Living in Guadalajara, Mexico As a Digital Nomad Family (in 2025) | Is Guadalajara Right for You?

[@Blakpepa]

I immediately fell in love with Guadalajara when i visited while living in Merida. I stayed in providencia and it was perfect...i cant wait to move in a few months

[@EsmeraldaRodriguez-el1qr]

All Mexicans have light and dark family members and we love all of our family members

[@YoLo-sq8kq]

it's not all about skin color. I am in CDMX now and seems like some of u mexicanos are ignorant of "chinos". I get so many stares and people are not too kind.

[@bluemoonpeak]

​​@@YoLo-sq8kq Your experience is valid....though CDMX is NOT representative of the entire country.

[@p.c.h.6721]

Thanks for the information. A year ago, after a lot of research, we decided that Guadalajara would be the city that we would move to, since then a lot of people have moved there. I think Guadalajara is the best destination to move to in Mexico (Merida is too hot, Queretaro is too cold in the evenings, and no other city has the abundance of things to do as Guadalajara has).

[@o.family.adventures]

It’s a popular & wonderful city! We’re currently in Mexico City & living it, but I do agree that GDL had really great weather. We scouted Mérida & simply couldn’t do the heat 😩

[@danizg9081]

I’m so glad more and more people fall in love with our Mexico, it just depends the area because just like any other places it has bad and good states but Guadalajara is one of the best places I’ve heard that is great for living there

[@o.family.adventures]

Mexico is so easy to fall in love with 😍

[@Macario-Armas-de-Montero]

Guadalajara has the most perfect weather

[@o.family.adventures]

It is so good! Truly temperate :)

[@JR0078]

The rainy weather was presented as if it were a problem, but in times where access to water is increasingly complicated, it is a true blessing to have rainy weather for 4 or 5 months a year, and they also help to have a temperate climate.

[@sesomnoslen5729]

😂 not perfect weather but much better than many places around the world.

[@Macario-Armas-de-Montero]

@@sesomnoslen5729 the 2 years I lived there it was cool in the morning and evenings 80's during they day. Perfect for me. Now I live in Merida, Yucatan hot all day lol, be well my friend.

[@vak3ro2u]

Yes!! Guadalajara is best to living! Good choice!

[@o.family.adventures]

It’s such a great spot to call home! 🤍

[@Angelfishworld]

​@@o.family.adventuresso my wife and kids are planning to move in a few months wanted to know how are schools there? Pricing? Are they good school we have a 5 year old and 10 year old so they are little still

[@JR0078]

Providencia is not outside the City, it's inside the City just like Chapalita. Both neighborhoods are charming, heavily wooded with plenty of entertainment nearby.

[@lbs7774]

I think they didn't even lived in Providencia where you have everything walking distance through tree lined streets. It's wrong to say you need a car. Even the American school is there next to malls and parks. They showed themselves stuck in traffic in another neighborhood so this is really not a reliable channel.

[@MelissaMarieMinistries]

Im thankful for you two sharing from a family perspective ❤️ not too many videos out there !

[@rmb_49ers]

There is a subway train system in GDL , not sure if you were able to explore it, but it does help to move around for sure.

[@Marisolbeautymakeup]

No ,theres a “tren ligero” system but not an actual subway

[@EntrepreneurExpat]

We love Guadalajara! ❤ We traveled to lots of places in Mexico last year trying to figure out where to live and ended up choosing GDL as the home base.

[@evonmorgan4487]

As a black girl born and raised in Guadalajara, and having to leave it because of the extreme racism we faced, this really breaks my heart. I'm very happy mindsets have changed. It has been 33 years. But it doesn't stop from being heartbreaking and I'm not going to lie, I'm very resentful.

[@o.family.adventures]

Im so sorry you had that experience! We didn’t run into any of that (thankfully!) but I can imagine things used to be different - there aren’t too many of us there.

