My New Neighborhood: Colonia del Valle in Mexico City

Hello, my friends.

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a new post, and for that I apologize.

I’ve got a couple new projects in the works that have been eating my time.

But, I’m back!

And that’s all that matters.

Today, I’m here to talk to you about my new neighbourhood in Mexico City: Colonia del Valle.

Is it safe? Scenic? Friendly?

Let’s find out.

Why Did I Move To Del Valle?

If you follow this blog closely, you’ll know that I was living in Centro (aka. Downtown) Mexico City for nearly a year.

And you’ll know that I quite enjoyed it there.

So, why did I move?

Well, I’m always checking property listings. Call it a hobby. Even if I don’t intend to move, you can often find me on one any one of the several rental websites I’ve Listed Here.

My initial plan was to find a bigger place in Centro — something with a couple rooms, either to cheekily sublet, or to host friends or readers when they come to visit.

After searching and encountering numerous scams and/or people simply not answering my calls, I decided to expand my search to another area.

Long story short, I came across a place in del Valle that looked like it’d suit me well for a good price.

I went to see it, liked it, and took it later that day.

I had to pay rent on two apartments last month which hurt a bit, but overall I’m happy with the decision.

Here are a few pictures of the new spot in del Valle.

What’s It Like Living in Del Valle?

It’s pretty relaxed living here in del Valle. By Mexico City standards, it’s considered a middle/upper class residential neighbourhood.

A lot of young families, wealthier immigrants (specifically, Venezuelans), restaurants, tree-lined streets.

The biggest difference is how much safer and less chaotic it feels compared to where I was in Centro.

I liked the action downtown, but this is a nice change.

Public transport is nearby, as are many markets, corner stores and cafes.

In a word?

Relaxing.

And if I want to check out the bar/club scene on the weekend, I’m only a few metrobus stops from Condesa and Roma Norte, where many bars are located.

It’s also approximately 10-15% cheaper to live in del Valle than it is to live in the more popular neighbourhoods of Roma or Condesa.

Advantages

What do I like about del Valle?

Glad you asked!

Essentially, what I noted above.

It’s picturesque, centrally-located, safe, and everything I need is close-by.

Although I never imagined I’d live here, I’ve always had a fondness for del Valle.

It’s not full of expats like Roma and Condesa have become, yet, like Condesa and Roma, it has its fair share of cafes, restaurants and pretty streets.

I’ve always been the type of fella who loves the hustle of living right downtown in Latin American capitals, but I must say I’m enjoying the more laid back nature of my new neighbourhood.

Perhaps because I’m getting older.

One other thing I like is the diversity of restaurants around here. A lot of Venezuelans have moved in, so I’ve got a couple good Venezuelan food joints near my place.

Same with Argentine, Colombian, Japanese and Uruguayan. I’ve eat out a lot more around here than I did in Centro.

Disadvantages

I can’t think of many disadvantages of living in del Valle.

…then again, I’ve only arrived last month, so give me some time.

I will say not ALL of del Valle is nice. It’s a fairly large colonia.

I’m in del Valle Norte (as you can see by that blue dot on the map I posted above) which is nicer than del Valle Centro, in my humble opinion.

I will say that if you’re looking for party and nightlife options, del Valle may not be the place for you. By all accounts, this is a pretty relaxed barrio — there aint a whole lot going on at night.

I know that many of my readers are young men who aren’t strangers to fiestas, so if that’s you and you’re reading this, del Valle may not fit what you’re looking for here in Mexico City.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget and want to be reasonably close to Roma or Condesa, del Valle is right next door.

It’s the best alternative, in my opinion.

Final Thoughts on Del Valle, Mexico City

I’ll keep this post short.

I haven’t lived here that long, after all, so I’ll come back to this and update it when I’ve got a bit more experience around here.

All in all, I’m happy.

Am I happier than I was in Centro?

So far, yes. Not having to worry as much about walking home alone at night has given me some additional peace of mind.

And the apartment I’m in now is bigger and nicer than where I was. It’s got more character…and a terrace. I like that.

That’s about it, folks.

If you’re looking for a safe, economical option to stay in Mexico City and don’t mind being close to the bar/restaurant action as opposed to right in the thick of it, del Valle is a fine option.

Cheers.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Until next time,

Vance