Head to Mexico City’s Juárez Neighborhood for Life at the Center of It All

Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that straddles old-world charm and history with a modern cosmopolitan vibe. It’s named after Mexico’s former president Benito Juárez, who was in office in the late 19th century.

Situated in the borough of Cuauhtémoc, Juárez is notable for its rich cultural heritage, diverse architecture and abundance of restaurants and diversions, according to Luis Diaz, a luxury property specialist in the city with Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty.

The streets are lined with trees and attractive Spanish Colonial and Art Deco buildings, and greenspaces and parks abound. One of the most notable landmarks is the Angel of Independence or El Angel, commemorating Mexico’s independence from Spain. 

“This is the spot where celebrations and demonstrations happen and people gather,” Diaz said.

He added that Juárez is full of culture, including art galleries, restaurants and theaters, and bustles with new spots constantly opening. “All add to the neighborhood’s dynamic and modern character,” he said.

Boundaries

Juárez is in the heart of Mexico City, near well-known neighborhoods such as Zona Rosa, Roma Norte and Reforma Avenue. Daniela Cordoba, a luxury real estate agent with Keller Williams Mexico in Mexico City, said that Paseo de la Reforma lies to the north, Avenida Chapultepec to the west, Avenida Bucareli to the east and Avenida Balderas to the south.

Price Range

Prices for properties in Juárez span a wide range, Diaz said. “They can vary significantly depending on the location, kind of residence, amenities and condition,” he said. “Since the neighborhood is central and sought-after, they trend higher compared to other parts of Mexico City.” Renting a one-bedroom apartment, for example, can cost between US$500 to US$2,000 a month while buying a condominium can run between US$3,000 and US$7,000 per square meter, equivalent to approximately 10.7 square feet.  

As an example, Sotheby’s International Realty is leading sales for a development in Juárez that’s still under construction. Called Berlin 16, it has 16 apartments spread over four floors that feature high-quality finishes. A 484-square-foot one-bedroom residence in the building is on sale for US$270,287 and has one bathroom plus a terrace.

Vicente Herrera, an international real estate adviser with CanMex Real Estate in Mexico City, said that buying a three-bedroom house costs between US$230,000 to more than US$600,000.

Housing Stock

Juárez offers a diversity of housing options, Herrara said. They include apartments, condominiums and single-family homes. Cordoba said that prospective buyers can find traditional apartments in older buildings with beautiful architectural features as well as modern luxury condominiums featuring state-of-the-art amenities. “Homes are rarer because the neighborhood is central and dense,” she said. 

What Makes It Unique

Cordoba said that Juárez offers a rare combination of rich history and contemporary appeal. “You have colonial-era buildings alongside contemporary structures, creating a setting that’s one-of-a-kind. “The greenspaces, cultural institutions and restaurants and lively street life enhance the appeal,” she said. “So does the fantastic location.”

In addition, unlike some other neighborhoods in Mexico City, Herrera said that it’s pedestrian friendly. “It’s also well-connected to the rest of the city through the efficient public transportation system, including the metro and bus routes,” he said.

Luxury Amenities

Juárez is full of upscale restaurants that draw a glamorous customer set, Diaz said.  Examples include the internationally renowned Mexican seafood eatery Contramar, the stylish Italian Mexican Rosetta where the crowds clamor for chef Elena Reygadas’s plates of pasta and Fonda Fina, a cozy, rustic spot with traditional Mexican dishes. High-end boutiques selling clothing, jewelry and other luxury goods are in no short supply, and hotels and art galleries are located throughout the neighborhood. Residents can also expect posh private clubs, gyms and wellness centers offering spa services such as massages and yoga classes.  

Options for schools where homeowners can send their children to include Colegio Bretana, Instituto Carlos Lindenberg and Instituto Londres.

Herrera added that Juárez is home to some of Mexico City’s most iconic cultural attractions, including the fine arts palace Palacio de Bellas Artes and the National Museum of Art, located in a neoclassical building and showcasing an impressive collection of Mexican art from ancient times through the mid-20th century.

Who Lives There

The neighborhood attracts a mix of people from young professionals and families to artists, students and expatriates, Diaz said. “Some families have lived here for generations and contribute to the sense of history and community that still exists while others are new,” he said. “Many singles and couples like living in Juárez because it has a great lifestyle and is in a good position for getting around the rest of the city.”

Notable Residents

Juárez has seen a fair share of illustrious people who have called it home through the course of its history. Diaz said that Mexico’s former president Porfirio Díaz lived here while he was in office in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Cuban poet and writer José Marti was a resident, too, along with notables in the creative world such as the muralist and artist David Alfaro Siqueiros; the painter and muralist Diego Rivera; the Italian photographer and actress Tina Modotti; and the Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo.

Outlook

Cordoba said that residential real estate in Juárez has boomed since the pandemic. “Prices are on the up and up and have increased between 10% to 20% each year,” she said. 

Property prices should continue to grow, she said, especially given that the neighborhood is rich with amenities, shops, restaurants and cultural centers, making it an attractive area for a wide range of people. The area’s history is another reason why prices should continue to trend higher. “The neighborhood had been experiencing positive growth and increasing interest from investors and residents,” she said.

Source: Mansion Global