Mexico City: Pros & Cons of Living There

Over the past few years, Mexico City has become increasingly popular with foreign residents, and especially digital nomads.
The influx of people willing to pay more for rent and other services is being blamed for gentrification in popular neighborhoods like Polanco, La Condesa and Roma Norte.
As basic costs of living increase, the locals are being forced out, and they're not happy about it.
Since we're in the business of exploring popular areas where expats and digital nomads like to live, we couldn't really cross this hotspot off our list.
However, we were very hesitant to go there. We didn’t know what to expect or if we’d even be welcome.
We did enjoy our time in CDMX. It has a lot of great things going for it, but several drawbacks and one thing in particular that will probably keep us from going back.
So in this video, we talk about the pros & cons of Mexico City.
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[@AmeliaAndJP]

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[@MichelleBunt]

How can we get the report if we've already been on your newsletter list for quite some time?

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Did you like México city or Medellin Colombia better? Jus curious. Thanks in advance for your opinion. Saludos Íberoamerica

[@betozesati9929]

Boo hoo 😢😢

[@12567NoYouCannot]

The Reason that I watch Your Videos, is how You guys break down all the Plus & minuses of each City and places you visit. Love the breakdowns and also the Realistic Reviews. Thanks.

[@ramjet5192]

Been to Mexico City several times and loved it. With Prague, it is one of the best, and my favorite of all cities in the world.

[@andreabalanzariogutierrez6767]

Mine too.

[@bluelotus9654]

Yes and many of the locals actually have a lot of money. So this is untrue what they are saying that foreigners are driving prices up. In fact you won't even see a lot of foreigners in Mexico city. They usually live in or visit other cities

[@SenorJuan2023]

How is the air pollution in Mexico City?

[@patrickrex6230]

@@SenorJuan2023depends if it is rainy season or dry

[@christophercobb249]

Wanted to mention: the Museo Nacional de Antropologia is one of the world's great museums. That is honestly one of the wonders of the world. I went for five hours and felt I could spend five days there! I think that alone makes CDMX worth a trip!

[@trudyzire]

Absolutely!

[@87mrreynolds]

It’s incredible I spent a whole day in there and still hadn’t finished looking around it’s probably the best history museum in the world in my opinion

[@ShouldWeLiveHere]

We just returned from Mexico City and loved it. We didn’t really notice the pollution but we did take a few days to adjust to the altitude.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That's good to hear!

[@kinewt1]

I love Mexico City. I was there last May of 2022 and I never experienced any of these cons that they experienced. It was nothing but wonderful.

[@D_Marrenalv]

The tap water was potable and the air was clean?

[@mex5341]

tourism and living there are different things

[@normareyes1555]

​Lo del agua del grifo es por tomar precauciones y la CDMX siempre tendrá el problema de la contaminación por el sistema montañoso que la rodea , no es cuestión de desatención ; la gente está acostumbrada a no usar por ley su automóvil en los días que hay contingencia ambiental cuando se pasa el límite permitido por la secretaría de salud.

[@michaelking4578]

This couple didn't live in Mexico City.@@mex5341

[@roselynmvm]

Me and my husband went there in December 2023 and it was very polluted but we really didn’t feel sick, it was just a bit hard to breath in some areas of the city. We stayed in the same area they did (Polanco) and weirdly enough it was less polluted than any other area we went to. Polanco has A LOT of greenery and mature trees so it was great while we were there but not so great as soon as we step out. Downtown was really hard to breath in. Everything was really wonderful but the air quality and tap water weren’t that great 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@trudyzire]

I stayed in la Condessa for 2 months Oct-Dec '22. I walked a lot and didn't feel crowded. I never drink the tap water anywhere in MX unless they have a reverse osmosis system, which is rare. The air pollution depends a lot on weather conditions. CDMX is in a basin so they experience air inversions. The city has implemented programs to limit care on the street and has one of the most extensive public transit systems in the world for pennies a ride. Taking the metro avoids the traffic. Can you tell I'm a big fan? Can't wait to go back and stay even longer!

[@lleyko]

Cuidado osmosis inversa no purifica el agua solo reduce impurezas. Cómo el PH, la salinidad y dureza entre otras. Es más seguro agua embotellada. Casi todo los hoteles tienen ese sistema pero es muy costoso solo se enciende cuando el hotel está por arriba del 65%de ocupación. Pero no se usa para beber.

