11 BEST PLACES to LIVE IN MEXICO in 2022

[@alex-wittman]

Apartment hunting tips, renting in Spanish cheatsheet & 11-point Move to Mexico Checklist! Download the FREE 32-page Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide (PDF) 👉🏼 backpackingbrunette.com/mexicoguide/

[@Nimue333]

*Gringos go home*

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

I am in Huatulco and if people like hot weather year round and 36 beaches to choose from it might be on your list too! ❤

[@animeretroandgameplay]

Hola seria bueno tener más opciones de ciudades bonitas y seguras de México. Una muy buena opción es Leon Guanajuato, ciudad cosmopolita, moderna y segura y con un clima templado excelente 🤩

[@jamescadzow9545]

I moved to Cabo San Lucas Mexico from Phoenix 2 years ago and it was the best decision. The weather is amazing with low humidity 10 months a year. Humidity was huge factor in my decision process. Cancun, Tulum, P.V. and every other beach location on the East Coast is horrible in terms of humid weather and seaweed and I didn't want to sweat the majority of the year. It's probably the most expensive city in Mexico but it's absolutely beautiful. The culture, people, food and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are here.

[@Nimue333]

*Gringos go home*

[@_JimmyBeGood]

What is the rent like there?

[@jamescadzow9545]

​@@_JimmyBeGoodI'm sorry for the late reply. Rent starts at 1,500 a month and could go up to 10,000 for a luxurious home. Rentals are hard to come by here. On average about 4000 a month for a decent 2000 square foot home with a good view. Prices are similar to the United States because Cabo has a lot of Americans and it's so close to the United States and the beaches are insanely tranquil and beautiful.

[@_JimmyBeGood]

@@jamescadzow9545 No problem thanks for replying. Hopefully they have smaller units as well like condos and apartments. If I were to move there I wouldn’t be looking for a full size house. A one or two bedroom unit would be fine for me.

[@jamescadzow9545]

​@@_JimmyBeGoodif you're looking for a condo you're in good shape. 75% of new construction projects here are condos, single family homes are more rare. The weather is similar to San Diego it's just a little hotter and more consistent 72 - 89 degrees Fahrenheit 12 months a year. You should come out here on vacation and see if you like it. It's very Americanized and it has a Costco and a Walmart for all your needs and you can get Amazon delivered right to your house.

[@LicensedBajaRealtor]

I live in La Paz. Have been here 4+years and it’s been amazing!

[@dontomas7177]

I am going to give you my top five. Best places to live in Mexico, I am a Beach lover, and that is the reason why I love Yucatan, so much to see, explore and discover. 1- Santa Maria Huatulco Oaxaca 2- Merida Yucatan 3- Cuernavaca Morelos 4- Tulum Quintana Roo 5- Valle de Bravo Estado de Mexico

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing! I've been to Merida & Tulum. Would love to check out the other spots on this list!

[@PenelopePitstop888]

Yes! I want to live somewhat near the beach because that's what feeds my soul. However, I'm not able to tolerate the high heat/humidity of such. So I'm in intensive research into where I want to live. I'm visiting the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala in a couple months to check if I may find it to be more compatible. Do you have any suggestions of a "cooler" city in Mexico that's maybe an hour away from the ocean? Any thoughts are appreciated!

[@efrainjimenez5361]

Falto Tlaxcala hermoso clima y siudad.

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

@@PenelopePitstop888I've surfed my whole life so I'm fully aware of what the ocean can do for a persons general wellbeing. I had been coming to Baja to beach camp and surf for decades so I knew the area and to expect when I moved here from the LA/Ventura area last year. During those years fell in love with the smiling, friendly, helpful and welcoming people, food and family based culture and told myself years ago that when I retired and settled down I would live here in Ensenada. It's very affordable and I live like a Rey a couple miles from the beach. You won't need an ac because the weather is great here year round and it cools down so you can sleep comfortably with a light blanket in summer and maybe a little space heater in winter with some big comfy blankets. It's also very walkable to most everything you may need. Don't wait, the time is never just right. Buena suerte! 😎🏄🌮🥥🍯

[@the_salty_melody]

Tulum is extremely expensive and turning more and more dangerous because of the parties -> drugs -> cartel activity.

[@marcialynn3469]

I live 90 miles south of the California border in San Felipe, Baja CA. Love it on the beach, retired. Great internet, my house is 400 a month

[@magamaga1827]

sounds great. as a new yorker, i'm looking to leave. is it safe in san felipe? downside?

[@russellbarnes7728]

We've been living in Morelia, for three years. My wife is a Mexican citizen, and I'm from Reno, Nevada. It's been wonderful for me. Beautiful city, architecture, beautiful people, great food, perfect weather! Best move ever. Have never been victimized by any crime, or been ripped off. It's nothing like it is depicted in the US media! VIVA MEXICO 🇲🇽

[@mellissaamberfernandez7723]

Coming from California a lot of our family agreed that Morelia felt very safe and adorable.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@DogWalkerBill]

Guadalajara: I had husband & wife friends. The wife had a chronic condition. They did medical tourism to Guadalajara, MX. They bought a condo there and the wife loved the city. They claimed the medical resources there were excellent and much less expensive than the USA. Many doctors in Guadalajara also had offices in Southern California.

