Expat Leroy Osmon speaks about living in Mérida, Mexico

[@lupitaortizcouoh3464]

Hi , I am a yucatecan , I been living in México city an other cities for 30 years, I just moved to Mérida about year ago, this guy knows more about Mérida than me . By the way I am maya speaking and I loved it .!

[@CabanCondosMexico]

Merida is an amazing city, our home and love it!

[@dogtown128]

this guy is blessed listening to old ancient language being spoken there .

[@rain4rusty]

Wow! I live in Chiapas. I am visiting Merida ASAP

[@paulmountenay3212]

We are going to Merida!

[@canislatrans221]

Another very informative video. Real people speaking about their personal experiences is what has drawn me to your channel.

[@robertnelson1471]

Thanks, Canis...glad you are enjoying our videos.

[@MichaelBrown-fs1un]

I'm sold I'm moving .. Great video..

[@rogerg.2686]

We're in our early 70's and thinking of going down to take a look at Merida. But---when he mentioned as a way of taking a break from their extensive classical music scene by going dancing to Glen Miller?? sheesh...how about some rock & roll?

[@nasirb3914]

It's truly amazing how different Mexicans are depending on the region. It goes beyond genetics and physical appearance. I find that the southern states represent the true Mexico because the northern states are more influenced by the USA.

[@sergiolopez2293]

Bri San ...There are 32 countries whitin Mexico...literally !!

[@Teporame]

And the southern USA, mainly California, Arizona, NM and Texas, is very influenced by Mexico. It is an area where the people is different from the rest of the two countries. We are border people, we are used to hear both languages and have relatives in either side, the food is a fusion of Mexican and american cuisines, and so on.....

[@miahmtz6818]

My son plays tuba here in the USA, He joined the Jazz band at HS also a All State Member! I wish He can travel and play to Merida and other places 😊

[@mikecrook8434]

You're a wealth of information. Thank you. I'm retiring at the end of 2019 or thereabouts and have been considering several cities in Mexico for a retirement home. I now live in Irving, Texas. On the strength of your knowledge and comments about Merida, I don't feel a need to look further, however, Guanajuato was in the running. I was surprised to hear about the big band music being played there as I love to swing dance. Is having a car necessary to get around or is public transportation good enough? I drive a small car and would prefer to bring it with me. Thank you again.

[@leroyosmon]

Let me know when you are ready to come to Merida and I'll set up houses for you to view. leroy.osmon@gmail www.mexintl.com

[@miguelangelnunezrios6143]

Excelent interview. Thanks for sharing such an interesting information.

[@purno1]

Great video Leroy!

[@mikedowd66]

You love the weather in Merida??? I can’t walk 5 blocks in Merida without feeling dizzy. Hottest place in North America. I don’t know how people live there, unless they live their lives indoors.

[@tommygringo3871]

False further towards central America is hotter... ie Chiapas

[@mikedowd66]

Tommy Gringo false, Chiapas is not hotter than the Yucatán

[@happyhippo5880]

Many places are hotter than Merida

[@riib1408]

😮 sounds great !!!

[@lisadewey511]

Excellent interview; very interesting and informative. As a lyricist looking for a songwriting community (Indie folk/Americana), is this also thriving within the music scene in Merida? Thanks in advance!

[@leroyosmon]

The music scene here is very active and open to most any and all forms. The people of Yucatan (and the ex-pat community) love variety in the arts!

[@deannhoeft1]

I am a photographer in Austin Texas. I am 61 looking for a place to retire someday. I would love to come and visit. Any ideas where to stay and airport to fly into?

[@leroyosmon]

I lived in Lake Travis and was the band director there many years ago... I'm from Houston. I have lived in Merida a long time. I'll be happy to help you find a home. [e-mail]

[@sayvior]

Hi, Im Mexican and live in Baja California, I suggest you look into life in Ensenada or Rosarito, I´m form Ensenada, theres a lot of retired ex pats living here. Its a mellow town with a lot of diferent cultural activities, there´s a lot of english spokern here, we have beaches, good weather, great food and the best wineries in Mexico. Check it out, you´ll like it. Tijuana´s airport is an hour away and San Diego airport is 1.30 hours away (plus crossing the border time).

