Around the turn of the 20th Century, it is said that Merida had more millionaires than any other city in the world.  The result of the concentration of wealth can still be seen today in Merida as many large and elaborate homes still line the main avenue of Paseo de Montejo.

Aside from the colonial beauty of Merida, the local vigor for art and music is almost always on display. Merida has experienced a revival of jazz, with two jazz clubs featuring live music every week.  Local art is on display daily. Carnaval is to Merida what Mardi Gras is to New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. This years Carnaval happens Feb. 18th - 25th.

“Merida is a capital city, with all the amenities that that implies: an international airport, several universities, excellent hospitals and medical care, theaters and concert halls, and a variety of good restaurants. The city has a vibrant, bohemian feel, and its streets and plazas are alive with music on most evenings...last year, International Living conducted two comprehensive surveys. These two surveys, when considered together, clearly show how Merida has risen right to the top of the world’s hottest retirement havens right now"... Suzan Haskins, Latin America Editorial Director for International Living.

Though the population of about one million is large enough for Merida to be considered a major market in Mexico, it has the lowest crime rate per capita in all of Mexico...Merida is a safe community that continues to attract thousands of visitors from other parts of Mexico and from around the world.