Welcome to Cuauhtémoc: The Borough That Built a Nation

Thinking of buying in Mexico City? Discover why Cuauhtémoc—home to Juárez, Roma, Condesa, and more—is a smart move for investors and relocators alike. Includes a free buying + relocation guide.

MEXICO CITY

Anthony Bodnar Jr.

6/9/20253 min read

Cuauhtémoc in 2025
  • Population (residents): ~535,000

  • Population (daily visitors): ~5 million

  • Number of colonias: 33

  • Known for: Walkability, embassies, LGBTQ+ scene, colonial architecture, gastronomy, high rental turnover, and culture

    If you want to understand Mexico City, start with Cuauhtémoc.

    This central borough isn’t just the capital’s epicenter—it’s where the city itself was born. From the ancient Mexica settlement of Tenochtitlán (now the Centro Histórico) to the bohemian mansions of Roma and the energetic nightlife of Juárez, Cuauhtémoc blends deep history with vibrant modern life.

    Today, it’s a magnet for entrepreneurs, artists, remote workers, and investors who want walkability, culture, and long-term property value—all while being 15 minutes from anywhere.

    And if you're a U.S. citizen planning to buy or relocate? That’s where Global Felicity Group steps in—with full-service document help (apostilles, translations, RON) and connections to bilingual real estate experts at Peters & Romero.

Top Neighborhoods to Know (and Invest In)

Let’s break down the key areas within Cuauhtémoc where lifestyle and real estate value align:

Centro Histórico – Where It All Began

Once the seat of the Aztec empire, Centro remains one of the most iconic places in all of Latin America.

  • Vibe: Dense, historic, walkable

  • Best for: Culture lovers, first-time buyers, investors wanting lower entry points

  • Prices:

    • Purchase: From $35,000–$60,000 MXN/m²

    • Rent: $14,000–$30,000 MXN/month

Pro tip: Centro has seen increased restoration efforts—investors with vision can still find diamonds in the rough.

Juárez – Historic Meets Hip

With Zona Rosa’s nightlife, embassies, and the Havre-Lucerna corridor, Juárez is a favorite for professionals and digital nomads.

  • Vibe: LGBTQ+ friendly, artistic, increasingly trendy

  • Best for: Investors seeking high rental yield or classic-meets-modern living

  • Prices:

    • Purchase: $60,000–$90,000 MXN/m²

    • Typical Unit: $5M–$12M MXN

    • Rent: $18,000–$50,000 MXN/month

Our partners at Peters & Romero specialize in listings throughout the Cuauhtémoc.

Roma Norte & Sur – Creative Capital of CDMX

Roma is the darling of Mexico City's cultural rebirth. Art deco meets vegan tacos. A top destination for foreign buyers.

  • Vibe: Creative, bohemian, international

  • Best for: Expats, creatives, investors seeking mid- to high-range returns

  • Prices:

    • Purchase: $60,000–$90,000 MXN/m²

    • Units: $5M–$12M MXN

    • Rent: $16,000–$55,000 MXN/month

Condesa & Hipódromo – Green & Glamorous

Famous for its leafy streets and Art Deco apartments, Condesa blends calm with chic.

  • Vibe: Pet-friendly, stylish, walkable

  • Best for: Families, lifestyle-driven buyers, long-term renters

  • Prices:

    • Purchase: $60,000–$90,000 MXN/m²

    • Rent: $20,000–$60,000 MXN/month

Cuauhtémoc (Colonia) – Understated Elegance

Near Reforma and the U.S. Embassy, this neighborhood feels local despite its centrality.

  • Vibe: Calm, central, safe

  • Best for: Buyers wanting proximity to everything but without chaos

  • Prices:

    • Purchase: $60,000–$90,000 MXN/m²

    • Units: $5M–$8M+ MXN

    • Rent: $19,000–$45,000+ MXN/month

Historical Context: From Floodplains to Fortune

Cuauhtémoc has seen every chapter of Mexico’s urban evolution:

  • 1325: Founded by Mexica (Aztecs) in what is now Centro

  • Colonial Era: Became the capital of New Spain, with churches and palaces replacing pyramids

  • Porfirian Era (late 1800s): European-style colonias like Roma, Condesa, and San Rafael were built

  • Post-Revolution: Zones like Guerrero and Doctores became working-class hubs

  • 1960s: Tlatelolco built as a modernist mega-housing unit

  • 2000s–present: Gentrification, restoration, and re-densification define the borough’s transformation

While some colonias still struggle with crime and neglect (e.g. Morelos, parts of Guerrero), many others have seen rising commercial value and renewed investment.Investment Trends & What to Expect

  • Rental Yields: ~4–6% gross, especially strong in 1–2 bedroom units

  • Market Activity: High turnover, strong rental demand from locals and expats

  • Development Focus: Mid- to high-end residential projects; social housing less common due to land costs

  • Walkability & Transit: Exceptional access to Metro, Metrobús, and bike lanes

What You Need to Buy (Legally)

If you're a foreigner, buying in Cuauhtémoc is 100% legal. Here's what you'll need:

  • Passport

  • Apostilled birth certificate

  • Apostilled marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable)

  • Mexican tax ID (RFC) & CURP

  • Power of attorney (if buying remotely)

  • Financial records (bank or IRS)

We offer remote notary (RON), certified U.S. document apostilles, and translations—so you're always compliant.

Get Our Free 2025 Cuauhtémoc Buying & Relocation Guide

We’ve created a free downloadable guide covering:

  • Top colonias and what they’re best for

  • Updated price & rent comparisons

  • What U.S. documents you need (and how to get them)

  • How the buying process works

  • Red flags to watch for

  • Bilingual real estate partner referrals

Get Your Free Guide Here
Just leave your email, and we’ll send it right over.

Let Global Felicity Group Guide You

We’re more than a blog—we’re your bilingual bridge to life abroad.

  • Apostilles & U.S. legal docs

  • Certified translations

  • Remote online notarizations

  • Real estate

Whether you're planning your move or closing on your dream apartment—we’re here to simplify the red tape.

Ready to explore Cuauhtémoc with expert support?
Download the guide or Contact us to get started today.

Get in touch

+1(239)-467-5800

info@globalfelicitygroup.com