Querétaro: My New Favorite City in Mexico

Querétaro is a gorgeous old Mexican town. Beautiful historic center, but a big enough city so that it doesn't feel like Disney World. I spent hours walking around Centro and share my experience in this video tour.
Querétaro (QRO) is about 4 hours north of Mexico City with easy bus service and an airport. I flew into QRO from Mexico City and then took a BlaBla Car to San Miguel de Allende about one hour away.
I found QRO to be more my speed than SMA. There are many expats in Querétaro but not as many as San Miguel de Allende.
I'll be headed back to QRO with Kat in the near future.
Support this channel by buying me a margarita over at www.buymeacoffee.com/AlmostRe...
The Mexico Relocation Guide is the perfect resource for moving to Mexico. We've partnered with them and you can get the guide here: mexicorelocationguide.com/?re...

[@hbh4276]

Mexico is such a beautiful country. It’s hugely misunderstood by media and many people. There are so many gems everywhere. People are not confrontational. US is really lucky having Mexico and Canada as it’s neighbours. The outdoor ballroom dancing is just the same as China. My daughters best memory in China is the dancing in the square, no fees, no studio, no personal trainer, just a great neoghbouhood vibe and knowing new friends.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You're so right about the US having wonderful neighbors. We need some of that to rub off on us. And the point about the dance in the square is so right on. I'm guessing the band gets tips, but otherwise, it's not something you need to pay for. The US doesn't really have many public events like this. So much in QRO was free!

[@Wilfredos_]

I have been following your channel, and your projects. I am a Puertorican living in Arlington, Texas retiring this summer and moving to QUERÉTARO!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I just met a Puertorican living in Alabama who is planning a move to Mexico. The waiter immediately picked up on his Spanish but talked to the rest of us in English ;-) Enjoy your retirement!

[@oscarsanchez1575]

Hay una gran cantidad de extranjeros en Querétaro de Francia 🇫🇷 Alemania 🇩🇪 España 🇪🇸 Venezuela 🇻🇪 Colombia 🇨🇴 Argentina 🇦🇷 etcétera

[@NomadicRVLiving]

I'm currently in QRO. It's a great city, very clean and safe. There are many newer and modern areas of the city as well.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Next time I need to check out other areas. Enjoy your time in QRO!

[@lisbethsalander1723]

Thank you for your comment. How is the health care situation for a senior? Would you happen to know?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@lisbethsalander1723 I'm not sure if @NomadicRVLiving will answer, but I would guess the health care is good in QRO. Most big cities in Mexico have excellent health care options.

[@OldSoulPammy]

Queretaro is definitely on my list to visit. Did you notice that their pedestrian crossing signals are images of the Lele dolls? I love how in many Mexican cities that behind a door it opens up into another world, nothing like it looks on the outside. And you can never go wrong with a dessert named Kit Kat 😁. Enjoyed the video ☮️❤️😎

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I noticed the Leli crossing signal in one intersection downtown - so cool that they are everywhere. Thanks for sharing!

[@panchotorrez8427]

Lele dolls I don't get it

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@panchotorrez8427 Lele dolls are made in the state of Querétaro.

[@TarotMuriel]

Omg I shredded a tear at 4:20, I visited Queretaro last year and saw that same house and I so regret that I didn’t take a picture, it was the most beautiful balcony I saw, when I visited all those pots had flowers

[@RobertBadgett]

I wandered around Qro for three weeks last summer. I heard impatient car horns three times and they were taxis. Great to see those scenes again. Beautiful, clean, and safe.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Ah - I’d love to spend 3 weeks there! Glad your experience was similar!

[@laloyup8164]

Hermoso Santiago de Queretaro, Yo Vivo en charlotte NC Originario de sanjuan del rio Qro. muchos fines de semana mis papas nos llevaron a el centro de Qro a caminar y comer. Lo mas hermoso, Now that im married, i took my family to Qro and showed them all around my beautiful city and the surroundings. Tequisquiapan, Sanjuan Del Rio, La Peña de Bernal, Amealco and many more places.

[@eronik3620]

Wow! There was never a dull spot! Every where you turned was beautiful. I love the beautiful alleys the are lighted up so fancy…it’s feels real cozy

[@stephenkelly1650]

WOW! Thanks for the video! I am a retired Canadian, and am looking for a place to retire to, or at least spend my winters. This place looks like my idea of heaven. Thank you so much for posting this video. I really appreciate it. Take care. PEACE!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Happy to share, Stephen. It’s a wonderful town

[@asturiasceltic3183]

6:24 that's beautiful and exquisite how they decorate their shops in Mexico

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes!