[@vero_nicaasmr]

Sounds right

[@Nimue333]

*Gringos go home*

[@DavidCoxDallas]

this may be of little interest here but, one of the most important events in Earth history is widely accepted to have happened near Mérida: the Chicxulub impact some 66 mil years ago. this asteroid impact was not only what caused the many cenotes in Yucatan, it also caused a mass extinction, including the dinosaurs. Mammals, including people eventually, then took over as the dominant animals on Earth.

[@erldagerl9826]

Natural history is always interesting.

[@gringoviejo1935]

@@erldagerl9826 agreed but, few others are likely to chime in! 😶‍🌫

[@dontomas7177]

very nice comment, that is the reason why I want to live in Yucatan when I retire, in you Yucatán, there are over 6000 cenotes, beautiful Beaches, Mayan ruins, natural beauty everywhere,

[@jam9297]

Thanks for sharing with the class.

[@DavidCoxDallas]

@@jam9297 😄

[@potsylvania]

I like San Cristobal de las Casas. I went there initially as a border run from Guatemala, where I was living at Lake Atitlan.Visited with friends, long time expats. Fell in love with the colonial town in the mountains, surrounded with traditional indigenous textiles and traditions, and an expat community and not that far from international airport at Tuxla Gutiarez..

[@alex-wittman]

I visited San Cristobal very briefly & very much want to go back for a longer visited!

[@giannagiavelli5098]

had no idea there was an airport near there. how long a drive to the airport from centro?

[@potsylvania]

Maybe less than an hour

[@emerislinmer]

I just got here to San Cristobal, it is absolutely off the hook amazing. I had never even heard of it before, but I met a friend in Oaxaca who told me about it. So far, this is my favorite city in Mexico.

[@luckylokomotiongarcias6152]

Good move Alex, living in America has become so hostile & stressful just ain't what it used to be

[@nsanenthembrane]

Yep

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching!

[@6teezkid]

Yeah, I'm outta here! I'm 67 years old and NEVER thought I'd ever feel this way. But, Americans make me puke. "Wahhhh!!! Wahhhh!!! Life is so hard!! I can't get my $200,000 job right away. But, I also hate people who only think of money!" And,"I get so offended all the time!" I have the money to leave here, but the easy life isn't what I'm looking for. I want to be around real people who love their families and are content with life...because yes, it is hard. But, it's also great and it's all we have! 😊

[@Luckimee]

Very hostile for no reason. The stress just dropping my kid kff to school its too much

[@tvbuu]

​@@Luckimeeyup

[@clough40]

I have been in Mexico for almost 13 years. Started out in the Yucatan. Lived in Progresso one year on the beach. Lots of sand and lots of wind. The last 3 years I have lived in Coatepec. I am more of a green grass and big tree person. Coatpec is a bedroom community for Halapa, the capital for the state of Veracruz. Not many expats so learning Spanish is very helpful. Much slower pace of life. But at the end of the day the best thing about living in Mexico is the Mexican people and the lower living cost.

[@Rafagazz]

LIKE A MEXICAN LIVING ON CHICAGO I SO SORPRICE HOY MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING TO LIVE ON MEXICO ARE IGNORING MOST OF THE WONDERFUL PLACES TO LIVE TO GO TO THE EXPENSES TURISTICS PLACES BUT ON DURANGO ITS SO CHIP SO MUCH BEUTY LIKE SWITZERLAND ON SIERRA MADRE

[@alex-wittman]

I've heard Durango is excellent for outdoor activities like hiking!

[@brendajerez2235]

Thank you for the tip. In my bucket list.

[@peopleofonefire9643]

Lifelong friends that I made in Mexico City, while on a fellowship in Mexico many years ago . . . moved to Morelia, Tepoztlan, Playa del Carmen (Campeche) and Merida. Of the four, my favorite is Tepoztlan, Morelos. It has a very pleasant climate year round and magnificent natural surroundings. However, it also has excellent expressway and bus connections to Mexico City. Tepoztlan is the most pedestrian friendly of the four, also. You can easily walk from the Centro to haciendas and farms.

[@dennishassler605]

I really like Puerto Vallarta for the infrastructure and convenience of location - they are very supportive about the expat community. I love Huatulco, too, but it gets HOT there with direct sun.

[@alex-wittman]

A supportive community is a huge plus especially when first getting settled!

[@nicolecarnevale3226]

Hi Dennis, Could you tell us about the cost of real estate, foods, transportation? Thanks!!

[@dennishassler605]

@@nicolecarnevale3226 Real Estate can be a bit tricky in Mexico. Most recommend buying titled property; however, "Ejeto Land" is meant for natives only (buying is more like renting so be very careful), but there could be some value there given it's cheap enough in my opinion - some resort areas used to be ejeto land and some areas surrounding resorts still remains so. If you are a perm resident, you can own titled land as long as it's 50 miles from the coastline. For coastal land you'll need a trust and you must pay for the trust and it can be difficult to transfer even after you are a citizen, too. The good thing about owning is low property taxes and cash prices that can be very low, too, and you can resell as value appreciates - in resort areas that can happen. Also, building on land can be economical back in the colonias (neighborhoods), but Mexican construction workers can be unreliable so don't pay in advance. Be careful, because Mexico properties can be built poorly and don't have serious issues, but they can also be built better - nice to have locals helping you and check everything in detail, too. There are a lot of scams around, so be very suspicious, too, and authenticate everything. The food chain is much better in Mexico - most markets obtain local crops. I usually drive my own car and have not had problems, but it's best to take an expendable vehicle. Even with insurance, if the car is stolen, you may not be paid and you may not recover the car, but it's still essential to have insurance. Once in Acapulco, I met a man from Switzerland that returned to recover payment for his stolen car - never heard the outcome but I doubt that he ever recovered from the insurance. Some joke that having the insurance they let you go, most likely. There's some risk in traveling - I've been lucky so far!!!! In adversity, always remain friendly and confident, but don't be disappointed if you have to sustain a loss.

