10 ESSENTIAL Things to Know about Living in Guadalajara, Mexico

[@alex-wittman]

At 11:01, I share some of my favorite neighborhoods in Guadalajara. For a closer look at Providencia (one of the best, imo), watch this video next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF6siniGmKioY9U

[@CarlosJimenez-mr7lh]

Hello... I´m from Guadalajara, and I´ve lived in the US (California, Minnesota, and other states), and visited other countries as well... and in my opinion (some may disagree) Guadalajara has the best weather in the world... And that has been also the opinion of many US persons who have come to visit the city... The weather is very mild and pleasant all year long... there is no humidity at all, and you can see blue skies always... We are at 1600 meters above sea level... I see in this video that it´s been exaggerating about the rainy season... The rainy season in GDL (Guadalajara) is one of the best seasons... it usually rains at night or in some cases in the afternoon and it´s not very heavy, actually it´s very pleasant to sleep with... We might have 2 o 3 storms in the whole rainy season that might be strong but nothing serious... Autumn and winter are also the best... So please come to visit GDL, and I´m sure you´ll decide to be here forever...

[@ylekiote99999]

My sentiments exactly. I am a Canadian citizen who has been living in Guadalajara for the last 3 years. One other thing I would also mention though is the complete lack of crime, and homeless people, and drug addicts. Only wonderful people, and very family oriented.

[@miguell.rodriguez7221]

Hello, Alex! Local here. I found myself nodding, as I was watching this video. This city is so underrated. I guess it gets overshadowed by other “more popular” tourist destinations in Mexico. But Guadalajara really does have a lot to offer. What I love most about this place, is the fact that one can get a little bit of a lot of different worlds here. If I want to go to a “traditional old” neighborhood, for instance, in which I can get “a small town feel” and get traditional food like, “menudo” or “carne en su jugo” or “café de olla,” (so tasty and sweet) I can. If I want to go to a place in which I can take pictures of old churches, or check out museums, I can. Or if I want to go to more modern “hipster” places, in which I can find nice coffee shops (like the one you show in this video, I’ll definitely check it out) and get some latte, I can. If I want night life (which is one of my most favorite things about this city) I can definitely have that. If I want to go to a place in which there is modern infrastructure, I can do that as well. If I want I to go shopping, and get beautiful stuff, at a cool mall, I totally can. There is modernity, indeed. There is fashion. People love dressing well (and boy, do they spend money, despite the global situation). There are green spaces (like you mentioned). There’s a beautiful zoo (quite underrated, in my opinion) which is said to be “the best in all of Latin America.” Not quite sure this is true, but for those who like zoos, I say it really is a beautiful special place, for families to enjoy. A lot of visitors don’t know, by the way, that there is also a beautiful aquarium, right next to “Parque Alcalde” called “Acuario Michín.” I definitely recommend it. So yes. Guadalajara is great in a lot of ways. It’s like a combination of a lot of places around the Spanish world, I think. Bad things do happen here. It is indeed a big city, with big city issues. But overall, it may be a place a foreigner can call home. Thanks for this video. Subscribed. PS - I agree about rain season being intense! Cheers. 💚🙋🏻‍♂️

[@alex-wittman]

Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful comment! I shared it over on my Instagram story: instagram.com/alexnotemily/

[@miguell.rodriguez7221]

@@alex-wittman Oh wow! Thanks. I’ll check it out 😊

[@FocusedFighter777]

Without the rain, there would be no life.

[@alex-wittman]

True!

[@pamelalueschen1062]

Thanks Alex. Your videos are always so fun and informative. I love Guadalajara too.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Pamela!

[@janeberryman3581]

Thanks 🙏 good one. I’d like to see you do some walks exploring some of the other colonias mentioned.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for the suggestion, Jane!

