Mexico City Distrito Federal: Guide to the Capital and Former Federal District

Would you like to know what living in Mexico City is like?

Mexico City is the largest city in North America, the political core of Mexico, and a place where Aztec ruins sit next to colonial cathedrals and glass skyscrapers. If you have been searching for “Mexico City Distrito Federal,” you are probably trying to understand what this city actually is, how it works, and whether it could be your next home. This guide breaks it all down for you.

Personally, it’s my FAVORITE city in all of Mexico.

This is where I was born and raised.

My entire family lives here, and we have our family home here. So I may be a bit biased. But I LOVE Mexico City and everything it has to offer! But it may not be for everyone. So, I want to give you an overview of what makes this place so special!

Key Takeaways

• Mexico City was previously known as Distrito Federal (the Federal District) until 2016, when it gained statehood status and became the 32nd state of Mexico under the name Ciudad de México (CDMX). Many locals still say “DF.”
• Mexico City is not part of any of the other Mexican states. It is its own federal entity and serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country.
• Your daily life in Mexico City will differ block by block. Cost of living, safety, and neighborhood feel change between boroughs like Polanco, Roma, Iztapalapa, and Coyoacán.
• The city holds the largest number of museums in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its historical center and Xochimilco, and attractions like Chapultepec Park and the National Palace.

If you are not sure whether Mexico City or another city in Mexico fits you best, take our 2-minute City Matchmaker quiz to get matched with your top 5 cities. Our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide also gives you access to an extended network of trusted contacts in Mexico City and across Mexico.

Quick Overview of Mexico City and the Former Federal District

Mexico City (Ciudad de México) is the capital city of Mexico. It used to be officially called the Federal District (Distrito Federal) until a constitutional reform in 2016 gave it state-level powers and a new name.

• The metropolitan area has about 22 million inhabitants, making it one of the largest urban areas in the world. Mexico City proper holds around 9 million people.
• “Federal district” was the old political status: a territory directly controlled by the federal government, similar to how Washington, D.C. works in the United States. Residents had limited local legislative power for most of the city’s modern history.
• Locals still casually say “DF” or “Distrito Federal.” The legal name is now Ciudad de México, often shortened to CDMX. You will see both versions on documents, license plates, and street signs depending on their age.

Mexico City is a federal district of Mexico in common speech, even though its legal status changed. The political core of Mexico is located here: the president’s offices, Congress, and the Supreme Court all sit within city limits.

From Distrito Federal to Ciudad de México (CDMX): Political Change

On January 29, 2016, a constitutional reform replaced the name Distrito Federal with Ciudad de México and gave the city more autonomy. In 2016, Mexico City gained statehood status, becoming the 32nd state of Mexico. A new local constitution was published in January 2017.

Before 2016, the federal government directly controlled many matters in the Federal District, from security to budget. After the reform, CDMX became similar to the other 31 Mexican states, with its own constitution, local congress, and judicial branch. The mayor of Mexico City has more autonomy since 2016, holding powers comparable to a state governor.

Today the city government works like this:

• An elected Head of Government (similar to a mayor or governor)
• A local Congress (Congreso de la Ciudad de México)
• 16 alcaldías (boroughs) like Coyoacán, Benito Juárez, and Miguel Hidalgo, each with its own elected mayor and council

Although its status changed, la Ciudad de México is still the national capital. It still hosts the National Palace, Congress, and the federal government. When you research or handle documents, you may see both “Distrito Federal” and “Ciudad de México” on older and newer records. This can affect paperwork for visas, real estate deeds, or utility accounts, so always check which name your forms require.

Geography: Where Mexico City Sits Among Mexican States

Mexico City sits in the Valle de México (Valley of Mexico) at about 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level. The city is surrounded on nearly all sides by mountains and volcanoes. Its surface area covers about 1,485 km², while the metropolitan area sprawls across roughly 7,866 km².

• Mexico City is its own federal entity, separate from Estado de México and other Mexican states. But the greater metro area spills over state lines. Neighboring municipalities like Naucalpan, Tlalnepantla, and Ecatepec (all in Estado de México) are tightly linked to CDMX through daily commuting, housing, and business.
• The city was built on the former lake bed of Lake Texcoco. That soft clay foundation is why parts of the city sink; satellite data from 2026 showed subsidence of up to 25 centimeters per year in some zones.
• The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is 400 miles long and runs through this region. The area has seen high levels of volcanic activity, which helped shape the surrounding landscape. As of 2019, 18% of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is protected. Volcanoes like Popocatépetl (5,426 m) and Iztaccíhuatl (5,230 m) are visible from the city on clear days to the east and south.
• The southern conservation zones, including the area around Milpa Alta, remain semi-rural. The Great Water Forest occupies more than 600,000 acres in the mountains south and west of the city.

