Why We Love

1. Easy and Scenic Navigation

Getting around is simple in Chelem and Chuburná, where white sand roads lined with swaying palm trees create a picturesque and walkable environment. The breathtaking sunsets, ocean breezes, and emerald waters of the Gulf offer stunning views.

2. Welcoming Community

The warmth of the locals makes it easy to embrace the customs and rich culture. Additionally, a diverse and inclusive expat community provides support and a welcoming atmosphere.

3. Abundant Amenities and Services

Both towns offer a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, taco stands, and bars, along with fresh produce markets, grocery stores, and small tiendas (shops). Essential services such as medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, laundries, and gyms are also available.

4. Beautiful and Active Beaches

The Gulf-side beaches are calmer compared to the Caribbean coast, making them ideal for relaxation. The consistent gulf breezes make this area a hotspot for kite surfing, and there are thriving communities for pickleball and softball.

5. Strong Investment Opportunities

The region’s robust housing market makes it an excellent choice for real estate investment.

6. Yucalpetén Harbor & Marinas

Just a 10-minute drive from Chelem, Yucalpetén Harbor is home to eight recreational marinas offering boat maintenance, repair, and restoration services. Sailing schools and beach clubs add to the harbor’s appeal.

7. Progreso: The Port City

Only 15 minutes from Chelem, Progreso features a scenic Malecón (beachfront boardwalk) with white sand beaches on one side and a lively mix of restaurants and shops on the other.

8. Mérida: The White City

A 30-minute drive from Chelem, Mérida is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture and rich history. The famous Paseo de Montejo boulevard is lined with museums, restaurants, stores, monuments, and cultural attractions.

9. Convenient Transportation

Various transportation options include tuk-tuks, combis (shared vans running between Chuburná, Chelem, and Progreso), private drivers, and Uber. Major car rental agencies are available in Mérida.

10. Safety & Recognition

Mérida consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Latin America, with some of the lowest crime rates in Mexico. CEO World magazine ranked it the second safest city on the continent after Quebec City, and Condé Nast Traveler readers named it the #4 Best City in the World (2022).

11. World-Class Healthcare

Mérida is home to internationally recognized private healthcare facilities, offering affordable consultations, testing, and procedures compared to the U.S. and Canada. High-quality dental care is also readily available.

12. Local Markets & Fresh Foods

Weekly markets in Chelem, Chuburná, Progreso, and Mérida feature organic produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, juices, and handicrafts, making it easy to access fresh, local products.

13. A Food Lover’s Paradise

Mérida is known for its rich international gastronomy, offering everything from traditional Yucatecan flavors to upscale dining experiences.

14. Diverse Shopping Options

Mérida boasts an impressive selection of retail stores, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Petco, Office Depot, and Ace Hardware, as well as four world-class shopping malls.

15. History, Nature & Adventure

The Yucatán is a treasure trove of culture and nature, blending Mayan, Spanish, and Mexican traditions. The region offers a variety of day trips, including flamingo tours, Mayan ruins, cenotes, salt flats, beach clubs, mangrove excursions, kayaking, fishing, and more.

16. Stunning Cenotes

The region is home to beautiful nearby cenotes—underground limestone sinkholes filled with cool, fresh water (77–78°F year-round). These natural pools offer a refreshing escape and are an iconic part of the Yucatán experience.

17. Easy Access to Mérida’s International Airport

Mérida International Airport is just a 50-minute drive, offering plentiful flights to and from Canada and the U.S., including direct flights to Orlando in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

18. Convenient Travel to Cancun

While Cancun International Airport is a four-hour drive, the newly launched Tren Maya (Mayan Train) now offers a direct route from Mérida to Cancun Airport, making travel even more convenient.