[@sergiomayorga-z6r]

How do you think all mexiicans fell in the USA same shit

[@kokolizito]

Can you tell a little more of what happened? That's terrible!

[@YoLo-sq8kq]

@@evonmorgan4487 Mexicans are racist towards Asians too.

[@savoryexposure]

Love when you do a search for something on KZbin and find someone you know. Loved your insight!

[@o.family.adventures]

Heyyyy! Isn’t finding friends in random places the best :) ♥️ so glad you enjoyed it!

[@michellhuber3397]

I live in Chapalita, and I can walk everywhere. Buses are very reliable, and we have shared bikes for $ 25 per year, plus lots of bike lanes. It is very family friendly and safe. Providencia is further out from the city.

[@o.family.adventures]

Chapalita is super cute!

[@Ameridlo]

as a local resident I was laughing the whole video, hilarious logic

[@o.family.adventures]

We all have different experiences :)

[@ALH22]

Thanks for sharing. Your videos are so in depth. They provide great quality information. My husband and I have two little ones. We are planning our first trip to Mexico City. Do you all have special tips, things you’d bring for traveling to Mexico City with a toddler and preschooler?

[@o.family.adventures]

I’m so glad you find them useful! I think keeping some cash on you is important, especially if you’re out with the kids for little treats &/or bathrooms. Some of the bathrooms at the park require a 10 peso coin for entry. I’d bring a stroller too (depending on your kids age) because CDMX is so walkable you’ll want to be outside. Make sure you don’t miss Chapultepec park & the kids museum in it - it’s called Papalote :) enjoy it!!

[@JR0078]

Mexico City is beautiful but too intimidating even for Mexicans. It is passable as long as you do not leave the same area, but on long trips you will have to travel more than an hour, either by Subway, by bus or even by Uber. If you travel by Metro you will have to take long walks accompanied by rivers of people...

[@ALH22]

@@JR0078 sounds like the years I spent living in China. During rush hour I often opted for the Bus Rapid Transit as they called it because they have dedicated lanes and the crowds were lighter than the subway. One thing I’m interested to will be the Cable Bus system in CDMX it looks impressive.

[@davidelliott9661]

What a great video.

[@nataliaarietti9160]

Hi guys, the vídeo was really helpfull! We are moving to GDL next year and probably to Providencia! I would like to know if you reccomend the Roosevelt School where your kid was studyng! Thank you!

[@Marisolbeautymakeup]

I am from gdl born & raised , for english speaking schools i would recommend Canadian school its in providencia too! A lil on the expensive side but they have access to most of the autónoma university areas which makes it way nicer

[@o.family.adventures]

The Roosevelt School was really good, our son was very happy there & the staff was wonderful. We chose it over the Canadian school for a few reasons but mainly the Canadian school felt larger & more “institutional”.. the Roosevelt school feels smaller & more like a family. Also, If I remember correctly, you may need a recommendation from a family who currently has a child enrolled in the Canadian school. Definitely tour both!

[@Marisolbeautymakeup]

@@o.family.adventures my youngest nephew goes to roosevelt and used to go to marthin luther k. They’re also good, the reason my other nieces are in rolled in Canadian is that it was curricular value in Canada so you have both “papers” without having to re-validate if you’re ever moving away from Mexico back to northern countries

[@Marisolbeautymakeup]

@@o.family.adventures i was as a kid in Lincoln school but its south of the city

[@rain4rusty]

I have been living in Chiapas for 14 years. For a log story of reasons I have to move to the Guadalajara area. I am in the process of figuring out how to do this. I am considering putting this story on KZbin.

[@o.family.adventures]

Wishing you a successful move! Definitely document your journey, it will help others ♥️

[@LoveLizaMae]

Thanks for the information! What restaurants do you suggest that have playgrounds? Also where do you suggest to go with kids?

[@markintape37]

Oh you were stayin in Colinas de San Javier, you really need car to live there in that place.

[@lbs7774]

That explains a lot. They claimed they lived in Providencia and needed a car which is nonsense.