Urban growth rate in Mexico City has slowed to 1.2% annually, but the region still grows, with building pressure continuing along the metro edge. Daily life, housing, and commuting constantly cross the line between CDMX and Estado de México.

A Short History: From Tenochtitlan to the Federal District and Beyond

Tenochtitlan was founded by the Mexica people in 1325 on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. By 1519, Tenochtitlan had an estimated population of up to 200,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time. Hernán Cortés conquered it in 1521 and built the capital of New Spain on top of its ruins. The city has a rich Aztec and colonial heritage that you can still see in its architecture, street layout, and archaeological sites today.

After Mexican independence in 1821, the city became the capital of the new republic. In 1824, the constitution created the Distrito Federal to keep the seat of government neutral from the rest of the Mexican states. Major turning points followed: the Reform War in the mid-1800s, the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920, and the 1968 Olympic Games that pushed rapid infrastructure growth.

Mexico City’s built area expanded from 23 to 154,710 sq km over the decades of the 20th century, as lake drainage and population growth turned a water-filled valley into a giant urban region. This is why older residents still say “DF”; the name was part of daily life for nearly two centuries. Newer signs, license plates, and maps now say “CDMX” or “Ciudad de México.”

Climate and Environment: Living at High Altitude

Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate. Days are mild (around 20-25°C), nights are cool (sometimes dropping to 6°C in January in higher zones), and you will not experience extreme winter or summer like in lowland parts of Mexico.

• Dry season (roughly November to April): clear skies, cooler nights, less rain. February and March tend to be the warmest and driest months.
• Rainy season (May to October): afternoon and evening thunderstorms, occasional hail. Mornings are usually clear.

If you plan to move here, know that the high altitude means about 25% less oxygen than at sea level. Your first week, expect mild dizziness and shortness of breath during exercise. Bring layers for cool evenings, sunscreen for strong UV, and a rain jacket for the wet months.

Environmental challenges shape daily life:

• Air pollution is better than the 1990s but still a concern. The valley acts like a bowl, trapping smog on calm, cool mornings.
• Between 1970 and 1997, conservation land in the city lost 239 ha of forest cover annually. Authorities have also tried to create conservation and resource-protection programs in the southern forested zones.
• Water scarcity is real. The city pumps groundwater from the old lake bed aquifer, which accelerates land subsidence, and many households pay more for reliable water access when public supply is inconsistent.
• Mexico City is home to approximately 5,300 plant species. The Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands hotspot in the surrounding mountains contains about 75% endemic plant species. Over 80 reptile species are found in the Mexico City area.

Main Districts and Neighborhoods of Mexico City

Mexico City is divided into 16 alcaldías (boroughs), each filled with dozens of colonias (neighborhoods). Your lifestyle can change a lot from one to another.

Central boroughs popular with foreigners and remote workers:

• Cuauhtémoc: includes Roma, Condesa, Juárez, and the Centro Histórico. Walkable streets, restaurants, nightlife, and historic buildings at every corner.
• Miguel Hidalgo: home to Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec, and Chapultepec Park. High-income, green, with luxury shopping and business centers along Paseo de la Reforma.
• Benito Juárez: Narvarte, Del Valle. A middle ground; quieter residential streets mixed with commercial areas, good Metro access.

More traditional and residential areas:

• Coyoacán is known for its historic plazas, cafés, and markets. It has a bohemian, artistic feel in the south of the city.
• Azcapotzalco and Iztacalco are more local and working-class, sometimes industrial.
• Tlalpan and Xochimilco sit on the southern edge with greener, semi-rural sections and the famous canal system.

When choosing a neighborhood, think about walkability, Metro and Metrobús access, noise levels, safety, and distance to hospitals, schools, or coworking spaces. Inside our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide, we maintain an updated breakdown of colonias in Mexico City with on-the-ground input from our extended network of local contacts.

Cost of Living in Mexico City vs. Other Mexican States

Mexico City is generally more expensive than most other Mexican states, but still cheaper than large U.S. and European cities.

Expense	Single person (mid-range colonia)	Couple
Rent (1BR, central)	MXN 13,000 – 28,000/mo	MXN 15,000 – 35,000/mo
Groceries	MXN 4,000 – 6,000/mo	MXN 6,000 – 9,000/mo
Transport	MXN 1,000 – 3,000/mo	MXN 1,500 – 4,000/mo
Utilities	MXN 1,500 – 2,500/mo	MXN 1,500 – 2,500/mo
Total estimate	MXN 25,000 – 35,000/mo	MXN 30,000 – 50,000/mo

Upscale zones like Polanco, Santa Fe, and Lomas cost much more. Cheaper colonias further from the center or with fewer amenities can cut your rent by half.