[@joanlynch5271]

Also Lake Chapala looks good, Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato, those areas have a lot going on. Check them out too. Have fun!!!

[@leroyosmon]

Those areas are nice but all of them have safety issues. Merida continues to be THE safest city of 1,000,000 in all of North America and that is a game changer.

[@paulz6491]

leroyosmon There are a number of Canadian cities that are as safe or even safer but you make a good point Merida is very safe:)

[@izzylizama1]

Hi Leroy I’m looking for a studio en el centro or north Merida? Maybe you know of one.

[@leroyosmon]

Please contact me directly via Gmail - leroy.osmon

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

To begin... Merida s NOT on the beach... the town of Progreso is 1/2 hour away from Merida.

[@cjc4765]

He never said that. He said that the beach was 25 minutes from his home ( quite a distance) and Progresso was 18 miles away so where was the deception? Did you listen to what he said? Hello??

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

CJ - Right off the bat the interviewer asked how long has he been in Merida, to which he replied, we bought our first house... it was a BEACH HOUSE... there are no beach houses in Merida because Merida is NOT on the beach, Progresso is... HELLO!

[@cjc4765]

@@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist NO. That's not what he said. Listen again. They went to Merida in 1995 When the terminally ill friend died they went back with a bunch of musicians in 1996 ( when he bought the beach house which was outside of Merida). He mentions the "small town" but I can't make out the name. I'm sure it's near Progreso.

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

CJ - No. Listen again... to the first sentence out of the interviewer’s mouth and this guy’s response. It’s implied by the answer (because the interviewer specifically says, “Merida” that his beach house was in Merida. it can’t be because Merida is not a beach town. Never was.

[@cjc4765]

@@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist OK. Here's how I am reading it. I come from a NYC borough. I worked in a suburb of NY ( let's say). That suburb could have been 40 miles from the city Manhattan or wherever. It's called Rockland County. If someone interviewed me a said when did you buy your first house in NY and I say 20 years ago, would Rockland county be what that person meant? Probably not. They meant Manhattan ( the main hub). I think that's what happened here. I think he means "Yucatan" and that area and not particularly Merida proper. The interviewer should have asked him there and then what he meant but he didn't. I DO see your point! I just think Leroy was generalizing. The hotel party probably took place at Progreso and someone sold him a house in ( I can't make out the name) of a small beach town very close to Progreso ( or wherever he meant). There are no beaches in Merida proper as you stated.

[@mae2309]

Go to campeche you will love it there.. it's great!

[@blancabulgrin5560]

Hi! I want to ask is it true from cancun to cuba 30 min. Away in airplane?

[@giannagiavelli5098]

what are the liveable neighborhoods of merida, maybe not super expensive centro but which are pretty and have a lot of neighborhoody stuff

[@leroyosmon]

Centro covers a very large area and there are many parts that are still very affordable/liveable other than just Santa Ana and Santiago. Most areas have small shops and places to eat in Centro. With that said, if you have a car then the North side of Merida offers a wide range of prices and all the 'new' malls, Costco etc. The only part of Merida that would not be recommendable would be the South side by the airport. However, there are plans on the books to change that area as well. If you want to talk about the various colonials in and around Merida... send me a note. You can find my email on many many sites - as well as Mexico International (the real estate company I work with).