[@bluelotus9654]

I noticed no problems at all with air pollution and I've been many times. However one shoild choose green areas to stay in like Condesa or Roma Norte or Roma sur for best experience.

[@bluelotus9654]

@@asianafro90013 Ì think it's central and close to Chapultepec and park, and also areas like Juarez and Roma Norte. I don't know if it's as quiet and green as some others but it seems pleasant from what I remember of it

[@sheikhboyardee556]

In the old days there was a lot of pollution but it was cleaned up some years ago. Very nice now.

[@writerjohnmcnally]

I spend a lot of time in SE Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia). I went to Mexico City for the first time last month and was surprised at how little traffic there was and how easy it was to walk around (I was staying in La Condesa), but the last place I’d been was Saigon. 😂

[@donaquinilator4959]

So thaliand, vietnam and Cambodia are more chaotic than México?

[@terry4801]

I love Mexico City and Mexico! I've been to Mexico City 3 times; the last time was in March as part of a 4-week holiday in the country. I didn't feel any effects of the pollution or altitude. I felt safe walking around Roma Norte at night and loved the bars on Alvaro Obregon. I stayed at the Hotel Condesa Cibel in the very safe but a bit boring area of La Condesa. The safe areas of the city include La Condesa, Coyoacan, Juarez, and the exclusive suburb of Polanco. I'm from London, England, and would move to Mexico in a heartbeat if I could afford to.

[@Jetmab04]

Mexico City is definitely on my list to visit 🤗

[@world_mem7567]

Tremendous Capital City!. Visitors quickly realized of the history, culture, traditions, art, architecture and gastronomy, Mexico City is just fascinating, too much to explore and discover. Mexico has the largest number of world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in the Americas! .

[@isabel-kf7dp]

YANKEES GO HOME

[@minkycat66]

I love Mexico city

[@larrypicard8802]

Me too.

[@davidchilton4301]

Mexico City is among my favorite places. I've been fortunate in that I've experienced very little of the air polution that others have spoken of. There are some neighborhoods (e.g. Coyoacan) which have far less gentrification which would likely be my choice were I to move there (though I do love Condesa).

[@bluelotus9654]

It is untrue what they are saying that foreigners are driving prices up. In fact you won't even see a lot of foreigners in Mexico city. They usually live in or visit other cities anyway.

[@pelipequi1493]

My cousin lives in Coyoacan. It's beautiful.

[@isabel-kf7dp]

LEARN SPANISH FIRST

[@jorgerocha5795]

Everybody needs to understand that since the Spaniards arrived to Mexico city m, was already very populated. México city has been and always is going to be populated.

[@malcolmnorton4214]

Gentrification happens all over the World and always has when you think about it. Come back and come to Merida Yucatan. Its a different Mexico here. Love your videos!❤

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Next time!

[@christophercobb249]

Merida is top of my list as a place to visit!

[@jameshaddan8538]

Thanks for the video. I’m planning on going to Mexico City for a quick trip later this year - so this was helpful and the drawbacks don’t outweigh the positives for me…especially for a quick trip. I live in Southern California and can fly to Mexico City easily and pretty affordably, making a 4-5 day visit a perfect taste of the city without having to deal with the negatives for long. Also, while our air pollution in Southern California has greatly improved over the decades…we can still have an ugly brown layer of haze…so I’m not spoiled with crystal clear air at home.

[@alannahprestaynofbraavos5759]

I'm glad you mentioned it being safe in Polanco at night because so many people were out. Maybe you should lead with the understanding that when people are out for a dinner and the sidewalks are bustling that makes it safer. The same thing in NYC where I'm from. There are some neighborhoods I wouldn't go to after dark because they are relatively desolate, but then there are neighborhoods where people are out until 10-11 o'clock at night (it used to be later pre-pandemic). If you are alone, *that* is what makes it less safe. Talking about safety in a country as large as Mexico is like talking about the US: do you mean Salt Lake City? Biloxi, MS? Detroit, MI? San Francisco or Sacramento, CA? All of those places are very different culturally, safety-wise, and for so many other reasons.