[@thinktankdonahue]

I've been living near Plaza Patria and don't need a car. I don't mind taking public transit though. Uber is cheap. I live walking distance to Walmart.

[@o.family.adventures]

It sounds like you’re in a good pocket! They definitely exist; I think for the accommodation we wanted it was hard to find an area like that.

[@ibflyn2]

I didn't hear if you visited Tlaquepaque, Tonola, luche libre, or any tianguis (open air markets)? I've been there 3 times, but I think these are essential for immersion purposes.

[@Ryaneliz1300]

We are going to visit Guadalajara end of this month to see about moving there, any recommendations on places and questions

[@user-pv2dp4dq8b]

Very informative run down. You're the first to tell me the walkability is not great... I have 2 dogs (my kids) and we like to walk everywhere too. Guadalajara has a metro (subway) system. How was that?

[@JR0078]

GDL has 3 Subway lines and this year there will be 4 lines. Additionally, it has a wide network of buses and cycle paths, which with very affordable memberships, you can travel around almost the entire city (My bike) Currently the city offers more and more preference to pedestrian areas than to roads for cars, so it is increasingly easier to get around on foot. The Recreational Route on Sundays is great, the main roads are closed for the exclusive use of pedestrians, cyclists and any means of non-motorized transport!

[@user-pv2dp4dq8b]

@@JR0078Super informative, thank you. Hopefully I'll be in GDL in a few months. Looks like an exciting city to "integrate" into. Also... maybe it's because I'm from Houston but, I don't miss driving at all.. except for the occasional road trips.

[@o.family.adventures]

The train near us was mostly used as a light rail for commuting so it wasn’t functional for our purposes. There are more walkable pockets (Chapalita is fairly walkable, I believe) so you & the fur babies should be able to find a pocket that fits your needs but it can take some looking depending on the part of the city you’re in.

[@user-pv2dp4dq8b]

@@o.family.adventuresI looked at a map of where all the parks are and started entering the streets of the parks as addressed into apartment finder so I could find an apartment in or very near a park :D We do 2-3 walks (at least an hour a pop) per day.

[@lbs7774]

I'm from Guadalajara and I gotta be honest, this video is very misguiding. The whole city is completely walkable from downtown to Providencia and chapalita to the west. They claim they stayed in Providencia and it was not walkable and that is completely wrong. They did not stay in Providencia. You should look up street view and watch for yourself.

[@positivetimeline]

Wonderful video. Thanks, guys.

[@o.family.adventures]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@1EQUALS-INFINITY]

Hola, come and visit Queretaro guys. You'll love it.

[@benzoh28]

Zapopan , Chápala , tequila , tlaquepaque, puerto Vallarta, tonala , ciudad Guzmán

[@mickaelmx]

No judgement here but you might have stayed in an upscale bubble in terms of diversity. There are significant Indian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French, Argentinian, Spanish, Canadian, Venezualian, Lebanese, etc. communities, but they wouldn't live in very expensive Providencia, where only rich Mexicans can afford to live. Also, GDL is a large Mexican city = many Mexicans! 😉

[@priscillacatalina1065]

I want to live in a safe but affordable neighborhood that will help me with my Spanish. Where are some good neighborhoods in Guadalajara

[@mickaelmx]

Chapalita, Mezquitán, Santa Teresita, Mexicanzilgo, Centro, Americana, Circunvalación Country and many more are more affordable than Providencia, although not cheap. It depends on your budget basically, what rent are you looking for? 95% of neighborhoods are safe here.

[@priscillacatalina1065]

@@mickaelmx 600mth

[@mickaelmx]

@@priscillacatalina1065 Yes, that's 12,000 pesos, you would get a large studio or a small two bedrooms apartment in the neighborhoods mentioned above. Something a bit bigger in Centro and Santa Tere

[@priscillacatalina1065]

@@mickaelmx thank you I’m in the process of everything I’ve been visiting Mexico a lot and all the Facebook groups are unreasonably expensive I can’t afford it. A small one or two bedroom would be perfect. I don’t want anything big because I would feel to alone and it’s a waste of space. Thank you for your help

[@YolandaOnPoint]

I think finding an expat community when we go Mexico is key to a successful move/transition. Thanks for sharing.

