Welcome to Monterrey !

Monterrey was founded in 1596 by Diego de Montemayor and 12 other Spanish families. This city, now one of Mexico´s most important, celebrated its 400th birthday in 1996 with a series of spectacular and colorful events.

With a population of over 4 million, (Monterrey city proper and surrounding municipalities), it is the second largest industrial and financial center of Mexico and headquarters of many well-known Mexican corporations such as Alfa (steel), Cemex (cement), Imsa (prefabricated structures and batteries), Protexa (pipes and off-shore rigs), Femsa (beer) among others. There are also over 300 US and European companies established in Monterrey, producing and offering a wide variety of products and services for the domestic market and export abroad.

Monterrey is also home to the world renown Monterrey Tec, Mexico´s most prestigious private university, plus a dozen other institutions of high education. It has three recognized and accredited schools of medicine and was just ranked at the levels of MIT, Stanford and Harvard in graduate studies. Although it is not a tourist town, Monterrey has some lovely surrounding areas, including typical towns and world-class museums to visit. Some of its most spectacular landmarks are its mountains (the name Monterrey literally means king of the mountain) so look out for Saddle Mountain on the east, Chipinque and the Sierra Madre mountain range to the south and the Mitre, to its west. 

Most foreigners live in the municipality of San Pedro Garza Garcia, located in the southwest quadrant of the metropolitan area of Monterrey. It offers bilingual education at highly accredited schools such as the official American School Foundation of Monterrey, great shopping at malls and stores the likes of Palacio de Hierro, Sears and exclusive European boutiques and fantastic dining and entertainment.

Foreigners living in this dynamic Mexican town see many differences in life style and culture. However, by jumping in and taking advantage of this opportunity to learn a new language and culture, their stay is all the more enjoyable. However, it is always good to have support groups to turn to and there are many. Americans will find a broad array of organizations and agencies, such as the American Consulate General, the American Chamber of Commerce, the American Society of Monterrey and Newcomers’ Club. For other foreign transferees, there are more than 34 honorary consulates representing countries from all over the world.

Monterrey is definitely an interesting city to work and live in. But, perhaps one of its most valuable assets is its people. Known as regiomontanos, they are famed for being hard-working, straightforward and entrepreneurial. Best of all they are warm and friendly.

Bienvenidos and may your stay in Monterrey be a wonderful experience! 

Kathy M. Gibler
Relocation Specialist with Monterrey!Quality Relocation Services