[@alalesc3796]

Querétaro is beautiful!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I agree!

[@wcbrigance]

Great video! My daughter and I are spending this upcoming July in Queretaro. I haven’t been disappointed in any place I have visited since 1978. Looking for a place to buy and central Mexico is definitely checking all the boxes for me. I have lived on the Gulf Coast all my life to I need a new environment.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

That is awesome! Enjoy your trip this summer!

[@analiliapatrongonzalez2869]

Of you want to buy a house, choose Guadalajara, Querétaro, puebla Atlixco, Aguascalientes, or northern city Wich I don't recommend that much because of the heat

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Hola amigo 👋👋 On our list of places to visit in the near future Great video thanks again for sharing your time with us 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico 🇲🇽✌️🐶

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for watching amigos!

[@moi20003]

I want to visit sometime soon ...moving to Mexico soon!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Qro is s great place to start!

[@nomadiclife-martin]

I'm thinking about going there soon. Thanks for the video, looks gorgeous!

[@beverlyb6391]

Thanks, visiting there in Feb.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Have fun. It’s a great place!

[@julioalvarez4481]

Hi Brighton, so glad you were able to upload this video about Queretaro! I just got back from my trip last week and I already miss it! Hopefully we cross paths next time we are there!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Finally! It's been sitting on my hard drive for months (along with many other videos.) So glad to share it with the world. What did I miss based on your time there?

[@julioalvarez4481]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico hmm, I’m not sure if you went but there’s some really good museums in the center! Next time you should also do Bernal and Amealco! Both awesome places to visit, great hiking and nature!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@julioalvarez4481 Thanks for the recommendations!

[@TarotMuriel]

The music theme, ❤ great touch

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks you!

[@bajaboolie]

Love this! A driving tour of mainland MX is on our bucket list. This is definitely going on the list of stops!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You should definitely stop - and I'm jealous of your driving tour. Kat wants to go to Europe next summer, but I'm thinking there's so much of Mexico to explore, why travel all the way to Europe? Don't get me wrong, I love Europe, but mainland / inland Mexico has so much to offer!

[@MNDanno]

Great timing sir. I've been trying to make Baja work as well as the west coast of Mexico proper, but the Summers....no bueno. Queretaro is back in my pole position due to its astonishing low cost of living for what you can get there. Keeping flights cheap is a little tricky, but it can be done!

[@raya8633]

Nice, thank you for sharing.

[@lanceandshelleypeters-en465]

Really enjoy your laid back style of videos, also your humour. I’m now hoping to visit Querétaro ( wasn’t on my list before). Also, thanks for including the link for the musical artists. Love Alejandro Santiago.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Definitely check it out! And I'm so glad the music links worked! He also should be getting any proceeds from the ads run on this video.

[@Wanderluster888]

Just began my research and I’m in awe! I miss the “culture” of truly living in Mexico. Merida seems so city like.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I’ve not been to Merida but I’ve heard great things!

[@sweetllamas2824]

I was just in Mexico and had hoped to get to Queretaro, but I was too sick to travel that far. We'll be in Mexico next year much longer and it's at the top of my list!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sorry you missed QRO. I got sick in PV (COVID) this summer and had to cut that trip short, so I know how disappointing that can be. But at least you have plans to return!

[@asturiasceltic3183]

1. Is that true there are a lot of British people that retire there? 2. I also heard that the warm weather is perfect all year around..not to hot nor too cold.. Is that true? Thank you for the lovely video footage.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I was only there briefly. I didn't come across many Brits, but that could be true. The weather is perfect year round - you're definitely right on that!

[@GringosRUs]

Loved this! I so wish that we would have been able to meet up. We really love Querétaro for all the reasons you just stated, but we missed a good bit of it because we were so far northeast outside of centro in the hills. Centro is so amazing, we would LIVE there. We also like Colonia Calesa. When we finally settle down, Querétaro is on our shortlist.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Did you shoot video of the northeast part? I really just stayed in Centro - I’m curious what the rest of the town is like

[@eliseosalcedo3099]

​@@AlmostRetiredinMexico kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqOUgHmhaL2tiJY This is the north side of Queretaro

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@eliseosalcedo3099 Thanks for sharing this. I think I like Centro better ;-)

[@katem4365]

And this Brighton is why so many folks want to move to Mexico - because they know how to live and enjoy life 🤗 Beautiful people and city.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes!