[@o.family.adventures]

Yes! Having some people who know what you’re going through & can help you navigate is so important!

[@Chardi35]

Immigrants**

[@tivsma]

Thanks for the video! What service did you use to help you find furnished rentals, and what was the fee for that?

[@o.family.adventures]

We worked with a realtor we found in a Facebook group. In other parts of Mexico we’ve used Mercado Libra, Facebook groups & a site called inmuebles24. You can also walk around & look for For Rent (Se Renta) signs & contact the number.

[@o.family.adventures]

The agents don’t charge you (it’s like using a realtor in the US.. their commission comes out of the sellers cut, but in our experience, you’ll pay more working with a realtor.

[@AfroMestizAzteca]

Hi O Family 🙋🏻‍♀️ I am from Guadalajara 🫶🏼

[@o.family.adventures]

Hey there ♥️♥️♥️

[@dominicedwards8219]

Hi do you still live there

[@dominicedwards8219]

Do you still live there?

[@brendaal220]

Guadalajara is amazing but we (citizen) want people who move here pay taxes as they have if they are living here

[@o.family.adventures]

That’s totally fair!

[@yessr7535]

@@o.family.adventures do yall pay taxes or just gentrifying as everyone else?

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

Everything we immigrants purchase, along with everybody else, has a tax built into the price. Are we supposed to pay some other type of additional taxes? I pay the same taxes on the same things a local pays taxes on. What taxes do you think people moving here aren't paying? Income tax from money made in the US that we have already paid taxes on? If I was making money in Mexico I would be paying an income tax to Mexico. Just like if you are a Mexican making money in the US you would be paying an income tax to the US. Buena suerte!

[@Kaybye555]

​@@davidsebastianelli1326they should be earning in pesos and paying taxes here. The problem is that they raise prices of housing, transportation, etc. Because they pay in dlls.

[@brianorgias]

great video

[@o.family.adventures]

Thank you! ♥️

[@PapiChulo-yb6iu]

In Canada they love African Americans, Vancouver has really luxury places that you deserve.

[@o.family.adventures]

Justin is actually from Canada :)

[@elperro3056]

How much a month 3 k

[@adrianvelascovazquez1016]

Guys i think You we're at the wrong neiborhood for what You guys was loking for ,américa, centro and surranding , are great for move un público trasportatin, metro for walk and bike, Also is full of exchange peolple , actully GDL is very turist, ando is easy found exchange people living there , Nice city cool you we're there , 🤟🤟

[@WilliamDunBroch]

As a resident of Guadalajara, borned and raised, I want to express how the massive influx of "expats" makes me feel. The reality is that the majority of us cannot afford the same places you can, which displaces us and negatively impacts our communities. It's uncomfortable to see how some of you expect us to speak English and adapt to your culture, often ignoring our identity and needs. For example, the average salary here is about 8000 pesos a month, which is roughly $470 USD. Despite this, expats can afford to live in the best parts of the city. While it's great that they can afford it, it feels wrong for some reason. Your perspectives are extremely limited by the privileges you enjoy. You don't have to experience the insecurity, the real climate of the city, the public transportation, or any of the challenges we face daily because you have the means to just avoid them, which we can't. You can afford air conditioning, at home, om the car etc whereas I only know two people who have it, its really seen as s luxury, you can avoid walking under the sun or taking the packed public transportation Calling yourselves "expats" instead of immigrants or economic refugees also minimizes your impact and unjustly privileges you. I hope these points can open a more honest and conscious dialogue about the effects these movements have on our communities. Please, maybe think twice when coming to a "cheaper" country, cuz its just a horrible horrible *problem* that we, people who can not at all afford to flee as you guys can, have to endure.