[@elithompson5909]

​@@dennishassler605Thank you!

[@thomashalsey2331]

You should do more videos like this one. If this isn't your best one, it is at least one of your best.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Thomas!

[@jarrowmarrow]

Puerto Escondido is wonderful beautiful and compelling. You gotta talk about the climate though. It is hotter than Haidies for the majority of the middle of the day. And that’s during the cold time of year. You gotta love the roasting temps or you’re gonna have to move. But an absolutely lovely place.

[@alex-wittman]

I definitely recommend checking out this followup video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LWYn-CgbWdopI

[@MexicoAdventurer]

My favorite picks? San Miguel de Allende, San Luis Potosi, Guadalajara, Jalisco Zamora y Paracho, Michoacan and Santiago NL Manzanillo used to be high on the list but it is extremely dangerous now.

[@mrbutch308]

I would add the charming lakeside town of Ajijic near Guadalajara. Lots of retired American and Canadian live there and most people in the town speak English. For a rather small town it has a great restaurant scene.

[@janineintheworld]

This is a great round-up!! I have only spent half a day in Queretaro (and we hung out the whole time!!) but I was blown away by how clean it is. I've been ALL OVER the country and it was the cleanest city I've seen. Puebla might be second. Also, I had no idea there were 60k people in Puerto Escondido?! How?! I think you might have missed Guanajuato City on the list, but let's just keep it a secret. 😉

[@alex-wittman]

Guanajuato City is a gem! I hope you make it back to Queretaro one day, Janine!

[@jd3422]

I was happy to see Mexico City on your list. I have been there and love it. I am very much oriented towards urban environments. That is the only place I would consider to live because there are enough museums and sights to keep me occupied.

[@ivansanchez8458]

I live in México City, I really think is the most amazing big City in the world, it has ecerything, great culture, weather, food, cosmo, beautiful place.

[@jd3422]

@@ivansanchez8458 Thank you for this. I was supposed to return in January, but the omicron variant was rising at the time, so I had to delay my visit.

[@leemartinez2975]

It would be great to make an updated video on mortgage financing options available to foreigners. Maybe even a video on some of the advantages of living within a short drive to the US border, some cities could be MTY, Saltillo, Ensenada, Chihuahua.

[@abelardog6780]

Muchos lugares bellos, buenos, únicos y llenos de cultura existen en México.

[@ELBarbarro]

Guadalajara is my absolute favorite city in Mexico!! While all these KZbinrs are busy giving us the cost of living of coastal towns and cities where expats are gravitating, im out here swimming upstream and trying to live in Guadalajara. I want a big city…and GDL is it🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@rogerrose4845]

Need to know best urban city museum. Theater, and all what a big city offers.. WOULD BE A GREAT VIDEO

[@Coolaviationfan]

I would love all those expats to start gravitating back to the US.

[@pygmalioninvenus6057]

@@Coolaviationfan Perhaps you're jealous of them

[@simioncristian84]

I m living in LA Paz baja california sur from 6..7 years is a peaceful city with many beaches.

[@alex-wittman]

I've heard many wonderful things about La Paz & am hoping to visit later this year!

[@larrypicard8802]

I’ve heard Xalapa, Veracruz the capital of said state is quite nice. Smaller and it has a university. I agree with the woman who spoke about Mexico City. Like most places you find your niche and live and play there while still having options in the rest of the city.

[@matute11]

Gosh, great vid. I am Jones'en for some Mexico! I swore I wouldn't live another year in North Carolina and this winter but here I am....Oaxaca looks like my place along with Puerto Escondido!! Every city was great, I am putting this vid in my favorites photo for researching for when I finally move to Mexico!

[@alex-wittman]

I'm so glad to hear your found it helpful! Keep your eye out for what I hope will be an interesting PART 2!

[@kareesu1]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@februaryschild0216]

I’d like to hear more about the local people in these areas. I’m moving to Puerto soon and when I visited, I loved meeting the local people. I learned a bit about the Afro-Mexicano culture, and its influence on the food/culture in Oaxaca state. It helped to really get to know the area. What have been your experiences with the locals? Thanks for another great video.

[@alex-wittman]

My wedding planner is a Puerto Escondido local & right now, she's one of my favorite people in the world!

[@Matchless_Monarch]

Hi Dani, I’m thinking about puerto as well. They were some of the nicest people I’ve met there and scenery was amazing!!!!

[@Matchless_Monarch]

I mean *Puerta Villarta sorry

[@neshellerichardson1515]

Have you moved yet? Hoping to move in the next few months 🙏🏾

[@dontomas7177]

over all Mexican People, are one of the most friendliest, welcoming People in the World, People of color are not only welcome, but loved by most Mexican People, don't be surprised, if People stop you on the street and want to touch your skin, because there is not a big African descendants community in Mexico.

[@boink800]

Other highland cities to consider: Cuernavaca, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi and Taxco. For those who need to be close to the US, Ensenada (just south of Tijuana) would be a reasonable option too.

[@alex-wittman]

Love love love Guanajuato 🤓 thanks for sharing these places in Mexico! Ahhh so many places yet to visit!

[@DavidCoxDallas]

@@alex-wittman have you done any videos about Guanajuato city? please share!

