Is Mérida safe for Black expats? Mérida is one of the safest cities in the world—ranked #1 in all of Mexico, #3 in the Americas, and somewhere around #30 globally. That level of safety is unheard of in most major U.S. cities.
Safety in Mérida feels like not having to worry about anything. It’s not just about low crime rates—it’s about an entirely different way of living.
People trust each other. At restaurants and buffets, people leave their purses, phones, and bags unattended while they go get food.
The police are safe to talk to. In the U.S., Black people avoid police at all costs. In Mérida, you can actually pull over and have a meaningful conversation with an officer without fear. Some don’t even carry guns.
The people are safe to talk to. You don’t have to worry about someone being angry just because you spoke to them. If you ask locals for help or directions, they are more than happy to assist.
Women can walk safely at night. Unlike in U.S. cities where women constantly fear for their safety, women in Mérida regularly walk alone at night with no issues. This happens all the time, all throughout the night.
The schools are safe for our children. No school shootings. No active shooter drills. Just kids being able to go to school without fear.
The streets are safe. You’re not watching over your shoulder or avoiding certain neighborhoods. There’s a sense of peace in daily life.
The food is safe to eat. Free from cancer-causing chemicals, toxic preservatives, and harmful additives that cause brain fog, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Pharmaceuticals are safer. While some medicines have the same brand names as in the U.S., the ingredients are different—often cleaner and less toxic. Even artificial colors in food are often replaced with natural alternatives like turmeric instead of harmful dyes like Yellow 5.
Mérida doesn’t feel like an American city where you have to stay hyper-aware, always watch your back, and assume the worst. There is no underlying tension or fear. People live without paranoia.
For Black expats coming from places where we’ve had to constantly be on guard, Mérida provides a level of ease and peace that changes your entire mindset.