[@geminisneverlie]

Thank you for sharing your perspective William

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

I find it hard to believe that in a city of close to 1.5 million people the prices are so effected by a few thousand people moving there. We are renting from Mexican owners that are raising the price for everyone locals included. BTW- Just because a lot of people from the US are moving to Mexico it doesn't mean we are all rich. I started out with nothing and I still have some of that left! It's called geographic arbitrage and it's happening around the World. Buena suerte con eso.....

[@kathrynmarrero5263]

Thank you for sharing 😢this is horrible like you said!!! I truly wish there was opportunity for us to learn from each other to meet each other in a meaningful manner for both sides to feel understood 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 How can we connect to create a more harmonious relationship

[@o.family.adventures]

Hey! We hear you & appreciate how you feel $ what you have to say. Americans/Canadians/Europeans have been incredibly problematic in Mexico & Latin America for some time now & it’s not right. We know this. “Expat” is a bit of funny word & it’s used a lot in place of “immigrant” because it sounds cool & exotic. As Black people who were living in America we just want to find somewhere to live that is safer, healthier & more peaceful than the U.S. in order to do that we are traveling the world searching for a new home. It’s impossible for us to fully live like locals & understand the local experience because we are nomadic but I will say that we fully recognize our privilege. We know not to throw money around or expect anyone to speak English etc. Our intentions don’t mitigate the harm that the “expat” community causes & we know that. But, honestly, we’re just trying to figure out where to live.. which, in & of itself is a privilege & we know that. But we hear you. Really.

[@Kaybye555]

​@@davidsebastianelli1326you seem to like to find any possible excuse for yourself

[@davidelliott9661]

What's the deal with the border to America? What is the real problem there?

[@raulgamefowl.gallosfinosji5152]

Guadalajara it’s biuriful the people nice food god

[@o.family.adventures]

We enjoyed our time there ☺️

[@imstillhereileft7530]

Great informative blog, I’m stuck between Jalisco & Nuevo León (Monterey) ,any plan visiting Monterey ?

[@vak3ro2u]

I'm recoment Jalisco!!100℅😎

[@AfroMestizAzteca]

Jalisco no doubt!! Guadalajara is the pearl of the West ❣️

[@JR0078]

Guadalajara and Monterrey are the cities. Jalisco and Nuevo León are the States. Start by differentiating correctly. In any case, GDL has a pleasant climate and is much more wooded and walkable. In MTY it is hotter, with few wooded areas, difficulty riding a bicycle and a much more expensive lifestyle.

[@DominicT-ir5ee]

Yeah there’s actually a lot of white Mexicans as well that give a serous people vibe but are also very welcoming once you get to know them

[@joshsmit513]

That's some of my family! My mom is from Jamay

[@lbs7774]

In providencia you can walk to all kinds of places, parks, malls, schools, cafes restaurants etc. Your video shows colinas. Not providencia. I think this is very misguiding.

[@AstroShaman-PernellBobby]

Theres video footage of midtown mall, that’s providencia

[@lbs7774]

@@AstroShaman-PernellBobby not when they talk about the traffic. Plus you can easily walk from Midtown to all the places I mentioned. It is indeed misguiding because Providencia is actually the only place where you can walk through 5 km of linear parks and 8 big parks connected by wide tree lined sidewalks which makes it the top walkable neighborhood in the city.

[@alefiasolar]

Do you have a work Visa? Does the Mexican government know you're working while being here? If so, are you paying your due taxes to them, i.e., 16% every paycheck approximately? If the answer is no to any of these, you're commiting tax evasion and contributing to gentrification in Guadalajara

[@gregbau-mh4ly]

Saludos bienvenidos a mexico saben que son bienvenidos siempre esta es su casa disfruten mexico

[@edgarandre5216]

Welcome to Mexico so integrate into society by trying to speak Spanish and please pay taxes according to your income. people here in 🇲🇽✔️ are very friendly and we have traditions that we like to preserve as part of an indivisible culture. geetings and good luck.

