of a single plant: henequen.
Henequen was in high demand at the beginning of the 20th century. It was a strong, breathable material that was best used for sacks, ropes, and twine, and Yucatan had a lot of it. During that time, Yucatan became the world's top henequen producer and exporter.
The subsequent economic boom made some families very rich. The nouveau riche decided to hire a French architect and build an avenue in Merida reminiscent of Paris´s famed Champs-Elyssee. In the 1920s, there were more millionaires per square meter in Merida than any other city in the world.
Yucatan today
Now, the entire state of Yucatan is experiencing its second economic boom. Merida and its coastal surroundings have become a magnet for American and Canadian baby boomers seeking a better quality of life at a reasonable price.
This area is ideal for active retirees. The Yucatan coast, only 30 minutes from Merida´s International Airport on a four-lane highway, is similar to the beaches and water of Southern Florida, as they both border the Gulf of Mexico.
Foreign buyers are rapidly purchasing these coastal properties because they understand the value of Yucatan real estate. For example, prices for beachfront property in the neighboring Caribbean state of Quintana Roo have risen astonishingly in the past five years, where one can easily spend $275,000 and up for a 20-meter lot without electricity or a paved road.
Yucatan is poised to catch up with Quintana Roo in economic value. However, unlike its sister state, Yucatan's appeal is less touristy. Yucatan has positioned itself as a more relaxing community with several scheduled signature golf courses and residential neighborhoods.
Another benefit to Yucatan is that it's an older, more established state that has been developed over the years by a conservative, wealthy citizenship. Because of their influence, Yucatan has the second lowest crime rate in all of Mexico, along with some of the country's best hospitals and a noted university community with high standards for education and culture.
And finally, Merida houses practically all of the North American-style shopping malls and familiar franchise outlets. It's any shopper's dream.
Bottom line: What is the draw?
Every person has their own reasons for wanting to live and invest in Yucatan real estate. However, there are some key reasons that people turn to Yucatan for its beachfront property.
Accessibility: Houston, Miami, and Atlanta have direct flights to Merida every day, and flights to Yucatan are usually no more than three or four hours, what you could expect on a domestic flight. After a relatively short flight and a 30-minute taxi ride, you can be at your Yucatan beachfront property.
Culture: All those who visit Merida, the capital city, absolutely fall in love with it. They see it as a great convenience to live so close to the beautiful White City, with its parks, colonial mansions, avenues, and most importantly, the kind and inviting people. The numerous museums, zoos, and cultural events, like the annual international arts and culture fair that Merida hosts, ensures that even the most sophisticated people will have plenty to sate their cultural appetites.
Exotic beauty: The natural beauty and activity of the state is all around you, no more than an hour's drive away, if it's not already on your front porch. Explore the hundreds of Mayan ruins peppered throughout the state, including Chichen Itza, one of the seven modern marvels of the world. Swim through the underground river system in the nearby cenotes. Or, just enjoy the scenery while you're working on your golf swing at one of the many new signature courses in Yucatan.
If you're seeking an inexpensive second home in the Caribbean that offers the key to a historical and culturally enlightened community, then consider owning a piece of paradise here in the beautiful state of Yucatan.
Contact International Holdings today at (785) 783-4790 for a free tour of this picturesque area.
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