Why are Black people leaving the U.S. and considering Mexico, specifically Mérida, as a new home?

Black Americans moving to Mérida. Black people are leaving the United States in search of safety, peace, and a better quality of life. Mérida has become a top destination, not just because of its close proximity to the U.S., but because it is statistically the safest city in Mexico. It ranks among the top three safest cities in the Americas and holds a strong position on a global scale, often ranking around 30th worldwide in terms of safety.

In Mérida, we don’t see school shootings, police killings of unarmed Black people, extreme food toxicity, or the same levels of societal stress and dysfunction that have become normalized in the U.S. What we do see is family-first living, strong communities, and a slower, more intentional way of life that is reshaping how Black expats experience the world.

For many, moving here isn’t just about escaping danger—it’s about embracing an entirely new way of life that prioritizes mental and physical well-being, generational healing, and a deeper connection to family and community. The movement is growing because people who’ve already left are sharing their stories, videos, and blog posts about the life-changing benefits of leaving the U.S. and choosing places like Mérida, Mexico.