[@brendalamalfa5030]

Ohh, that was lovely. Queretaro is top of my scouting trip list when I retire early and can free up the funds to travel. I can see myself living there. Lovely. A bit like Guanajuato, did you think?? When I watch these walking tour videos, it does feel like I'm home again. Can't put my finger on it, just a feeling in my soul. Thanks for the wonderful video, BW. As always, 😍 loved it.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Happy to share! I've not been to Guanajuato, but I'm guessing it's very similar. I'm ready to go back to QRO for a longer visit!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

I know the feeling. Currently after my research, Queretaro is so far the only place I'd be interested in living in Mexico long-term.

[@brendalamalfa5030]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Dude!! Go visit Guanajuato! You will love it!!! I dare you to climb up to see the big El Pipila statue on foot, then take the funicular down. Hehehe! Or better (worse?) yet, climb up to La Bufa then tell me what you think! 😆

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@brendalamalfa5030 It's on my list. But I may take the funicular up instead of down...

[@Sleepless7452]

Nice to have you here Brighton! Come back soon!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I will!

[@1EQUALS-INFINITY]

Hello my friend. Thank you for visiting my home-town. I hope you come back soon so we can have a nice cold beer (or a few. Why not?) at plaza de armas or at "La grupa." Blessings!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for the invite! I’d love to return to QRO for a longer visit. This last one was too short!

[@judithgrace9850]

Love Queretaro.

[@stevenponte6655]

lovely. reminds me of cuba

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah - it kinda reminds me of Cuba too!

[@ivonnepavaan7521]

Nice video Brighton, the market was a mandatory stop.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Absolutely!

[@AlejandroRodriguez-dt5it]

Thanks for VISITING. Let us know when you plan on returning for another vacation

[@davebaker489]

Yummmmmmmm. I'd need extra Metformin though. Nice , nice looking city. Car free walking areas were some of Pam's fav. part of the 4 years she spent in Europe. Thanks for the tour. P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I love those car free streets in Europe! And even the streets that have cars, but the cars aren't overrunning the streets - everyone can co-exist if the cars more slow enough and are careful enough!

[@jude999]

Magical

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I agree!

[@jacquelinevalencia2274]

It is my city ❤❤is beautiful

[@friodetuahusencis.francisc879]

yes Guanajuato it's so Bountifull a city's one of the beautiful too relxis beautiful place stay

[@kocreteify]

Nice !

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks!

[@febsign6110]

We are flying Feb and can’t wait. This is a trip to see if this is the right place to retire . Thanks

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Woohoo! Time to explore and find your retirement paradise! Have a blast on your trip and make sure to share all the amazing moments with us.

[@febsign6110]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico We will be taking a day trip to San Miguel and see if that sparks any interest and a possible retirement home for us as well. Thanks for all your videos to help us .

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@febsign6110 You're welcome! Enjoy SMA!

[@MrWaalkman]

Very nice city! Although the public restroom @12:51 is a bit pricey. :)

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I think 10 pesos is pretty much the going rate at most places in Mexico. I don't often use public restrooms so I can't say for sure.

[@contrerasclementealejandro5035]

Thanks for visiting my city. I hope you'll be back once again.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I hope so too!

[@adamhume5999]

Good stuff - You're channeling John Wilson, which is a complement BTW!! jaja

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I hadn’t heard of John Wilson - but what I just read has me hooked. Now I just need an HBO subscription…

[@TarotMuriel]

Mine too

[@adventureswithcorrine]

Wow. One more place to visit added to the list! Did you take the ferry over from La Paz? I'm hoping to see the mainland while I'm here this winter (plan to take the ferry over and get an AirBnB for a few days)

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

We haven't taken the ferry yet. It just goes to Mazatlan which kinda feels similar to La Paz and other seaside towns. Then there's be a lot more traveling to get to other parts of Mexico that are inland. I flew into QRO (from Tijuana via Mexico City.)