[@leticiaNyLu666]

It is better for older people and retirees like you to live in small towns where there is no population so that they can rest. Big cities, thriving, fun, full of life are for young people with energy and the desire to live it all. In short, my next destination is Mexico. ❤

[@davidjamesshaver]

They're not retired :)

[@phil2u48]

Interesting. I have lived in Quito where I taught and in Mexico City where I’m retiring. Most of your observations are of course entirely subjective…as are mine. I love the crowds, for example, but they are no worse than NYC, and much quieter. There is much more to do in Mexico City; I suppose, as a single person, I look for that. The cuisine is incomparable. I had a nice apartment in Quito and enjoyed my life there, but give me CDMX.

[@mauricioniemeyer7135]

You can't compare Ecuador to Mexico, cmon’ Mexico City is the capital of Latin America and not feeling safe at night in the neighbourhoods you mentioned that's total BS and plainly untrue, yes there are areas like any other city I wouldn't walk at night but that's just common sense. Complaining about smokers hahaha, I guess you haven't been to Europe at all. BTW, seeing too many people, what did you expect you're talking about one of the 3 biggest metropolises in the world and that's exactly why there are so so many things to do.

[@victorbolanos9810]

Acertados tus comentarios hermano, se quejan pero siguen viniendo, porque será??

[@ParisianThinker]

Both of you need to travel more.

[@kirkzipfel1905]

I'm here now for the first time in Mexico City. It's an incredible, humongous, cultured, ancient, dirty, fun, busy city. Amazing food, amazing shopping, sewer smell, terrible air quality, friendly people. Museums are everywhere, ride a bike, good app-based city bike program, good internet (even decent free city internet!). When 20mm people get together, there's going to be a lot of cool stuff to do. I barely scratched the surface. I stayed in Reforma, right in the heart of everything.

[@michaelsix9684]

amazing Mexico City is more pleasant than most American cities -- maybe we should take some lessons from them

[@benqurayza7872]

Mexico City is estupendo! Big, overwhelming. Big monuments and public spaces. Yanquis, there is another universe here in North America. I once visited there during Holy Week, when there was less traffic and better air.

[@MsMaileMay]

I definitely agree about Quito Airport. I'm an international flight attendant and typically the big international airports are exhausting to walk through. Quito is so small and beautiful. I do love the museums in Mexico city. Look out for me on your next flight in and out of Quito!

[@chasesquiresecuador]

Thank you. Heading through there in the spring and this really helped, great info. We hope you are well. We are still in Cuenca, but need to pass through CDMX.

[@GrinningZaguate]

Mexico City is by far the most interesting and beautiful major city in North America.

[@novelaego2404]

dude stop

[@sergioromero2461]

you should have taken the Subway! It is very efficient and present in all the áreas you visisted. You would have saved a lot of time. It is safe and full of security.

[@RedSpiralHandTV]

Wow, thanks for sharing! Currently staying a few weeks in a small Mexican village on the beach in Jalisco!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Have fun!

[@montysano]

We spent 12 days in Mexico City back in December. We stayed in Coyoacan, which we really loved, but it was a bit of a trip to get to downtown, Chapultepec Park, etc. Coyoacan and the adjacent Chimalistac and San Angel neighborhoods are so beautiful. But yes, the combination of altitude and pollution was a definite factor (we're both approaching age 70). We had several days where we just felt...off. We took a bus to Cuernavaca for a day, and as we climbed out of the Valley of Mexico, we could see what we'd been breathing. It was shocking. I'll probably go back, because there are some big things that I didn't get to see this first time. Maybe just a day or two stop, on the way elsewhere in the country. My wife would probably pass.

[@larrypicard8802]

I really enjoy living in Cuenca but it’s the only place in Ecuador I’d live. My second choice would be DMX. I love that city.

[@jpylp]

We spent 11 days in CDMX last August and LOVED it. The air pollution at the time wasn’t any worse than a lot of other places we’ve been. Not sure when you went, but maybe it’s seasonal.

[@HappyTrekkers]

We went last July and stayed in La Condesa. I didn't really notice the air pollution. Though i know it's certainly bad there I just didn't feel any impact. Though it rained a bit while we were there so maybe that served to keep it a bay Other than that we loved it. Our trip was cut short so we really want to go back and spend more time.

[@armandovera2304]

Arriving at CDMX Airport I got a whiff of the city pollution. But after 24 hours I think my body adjusted. I think the city is amazing to visit. I hope to return back soon. In Los Angeles in the early 1980's as a teenager my eyes would sting due to the think smog. I guess all big cities aren't perfect. Now we have alot of issues of homelessness and crime. I don't longer feel safe to be out in Los Angeles at night.