Smaller cities in other Mexican states offer lower costs. Querétaro, Puebla, and Mérida, for example, have lower average rents and quieter daily life. Some people love CDMX’s energy but choose a lower-cost city instead.

If you want to find out which city fits your budget and lifestyle, take our 2-minute City Matchmaker quiz.

Cultural Life and Top Attractions in Ciudad de México

Mexico City has the largest number of museums in the world, with over 150 spread across the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical center and Xochimilco. The city was named Iberoamerican capital of culture in 2010, and it holds the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas.

Key attractions and sightseeing spots:

• Centro Histórico: the Zócalo (main square), Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor (Aztec ruins), and the National Palace. Downtown Mexico City is often called the City of Palaces due to its stately buildings.
• Chapultepec Park: one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, larger than central park. Inside you will find Chapultepec Castle, a zoo, lakes, and several museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología, which houses a vast collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts.
• Coyoacán: the Frida Kahlo Museum, tree-lined plazas, and local markets in the south of the city.
• Xochimilco: canals and chinampas (floating gardens), a living piece of pre-Hispanic agriculture.
• Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: a major Catholic pilgrimage site in the north of the city, visited by millions each year.
• Paseo de la Reforma: a grand boulevard lined with monuments, including the Ángel de la Independencia, museums, restaurants, and modern towers.

The former Federal District’s status as the capital made it a magnet for artists, writers, and activists from all over the Mexican states and from abroad. If you are planning a scouting trip for relocation, combine tourist visits with time walking neighborhoods where you might actually live. Sit in cafés, try local markets, ride the Metro.

Transportation and Getting Around the Federal District Area

Mexico City has one of the most extensive public transport systems in Latin America. It can feel overwhelming at first, but the basics are simple once you learn them.

• Metro: 12 lines, cheap fares (around MXN 5 per ride), high ridership. Best for crossing long distances. Avoid peak hours (6-9 AM, 5-8 PM) if you can.
• Metrobús: bus rapid transit with dedicated lanes. Faster than regular buses in traffic. Requires a stored-value card.
• RTP buses and trolleybuses: cheaper options that cover routes the Metro does not reach.
• Ecobici: a shared bike system in central zones. Useful for short trips in Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and nearby areas.
• Uber, DiDi, inDrive: widely used, especially late at night, with heavy luggage, or when traveling with kids. Typically safer than hailing a street taxi.

Most tourists and visitors rely on a mix of Metro and ride-hailing apps. Commuting patterns across the metro area are intense; many inhabitants of Estado de México travel daily into Ciudad de México for work, which creates packed trains and highways during rush hours.

Airport access: Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) is located close to the city center, east of downtown. The newer Felipe Ángeles airport sits to the north, in Estado de México. From AICM, you can reach central colonias by Metro, authorized taxi, or ride-hailing app in 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Safety, Security, and Choosing the Right Area

Mexico City has crime, like any large city in the world. But many neighborhoods feel safe and function much like big cities in the U.S. or Europe. Risk levels vary a lot by borough and colonia.

• Central and popular areas (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, parts of Coyoacán, Del Valle) are generally safer for visitors and residents. These areas have more police presence, better street lighting, and active street life.
• Some outer eastern and northern zones (parts of Iztapalapa, Gustavo A. Madero) report higher levels of petty crime and theft. Approach these areas with more caution if you are unfamiliar with them.

Practical safety tips:

• Avoid flashing valuables on the street or on public transport.
• Use app-based rides at night instead of hailing taxis.
• Stay aware on the Metro, especially in crowded cars.
• Learn basic Spanish phrases for emergencies.

If police stop or question you, interactions are usually routine and should not involve force unless a situation escalates.

One common point of confusion: some high-crime areas reported in the news are in Estado de México municipalities just outside the CDMX boundary, not inside the city itself. Inside our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide, we share neighborhood-level safety notes from our extended network, including which blocks to avoid, scams to watch for, and vetted local contacts.

Living in Mexico City: Housing, Work, and Everyday Life

Daily life in Mexico City is filled with street food stands, local markets (tianguis), parks, traffic, and a strong community feel in many colonias. Over 60% of Mexico City’s population lives in informal settlements, which gives you a sense of the city’s economic range and housing diversity.

