Cultural Adjustments to Expect

Moving to Yucatan involves cultural adjustments, primarily due to differences in pace, infrastructure, and the influence of the ancient Maya civilization. Expect a slower pace of life, potential for infrastructure challenges like power outages, and the integration of Spanish culture with the vibrant Mayan heritage.

Specific Cultural Adjustments to Expect:

Pace of Life:

Yucatan is known for its relaxed atmosphere. Even though the city has grown in the past years, you can sense and feel the province’s atmosphere. If you have a fast-paced life, you will have to adjust to a slower pace and be patient as you navigate the daily routines.

Urban Plan Expansion and Traffic

The Yucatan government has been committed to keeping the city clean and the streets in good shape. Unfortunately, there has not been a strategic urban plan to handle the traffic. Usually, the traffic is worse during peak hours, especially early in the morning and around 6 pm. If you are retiring in our beautiful city of Merida, if possible, this inconvenience will not affect you unless you have an appointment early to meet.

Municipality Water or Water Well

The Yucatan peninsula doesn’t have rivers; everything is underground, and the ground is composed of a hard stone called “Laja” in Spanish. This stone makes it difficult to have all urban areas with water, so it is very common for houses to use a water well.

When you have municipal water or a water well, it is common to have a water tank, usually located on the roof of the house. The house should have a water pump that will drive the water up to the tank. Inside, there is a floating device that senses the water level and stops the pump, avoiding any overflow of water. This system will store water even if there is a shortage from the municipality.

If you have a house with water wells, you don’t need to worry about it. Usually, wells are drilled about 18 meters deep where clean water is. Houses with water wells don’t have shortages. This is very convenient if you have a swimming pool, and it is recommended to have two water wells, one for the house and one for the swimming pool.

It is important to mention whether you have municipal water or a water well, it isn’t drinkable water, or safe to use to cook your food. We recommend you buy water bottles; some are 5 gallons to use for drinking and cooking.

Septic tanks, Biodigester, and no sewer system

Conventional wastewater collection and treatment in our communities generate high construction, operation, and maintenance costs due to the low slope and excessive hardness of the Yucatecan soil.

Large new subdivisions in Mérida have plants for treating wastewater produced in homes, at the request of the Urban Development and Environment Department, which established this equipment as a requirement.

The National Urban Development Department assured that the builders met this requirement, as is the case with Los Heroes and Las Américas subdivisions. Now, housing developments with fewer than 200 homes are required to provide homes with domestic biodigesters instead of septic tanks.

Among the subdivisions that already have this environmental device are those in Opichén, those located south of Mérida, and those built by the Yucatán Housing Institute. The same applies to single-family settlements with no more than 30 homes.

A biodigester works through a three-stage anaerobic (airless) process: separating sludge from water, breaking down organic material by bacteria, and final treatment with a filter for wastewater cleanup. The treated water is released into an infiltration system, while the sludge can be removed annually through a valve for easy maintenance and replacement.

There are still several houses, mainly old, built several years ago when biodigester didn’t exist, and have septic tanks.

Spanish and Mayan Influences:

Learn basic Spanish, as it will greatly enhance your ability to navigate daily life and interact with locals, especially when you need to hire a plumber, electrician, or any other person to do a small fix at home. This will help you to be more knowledgeable of how much they charge to avoid any kind of abuse on their behalf.  

Be aware of the rich history and influence of the Maya civilization in the region, especially in the capital, Mérida, which has a unique blend of Maya and Spanish cultures.

Community

Yucatan often has a strong sense of community, and getting involved can help you feel more connected to the culture and people. You will find a culture full of rich customs and diversity.

Many Facebook groups debate that buying an inexpensive car is best for blending in locally. However, many residents with six-figure incomes purchase cars that fit their needs and preferences, regardless of assumptions. Ultimately, choose a vehicle you like that meets your needs.