[@laura-bronner]

Love this so much! Cannot wait to talk about Baja California Sur and why it's the BEST with you next month! Would love to transport myself there right now tbh 🤣

[@alex-wittman]

We’re so excited to have your expertise inside the Move to Mexico Membership 🇲🇽 thanks for contributing to this video, Laura!

[@hivolco151]

I really like the short interviews with people who live in a variety of areas , plus you have your own opinion having visited these places So obviously you really landed in the beautiful Central Mexico, which it would seem the Mexican people appreciate even more than beach towns for their daily life. I think steering clear of beach towns for actually making a home, makes more sense... because We all need somewhere to "vacation" right? :) I am always surprised that Campeche is overlooked, but it is definitely on my radar! Thanks for your terrific list!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching & yes, I've heard very good things about Campeche 🤓

[@MoreliaIInvestigator]

I’m glad you enjoyed Morelia! I moved here in December 2020, and love it every each moment. My top 3 was Morelia, Querétaro & San Miguel de Allende prior to moving here, Scott is a friend of mine here after his moved and we have a great group of expats in Morelia. Love the weather… similar to QRO & SMA. Best decision in my life!

[@melissapowell4446]

@MX VINO Is there a Morelia expat FB group you’d recommend? We’re trying to narrow down our list of possible cities and having access to locals opinions is so helpful. TIA!

[@jaelmich]

I am glad you loved Morelia. Actually I am from there, but I had to move several years ago to Mexico City, however I still continue to go often to my hometown. Please let le know should you have any questions about Morelia, con gusto te puedo ayudar. Saludos !

[@MoreliaIInvestigator]

@@melissapowell4446 Sorry! I just read your message. Yes, Expats in Morelia & Morelia United. They are both great resources.

[@MoreliaIInvestigator]

@@jaelmich Thanks Ismael, hope to see you when you’re in town. I love the Día de muertos here, a great vibe!

[@RusticaHouse]

I live most of the time in San Miguel de Allende, own a house in Patzcuaro and a beach condo in Ixtapa. I believe I have best what the world has to offer. While San Miguel and Patzcuaro are located over 2000 m above the sea level making spring temperatures more less all around the year, ixtapa is hot with very clean beaches. All those three places are expensive and that what I was looking for. Excellent restaurants, bars, lot of events, festivals and huge library in San Miguel with English language books.

[@philruitcel2696]

Isla Mujers off the coast of Cancun is very nice, very safe great food...hot, humid in summer but it is the closest point to Cuba after all. The locals are Mayan. Very nice people

[@michaelking4578]

I'm practicing getting accustomed to the heat and humidity of Merida by living in Alabama first.

[@ebenezerjohnii6427]

Great video, thank you. Please explore Vera Cruz, I'd like to visit it.

[@richard135b7]

Beautiful presentation. Amazing content. Thanks for all that detailed research.

[@PenelopePitstop888]

Thanks Alex for the valuable info❣ I'm so over living in Houston and my very soul needs to get outta here! I've been researching for about a year now to find what places seem most suited to my "vision." I'm visiting the Lake Atitlan, Guatemala area in late spring as an exploration to see if it hits the spot. I have a dilemma because my soul craves the beach/ocean, but I truly can't tolerate high heat/humidity anymore. I have gained a LOT of information from reading your subscriber's comments;grateful to all those who took the time to do so❣ But it's like my head is spinning with all the choices! I'm ready to leave the U.S. behind today! I'd be SO GRATEFUL for suggestions of smaller cities that are say, an hour from a beach but have cooler temperatures? Hopefully your AMAZING subs can chime in with suggestions! Maybe I'm just dreaming of a city like I described, but I'm ever hopeful! Many thanks to everyone❣

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

Ensenada is right on the beach and it has a great climate, not too hot not too cold. The Pacific ocean here hovers between the high 50's and mid 60's and keeps the weather nice. Buena suerte!

[@alex-wittman]

FOLLOW-UP VIDEO: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LWYn-CgbWdopI Hear foreigners living in these SAME CITIES in Mexico share what you NEED TO KNOW before moving there!

[@dennishassler605]

I travel a lot in Mexico. Once in Acapulco I had a group of younger friends and one was black, so there are some black Mexicans, but they appear rare. Also, there are several Indian tribes in Mexico - surprisingly, many Mexican Indians do NOT speak Spanish. There are several Indian tribes in Mexico and there's several Indian languages as well. Yeats back, I estimated that 80% of Mexicans speak Spanish - there are a lot that speak Indian languages.

[@dhobby7771]

Thxs for this wonderful video!! Mexico is a fantastic country in every aspect. I have lived in Puerto Vallarta, Playa Tijuana, current!y in Cancun. Cancun is my favorite. Cabo, Mexico City, GDL are all wonderful. Looking forward to visited each city in this video. I found your guest to be interesting and accurate. Muchas Gracias to the fine citizens of Mexico. ☺

[@paulcardoza9891]

How is the utilities and plumbing in Playa Tijuana? I am looking to move from San Diego to Playas. I am researching it now . Thanks in advance for your help

[@JCA51698]

Love your videos Alex! Ensenada, Baja California won me over a few years ago and I can’t wait to live there! Rosarito and San Felipe, B.C. also on my list, and Guaymas, Sonora is as well.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Jason! Ahhhh I need to do a BIG trip up and down Baja California 🤓🇲🇽

[@JCA51698]

@@alex-wittman do it! And check out Sonora for us too!