Housing options for newcomers:

• Short-term furnished rentals (Airbnb-style): flexible but more expensive per month
• Long-term unfurnished apartments: 12-month leases are standard; deposits are typically 1-2 months’ rent; you may need a fiador (guarantor) or an alternative arrangement
• Shared housing or coliving: growing in Roma, Condesa, and Del Valle

Work: many foreigners work remotely for foreign companies. Local employment exists in tech, education, NGOs, call centers, and the film and creative industries. Your immigration status (tourist, temporary residence, permanent residence) affects what work you can legally do and how long you can stay. Always check current visa rules before committing.

Essential services: healthcare ranges from public systems (IMSS/INSABI) to private hospitals and clinics. Schools include public, private, and bilingual or international options. Coworking spaces are common in central boroughs.

How Mexico City Compares to Other Cities de México for Relocation

Mexico City offers big-city energy, culture, and job options, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Here is how it stacks up against a few other popular destinations across different Mexican states:

• Querétaro and Puebla: calmer colonial cities with lower rent, cleaner air, and a slower pace. Less nightlife and fewer international restaurants, but strong local culture.
• Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen: beach towns with a coastal lifestyle. Higher costs for imported goods, fewer museums, but ocean access and a tourist-driven economy.
• San Miguel de Allende and Mérida: popular with expats for their walkability, historic architecture, and lower cost of living. Mérida is hot and humid (lowland); San Miguel is highland and cooler.

Some people choose a “two-city life,” visiting Mexico City for culture and business while living day-to-day in a smaller, more affordable city in another region of the country.

Take our 2-minute City Matchmaker quiz to get matched with your top 5 cities in Mexico based on your answers. Whether you end up in the former Federal District or in a quiet colonial town, our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide and extended network of contacts can help you move with confidence.

Our Network and How We Help You in Mexico City and Beyond

Moving to a city as large as Ciudad de México can feel overwhelming. You do not have to figure everything out alone.

Our extended network includes trusted contacts inside Mexico City and across many Mexican states: relocation experts, real estate professionals, legal help for visas, healthcare brokers, and local fixers. Our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide gives you step-by-step checklists for visas, housing, banking, healthcare, schools, and safety, plus direct access to vetted local contacts in key neighborhoods across the former Federal District area.

Plan your move to Mexico City

I recommend you make a visit to this wonderful city with an open mind to see what living here is like. And who knows? You may even want to retire in Mexico City!

But I know that navigating this giant city on your own can seem daunting.

That is why we offer private relocation tours. These are not touristy tours. Our expert guides will show you different neighborhoods, share important info (including the negatives), and help you decide if living in Mexico City is for you. 

And we also know that navigating Mexican bureaucracy can be challenging. So we created the Complete Mexico Relocation Guide for all the info you need to start a new life in Mexico. We cover the most important basics of moving to Mexico the right way. And we also give you our list of recommended contacts in Mexico City such as real estate agents, immigration facilitators, car brokers, pet transport companies and more!

FAQs About Mexico City and the Former Federal District

Is Mexico City still called the Federal District (Distrito Federal)?

The official name changed in 2016 from Distrito Federal to Ciudad de México (CDMX). Many locals still casually say “DF” or “el Distrito Federal,” and you will see the old name on older documents, vehicle plates, and signs. For any new legal paperwork, use “Ciudad de México.”

Is Mexico City part of any Mexican state?

No. Mexico City is its own federal entity. It is not part of Estado de México or any other state. However, it is surrounded by Estado de México, and the greater metro area crosses state lines constantly. When people refer to “Mexico City” in casual conversation, they sometimes include suburbs that are technically in Estado de México.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Mexico City?

You can get by in tourist areas and some professions with basic English, but daily life is much easier if you learn at least conversational Spanish. Landlords, local markets, government offices, and most service providers operate in Spanish. Even a beginning level of the language will save you money and reduce stress.

Is Mexico City safe for foreigners and families?

Many foreign families live safely in Mexico City by choosing the right neighborhoods, following basic big-city safety habits, and staying informed. Risk varies by area. Our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide gives detailed, neighborhood-level safety tips and vetted contacts to help you settle in with confidence.

How can I know if Mexico City is the right place for me in Mexico?

Compare Mexico City with other cities across Mexico based on climate, budget, pace of life, and safety. The fastest way to start is to take our 2-minute City Matchmaker quiz to get matched with your top 5 Mexican cities. From there, use our guide and contact network to plan a visit and make an informed choice.

Not sure if Mexico City is right for you? Take this 2 Min Quiz and we’ll give you your TOP city matches in Mexico based on YOUR preferences. Go to our City Matchmaker Tool!