[@speedygonzales710]

First time seeing this video and you are very good at giving the insights of living in Mexico, I love it ,makes me want to retire and live in Guadalajara, but I really prefer a small town, away from the city living, but I will watch all of your videos you make , excellent job keep it up ❤❤❤❤

[@madisonelizabethmorthesons9793]

Ajijic is a town near the lake Chapala in Jalisco and is even near Guadalajara, many Americans and Canadians live there and it's an excellent place to live because it's a very quiet place and almost all the people speak english and there are many exclusive villas for Americans, the weather is the best like an eternal spring and summer ❤️👍

[@cindyk3076]

I always enjoy your videos, they are so informative and fun! Guadalajara sounds like a nice city (too big for me if I'm lucky enough to move to Mexico) but definitely a place I would like to visit.

[@alex-wittman]

I definitely recommend at least visiting! There's so much to see and do and EAT!

[@coding4tacos]

Amazing video! GDL looks cool!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching!

[@giulialeone8056]

Guadalajara mi amor 💘

[@alex-wittman]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@Wilfredos_]

Thank you! Great advice, works for many cities in Mexico including Queretaro.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Wilfredo!

[@zerubabel777]

Hi, Alex. Thank you for your video! I am in the process of deciding which is the best city for me in México and I'd love to know the things you loved most about Querétaro and why you decided to leave and go to Guadalajara. Thanks!

[@alex-wittman]

I definitely recommend watching this video I filmed about the pros & cons of living in Queretaro centro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJbWg56he5qrers

[@laura-bronner]

There's a neighborhood called Seattle in GDL?! lol ok I really need to get down there next year.

[@VideosDeMexico]

We are planning to retired there very soon, 😊more affordable than Los Cabos. Hi Laura I am one of your subscribers.

[@alex-wittman]

Don't wait until next year, come now. IT'S MEANT TO BE !!!!

[@VideosDeMexico]

@@alex-wittman We are planning to get there in december of this year and enjoy our first christmas Alex.

[@albertosg471]

It doesn’t look like seattle though, but it’s nice.

[@Gallo2023]

@@albertosg471 There's modern areas with tall buildings also in Guadalajara, shopping Malls, very wealthy neighborhoods {Puerta de Hierro, Andares, etc.}, not what you see in Hollywood movies about Mexico.

[@mdrichards]

Great information, thanks!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Michael! Looking forward to you being back in Guadalajara :)

[@neilarnold5145]

Hi Alex , where is that neighborhood with the lake and park at the beginning of the video . Never saw it . Thank you !

[@alex-wittman]

That's Parque Metropolitano!

[@neilarnold5145]

@@alex-wittman thank you so much !!

[@davebacon6194]

Good info and well presented as usual, send some rain to Querétaro por favor 😊 !

[@alex-wittman]

I thought Querétaro had a rainy season 😅 but it’s nothing compared to Guadalajara!

[@GPosner8]

Another super video👍🏻👏🏻 Air quality is my one big concern when it comes to visiting/staying long term in some of the regions that are in the higher elevations.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! Yes, air quality is definitely something to consider.

[@ylekiote99999]

Rainy season is so overrated. Mostly rains after 7 pm at night. You get a few quick rain showers in the daytime maybe once or twice a week. I would agree that 2024 was a little more rain than normal, but not much. I ride a bike every single day and I got caught only once in a rain shower this year. Soaked my really nice shoes and ruined them:(.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing your experience with rainy season in Guadalajara! With a little planning, it's not too bad & the tradeoff is that air quality improves and the city is so green 🌳

[@JohnSmith-gx4wr]

I am also from united state seattle area i moved to zapopan in 2019 it was little too hot for me so 6 month ago i moved to tesistan its much cooler and way more quiet than guadalajara and zapopan.

[@daniellares7237]

Bien hecho. Casi casi una tapatia!

[@alex-wittman]

Gracias por ver, Daniella!

[@bernardpaulsen825]

Hi Alex, love your channel! My wife and Iwill be in GDL from Sunday afternoon -- that's tomorrow -- 'til Wednesday. We have two Canje appointments on Monday morning at the INM office at Palacio Federal, Alcalde 500, Centro, supported by a facilitator. On Wednesday, we will proceed to Lago de Chapala to check out the location as a possible retirement destination. If you'd like to meet for an interview or video coverage, let me know. P.S. Love the microphone you are using. Which one is it?

