How to Find an Apartment in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl Without Getting Scammed (Seriously)
okay, so like, let’s be real. i’ve been bouncing around this country for six months now, chasing gigs and trying not to completely lose my mind, and i landed in ciudad nezahualcóyotl. it’s… intense. it’s like, a whole other world just a short metro ride away from mexico city, but with a completely different vibe. the air smells like seaweed and something vaguely sweet, probably from all the street food. and the rain? man, the rain. it’s this constant, thick drizzle that just sticks to everything. it’s not sunshine and roses, but it’s got a weird, gritty charm, you know?
I’m a touring session drummer - yeah, i’m perpetually exhausted - and finding a decent place to crash while I’m on the road is a nightmare. everyone’s trying to rip you off, or they’re “renovating” for six months, or they’ll just disappear. so, i’ve compiled some seriously chaotic intel. consider this your drunken advice from a guy who’s probably slept less than a raccoon.
*First, the basics: rent averages around $300-$600 a month, depending on the neighborhood. don’t go for the super cheap places in the industrial zones - trust me. you’ll be sharing a bathroom with a family of raccoons and the wifi will be slower than dial-up. the job market’s… patchy. mostly manufacturing, some tourism, and a lot of street vending. i saw a Reddit thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/Nezahualcoyotl/) that said the average wage is around $10-15 an hour, but that’s before taxes, obviously.
Gear List for Apartment Hunting (because, you know, logistics):
A really good phone with a data plan (essential for checking listings).
A Spanish phrasebook (even if you think you speak Spanish, you’ll need it).
A notebook and pen (for taking notes and scribbling down addresses).
A small backpack (for carrying documents and cash).
A healthy dose of skepticism.
*Where to Look (and where to avoid):
*Facebook Marketplace: Surprisingly, this is where a lot of people are posting. Be extremely cautious. Meet in person, bring a friend, and don’t send money until you’ve seen the place.
*Craigslist Mexico: Still a thing, sadly. Same rules apply - extreme caution.
*Local Real Estate Agents: They’ll charge you a fee, but they can also save you a lot of headaches. Just make sure they’re reputable. I heard from a guy at a taco stand (https://www.yelp.com/) that Agencia Inmobiliaria Ramirez is pretty solid, but do your own research.
*WhatsApp Groups: Lots of local groups advertise apartments. Again, verify everything.
Red Flags (aka, things that scream ‘scam’):
Landlords who refuse to meet in person.
Requests for money upfront without a signed lease.
Properties that look way too good to be true (seriously, if it’s $100 a month, run).
Vague descriptions and blurry photos.
Overheard Gossip (from a woman selling churros): “Ay, chico, the biggest scam is the ‘renovation’ story. They’ll say they’re fixing it up, but it’ll just sit empty for months. Always ask to see the neighbors.”
Another Overheard Rumor (from a guy fixing a motorcycle): “Don’t trust the ones with the fancy cars. They’re usually trying to hide something.”
Cost of Living Data (Rough Estimates - as of Oct 26, 2023):Item Cost (USD) Notes Rent (1BR) $350-$600 Varies wildly by neighborhood Groceries $200-$300 Local markets are cheaper Transportation $50-$100 Metro is affordable Utilities $50-$80 Can be higher in older buildings Internet $30-$50 Speed can be inconsistent
Safety Note:* Nezahualcóyotl is generally safe, but like any big city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and don’t flash cash. I heard from a ghost hunter (https://www.tripadvisor.com/) that there are some… interesting… stories about the canals, but honestly, I’m more worried about finding a decent place to sleep.
Seriously, do your homework. Don’t rush into anything. And if it feels wrong, it probably is. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a taco. And maybe a dry pair of socks.
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