Thousands of Americans reside in Mérida, and La Ermita is one of the areas where they have settled.
Designated a Magical Neighborhood by the federal government’s Ministry of Tourism in July 2023, this central corner of the state capital exudes an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
La Ermita de Mérida: A Magical Neighborhood for Foreigners
For several years now, about 11 or 10, according to long-time residents, it has been common to see foreigners walking around its streets and park, especially Americans who have bought homes in this downtown area.
Their homes are notable for being well-painted and tidy, some with flower pots. The new residents of the designated Magical Neighborhood mingle with neighbors, participate in activities, flock to a café-bar located across from the park in the afternoons and evenings, and also walk around the area accompanied by their pets.
In La Ermita, residents continue their daily routines regardless of the presence of foreigners, who shop in the shops and businesses in that area.
A similar situation can be seen in other central neighborhoods, such as San Sebastián, Santiago, and Santa Ana. Americans who already live in Mérida frequent bars, shops, markets, restaurants, and hire home improvement services, such as plumbers, electricians, and gardeners.
John Rutledge, an American originally from Virginia, walked the streets of Ermita and fell in love with Mérida and the peace that reigns in this Barrio Mágico (Magical Neighborhood).
He has lived in the state capital for 12 years. Upon arrival, he settled in the Nuevo Yucatán neighborhood, then in Francisco de Montejo, and eight years ago bought a house in Ermita.
“I like this neighborhood. I feel at peace, I can walk to the Plaza Grande,” he said during a conversation, adding that other Americans and Canadians live in that area.
“The people are friendly, and there aren’t any problems like in other parts of the city center where there are clubs, music, and noise,” said John. He also said he enjoys the local traditions, the parades, the burning of the old man to bid farewell to the new year, the church festivals, and other events.
“I find community. I didn’t have much of one in the United States. Here, I feel part of it,” he added.
Regarding why he chose this city to live in, he said, “It was love at first sight. Mérida is in my heart and soul, and I feel like it’s my home.” He also mentioned that his son plans to come and live in the city.
Foreigners “keep coming” to La Ermita
A neighbor, Mr. José Cabrera Echeverría, who has lived in La Ermita for about 50 years, said that foreigners began arriving in the neighborhood about 11 years ago, “and they keep coming.”
A Canadian man lives across the street from his home, but there are also Americans and Italians in the area. “It’s cheap for them to buy a house. They sell the one they have in their country, buy it here, and have some money left over,” he said.
When asked about his opinion on the fact that foreigners already live in the neighborhood, he replied that they “cause problems. They don’t like people parking in front of their houses; they get upset, even if their garage isn’t covered. Plus, they bring three or four dogs,” Cabrera Echeverría said.
He also stated that the foreigners are in other areas, such as Santiago, Santa Ana, and Chembech. “They don’t go to the México neighborhood or the Alemán neighborhood.”
Another neighbor, Dulce María Barrera Vera, who has lived in La Ermita for 65 years, indicated that Americans, Canadians, and other foreigners “are welcome as long as there are no problems. So far, none have arisen; they are peaceful, fortunately.”
“Ninety percent of them don’t speak Spanish.”
Gustavo Escamilla Puerto, of the “Dra Pinky” veterinary clinic, also located in La Ermita, commented that two out of every 10 of his clients are foreigners, from countries such as the United States, Canada, Italy, and France.
Seventy percent of them bring their dogs and 30 percent bring their cats for checkups, vaccinations, or to buy pet food. They all live in the neighborhood or in San Sebastián and Santiago. One of her clients, a Canadian, has 32 cats.
“They’re all well-behaved; 90 percent of them don’t speak Spanish, but we know English, and things are easier,” said Escamilla Puerto.
In Santiago, market owners confirmed that foreigners frequently come to the market to buy fruits, vegetables, or to eat at the food stalls. Most are Americans.
One of them, Benjamin Davis, said he has lived in Mérida for 16 years. He previously lived in New York, but found that city in his country to be very expensive.
The post Thousands of Americans reside in La Ermita first appeared on The Yucatan Times.