[@TravelDroner]

Hello cna you tell me what insurance company is that for 600 us a year for both of you? and does it cover starmedica? thank you

[@robertnelson1471]

IMSS is the social ins. NO, it does not cover Star media - it covers the IMSS hospital that you are assigned to. Dr. Leroy Osmon

[@tootseug]

@@robertnelson1471 Boy, I'm confused. Leroy was talking about insurance being $600.oo/year, and without skipping a beat was talking about Star Medica. It sure sounded like Star Medica would be the hospital to go to with his/or my 600.oo coverage. Guess I'll have to listen to this video again. Thank you EIM for clarifying here in the comment section. Truly, it seems to me, after watching the video, and reading ALL of the comments and HIS comments, he just wants to sell us a house.

[@Teporame]

@@tootseug I do not think it was Leroy’s aim to induce you to buy a house from him. He is genuinely in love with the area. Social security in Mexico includes everything, pension, complete medical care, even funeral services. If you retire in Mexico, you get everything at no cost whatsoever; but if not, you still can contract with IMSS the medical service at a very low cost. With the new Federal government the aim is to give free universal healthcare to anybody in the national territory, regardless of immigration, employment or any other consideration. Even with covid, if you get sick, the hospital managed by the government institutions will give you medical care at no cost, even if you are in intensive care for weeks. Private healthcare is much less expensive tan in the USA, about 75% cheaper, and the quality is the same or better (American doctors have lost the human touch, they are money making machines)

[@skymiles1964]

hi, I am planing to move there.Single (53) and no spanish .What advise you can give me. Like to buy a house . thank you

[@leroyosmon]

If you have not spent time here in Merida, that would be the first thing to do. Our company [Mexico International] can help you find a home. If you want to talk about Merida, contact me and we can Skype and answer your questions.

[@samcampuzano8031]

nukhet ucin my advice is rent a condo and if you like it there than you can buy a house and don't worry if you don't know SPANISH you wil be ok. sorry for my English am A BAD HOMBRE FROM MEXICO 🤓🤓

[@ginabasnuh2341]

nukhet ucin learn Spanish.

[@sergiolopez2293]

Gina Basnuh ...LEARN SPANISH....LIKE WHEN YOU GUY SAY....SPEAKE ENGLISH, YOU ARE IN U.S....IF YOU GO TO MEXICO...YOU MUST SPEAKE SPANISH.

[@tootseug]

@@samcampuzano8031 Well said, Sam!! Always better to rent in a new environment FIRST, to find out if it suits you!!! Stupid to do it any other way!!....in my opinion.

[@SeriouslyLeslie]

You said that Star Medica is one of three hospitals in Mexico that is authorized to treat POTUS, where are the other two? I tried researching this on the internet but couldn't find the answer. Muchisimas gracias!

[@leroyosmon]

the certificate still hangs at Star Medica so they have not lost their certification. The other 2 WERE in Mexico City - I am told. However, now that I no longer own Healthcare Services International, I am really out of touch with such things. Sorry I could not help more.

[@kidpoker1000]

sorry to be a Pest, but what about rent. ?? Did I say I love sailing

[@leroyosmon]

About 85 dollars a month

[@user-wb2wb5oz5c]

$85 a month? Wow!

[@kidpoker1000]

WOW , Thank you....

[@JoSsexD]

it is cheaper for you foreigners tu buy a house, your currency multiplicates here, a nice house that will cost us 1 or 2 million pesos, for you people will be about 100k dollars

[@michaelchristophergutierre7244]

Gr8 video! Average sized house!!! LOL, that's huge compared to the USA!!!!

[@tommygringo3871]

False

[@bcmiller2000]

Was this gentleman a citizen of Mexico, the US, or can you have dual citizenship and still retain your SS benefits from the US when moving to Mexico permanently? I can't understand how health care could cost $600 for an elderly couple compare that to the US!

[@robertnelson1471]

Brian, Leroy is a U.S. citizen and yes you can have dual citizenship if you wish and still retain your social security benefits while living in Mexico. Medicare, though, cannot be used in Mexico. Healthcare costs are extremely low compared to the U.S. Their healthcare insurance is for a year, not a month. You can find answers to any of your questions on our website, www.expatsinmexico.com.

