Mexico City’s rapid gentrification has sparked debate and protests as the capital faces significant economic and social changes. A recent analysis by a longtime resident of Roma Norte highlights how Mexico City has become the 16th most expensive city globally, surpassing major urban centers like Milan, Munich, and Washington, D.C.
The transformation is not accidental but part of a deliberate economic strategy dating back to the Peña Nieto administration (2012-2018), which aimed to shift Mexico’s economy from manufacturing toward services and tourism. International promotion campaigns and even pop culture influences, such as the James Bond film “Spectre,” have contributed to Mexico City’s global appeal.
The impact on neighborhoods like Roma Norte has been dramatic. Properties that rented for around 5,200 pesos (US$250) in 2010 now command 42,000 pesos (US$2,100) or more. This price surge has displaced long-term residents and erased traditional micro-economies that had operated since the 1950s, including:
- Hardware stores
- Shoemakers
- Corner shops
- Tortillerías
Recent anti-gentrification protests in the city have taken on xenophobic tones, with signs targeting foreign visitors, particularly Americans, who are perceived by some locals as disrespectful of Mexican culture and norms. Incidents involving tourists behaving inappropriately in public spaces have fueled these tensions.
While the protests reflect genuine concerns about displacement and cultural erosion, they also raise questions about how Mexico can balance economic growth through tourism with preserving its unique urban character and ensuring housing remains affordable for locals.
The situation underscores the complex challenges facing Mexico City as it continues to evolve as an international destination while attempting to maintain its cultural identity and social fabric.
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