I'm an American living in Mexico. I've seen the effects gentrification has on the locals and wish other expats would stop doing these 5 things here.
Courtesy of Jeremy Albelda
- Jeremy Albelda moved from the US to Mexico City in 2015.
- Albelda says the recent exponential gentrification has taken a toll on the local population.
- He says Americans moving to Mexico need to stop staying in older Airbnb units among other things.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jeremy Albelda, a 36-year-old entrepreneur living in Mexico City. It's been edited for length and clarity.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia and moved to Roma Norte, Mexico City in 2015. My mom grew up in Mexico so I had always considered living there. I visited San Miguel, the expat community where she was raised, in 2009 during my college winter break. At that moment, I knew I'd be living in Mexico in the future.
While living in Mexico, I did content writing and worked in marketing. Then, I opened a British-themed pub and got involved in more restaurants and real estate there. After the COVID-19 pandemic, things changed.
There appeared to be an influx of mostly white Americans moving into Mexico. The recent exponential gentrification has taken a toll on the local population. Here are some things that other Americans moving to Mexico should stop doing.
1. Stop speaking English to locals right away
Although many locals speak English in the gentrified parts of Mexico, it's still polite to begin talking to them in Spanish before switching to English. This shows that you're trying to learn the language.
I try not to speak English on the street or loudly at restaurants. You need to learn the language or at least a few phrases before you move here. I have friends who've been here for years and don't speak Spanish which is pretty bogus. I find it offensive and culturally insensitive. Being polite goes a long way and starting any verbal interaction with at least an "hola" is expected here.
Make an effort to learn Spanish and you'll help improve the overall image of remote workers and tourists.
2. Stop staying in older Airbnb units
Older Airbnb unit owners usually displaced a local resident to turn it into an Airbnb. The newer Airbnb units are built with tourists in mind so it's less likely that a local resident was kicked out or priced out of that space. Recently, the Mexican government partnered with Airbnb to make regulations and new tax laws to promote more Airbnbs and help tourism grow.
Airbnb prices have gone up along with other real estate costs. I purchased my apartment in 2018, just before the influx of other Americans moving in. Since then, the rent in my apartment building has gone up substantially. I've seen locals put up posters around the neighborhood in English telling Americans to go home and that we're not wanted here because the rents have skyrocketed.
Because of these issues, it's better to stay in a newer Airbnb or stay in a long-term hotel that's licensed and regulated by the government.
3. Stop raising your voice when out in public
I've noticed that Mexicans are very polite and respectful so if you raise your voice, you could make people around you uncomfortable. If you're upset, resolve your issues in a calm manner to avoid offending people.
4. Stop only patronizing restaurants targeting foreigners
Enjoy all of the hip eateries and watering holes, but also frequent the local restaurants and street stands as well. Over time, I've seen many new bars and restaurants open for people to enjoy, but it's important to visit local restaurants, street vendors, and supermarkets to support the local businesses around you. Eating in the streets is a very communal experience here and it'll help you feel more accepted with the local residents.
When I moved here, there were more children in the neighborhoods along with more parks and schools. Mexico City had the largest number of museums after London at the time. There were many bookstores and fondas (mom-and-pop hotels) as well. After the recent influx of Americans, we mostly have restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and clubs. I don't see as many children in the neighborhood and young people can't afford to eat at restaurants every day anymore.
Also, in the summer, there isn't enough business to go around for all the new restaurants.
5. Stop only hanging out with other Americans
Make friends with local people, spend time with them, and take the time to learn their culture. I make it a point to hang out with my local friends, practice my Spanish, and learn as much about the culture as I can. I regularly talk to my neighbors and the vendors on the street. This helps build trust with my community.
My neighbors have known me for years and I speak Spanish and interact with locals so they know I'm not part of the new influx of foreigners, but at face value to someone walking on the street, I'd definitely be roped into the group of gentrifying expats.
Locals can't afford to live in their own neighborhoods
It's important for digital nomads that move here to know how they're affecting the local residents, culture, and lifestyle.
I used to see the local people buying food from the street vendors and small restaurants on their lunch breaks. They can't afford to do that anymore. Many of them have had to move out of their hometowns and only come in to work for one of the foreigner-run businesses that have taken over. Gentrification has taken a toll and there are things we need to be aware of while living here to help reduce its negative effects.
Correction: January 17, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the fourth suggestion. Jermey said to stop only patronizing restaurants targeting foreigners. He did not say to stop only patronizing American-owned restaurants.
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