[@bcmiller2000]

Thank you, I'll check out your website!

[@leroyosmon]

I am a US Citizen working on my Mexican citizenship. If you want to talk about medical here in Yucatan, send me a note. I pay $580. per year for total coverage on my wife and I. Been here 21 years - love it.

[@bcmiller2000]

Thanks Leroy, You said you're working on dual citizenship or Mexican only, giving up the US citizenship? I asked about the Mexican medical because I just priced the ACA insurance, it's ridiculous and catastrophic for the most part. I suppose you don't use medicare due your logistics or do you? I'm in Central Texas and not ready for Mexico to be home quite yet and I've just started this fact finding mission for such a move. I love the culture and people of Mexico or at least the ones I've met so far. Mark Twain said “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

[@leroyosmon]

Dual. We have permanent now and the next step is dual. If you want to talk sometime, send me an email and we can set up a Skype meeting. You can find my email in many places. www.leroyosmon.com

[@Marybaker2]

You forgot to say that the Mayas have their own culture, music (marimba), their traditional dances...They don't need the gringos to have an extent culture of their own.

[@lalotz]

This man does not understand something and is also generalizing to fit his narrative. Every state is very different in Mexico culturally, food, and customs. Everyone is proud of their state. If you ask me, "where are you from" i will say, "Jalisco". Yucantan people do consider themselves Mexican nationality. I have family there man, please.

[@MrShawnbfromjersey]

I agree. This is how the USA is

[@rx65m]

Absolutely agree. I have family from Yucatán and all of them are extremely proud to be Mexican. My son was not born in Mérida but lives there since 8 years ago, and I can tell you from visiting him a lot, Yucatecans are as Mexican as any other state. Yes they have plenty differences as we all do. But this guy is not accurate in their comments at all.

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

Thank you so much for clarifying that. I'm from the states and I watch these videos because I want to come to Mexico someday; it's so helpful to hear from Mexicans about their country. I learn more from the comments than the video often. :)

[@rx65m]

Thanks to you for this warm comment and kind gesture about us Mexicans.

[@leroyosmon]

I have lived in Merida for more than 23 years - never heard anyone from Yucatan answer the question, "where are you from" by saying "Mexico"....without exception they will say, "Yucatan". Many people here would be very happy if we were to return to the Republic of Yucatan!

[@LeoOz365]

In a few words they don't like "Aztecs" they like "Mayans"because Yucatán for them,is another Country.Nothing to do with México.

[@kidpoker1000]

Is it HOT and Humid all year??? it appears so..

[@leroyosmon]

Mostly - it is a peninsula so there is always a nice breeze.

[@eddenoy321]

Martin Sims It is Hot and HUMID all year. If you have been in Miami,..it is pretty close. Whereas Houston and New Orleans ( the Northern Gulf Coast ) have a short winter, Merida has an even shorter and milder one. Great to visit in the winter.

[@jumex79]

Yes it's veryyyy hot 9 months per year

[@sergiolopez2293]

Martin Sims electricity is expensive ..beware !!!

[@tootseug]

@@jumex79 ARGH! Not a place I'd want to live!! So many nicer places in Mexico to live with much better weather!

[@stevegordon9997]

This guy is the problem not the solution.

[@MrShawnbfromjersey]

Explain

[@litestreamer]

Your comment is not relevant.

[@joanlynch5271]

He is telling us his opinions and his history. He is being honest and open. There really isn't anything wrong here.

[@tootseug]

@@joanlynch5271 Listen more closely, read all of the comments here, and READ HIS COMMENTS! Steve Gordon, is RIGHT ON THE MONEY!!

[@tootseug]

Steve Gordon: Agreed. Think Expats In Mexico, made a mistake in interviewing him! And the second mistake was allowing the viewers to NOT have an accurate picture, as evidenced by allowing inferences to be made without further expansion. He shouldn't have aired this video as it was, in my opinion. But have to say, I'll loved all of the other EIM videos I've watched.