Young Mexicans Struggle with Housing Crisis in Mexico City

Mexico City's housing crisis is impacting young people, with a shortage of 800,000 homes and rising rents. The average rent for an apartment in central neighborhoods exceeds $1,000 per month, four times the average salary. The crisis is attributed to the pandemic, gentrification, and touristification, and measures such as rent capping and subsidized housing have been implemented to address the issue.

Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico and home to over 20 million residents, is grappling with a severe housing crisis that is particularly impacting its young population. According to recent estimates, the city faces a shortage of approximately 800,000 homes [1]. This shortage, coupled with rising rents, has forced many young residents to commute long distances to access affordable housing, leading to numerous challenges in their personal and professional lives.

One such resident is Saul Lara, a 20-year-old political science student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Lara's daily commute to UNAM from his residence in the outskirts of Mexico City takes him over two hours via motorcycle taxi and crowded metro, illustrating the hardships brought about by the city's housing crisis. Lara works 30 hours a week in a pharmacy, earning a monthly salary of around $370. Despite his financial struggles, he is unable to find affordable housing closer to his university [1].

The housing crisis in Mexico City is not an isolated case. The city's new mayor, Clara Brugada, has vowed to address the issue but acknowledges the enormous challenge ahead. Mexico City's urban planning institute head, Federico Taboada, has stated that the city has a "serious situation" that forces 100,000 people to leave each year due to the inability to afford housing [1].

The root causes of Mexico City's housing crisis are multifaceted. Over the past few decades, housing has been considered "only as an economic good," leading to an excessive increase in rents [1]. In addition, the pandemic, gentrification, and touristification have contributed to the rise in rents [1]. The average rent for an apartment in central neighborhoods such as Roma and Condesa exceeds $1,000 per month, which is four times the average salary in the capital [1].

To address the housing crisis, Mexico City has implemented measures such as rent capping and limiting the use of Airbnb for renting accommodation for more than 182 days per year [1]. However, the impact of these measures on reducing rents and improving access to affordable housing remains to be seen.

In conclusion, Mexico City's persistent housing crisis poses significant challenges for its young population. The shortage of 800,000 homes and rising rents are forcing many residents to make difficult choices regarding their education, employment, and personal lives. Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach that involves increasing the availability of affordable housing, implementing rent control measures, and addressing the root causes of the crisis.

References:
[1] "Mexico City youth grapple with growing housing crisis," Digital Journal, August 23, 2022, https://www.digitaljournal.com/world/mexico-city-youth-grapple-with-growing-housing-crisis/article.