[@SunshineLeclair]

oh my, thanks so much for sharing ... I get so swept away in your videos ;) my dream is live half the year (or even fulltime) in Mexico. The first time I ever went, hmmm maybe 27 years ago ... it felt like going home or something, can't really explain it. I went often but the last 14 years the man I married doesn't like Mexico (but he did agree to get married there, it was my condition haha). And have only been there a few times after that. I need to travel solo this year (everyones working or can't afford to go), I'm not sure about going solo, although I would love to. So now when I have to go solo ... yup you guessed it, florida 'whaaaaa' ;) Thanks again, Sunshine

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sorry you haven't been able to make it back to Mexico. What's holding back your husband? It's so great down here! And I've met a lot of solo women traveling or living down here. I personally find it easier to travel in Mexico solo than the US. Because you can approach anyone speaking English and make friends!

[@lupitamarcoux]

Thank you for this nice video... I live here, in Querétaro... ¡Saludos!... I'm Lupita.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for watching Lupita!

[@shiroumxm2052]

I´d say some similar cities to Queretaro here in México are: Aguascalientes and San luis potosí.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[@squirrelmanager]

I here there's a growing aerospace community in or near Queretaro.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Interesting. I hadn't heard that. Very cool.

[@contrerasclementealejandro5035]

Yes, it is true, for example Bombardier, which is next to the airport, airbus, and some others, The airport is like 35km far from the downtown.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@contrerasclementealejandro5035 That's so interesting - thanks for confirming and adding some details.

[@monotushchoudhury5846]

Jai Shree Ram 🙏🚩🚩 watching from Lima,peru

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Brighton, this video of the Centro in Queretaro is really great. I would love to go there. The streets and sidewalks look just fine.Do people live inside the same buildings as the stores??

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Dave! It's an amazing place. If Kat we were living full time down here, I'd probably want to live in QRO. I think it's like much of Mexico - the shop owners live in the same building as the stores.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I was thinking about ordinary people living there..... what's the story about altitude sickness and dry weather situation? The opposite of the humid areas... And what about things like cars, congestion and the like in Centro?

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I was also wondering about the liveability of that beautiful Centro area for ordinary people, tourists and expats. The streets and sidewalks look fine. Maybe there isn't much pollution from the cars. From all my watching about Mexico I only feel really interested in Queretaro and I don't even know why.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@dovygoodguy1296 I didn't find much pollution in QRO - or much congestion - as there weren't that many people trying to drive in Centro. That may change as you move out from the center. I didn't experience altitude sickness either. QRO is lower than Mexico City, but it's still higher than Denver. There are tips online and I think most people adjust. But I've heard folks with COPD or asthma can have trouble long term. Hydration seems to be the best prevention. You should check out QRO - and nearby San Miguel de Allende or Tequisquepan. Have fun!

[@eliseosalcedo3099]

@@dovygoodguy1296 Centro is for walking definitely, drive inside is not complicated but very busy and slow in the afternoons. Altitude is not a problem here, but dry weather may affect your eyes and lips, but you get used to it.

[@panchotorrez8427]

Alejandro Santiago Is good.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Totally agree!

[@xraydelta100]

That dessert was a bit much...but so wonderful looking: I could taste the darn thing. My wife and I were visiting last week with friends and she brought the desserts, she's good at baking. She made a chocolate cake in a bundt pan versus layer and it was so moist and rich: of course the expression came up: "better than sex". Ha ha, I am 75 so that's funny to an old guy. I don't eat desserts much at all, but being part Mexican and Indian from Guadalahara two generations ago, I need to visit Queretaro and find that darn dessert, along with a bag of Nun's air pods.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It's great to have a chocolate cake baking wife! You're a lucky guy.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Do you have any videos that discuss the realities of taxation in Mexico as it affects snowbirds and expats? I've been reading that there are pretty significant taxes in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I don’t. We only spend 6 months in Mexico so our situation is different than full timers. I think taxes can be high. But I also think a lot of people are doing it wrong…

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico So you are snowbirds with permanent residency. But there are still issues of value added tax, import tax, etc. Maybe somebody can talk about tax issues, especially in comparison to Costa Rica and other places.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@dovygoodguy1296 Let me see if I can find someone to make a video with. Thanks!

[@crystalgarcia2143]

Property taxes are like 10 times less

[@jum3883]

👏🏼👍🏽

[@cfjelde]

Any single Querétaro ladies......don't disregard a USA guy from FL (originally NY). We can make this work. I'm into moving.

[@panchotorrez8427]

Mayo yeah I don't get it, is butter what you use.

[@panchotorrez8427]

is a little 🐅.

[@panchotorrez8427]

Random parade?go to the DF.MX.

[@SunSandandSurf]

There is a common thread that I notice in Mexico's towns. There is no homeless population.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

True - people take care of their family members here.