[@FastFredTravels]

Mexico City is great if you have the cash. It is a bit rich by my standards but I spent a few weeks there in September and October. I real enjoyed the culture and history as well as the food. The cannabis culture and the seven legal zones is also unique.

[@zeppelin0110]

Very true, but it depends on the area. Trendy neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco and El Centro will definitely be pricey. Less known ones should be dramatically cheaper.

[@pinetworkminer8377]

​@@zeppelin0110Are they the safest areas/neighborhoods in Mexico City? If not, what areas are the safest?

[@letycorfman3090]

22 plus million people as of 2022 in Mexico City alone I believe that’s bigger than the total population of Ecuador if I’m not mistaken We LOVE 🇲🇽 Mexico City! So much to do it Never disappoints ❤❤❤

[@alexzolik1133]

Thanks for this great video. I agree with you on everything. I really like coming to CDMX for long weekends and chill out. It has more museums than any city in the world apart from London! BTW, it has official population of 22 million, but with suburbs (i.e. nearby towns) it has 30 mil. It is the largest city in North America. I find it pretty safe even at night, but we mostly stay in the historic center, which is full of people until midnight. Yes, Quito may seem small and and tranquil after CDMX

[@wachox]

Mexico proper is like 9 million, with sorroundings is like 22

[@Sunmoon-gj9gy]

Did the earthquake effect you

[@AmeliaAndJP]

No. We're in northern EC. Barely felt it.

[@mbwahaha]

It looks a lot nicer than Quito.

[@sudamericuencano]

Quito is an ugly city. I have been there few times and I just don’t get who can find it attractive

[@urbanart7325]

The city is very green. Every street is tree lines.

[@johnaronson5974]

Without video, you could have easily been talking about Los Angeles or other urban neighborhoods in the US. Also, in my humble opinion, Americans who don't speak Spanish or at least want to or try, are really missing most of best parts de la cultura Méxicana. The locals are what makes México so much fun to visit or live:)

[@cardiff1823]

It's a three-hour walk from Polanco to the airport. Just saying. I was there over Christmas in 2021 and the elevation bothered me as much as the pollution. And it was pretty cold in the morning. And the traffic was annoying. It's a mixed bag. I like the city a lot but I don't blame you for not wanting to spend time there.

[@claudia-susanalugo5281]

Isn't there a funny movie about people in Cardiff who miss "building the only official mountain" in Wales by around 20 ft or so? Hilarious that the Welsh have no mountains to climb! lol

[@cardiff1823]

@@claudia-susanalugo5281 Not sure. I'm from Cardiff, California 😊

[@claudia-susanalugo5281]

@@cardiff1823 Oops. Thanks for the clarification!

[@amandajburke9976]

I really love Mexico City. So much to do! The greatest number of museums in one city, only second to London.

[@pinetworkminer8377]

Does Mexico City have even more museums than NYC?

[@amandajburke9976]

@@pinetworkminer8377 According to a few articles (Huff Post, Trip Advisor, BBC) ….yes!

[@utprez]

the public smoking in major international cities is crazy! went to London recently and we were choked with constant smoke - made me appreciate walking the streets in California.

[@idcorelli]

I lived there for three years and I looooved it. People are super nice , they make you feel like you belong right away

[@novelaego2404]

you are white right?

[@lauramendoza-ux5lr]

Why you keep erasing peoples comments just because you want to protect your channel!.. Creeps!!

[@claudialevesque6993]

Were you polite and respectful? Somehow, sadly, I doubt that.....

[@visevich]

As ALWAYS, another great and very informative video. MANY thanks!

[@RetireandGo]

I really appreciate this video. I’m planning on Mexico City early next year and then on to more countries. This information was so helpful!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patrickrex6230]

Great video. Thank you. I live in Roma norte, Mexico City. I’m only gringo in the building. I’ve always felt welcomed. All true in video. Air quality is a problem. I have AC in my condo because of that. I love it. When I walk down the street people come out of the shops and yell Hola. HA. My roommate says I should run for mayor of Roma norte. Last year I broke my leg and got excellent care at Star Medical. Surgery and recovery better and cheaper than in Atlanta

[@RyanOelke]

Just got back from CDMX, spent about 3 weeks and plan on returning this year to live there. I was surprised there and in videos like this that nobody takes the metro! I saw at most three gringos on the metro in 3 weeks. It's amazing and I felt just as safe as walking. Yes, there are really busy times where you need to be more aware of your belongings, but most of the time, it was very chill, efficient, people were nice, never had a worry. 5 pesos to get anywhere in the city, in the same or less time as an uber due to traffic: hard to beat. I think the worries we have about using the metro are overblown. Metro in CDMX is, imo, nicer than NYC.