[@alex-wittman]

Wishing you all the best with your canje appointment! I hope everything goes smoothly :) The mic is a DJ wireless!

[@giuseppecappelluti3626]

If there is something strange for someone coming from a place with a Mediterranean climate, it’s the idea that the rainy season is the hotter one…

[@cesarurias6646]

Any city in the world where you are just walking and you can hear Bowie somewhere is a place to visit, plus GDL has it all. Dare to come, we don´t bite and remember México isnt that scary once you come (even if it is full of Mexicans)

[@boink800]

Guadalajara is unique in Mexico as it gets much rain, 1200 mm (or so) which is about the same as Seattle. Most of that rain hits in the rainy season ( from June to October). The end of the rainy season has the most intense rain. For this reason, Guadalajara is the Silicon Valley of Mexico. Other larger cities in Mexico get far less rain.

[@alex-wittman]

I woke up to puddles on the surrounding rooftops just this morning! I really am grateful for the rain because not only does it make the city so green, but it really helps with the air quality.

[@boink800]

@@alex-wittman Do you like the dry/hot season in Guadalajara, where it often hits 38°C (that's 100°F in America-speak). It's a long hot/dry season too.

[@alex-wittman]

@@boink800 May is tough here! The heat can be oppressive, but I'm willing to deal with it in return for how lovely it is November-early April. February is my favorite month in GDL weather-wise!

[@katannlee1]

👍🏽great video

[@alex-wittman]

If you liked this video, I think you'll also enjoy my weekend in the life vlog: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3O0XpyCYrVmqKc

[@alex-wittman]

Timestamps are in the description 🤓 If you’re thinking about moving to Guadalajara, don’t miss the must-know public transportation info for getting around the city (starts at 11:30).

[@cantnz]

Would you marry me ? I’m serious

[@luperamos7307]

Have you ever thought of buying in Mexico instead of renting? With the massive increase in property prices you could have built some serious equity and have that place for decades to come. Real estate in general doesn't seem to get any cheaper as time goes on. I have been looking myself, but actually find prices to be very expensive. I think the avg annual income in Mexico is only around 10k. So the cost of living in that country is just shockingly high based on actual incomes.

[@shivammay15]

Can you talk about Hacienda Santa Fe area. Local place. More place. Thank you.

[@davemexico260]

Gracias dios.

[@Gringisimo1]

Great video. Odd question here - is there a search engine to find someone in the city? Admittedly the odds are slim but I met someone 30 years ago from Guadalajara and all I have to go on is her name.

[@alex-wittman]

My first thought is Facebook.

[@p.c.h.6721]

Hi from Spain! Thanks for the videos.. I'm currently deciding between Guadalajara and Queretaro, I prefer Guadalajara based on what I've seen, but I'm a bit scared of the rainy season 😅, I known Queretaro also has a rainy season, but from the research Ive done it's not as bad as in Guadalajara. Please tell me that the rainy season in Guadalajara is not too bad 😢, as long as the rain only lasts for a few hours every day, then it should be fine, right Alex?

[@boink800]

Querétaro gets far less rain, it is much drier. Yes, the Guadalajara rainy season can be intense since they get 90 percent of their rain in the *rainy* season.

[@alex-wittman]

I definitely find it manageable--it is rainy but not generally monsoon levels. I just take care that I'm not out and about when the rain hits. Like I said during the video, it's actually fairly easy to organize my life around it. A small price to pay for all the good things Guadalajara has to offer!

[@TheGdlvegas]

Rainy season in Guadalajara is not something to be worried about, versus that, for me it's the best time of the year!