[@canucck]

How would you compare this place vs La Paz

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Very different. QRO has great weather year round, La Paz gets hot in the summer. QRO has a lot more old/traditional Mexican feel. La Paz is a newer city. QRO is more discovered by expats. La Paz is just starting to attract expats. La Paz has the beach. QRO does not. I don't know about prices, but I'd guess they are similar.

[@contrerasclementealejandro5035]

Qro is a historical city, there is a lot of culture, it is not as hot as La Paz. It's like 2 hours far from very important cities such as Leon, SanLuis Potosi, Mexico City, and Morelia, It is very safe and clean. Also it is very modern. There are several malls such as Antea, the biggest mall in the center of Mexico (bajio zone).Nine walmarts and 5 HEBs.There ara some financial districts too,Wtha is shown in this nice video is only the downtown. The only thing we are lacking of is a beach and the sea.The closest beach is 5 hours far in car (ixtapa). There are flights to Cancun by Volaris and Viva Aerobus, to Puerto Vallarta, by Volaris, and to Los Cabos. by Viva aerobus. The airport is 35km far from Queretaro´s downtown .

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@contrerasclementealejandro5035 Thanks for commenting. The weather definitely beats La Paz! I'd love to come back to QRO and explore a little more outside centro.

[@diarg3774]

Beautiful video and btw the dance was cumbia not salsa. 😊

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you! I had a feeling I was off on that one ;-)

[@stewart2589]

Pedestrian friendly streets? Americans: But where's the beautiful giant concrete parking lot and the lawyer ads

[@ronnielynnholley]

Have you visited Puebla City?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Not yet. But it's on my list. Is that a lucha libre mask in your photo?

[@ronnielynnholley]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico yes on mask ... Mysterio. I think you will find Puebla City is much better than Q.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@ronnielynnholley Thanks - I need to get to Puebla City! I have so much more exploring to do in central Mexico!

[@yvettelongoria321]

Hello! I am a recruiter for Siemens Energy. We are hiring General Ledger professionals. Where can i find this background in Queretaro?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

That's a great question. One I hadn't thought of before. I should make a video on hiring Mexicans for your business. Thanks for the idea, sorry I don't have an answer!

[@JamesG1126]

I'm an American CPA and live in Queretaro. How much do you pay General Ledger professionals?

[@JolantaRobertson]

We are seriously considering a move there permanently from BC Canada. Our pensions do not go far here. Our friends moved to Los Cabos. Cabos too American and expensive

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I fully support choosing Querétaro over Cabo! What's your next step forward on this journey?

[@JolantaRobertson]

@Almost Retired in Mexico thank you 😊. Looking at Lake Chapala. I am investigating options. Expenses to ship some furniture. Also pet Cupid our Manx cat. It was suggested to come for a month. We also are heavily mortgaged and need to sell. We rather rent as no point in purchasing unless I win the lottery or my investment comes through.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Renting is a great option! Even long term. My only concern is the exchange rates. When the exchange rates move, then your rent (in USD) changes too.

[@VidActionTV]

Good nun farts! - Dane

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

They tasted wonderful!

[@juliocesarzermenolotina3708]

A-jajaja

[@ernestoguerrero9129]

🙌 Article 12 of the Constitution of the state of Querétaro. Those who live in the territory of the state are considered natives of Querétaro the same as those born here. Come back soon and for longer 🙌 ;)

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for sharing! That's great.

[@acajudi100]

Please do your homewor, no matter where you move, and do not drive here. Let the locals earn the money.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I agree. I'm a big fan of InDrive: kzbin.infogNFBEJNoCAg

[@acajudi100]

Let go and let God always. God knows what these greedy and evil demons are doing, Karma never loses an address, and the evil monsters will reap what they have sown. God told me to move to Queretaro in 2021 at 79, and it is safer and 70% less expensive living here. Enjoy. I left in 2021 for Queretaro. I have been visiting the world for over 60 years. Travel is the best education. Prayers sent to the world. God is in charge. RIP Everyone. Karma never loses an address.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad you’ve found QRO!

[@acajudi100]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Over 60 years of visiting and living in beautiful Mexico.

[@41546able]

I think you filmed a drug deal when that car’s driver passed a pack of cigarettes

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Maybe - but probably just some cigarettes.

[@seanthompson9519]

Great video Brighton ! Good job on the ice cream😂

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you 😋 I try my best when it comes to ice cream!