[@RyanOelke]

Pollution is no joke though lol. I developed 'allergies' within a week, but pretty sure it was just the pollution. Looking forward to being there not during peak pollution time :P

[@nataliemercier2031]

Nothing about Centro historico?

[@harmlessgrey]

I really appreciate how candid and honest you are when discussing the pros and cons of a place. Very helpful!

[@mrkmh1]

I've been watch for you guys to post ever sense the Earthquake. I hope you're safe please let us know.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We are safe-thanks for asking!

[@garykembel8144]

We gave over three hours to get to our flight from CDMX. Leaving Condessa to our gate...less than 30 minutes. Prompt uber, easy walk to gate ( we check in online and only travel with carry on).

[@clarkindee]

I visited Mexico City a few years back and found the museums, vibrant culture, and food -- just wonderful. But yeah, not being able to drink the water, constant deflecting street vendors who would follow me for a sale, and a day of altitude sickness will probably mean no future visits. The tilted, out-of-alignment sidewalks (I was told because of earth quakes) also made walking a drag.

[@Brendan2Alexander]

I have been living in Mexico City going on 10 years. I am a jogger and I do pay attention to and notice the air pollution. My unscientific impression is that it has gotten worst in the last few years...mostly in the hot dry moths of April, May, early June, then in November again. The rainy season generally cleans the air and it is better. The hot months this year, and last year, have been alarmingly extreme. And I think causes a heat inversion where the hot polluted air gets trapped underneath cold air...called a heat dome. I definitely prefer the rainy months...

[@mwiebe2663]

Actually the Mexico City metropolitan area has a population of 22,381 million people - larger than all of Ecuador! But I also love CDMX.

[@novelaego2404]

the actual city isnt

[@puntabachata]

I've been living in Aguascalientes, Mexico with my wife for 1 1/2 years. It's safe, doesn't freeze in the winter, cool at night, low humidity from the altitude, the sun gets intense in the summer but not overly hot, occasional sewer smell, clean air when not burning grass. No earthquakes. No hurricanes. No flooding. Overall a really good place to live.

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

Very surprised how expensive airfare is to Ecuador from the US! It is about the same price to fly to Thailand and the Philippines.

[@consultante1650]

Nice! Ecuador taking back the money "Economic Hitman" took from them.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Saying that MX is unsafe is like saying the USA is unsafe because of South Central LA? Or our political culture having gone astray, or guns everywhere in the hands of grandmas and gangsters. Mexico is a huge country, with diversity, and folks of kind welcoming spirit. And those expats, they are us if we plan it right:) One can find a small place near the beach, a fantastic villa in San Miguel. I can't wait for my upcoming retirement to settle into my best life in Mexico. Although I'll be slow traveling thru Thailand and Portugal as well. Gotta say these folks love love love Equador. I hope I find that kind of passion for my new home:)

[@novelaego2404]

not true

[@urbanart7325]

You didn't mention the car free pedestrian streets who stretch for miles

[@87mrreynolds]

Especially on a Sunday

[@lizcoleman5229]

I loved Mexico city but like you said, the pollution is so bad my asthma kicked in and l felt l could not breath. That's too bad because it is such a beautiful city. Thank you for the video!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes, we were so disappointed in the air quality. The city has so much to offer.

[@nsanenthembrane]

Great video guys!! Always interesting to get different perspectives on this city. Appreciate it 🎉

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alfredomendez7351]

How many days have you been in Mexico City? Did you know all the Cdmx?

[@Rick-sm5xf]

You mentioned that you cannot drink the tap water. That just amazes me that it is a problem in so many places south of the border. I was staying in the Hilton in Ecuador before flying out to the Galapagos Islands. I was so surprised that even in the Hilton we were warned not to drink the water. They provided bottled water and suggested even using it for brushing out teeth. Clean water is so basic in the U.S. I just don't understand how many places cannot master it.

[@youtubeuserzzzz]

Yet Flint Michigan and Jackson Mississippi. BOTH in the US seems NOT to be a priority for the USA to master🙄. Hmmmm

[@claudia-susanalugo5281]

@@youtubeuserzzzz Clearly that's due to traditionally-racist U.S. governments neglecting cities w/African-American majorities.