[@ivansanchez8458]

Do you Know San Carlos?

[@jennyhammond9261]

LOOOOVE Mexico City!!!! The public transportation can't be beat. You can literally get across the entire city for 25 cents (USD). It doesn't feel overwhelming at all (by my standards). You'll never run out of things to do/see and you're close to other major cities. However, I've decided on the Pachuca area b/c of CDMX's infrastructure problems caused by the city sinking. Pachuca is a cheap, short bus ride away and the state of Hidalgo is one of the cheapest. Honestly, there isn't much to do in Pachuca, but its proximity to CDMX and other major cities makes it doable. I'll be close to loads of water parks and a day trip away to las Grutas de Tolantongo. And....almost no foreigners!!! (bonus in my book)

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks so much for sharing, Jenny!

[@spinnradio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioC7pqCwaLWHhMU

[@1stNoelJensen]

So, I'm thinking about greater CDMX -- Tula, Pachuca, Cuernavaca, and Toluca. I'm interested to know what you know/think about those areas...TIA

[@phildodd5532]

Excellent as always, Alex. I see you left off Chapala/Ajijic. Brave girl. :) Most everyone always includes that in their lists. Having lived in Chapala for 14 years and recently visiting again, I would leave it off my list, too. Too much traffic, people, wall-to-wall businesses, parking problems, etc. and has lost its magic charm for us. The infrastructure and local government has deteriorated badly. We plan to check out Puebla and Morelia again.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Phil & for sharing your experience in Chapala!

[@EllenShapiro]

Morelia is a vibrant city but the traffic is insane.

[@geraldb9706]

Hey Alex, I have not commented for quite some time, but have been watching and enjoying all your episodes. This particular episode is very good. Giving lots of information and knowledge on all the different places for people to consider visiting or living. Keep up the great work Alex! I’ll be hanging out and following along. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦

[@alex-wittman]

Glad to have you hear, Gerald! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@tjlawhon]

If you haven't been, check out Monterrey. I call it my second home as my wife is from there. Beautiful city!

[@JorgeSchz2004]

Definitely Monterrey is so underrated.

[@michaelmansfield1289]

Thanks for your interesting videos! I would like to hear from someone living in the Huatulco and Puerto Escondido and other areas of Oaxaca state, as well as Zihuantanejo, Manzanillo area, Loreto, and Sayulita Mexico.

[@marciejade1408]

Great list Alex!! It’s hard to choose lol. I will most likely “retire” in Morelia as it’s close to my hubby’s hometown, but I also love it there it’s the only place I feel at hone. I do fantasize about living in CDMX though ❤️

[@alex-wittman]

Morelia is lovely, but I fall more and more in love with CDMX every time I visit 🤩

[@giannagiavelli5098]

what are your fav places for cafes and lunch in morelia? what about activities (zoo hikes etc). you dont feel danger there? i saw a vid with all these homeless tents downtown and that was a bit shocking not sure if that was an all time thing but I think I can't quite afford real estate in qro so I'm thinking morelia there are some great houses with a bit of land but only 8 mins to centro

[@aravindr8238]

Nice video. Covers almost all key cities to live. Wish Saltillo, Ensenado, & San Felipe had also found its way into this list.

[@melodyfalaise581]

Pleaseeeee do more videos speaking more indept about mexico city......thank you so much for these informative videos

[@dennishassler605]

Guadalajara is an excellent city. It's in a part of Mexico with very progressive and educated Mexicans making it one of the most wealthy states in Mexico - Jalisco!

[@pygmalioninvenus6057]

It's progressive attitude is progressing it off a cliff. It's definitely trendy and cool though.

[@bobbyboombeck]

I'd love to know more about Merida. Bummer you didn't have someone talk about living there like in other sections. Hope you can do more on this area.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for the feedback, Bobby! I have more on Merida coming!

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

If you like extreme heat along with extreme humidity you'll like Merida because has both in abundance most of the year..

[@alainbergeron4520]

Thanks Alex for this insightful presentation and comments. As a wild card, I was told Cuernavaca/Tepoztlán area is great. Also Valle de Bravo for the outdoor activities is high on my list.There's a small town in the same area called Malimalco I was told is up and coming.

[@wcbrigance]

Great video! I have been exploring Mexico since 1978. My daughter and I will be staying in San Miguel for a month this upcoming July. In a couple of years I will decide where I to buy and retire. You videos help me decide on potential places to visit.

[@ivansanchez8458]

San Miguel is a dream place, my second favorite after los Cabos

[@JerryMan-z7h]

Honorable mentions from a mexican residing in tx San Felipe Guanajuato Smallish, affordable, great weather Guanajuato City University, great weather, hub , picturesque Chapala Jalisco Water sports, fishing, tequila

[@Lane9693]

Alex, as an original KZbinr on Mexico i appreciate you so much! Your honesty & practicality is needed for someone like me who is considering retiring in Mexico in mid 2023. ! Gracias! As a (not rich) Gay man, im considerinf Morelia, San Miguel de Allende and Queretaro/SLP, any thoughts from you or other viewers on those coties

[@adanperalta717]

Nice job, Alex! How safe are these towns /cities you mentioned. I was in Queretaro last month and it seemed pretty safe.

[@roddin9280]

Fantastic list, I love all the places you highlighted, thank you

[@amercofab6771]

San Cristobal de las Casas, Ajijic Jalisco, Tapalpa Jalisco, Mazamitla Jalisco, and the best small town in Mexico is Susticacan Zacatecas, which is called the cleanest town in Mexico I have been trying to buy property there for almost 5 years but nobody wants to sell.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing these awesome cities & towns!