[@o.family.adventures]

Claro! Hablo un poquito español y mi esposo y los niños están aprendiendo :) Mexican people are so lovely & have been so welcoming ♥️

[@Chardi35]

Do you pay taxes?

[@sesomnoslen5729]

Taxes are included in the price in Mexico. You pay what the price is.

[@Chardi35]

@@sesomnoslen5729 If you are not here paying salary taxes you are here ilegally, they still pay taxes to the usa instead of Mexico even tho they are living in Mexico, thats bullshit

[@Chardi35]

They erased my comment about how they are here ilegally lmao

[@sesomnoslen5729]

@@Chardi35 who is where illegally?

[@o.family.adventures]

Hi there! I didn’t erase any comments, but yes.. we are here legally 🫶🏾

[@kristinekieswer7058]

Hello. Visiting March 23-30. Can anyone recommend a safe, reliable driver they know personally? For airport pickup, tours, etc. Thanks!

[@o.family.adventures]

Hey! I’d definitely check out some Facebook groups. “Foreigners in Guadalajara” .. “Americans in Guadalajara” just look for a few like that & make sure to get multiple opinions :)

[@kristinekieswer7058]

Making my way through FB groups now ... thanks!

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

bruh

[@o.family.adventures]

Bruh

[@RICARDORR18]

Meet other mexican families, you will love our culture, dont be like other foreigners tha dont iteract with native ppl

[@o.family.adventures]

I’m happy to report that we’ve made friends lol Mexican people are truly some of the kindest & warmest on the planet ♥️🙏🏾

[@acascas8780]

Stop coming here! Stop gentrification! Everything is getting extremely expensive for us locals and we are being forced to move to ugly/dangerous parts of the city because you come here with your dollars

[@o.family.adventures]

I feel your sentiment & understand that so much of Mexico is in resinous gentrified at this point. I’ll also say that we’re here legally, navigate in Spanish & are doing our best to be respectful visitors while we are here.

[@bluemoonpeak]

As a Mexican, blame your fucking local government, not these people that mean well. It's their greed that is causing all of this, not newcomers that will only end up improving this tragic country in the long run. Change your corrupt city and this horrible lecherous culture of greed that us Mexicans suffer from. Why do you think we are run by the cartels?

[@sararichardson737]

Hi Proff’ you’re looking less groomed than usual, please take care of yourself and show it. Regards

[@JazzyGinger1]

Hello🐧🐧🐧🐕🐶, 🐦 God the Father loves you so much that He sent Holy and Sinless Jesus (His Holy Son) to earth to be born of a virgin. He grew up and died on a cross for our sins. He was in the tomb for 3 days, then Father God raised Jesus Christ (Y'shua) to Life! He appeared to people and went back to Heaven. We must receive Jesus sincerely to be God's childJohn 1:12. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that BELIEVE on HIS name." That is great news! Will you sincerely receive Holy, Lord Jesus into your life today

[@josebuendia448]

These people dont pay taxes. STOP GENTRIFICATION IN GUADALAJARA.

[@bluemoonpeak]

As a Mexican, blame your fucking local government, not these people that mean well. It's their greed that is causing all of this, not newcomers that will only end up improving this tragic country in the long run. Change your corrupt city and this horrible lecherous culture of greed that us Mexicans suffer from. Why do you think we are run by the cartels?

[@AliceHart95]

Do you guys pay taxes in Mexico, cause if you’re living here you should

[@oscararmandocisnerosruvalc8503]

Why do you want them to pay taxes twice ???. Either way the money will go to god damn rich kid to spend on expensive drinks.

[@AliceHart95]

@@oscararmandocisnerosruvalc8503 because they should because when you move to their countries you can’t just live there without paying taxes that’s why

[@LordBranniganThe]

@@AliceHart95are they able to avoid sales tax?

[@chrisguida95]

Yes, everyone pays IVA