[@CarlosJimenez-mr7lh]

Hello... I´m from Guadalajara, and I´ve lived in the US and visited other countries... So I can tell for sure that Guadalajara has the best weather in the world... And that has been also the opinion of many US persons who have come to visit the city... The weather is very mild and pleasant all year long, there is no humidity at all, and you can see blue skies always... We are at 1600 meters above sea level... I see in this video that it´s been exaggerating about the rainy season... The rainy season in GDL (Guadalajara) is one of the best seasons... it usually rains at night or in some cases in the afternoon and it´s not very heavy, actually it´s very pleasant to sleep with... We might have 2 o 3 storms in the whole rainy season that might be strong but nothing serious... So please come to visit GDL, and I´m sure you´ll decide to be here forever... Best Regards,

[@p.c.h.6721]

@@CarlosJimenez-mr7lh Carlos muchas gracias, te agradezco mucho tu comentario. A principio del próximo año iremos a visitar Guadalajara y Queretaro, pero basado en lo que he visto por KZbin, me gusta más GDL. Un abrazo y saludos desde España.

[@FerdausHossain-m7z]

Why every car I see in your video is behind iron gate? Does it indicate public safety concern? Does Guadalajara have suburbs like Juriquilla in QRO that my be more to the liking of retired people. Thanks.

[@alex-wittman]

I would say that's just the style of home.

[@tomklein5132]

is parque rojo the same as parque de revolution

[@alex-wittman]

Yes!

[@tomklein5132]

@@alex-wittman I'll have to check out the market on Saturday. I live in Jardin del bosque and was looking for a market like that

[@jq2639]

Can you recommend an honest realtor that will help one find a fair priced rental. I lived in Guadalajara 20 years ago. I’m sure it has changed dramatically.

[@gsmoove9315]

Checked out both Guadalajara and Puebla at the beginning of the year and ended up in Puebla. Both are massive cities but Puebla in general is a lot prettier, a lot less "ghetto" feeling, and in general just a better vibe. Guadalajara is a great foodie city however and their light rail system is nice if public transportation is important to you. I also like Puebla because it feels like a 2 for 1 special in the sense that you have really quick access to Mexico city without actually needing to live in DF.

[@alex-wittman]

Really interesting to hear your thoughts! When we were deciding where to live when we first moved to Mexico back in 2017, our final choice came down to Querétaro & Puebla-a lot of what you like about Puebla reminds me of what we liked about Querétaro! Yessss, GDL is deffff a foodie city & that’s one of the biggest PROS for me :)

[@FWMCBigFoot]

Unfortunately, I'm that person. 66 years old, tried multiple times to learn Spanish, I just am too stupid. Plus the Detroit Mexican consul didn't think I was worthy of getting a Visa in spite of my income, and now with the New Year qualifications I don't qualify. So sick of Michigan winters.

[@jwm6262]

You can get an FMM visa which is good for 6 months

[@p.c.h.6721]

You can try at another consulate

[@boink800]

If Mexico is too difficult, there are plenty of other countries in Latin America which are much more welcoming. And there are many expat hubs in Latin America. If you like that eternal spring climate, Boquete in Panama is a great idea. Another eternal spring climate expat hub is Cuenca in Ecuador. Both Panama and Ecuador use the US dollar as their currency.

[@debrabarnum63]

@FWMCBigFoot Former Michigander here! Hi! I am so sorry that things didn't work out at the Detroit Mexican Consulate. I have an appointment there in Nov. to apply for my Temporary Resident Visa. Any advice for me? I have been living in Mexico since November 2023 on a tourist visa (had to leave/return in May but luckily received 180-days upon reentering). I am 54 and took a 3-week intensive Spanish course at IMAC in Guadalajara and it was very helpful. Just having some basic, beginner conversation skills goes a long ways here and then you can slowly build upon that. You are never too old to learn, you can totally do this! 😀

[@dreamcatcher68-tc4dw]

Some consuls are more strict than other but like someone here mentioned get a fmm permit and spend half a year in Mexico and the other half in Detroit

[@aros9107]

Gdl has positive things, but the traffic is the worst in Mexico as a country, even worst than Mexico City, for that reason alone i wouldn't consider it as my 1st option. (yep, it is that bad)

[@TheGdlvegas]

Chiquita !!! You're so beautiful 😍 ❤❤❤

[@Dave-eu3ib]

FYI it’s in a valley and air pollution is terrible. And hotter compared to chapala area

[@alex-wittman]

That breeze off the lake definitely makes a difference! I talk about air quality/pollution around the 3-minute mark 🤓 thanks for sharing your insights, Dave!