[@AnnDavila-b7n]

I love Leon GTO living here 4 months of the year for over 20 years

[@Uroboros663]

You definitely need to travel more north. Monterrey, Saltillo, Hermosillo, Mazatlán are some great cities that have been left out from this list.

[@kirk5826]

Super helpful video and very well done! Keep up the great work!😊

[@alex-wittman]

Glad it was helpful, Kirk!

[@raymcsloy8125]

Thanks for another excellent, well done, informative video. We look forward to visiting Queretero next time we’re in beautiful Mexico!

[@ernestotobias4944]

Visit Queretaro. Don’t fuckkng shit move here

[@glendabillingsley6996]

Really Amazing video. Loved the friends comments. Very personalized, useful touch. Just starting my expat research journey. Much obliged.

[@alex-wittman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexandermaclean1735]

Thank You...for that wealth of information....now I shall watch and listen to the video again...

[@samuelr007ruiz9]

Aguascalientes is really safe actually, being the capital of its homonymous state has all of the amenities that you'll need, its population is 1,300,000; the only downside I see is that the regions surrounding the state (not the city, the state) are quite dangerous, if you wanna go in vacation outside the city either you hit the "highway" between 7am - 3 pm or you take an airplane, Aguascalientes is an "oasis" between south Zacatecas and "el Bajio" in north-east Jalisco. As all cities it has its dangerous zones (this one's ubicated in the outskirts of the city), but in general you can be outside in the downton region till 10pm and everything will be fine; thanks to the size of the city and its main 3 “highways” in the form of rings you can go in car from one tip of the city to the other in 25 minutes. The Centennial Miguel Hidalgo Hospital is in the top 50 best hospitals in Mexico. There is various parks in the city, the biggest one being the “Rodolfo Landeros Park” which was previously the state’s airport so it's considerably big and has plenty of Family Recreational Services, in front of this park is a commercial center with a cinema and at a distance of 10 minutes on foot is the “Aguascalientes theater” home of the state orchestra. The Autonomous University of Aguascalientes (UAA) is the 136th best university in all of Latin America and its degrees have validity throughout Mexico and most can be validated in the USA as well. I've lived my whole life in this city, I hope this helps you.

[@willgibson7478]

If you go to Morelia, do yourself a favor and take a day trip to nearby Quiroga. It's the birthplace of carnitas.

[@sandralima3171]

Please make an updated video about the coastal towns on the East side, including Playa del Carmen and also the small cities between Cancun and Tulum. Nobody is very detailed about them. As usual, we want to know about cost of living, rent, medical and dental care, and most reasonable place to buy real estate please. Thank you so much.

[@msmargiek48]

Great video, somehow you know what I am thinking about regarding Mexico haha. We are traveling the US in our van and seeing if there is a place here to live. Although I am think Mexico would be a great option. My biggest thing is the weather. I melt in humidity. Thank you for including that in the video. There was about 4 places in your video that I was looking at but it sure gave me other options. We just need to come and explore. Thank you so much

[@alex-wittman]

I'm glad to hear you found the video helpful, Margie! I prefer dry heat & I think most of my "best places to live in Mexico" choices reflect that 🤓

[@terrycavender]

Maybe you should also touch on the not so great things, like the air pollution in Guadalajara. The first time I got a good look at the city from above I was shocked to see a brown layer of haze hanging over it. And the smell when I got in! Reminded me of my area in the early eighties.

[@alex-wittman]

I hope you're subscribed, Terry! Because I have a very interesting video coming to the channel 🤓

[@terrycavender]

@@alex-wittman no, I'm not. Kinda tired of watching upbeat KZbinrs glossing over important details. I've been living in Mexico for over six months, and I have seen some things. So called, "paradise," areas where untreated sewage flows into a lake, for instance. Convicted murderers posing as lawyers... 🙄 Beggars, pickpockets..... I'll stop now.

[@alex-wittman]

@@terrycavender I hope you find a place that makes you happy!

[@terrycavender]

@@alex-wittman thank you, but these are just things I have observed, but never seen mentioned. My own happiness is not connected to them. Right now I'm just slow traveling Mexico.

[@pcookson]

After traveling about 8 months of my life throughout Mexico id say most of the best places fortunately don't make top lists that i have come across on KZbin channels. Greatful the truly great places are still a secret kept to those who venture off the usual gringo trails. My experience with these lists are that prices tend to go higher along with crime in those places.

[@alex-wittman]

I hope you enjoyed your time in Mexico!

[@Zilla705]

Elizabeth Tayor and Richard Burton had a home in Puerta Vallarta. She filmed Night of the Iguana there

[@NickPoninski]

Great video. It really opened my eyes about all the possible options of where to live in Mexico. I just figured I'd move to Mexico City but now I have a bit of work to do to figure out where would be best for me. I want somewhere "safe". Somewhere with good transport links so I can explore other areas of Mexico easily at weekends. Lots of trees/hiking nearby for the afternoons/evenings. And somewhere where there's a decent shared workspace so I can easily meet other foreigners/expats/immigrants. Shouldn't be too difficult, right?