[@Rick-sm5xf]

@@youtubeuserzzzz No argument there In the Flint situation someone should have ended up in jail.

[@Rick-sm5xf]

@@claudia-susanalugo5281 I would have to blame the local and state governments first

[@claudia-susanalugo5281]

@@Rick-sm5xf You're right, I'll be more clear: I meant "blame traditionally-racist, local/state/fed gov'ts (run by red-state, WHITE majorities) who corruptly divert African-American taxpayer revenue for their OWN personal 'public interests'."

[@mariamar2114]

Jajajaja los extranjeros no entiende ...que no se toma agua del grijo... porque el agua potable llega a un tinaco...y los tinacos no están muy limpios pero puedes tomar agua de la llave que llega de la calle.

[@pinkiepinkster8395]

I just came back from Mexico . I went for stem cell therapy and dental care that was more professional and futuristic than in the USA

[@novelaego2404]

not true you just couldnt afford the amenities in the states

[@freyafoxmusic]

Gentrification happens everywhere in the world I don’t think it’s a major con worth mentioning . A con would be like “There’s no Uber service here “ cougbcough Canada 🇨🇦 There’s no way CDMX is crowded , try Asia 😂 . Ain’t no traffic like Saigon. I think you should try to compare it to more major cities in the world that people travel to

[@novelaego2404]

you dont know what u r talking about

[@robertshannon4547]

Thank you for the summary! I never notice the air pollution but I check air quality every day, its never good…yes there is a threatening vibe from the locals as they are forced out of their own neighborhood, gentrification on steroids 👍🏻

[@larsedik]

I agree about the tap water, and a lot of times the ice that is put into drinks is not safe.

[@wisdomcalls2475]

There’s a saying, you’re always going to find what you’re looking for, If you want to find fault, you’ll find it.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

This video discussed the pros and cons, like most of our videos.

[@abb3l]

Excellent video! Can you share the Airbnb you stayed in? My wife and would like to stay there, too, because we like the pool. Thanks!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hopefully this will work: www.airbnb.com/rooms/51827082?c=.pi80.pkdmlyYWxpdHkvc2hhcmVfaXRpbmVyYXJ5&euid=1952902d-36dc-062c-a1ae-c3b33df94563&source_impression_id=p3_1680128602_2dTGx4fnHAmV7c3S

[@abb3l]

@@AmeliaAndJP It works, thank you!

[@Lanahani1]

You must not have been that sick if you walked eight miles outside

[@mwiebe2663]

I’m surprised you saw so many smokers, because that’s not been my experience. I wonder if there is more public smoking in Polanco. Mexico just recently passed legislation banning smoking in all public places, indoors or out. We’ll see if it’s enforced. Also the air pollution is variable, partly depending on time of year. Sometimes it’s quite good, other times not so much. But according to a friend who recently visited who has spent time in Delhi, she was surprised at how much cleaner Mexico City is compared to Delhi, including the air quality (at least when she was visiting in February).

[@novelaego2404]

im convinced you didnt open your eyes

[@hanslueschen5190]

Polanco is like Beverly Hills...even La Condessa and Roma are downscale from that.

[@bhaz1987]

You guys are factual and straightforward The real deal Thanks

[@pjcline8878]

Good info! Perhaps on future videos include public transportation options and how widely English is spoken. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!

[@87mrreynolds]

I used the metro daily over there it’s incredibly clean and safe also separated for women and children if you want that it’s very easy to work out you just buy a 5 peso token at the entrance people there are also very helpful kind regards

[@michaelsix9684]

love this video -- learned a lot

[@user-gk6zg4le7i]

Great video guys!! Always interesting to get different perspectives on this city. Appreciate it

[@tmzj8135]

It's not accurate to compare living in Mexico City and Ecuador. A mega city versus a whole country? Instead, you should have compare CDMX with either Quito and/or Guayaquil.

[@justsum_guy]

Thank you for the honest review! My wife and I are considering a trip and this was helpful. The video did not deter us from wanting to go, but it did give us realistic expectations.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@monicarowe7915]

I love Mexico City, but you will not see me in the city between around February- March to the end of June beginning of July because of the pollution. Hopefully, you will reconsider another visit, outside of those months, however, there has been quite a few heat waves lately, and some water shortages. I’m sure the heat waves will negatively impact air quality, too.

