A sprawling city of one million people once sat at the bottom of a lake

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, or Neza, emerged from the drained bed of Lake Texcoco in the 20th century. Originally a barren, uninhabited expanse, it evolved into a massive urban center. Today, this unique municipality balances a reputation for high crime and poverty with ambitious cultural projects and modern sports infrastructure.

Until the 20th century, the land now occupied by Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl was submerged under Lake Texcoco. Efforts to drain the interconnected lakes of the Valley of Mexico began as early as 1590 to mitigate chronic flooding in Mexico City. By 1912, the lakebed was declared federal property, and large-scale drainage continued through the 1930s. As the water receded, the government sold the newly exposed land, leading to the first settlements in the 1940s. These early neighborhoods lacked basic infrastructure like electricity, potable water, and sewage systems, a deficit that persisted until the area was formally established as an independent municipality in 1963.

The city's rapid growth—surpassing one million residents by 1995—was fueled by migration from across Mexico. This expansion created a sprawling urban landscape often viewed with skepticism by residents of nearby Mexico City, who sometimes refer to it as 'Neza York.' The city has struggled with high crime rates, partly attributed to 'cholo' gang culture that emerged in the 1990s, influenced by United States-based groups. While some officials argue that gang activity is limited to a few hundred youths, other reports suggest over 100 groups remain active, with violence frequently centered on territorial disputes.

Despite these challenges, Nezahualcóyotl has invested heavily in modernization. The Bordo de Xochiaca landfill, once ranked among the world's dirtiest, was closed in 2006 and transformed into the Ciudad Jardín Bicentenario. This project, backed by a three-billion-peso investment from Grupo Carso, reclaimed 150 hectares to host universities, shopping centers, and modern sports facilities. The city also fosters a vibrant cultural scene, including the Junior Symphony Orchestra of Nezahualcóyotl, established in 1998, and various public parks that serve as hubs for community education and recreation. From its origins as a muddy lakebed to its current status as a dense, complex metropolis, Neza remains a testament to rapid, often improvised, urban development.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Mexico City was built on a lake that once spanned over two thousand square miles.
• Once a lake-filled basin, the Valley of Mexico is now a sinking urban giant.
• Beneath the streets of this Mexican city lies a labyrinth of ancient tunnels.
• Tenochtitlan became North America’s biggest capital
• The borough where the sun was reborn every 52 years
• How a Chicago agricultural exchange became the world's largest financial derivatives marketplace
• Ciudad del Este: The Paraguayan boomtown built on trade, smuggling, and the Triple Frontier.
• How a marshy Panamanian islet became a global crossroads and a city of fire
• How a small Texas food store became a global convenience store powerhouse
• How a Chicago arts college turns creative passion into a sustainable professional career
• Canada's largest cinema chain is currently exploring a potential sale of the company
• A coronet is a ceremonial headdress that signals the specific rank of a peer.

More in Americas · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics