Coliving in Roma Norte, Mexico City
Art deco architecture, tree-lined streets, and Mexico City's densest concentration of nomad-friendly cafes and coworking spaces.
Why Roma Norte works for remote workers
Roma Norte is ground zero for Mexico City’s digital nomad scene, and for good reason. The neighborhood combines beautiful early-20th-century architecture with a walkable layout, excellent cafes, and a cost of living that makes European and American remote workers feel like they’ve discovered a cheat code. A solid one-bedroom apartment runs 600-900 USD/month, meals out cost 5-10 USD, and the coffee is genuinely world-class.
The streets are lined with jacaranda trees (spectacular in March and April), and the mix of art deco mansions, contemporary galleries, and independent bookshops gives the area a cultural density that few neighborhoods anywhere can match. It’s become so popular with nomads that you’ll hear as much English as Spanish in some cafes, which is either a comfort or a warning sign depending on your perspective.
Where to work
Roma Norte might have the best cafe-to-coworking ratio of any neighborhood in the Americas. Quentin Cafe, Blend Station, Chiquitito, and Dosis are all reliable for Wi-Fi and workspace. For dedicated coworking, WeWork, Centraal, and Homework have locations in the area. Many apartments come with rooftop terraces that double as outdoor offices. Internet speeds are generally good — 50-100 Mbps is standard in modern buildings.
Food and social life
The food scene is extraordinary. From high-end restaurants like Contramar and Rosetta to street-level taquerias and market stalls, Roma Norte covers every price point and cuisine. Mercado Roma is a curated food hall, while Mercado Medellin offers a more traditional market experience with Colombian, Cuban, and Mexican vendors. The bar scene is vibrant — mezcalerias, rooftop bars, and speakeasy-style cocktail spots abound.
Getting around
Metro Insurgentes (Line 1) and Metrobus Alvaro Obregon are the main transit options. Roma Norte is flat and very walkable, though pedestrian infrastructure varies — some sidewalks are in rough shape. Uber and DiDi are cheap and widely used. Cycling works on quieter streets but can feel dangerous on the main avenues. The Ecobici bike-sharing system has stations throughout the neighborhood.
Watch out for
The earthquake risk is real — Roma Norte was heavily damaged in both the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes. Check building construction dates and retrofitting. Air quality can be poor, especially in dry season (November-May). Some streets have persistent noise from bars and restaurants. The neighborhood’s popularity with foreigners has driven up prices and created some tension with long-term local residents. Petty crime (phone snatching, bag theft) happens, particularly on quieter streets at night.