[@gordonause6956]

I love Mexico. I lived there for 6 months in the 90's and I travel there frequently. I am considering it for retirement. During our drive through Mexico we had extended stays in Culiacan, Mazatlan, San Blas, PV, Patzcuaro, Cuernavaca, Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, San Cristobal, Palenque, Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen. One cautionary tale for the state of Michoacan (Zitacuaro), my partner and I had a very ugly experience with corrupt federales who were attempting to extort a huge bribe from us. It was like something out of a movie. I've never seen such dark souls as those three men. They were coked up and liquored up, traveling with their families (wives & children!) as were we. They were from Morelia. We left town in the middle of the night. There is no way I will travel in that part of the country ever again. Sadly. Uruapan and Patzcuaro were two of my favorite places in the entire country.

[@pablovazquezpiquet1769]

The federal police were eliminated by the current president AMLO

[@jps3b]

I just found your channel and subscribed. My wife and I are in the process of purchasing a home in Los Cabo’s. I’ll be retiring in two years at the young age of 54 and we are planning on spending half the year in Cabo and half of the year in Southern California. If we love it, I really see us selling our home in California and purchasing a nice place somewhere in central Mexico. We would like to find a place where the weather is cooler. We have some really nice ideas after watching this video. So thank you.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching & welcome to our community!

[@ivansanchez8458]

Los Cabos is my favorite place in the world, I also want to retire there

[@pamelanurse2024]

If people have heart or lung conditions the higher elevations might be challenging. I was in San Miguel last month and it got down to 38 F at night with no heat. I was so cold I couldn’t sleep.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Pamela! I'm sure other people will find your insight helpful!

[@emmagalvan6034]

I am from Guadalajara city, grew up in a small town of Jalisco. And you also should take a look on the riviera of lake Chapala. Is just 40 mins far from Guadalajara city.

[@samuelr007ruiz9]

I recomend all of you to look for the Mexico Peace Index 2023 (by the Institute for Economics & Peace [IEP], though you won't find it on their page). On the page number 27 of the document you will find a map of all the municipalities of Mexico showing the homicides rate per 100,000 inhabitants.

[@RobertaKC1]

Excellent overview, thank you.

[@lesliesmith1366]

I can't wait to move to Mexico. I can't wait!

[@NorbertDz]

Same

[@genaroignot3332]

Uuuyyy grandísimo vídeo Alex

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

La Paz is great if you like scuba diving. It's a cool place.

[@wandasanchez551]

Would like to know more about La Paz, BC. I need to live close to the water, have access to good medical care, want to know what the cost of living is, what amenities exist and what the infrastructure is like. Thanks

[@prime8nate]

I live there. You would get a ton of information on Facebook Groups about La Paz. It's definitely close to the water - which is a huge selling point because there's no waves and tons of sea life in the Sea of Cortez, has good medical care, the cost of living is probably a tad higher than mainland Mexico cities of similar sizes but not as expensive as Cabo, infrastructure/amenities are all good for Mexico. It's about 99 degrees as a high half the year but the rest of the year has perfect weather. You'll want access to a pool and a/c but its definitely a location that would make all these lists if people knew about it.

[@daiweihan1209]

I live in La Paz, a small beautiful city near the sea.

[@Matchless_Monarch]

New subie here!!!! Your vids are so helpful. It’s overwhelming trying to pick ONE CITY, they’re all amazing 😩😁❤️. Can’t wait til I’ve made my exit !

[@alex-wittman]

Welcome, Toya!

[@kenskaer4311]

Hi! I also enjoyed ten of these eleven cities. Love most of them. She is right about how uncomfortably hot Merida is, but the depiction of San Miguel de Allende being cold shocked me. Generally speaking, San Miguel has the best temperature I’ve ever experienced (and I travel a lot!). If 70 degrees is not your thing, avoid SMA. 😂

[@kenskaer4311]

By the way, Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende are only an hour apart so the weather is quite similar in my experience.

[@sallyzedillo4468]

Winter nights and .mornings 30s and low 40s...not heat in houses....

[@spinnradio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioC7pqCwaLWHhMU

[@sylvainlemexicain1160]

7 years in san jose del cabo love it ,,

[@mdrichards]

Definietly agree with Jenny about CDMX! When you're on the ground in your neighborhood, it doesn't FEEL like such a big city. Would love to hear more about all of these places, but especially Puebla!

[@alex-wittman]

Taylor & I ALMOST chose Puebla over Querétaro 🤓 I love where we live in Mexico, but I think we would have been really happy there too!

[@jennyhammond9261]

I recommend checking out Cholula, basically makes one, giant city with Puebla, but is more quaint and walkable.

[@mdrichards]

@@jennyhammond9261 Quaint and walkable sounds lovely.

[@ACGalarza]

I know Monterrey is not as "touristy" as the other places, but definitely, the most important (financial, business, educational, and medical) city in Mexico could be interesting for many people. Great video. Thanks!

[@alex-wittman]

I hope to visit Monterrey at some point this year!

[@natepolitics1490]

@@alex-wittman monterrey is so beautiful

[@alex-wittman]

@@natepolitics1490 I want to visit! I've heard there is a lot of good hiking there.

[@carlotarodriguez144]

“El cerro de la silla” is great for light hiking. People of all ages like to walk up the mountain, specially on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s fun!

[@DavidCoxDallas]

Monterrey looks likely to see an inflow soon. a suburb is next on the list for a Tesla Gigafactory. AMLO announced it on Feb 28. Tesla confirmed it.

[@Paul-th9es]

Mexico seems like a nice place. I love the food, not into the drugs and game of it so Id be alright.

[@nicolewilton4898]

Would love to know your thoughts on Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. We (and many canadians) love it there; wondering if you have any thoughts on how it compares to the other places mentioned for living.