[@ba8898]

Do you sense any anti-Westerner/anti-"expat" mood in Mexico these days? In almost every Instagram post I see by an American talking about how great it is living in Mexico, some of the top-rated comments are by Mexicans telling the gringo to go home and critising gentrification. I can't say I ever sensed this animosity while staying there last year, but I wonder if things have changed a little since then. I wouldn't feel comfortable living in a place where I'm seen as a threat or as some sort of colonial invader.

[@p.c.h.6721]

You will encounter some of that regardless of where you go, it's a worldwide problem.

[@ba8898]

@@p.c.h.6721 not really. You don't see it on posts by westerners living in Argentina or Paraguay, for example.

[@p.c.h.6721]

@@ba8898 I hope so, I'm going to Buenos Aires in a couple of months. But in some areas of Mexico, like in Merida, Yucatan, you can experience that, although most people are polite and respectful.

[@debrabarnum63]

@ba8898 that hasn't been my experience at all in the 10+ cities in Central Mexico that I have visited during the past 10 months. I did see on a Mexico news station a few months ago about protests and anti-foreigner sentiment in Oaxaca. So, it exists but I think it is more of an exception and rare.

[@ba8898]

@@debrabarnum63 I've never sensed it in person either (not even in CDMX, where that sentiment seems to be strongest), but it's all over the place on Instagram.

[@kangaroojack7678]

Hello my wife is from Guadalajara we got married there I am Mexican too I have red hair people say I look like the boxer canelo

[@atypocrat1779]

snow birds beware. air quality sucks there.

[@benchoflemons398]

It’s not the best but Querétaro has dust to be fair

[@alex-wittman]

Definitely something to consider for people with allergies/respiratory issues 03:35

[@lbs7774]

What city in the states do you think has better air quality? Guadalajara is only bad in the high of the dry season with the fires. It's better than the humidity of sea level in any city.

[@atypocrat1779]

@@lbs7774 The dry season is the same timeframe as the snowbird season. I recommend keeping by the ocean. Manzanillo is pretty good most of time. We have a house there and go when Guadalajara gets to be too much. This summer, Guadalajara had a heat wave. It was actually cooler in Manzanillo which is at sea level elevation.

[@lbs7774]

@@atypocrat1779 Manzanillo is suphocatingly humid all year long like everywhere at sea level in the tropics. Been there. Unbearable unless you have AC or you are in swiming suit by the ocean breeze all day long. Guadalajara has perfect weather nov, dec, jan and feb which is the snowbird season. The summer in Guadalajara is the rainy season which has perfect air quality and temperature and the humidity is bearable unlike Manzanillo. . The heat wave it's in spring NOT in summer. Seems like you have interest in lying about the air quality of Guadalajara.

[@adrianvelascovazquez1016]

hello, try guadalajara secreta!!!

[@alex-wittman]

Yessss, I love following them! Amazing recommendations--I linked their Instagram account in the description 🤓 thanks for watching, Adrian!

[@chonkyb3134]

Too big of a city for me 😊

[@alex-wittman]

It’s def not for everyone but certainly a cool place to at least visit 🤓

[@dlwilliamson5644]

@@alex-wittman You are a rockstar! I am old enough to be your mom and am heading to QRO next year after race season! Thank you for all of your generous content!

[@alex-wittman]

@@dlwilliamson5644 So excited for you as you prepare for your big adventure! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Queretaro!

[@RainBitcoins]

Why posting such an old video? Was made in June?... Also what's closest beach ocean beach?

[@alex-wittman]

Not sure why you’d think that 🤔 this was filmed just last week!

[@RainBitcoins]

I misunderstood, I thought you said it's currently June, the rainy season.. Also what's the closest beach?

[@alex-wittman]

@@RainBitcoins the closest beach is Chacala then Lo de Marcos & San Pancho.