[@somethingelse25]

Great review. When I was there in 2019 I didn't see that many smokers but I'm not very observant. I only noticed the food smells so it probably depends on where you go. I have family there and they likely kept me out of the sewer smelling areas. I agree some parts are unsafe at night especially but it's the same in the USA. And per poor water quality, we have that in some parts of Utah. I even got sick and a splitting headache before a roommate told me that hey, drink from the Britta jug. 😂 but yes Mexico City is beautiful and I'm sorry about the air pollution.. We have that in Utah too but for some reason I didn't notice it in 2019. I did have issues with the elevation a bit as I grew up around sea level and Utah is only mostly 4000 feet. I hope they plant more trees in Mexico so you can go back someday. Latin America is nice. I'm glad you got to at least visit the good parts.

[@normareyes1555]

Qué bien que están felices , simplemente no es agradable hablar mal ni generalizar toda una ciudad 😮😮 !

[@CGohStudio]

Got it, I still love Mexico City, and I’ve been in Quito, and right now Ecuador is very unsafe..ask Guayaquil

[@12567NoYouCannot]

I am truly SURPRISED about the Smoking.

[@christophercobb249]

I was just in CDMX. Loved it for all the reasons you say, but there definitely is blasting music and amplified sound all over. :) Not at all times of day and more at night, but there was at least one street vendor using a deafeningly loud amplification system about every hour. Also, singing so loud it kept me awake many nights. As a singer myself, I found it lovely ... until it interfered with my sleep. I really think it depends on where you are. Every neighborhood in CDMX that I visited seemed so distinctive and different from all the others. Also, while I agree it's safe, I was aggressively approached by potential pickpockets quite often. I think this is because as a red-haired Irish looking guy with pale skin, it was very obvious visually that I was coming from elsewhere. A kid tried to grab my bag while I was eating lunch one afternoon in Roma Norte. I set it down on the seat next to me and as soon as I picked up my fork and let go (my error, of course) of the bag, the kid made his move. He was adorably cute so it was heartbreaking to have to so firmly and assertively get it back. I also realize how heartbreaking it is that kids are involved in pickpocketing. My heart broke for him and all children in his shoes. I had a wonderful visit, but these are just some of the experiences I had that I feel folks should know when they go to CDMX. The gorgeous settings and inequities in the distribution of wealth and poverty make it easy to be seduced by all that's wonderful about CDMX. However, all the beauty and all the culture and gentrification is at a cost. It was in general a much more constant effort of being highly on guard when I was in CDMX. By contrast, I went to Medellin, Colombia last summer and took the subway everywhere. No one tried to pickpocket or scam me there. But in CDMX it was daily. It got a little discouraging despite how much I LOVED so many aspects of CDMX. I think the prevalence of pickpocketing and scams in CDMX is due to the concentration of wealth and its status as a global city. There are just a lot more opportunities, and there is quite a lot of disposable income floating around. Just wanted to share my own perspective after going there very recently. I LOVED going there. I plan to go back sometime. But now my eyes are open to the very real challenges.

[@Alex-966]

Believe it or not, all those scammers you find in Mexico City are undocumented people from Central and South America, who enter the country in caravans wanting to reach the US border, but many times they are deported and end up staying in Mexico, unfortunately the The government does nothing, and the people of the city and other states of the country complain about this whole situation, a lot of homeless people, scammers, thieves, and people who come with other ideas from their countries, wanting to do the same here, those people who are deported and they denounced are mainly from Haiti, Honduras, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and some Argentines who make their calls for extortion, card cloning and robbery in the streets, here the people are against letting them into the country, but You can't do anything as a citizen, before walking through the Zocalo in the city center was cleaner without so many people, now you walk and it looks like China, due to all those people who are allowed into Mexico, but hey, I'm just making a clarification about your comment, those people you mention are not Mexican, I am not saying that there are not bad people in all parts of the world, but at least one already knows their people... Greetings

[@debcollingwood3153]

That was so well written you must be a writer

[@jorgegonzales9815]

All the stuff you mentioned as cons are what are cons for all big cities including New York, Chicago, Rome, Tokyo, etc. Just be careful in big cities. Especially as seniors.

[@Truelat]

In CDMX we need discouraging comments to lessen the influx of digital nomads. I appreciate the cons described in your video.

[@24hrstolive27]

Can you send me link of the airbnb love the indoor pool

[@judykinsman3258]

Ah, good seeing you guys! Thanks for the really all around helpful info on Mexico City. Ecuador lookin’ good, huh? 👍🌺

[@andresmendezruiz]

Hopefully EVs become inexpensive enough that they end up substituting the polluting conventional vehicles. That would really solve this pollution issue!

[@59simonh]

Such a great, very fair, honest, boots-on-ground channel. This is excellent KZbin. More subscribers please!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Much appreciated!

[@bridgetkoerber1747]

Travelers overpaying for everything and following each other to the same places increases gentrification and ruins many places.

[@anndrake492]

Yep, its the poor air quality! 30 years ago, it was unbreathable! I havent been back because of horrible air.

[@lucchese20]

Same here. Last time I was there was easily 35+ years ago and the air was really bad. Sorry to hear the situation either hasn’t changed or got worse. 😢

[@victorbolanos9810]

Si, tienen razón, quédense en su país, no creo que vivan en un lugar libre de contaminación pero en fin, si no les gusta no vengan, no los vamos a extrañar!!!

[@headlessprofessor]

Great review of pros and cons. Since you did this video, it just got much worse. Half of the main subway line is closed (maybe for two years). That means more traffic, harder to get a taxi. Also, the government has diverted many flights to the new AIFA airport way out of town, meaning that the preferred airport AICM is way too crowded.

[@retromoto9456]

Wow! The air quality is a big one for those considering a move to Mex City!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It really is!

[@thisweekmetaverse]

Ive lived in Mexico for 7 years and the smoking part I dont get to be honest. Its not that prevalent at all. CDMX pollution varies according to time of year. There are times when its lovely and times when it is more polluted. Winter is the harder time. Im from Scotland I my wife is Mexican and we moved 2 years ago to Cuernavaca and bought a house here. Ive experienced a 7.3 magnitude quake here and if you are in a earthquake resistant building it really doesnt make to much of a difference. Our house has not, to date ever been damaged by one. I personally love CDMX and Mexico generally. I have not had a single incident the entire time Ive been here and Ive driven vast amounts of it to Guadalajara Queretaro, Merida and Chiapas, again, incident free. You do though need to compare apples and apples. Of course Quito is quieter, its 10x smaller than the metropolitan area of Mexico City. I like being close to visit Mexico City but not actually in it. I think this is a happy medium and I wake up to bird song and butterflies here. Overall, I love Mexico as a country.

[@cynthiakelly9621]

thank you

[@LisaApril]

I like so many places in Mexico rather than Mexico City. Merida, Baja, and the coast like Cabo and San Jose del cabo. I don't really like the traffic or the pollution in Mexico City. Yes it's a wonderful city, but I really love the water so I'd rather spend my time at the coast.

[@thomasfranco5997]

I have been to Guadalajara, and I think the homes there are Beautiful. They make the homes in the U.S. look so small compared to the homes in GDL. You get more bang for your buck. Some of their pools are amazing. The design of the Homes and Pools are more modern. My props to the Designers there. I have a friend who retired there, sold his house in Los Angeles and bought a house. I went to visit him last fall. Mind you I have not been to GDL since 1980. OMG! how much it has grown into a more modern city like New York City, tall buildings with Penthouses. The greenery is absolutely beautiful.

[@novelaego2404]

this isn’t about guadalajara

[@purplesprigs]

Go sit next to a lawn mower. Breathe it in, deeply. After returning from M. City, I had that smell stuck in my nose for weeks. The air pollution is beyond belief. If you can stand the burning eyes and lungs, you'll see city, state, federal and God-knows-what armed police and military everywhere. Ooh how safe! Also, the fact that many streets and sidewalks remain unrepaired from an earthquake before you were born adds to the charm. As you fly in, look out. That's not fog...it's smog.

[@Puntosycomas-vf8vd]

Thanks for your good comments, but do not compare Ecuador with México City. México City is one of the biggest and crowded cities in the world the comparison is non sense. About the water it happens in so many countries. The earthquakes are something humans can't control like hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, etc About the smell, New York is the worst place I have been smells horrible and the rats are by everywhere specially in the metro. Disgusting!!!!

[@mineralt]

Gentrification is called progress kids. Locals who own real estate make a lot of money, so don’t cry for them. If people lived there forever and never owned property, they have no one to blame but themselves. Love your channel btw ❤