[@ivansanchez8458]

Love Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, I think it is a beautiful place to live

[@juanauj6376]

Aguascalientes is a hidden gem that worth to check it out.

[@FarmerGregie]

One year on...but great to stumble across your review Alex! I've watched many travel vlogs and Guanajuato consistently came up among favourites. My girlfriend and I are moving to Mexico for 6 months (or longer) in April - and are making Guanajuato home for the first half...before moving to Merida. Being an Aussie farmboy - I didn't want Big City life straight up. Also when digging a little deeper - April/May are the hottest 2 months in Merida. Coming from our hot Queensland summer...I wanted a break from the heat - and researched the best mountain towns for a cool change. I'll check out your channel...but did you spend time in Guanajuato? Cheers, Farmer Gregie :)

[@markfoley3923]

That's a nice list, Alex. We seem to be spoiled for choice. Merida, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta capture my imagination the most from these recommendations. The bulk of the suggestions are larger spots, however. Do you have similar thoughts for smaller places? What about living in communities near(ish) these bigger towns, where you could take advantage of the more varied amenities when you need, but enjoy small town life the rest of the time. I was thinking Progreso (for Merida), Todos Santos (for La Paz), and Sayulita (for PV) as examples. Have fun in La Paz. I agree with Laura - I thought it was wonderful too. Cheers.

[@alex-wittman]

Spoiled for choice is right, Mark! I'm very much a city person (two years in Madrid will do that to you), but I'm going to think on smaller places...perhaps a part two vid? Of the places you mentioned though, I've got to say, I would not live in Sayulita. Fun place for a party vacay with friends, but too much of a spring break vibe for me.

[@markfoley3923]

@@alex-wittman Okay. You caught me. Of all the place I mentioned, Sayulita is the only one I haven't personally visited. But you get the point; I'm looking for small towns within a quick commute of the larger cities you've profiled. Not that you asked, but I am happy in both big cities and small towns. I moved from Istanbul, which had 12 million people at the time, to a small community in southern Utah with fewer than 5,000 people. There are lovely advantages to both, and perhaps ideal for me is a smaller, self-contained and independent community (not a suburb) near the big city. I would love a part two vid continuing this theme if you choose to create one. BTW, you are sweet to respond to my comments, but I hope you don't feel obligated. Cheers.

[@martbright]

Visited Sayulita earlier this month. Alex is totally correct in my opinion. Sayulita is Spring Break on steroids. If the party scene is your thing, go for it. But I did not like it. Love San Cristóbal and it is quite cheap. Kind of isolated though, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Love the indigenous influence there. Chiapas is Mexico’s poorest state, however. Love both Oaxaca and Puerto Vallarta. PV is home to a large gay community and is a very friendly place. The outdoor scene is amazing-don’t miss the botanical garden! Oaxaca is so colorful and the outlying artisan villages are fun to visit.

[@EMarie85]

@@markfoley3923 I recently bought a house in Bucerias. Haven't spent a ton of time there yet but already in love (and booked renters for three full months right away.) Quick drive to both PV and Sayulita (and many other places along the Bay.) Also calmer and cheaper than PV, without missing the beach life. And as was noted in the video a few times, 3-4 hour drive to Guadalajara, like a one hour flight to CDMX from PV.

[@VeroIglesiasM2]

Got a hint of Stefan... "Mexico city really has it all ..." Love the vid

[@marcuslloyd8218]

Oh so glad I found ur channel! I'll subscribe. Thank you sooooo much for your content. So informative, appreciated.

[@alex-wittman]

Welcome to our community, Marcus!

[@henrybogle8437]

Queretaro would be at the top of my list.

[@dgaydos]

Muy buen hecho, Alex....pero.... I kept waiting for you to get to the city in which I spent a good bit of time last year while getting state of the art dental care(Salud Oral). How could you have skipped over...............................San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas???!! Amazing climate year round, sooo many interesting places in the state, wonderful wonderful people, low low prices compared to pretty much every other city you covered, fantastic food, a fascinating fusion of indigenous and non-indigenous cultures, and....not inundated by gringos...which makes learning Spanish way easier than several of the ex-pat dense cities you included. Anyway.....maybe it's best to keep it a secret after all! :)

[@alex-wittman]

I only spent a very VERY short amount of time in San Cristobal & would very much like to go back 🤓 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what sounds like a strong contender for one of the best places to live in Mexico!

[@dgaydos]

@@alex-wittman And a bonus is that San Cris and Chiapas in general, have very low Covid case numbers. One excursion suggestion: Between San Cristóbal and Palenque lies Ocosingo....and minutes to its east is the incredible Mayan site of Toniná, which though one of the most important and spectacular sites, is remarkably devoid of tourists. I was there literally all by myself on a December morning last year! :)

[@atutor1]

Great and informative. My only wish is you would have gone over more of the cons. Every city sounded wonderful, but it's not all good. Many cities lack what Westerners expect every city to have. You can't always depend on conveniences like a 24/7 Walmart. And then there's crime you didn't discuss unless I missed it. My wife is from Mexico, and she's seen the poverty and crime firsthand. The danger may be exaggerated by many, but it's real and needs to be openly discussed, such as which areas are safer than others.

[@alex-wittman]

For cons, check out this follow-up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LWYn-CgbWdopI

[@nsx1075]

How true is this??? The last time I was in most of these towns and cities I was a young 19yr old marine fighting you know who lol😅

[@melotika]

I'm at the early stages of considering moving to Mexico