The Future of Toluca: Upgrading the Grind (and Maybe My Sanity)

okay, so i've been digging into what’s actually happening in toluca. not the postcard stuff, you know? the stuff that’ll make getting around easier, and hopefully, make sure there’s enough parking for all the tacos. it’s a mixed bag, tbh.



basically, the city's been dropping some serious cash on infrastructure. we’re talking a whole lotta new roads, some seriously revamped public transport, and a push for better bike lanes. and the weather? it’s been one of those days where it’s almost autumn, but still has that weird, humid stillness that makes you feel like you're waiting for something to happen. the sky looks like someone spilled a bottle of lavender and a slightly bruised plum. feels kinda… right? like a Toluca afternoon.


TripAdvisor has some mixed reviews about the public transport, but I’m hearing it’s getting better slowly. The main issue, apparently, is that these new routes are only happening after the rush hour madness. Honestly, the bus lines are a nightmare even now, and I’m convinced the city council is actively trying to maximize my commute time.


*H2: The Roads (and the Frustration)

Seriously though, the road improvements are a big deal. They’re promising to fix a lot of those pothole craters that make driving feel like navigating a bouncer’s forehead.
According to the Toluca City Council's website, they've allocated around 15% of the city budget to road maintenance and improvements over the next 5 years. I'm betting a lot of that's just keeping the potholes from becoming too big. (Don't @ me.) I saw an old dude at a cafe the other day saying that before the new roads, trying to get to the Cerro de la Virgen was a freaking Olympic sport. Apparently, traffic was a solid hour. He swore he saw a man try to use a donkey cart to navigate the highway.

“Dude, it was insane. It took longer than my flight from Mexico City. I swear I saw a flock of pigeons staging a protest against the traffic.” - Luis, overheard at the Cafe El Sol.

H2: The Future of Centros and the Digital Divide

Okay, so the centros - those little town centers - are getting a serious facelift. New sidewalks, better lighting, more green spaces... it’s supposed to boost local businesses. I heard from a history nerd friend that these areas used to be bustling hubs back in the day, and they're trying to bring that energy back.
He mentioned something about a program aiming to provide free Wi-Fi in all the centros by next year, but also that some smaller businesses are hesitant. Apparently, they’re worried it’ll attract too many tourists who won't buy anything. The irony isn't lost on me.

I manage to get some information from the local subreddit - there’s a surprisingly active one (https://www.reddit.com/r/Toluca/) - and it's buzzing with discussions about how to bridge the digital divide. Lots of people are complaining about unreliable internet in their homes.


Pro-tip: If you’re thinking about setting up shop in Toluca, seriously consider having reliable internet. I'm already buffering my soul just thinking about it.


And speaking of jobs, the job market’s… well, it’s a story. Indeed shows unemployment hovering around 4.5%, which isn’t terrible, but still. A lot of people are still looking for opportunities, especially in the creative fields. Apparently, the city's trying to attract more tech companies - which would be a massive win. I saw a post on Facebook from a digital nomad saying they’re loving the cheaper living and the friendly people, but the lack of a decent co-working space is a struggle.


H2: Jardines and Green Spaces

They're finally serious about expanding the green spaces. There’s talk of new parks and urban gardens popping up all over the place. Which is good, because the concrete jungle is getting a little… dense. I found some pics on Unsplash that actually show the city making an effort to plant gardens - it's weird, but cool.
There are whispers - mostly from the yoga instructors and botanists - that the city is aiming to create a network of interconnected urban forests by 2030. Which would be incredible. Imagine just strolling through Toluca and breathing in fresh air.


For those of you looking for a little something to do: Yelp has some good reviews for the botanic gardens - supposedly they're beautiful, but I haven’t been yet. And if you're up for a hike, I recommend the Cerro de la Virgen*, just be prepared for a steep climb. (And maybe bring some water.)


Finally, one rumor I heard from a street artist is that they're planning a city-wide mural project. Huge. Apparently, it's supposed to revitalize some of the more neglected areas. I'm hoping it’ll bring a little more color to the city... and maybe distract from the potholes.

So, yeah. The future of Toluca is looking... complicated. But maybe, just maybe, it's going to be a good one. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a margarita and contemplate the existential dread of public transportation.

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