Small town living in Mexico! Mascota, Jalisco.

FREE Living in Mexico Guide - bit.ly/46P3goE
Many expats move to touristic destinations in Mexico because it's easier to make a soft landing in cities where English is widely adopted, and thousands of other foreigners are there.
I get it. It makes it easier to instantly make friends and meet others like you, and the culture shock isn't so shocking in places like San Miguel de Allende, Ajijic, Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, or Mexico City.
But there are also more and more foreigners moving to Mexico who don't want to live in the most touristic towns and cities. Instead, they want to live in more rural areas. The kinds of cities where you're forced to learn Spanish a lot faster.
And there are some great benefits to this as well. They usually come in less competitive rental markets, a more authentic Mexican experience, and learn the local traditions and ways of life differently.
If you have been wondering what living outside the expat bubble is like, you won't want to miss our latest video with Susan and Daniel. A couple that moved from Idaho to a rural part of Jalisco. A quiet town where their backyard is an open field, and there isn't the hustle and bustle of traffic or other things that more populated areas have.
They moved to Mascota, Jalisco. A pueblo magico about 3.5 hours away from Guadalajara and about 2 hours from Puerto Vallarta.
Mascota is a town of about 14,000 people, of which about 500 are expats.
Mascota is a tourist town in its own way, considering it was named a pueblo magico- a special designation given to about 177 towns across Mexico for their beauty, traditions, and customs.
So what is it like to live here? Learn what this authentically Mexican town is like and what Susan and Daniel think about living here. Do they feel safe? And what their advice is for others.
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[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

FREE Living in Mexico Guide - bit.ly/46P3goE

[@russellbarnes7728]

After two years, I've still never felt unsafe in Mexico. It's a been a pretty sweet journey. VIVA MEXICO 🇲🇽

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

Hola Russ! Just thought I'd give you a shout out and say "Hola!" Hope you and your wife are doing great.

[@russellbarnes7728]

​@@davidsebastianelli1326Couldn't be better! Thanks for asking...

[@dennishassler605]

I've rarely had issues traveling in Mexico; however, you must be street wise and observant where you travel so you'll know how to perform when red flags appear. Knowledge helps given things may be very different.

[@rahuliyer7456]

In most places I have traveled to Mexico I feel safe. Of course one needs to use their head, and be aware of their surroundings. Haven't had much of issues in Mexico.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Agree

[@rahuliyer7456]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide travel to parts of Latin America and South Asia in general require one to be aware of their surroundings and use their head...more so. My wife and I love Colombia, but it is critical to know your surroundings in that country because of the perceived danger. Though it is not Mexico, I bring this up as an illustration. In my Mexico travels, it is not quite that same perception as Colombia, but it is there in certain locations. Same can be said for where I live in Arizona USA...or where my mother lives in Chicago.

[@cindyk3076]

Another great testimonial from a couple who have moved to Mexico for the right reasons and want to integrate into the culture! And now I know about a town that I hadn't heard of before, thanks, Mariana!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks! Mascota is a town that’s not usually talked about but hopefully this video will help some people discover it

[@luzgonzalez2185]

I'm very happy you chose my hometown. Small community with lovely traditions. Congratulations on your journey. 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@nouch196]

Love this! My close friends all say my dog and i seem a lot happier and more relaxed since we moved 😂. Thank you for sharing, and good luck with your house!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

That is awesome!

[@christopherbranski1720]

I live in Mexico City and I love it. I also have no issues with safety. There are dangerous neighborhoods in CDMX yes, and that threat is avoided by not going to those areas. That simple really

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

agree! :) thanks for your comments

[@susanshaver912]

I am so glad to find a video of people who do not want to live in an expat community! Yeah.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

We have a few more videos like that coming soon! Of people living in non expat communities

[@susanshaver912]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide Super

[@4lugan]

Outside of the Us, life is about living not working. But for Americans life is about working.

[@ngprod75]

That is awesome. Both my parents are from Mascota. I have lots of family there including a sister. I normally go every year but since my very well known grandfather passed away last year in 2022 at 104 years old, I haven’t been back but planning on going back next year. Enjoy the town. I love the tranquility of that town.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Nice! Thanks for sharing

[@maxcoatlhunter4322]

Welcome to Mascota Susan and Daniel. Hope to see you there soon. I'm currently in the U. S. but go there once or twice a year. Hopefully I'm able to retire soon and live in Mascota or the "Emerald of the Sierra"

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

I’ll share your nice comment with them! saludos Maríana

[@GypsyIrishNewfieNomad]

The only unsafe thing about the Mexican City I live in is the sidewalks 😅 I won't name it either because I don't want expats here. 😂

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

ha! true

[@Olguisss]

😂 😂 😂 😂😂

[@7swordmary567]

One of the things I consistently take note of in the videos. Happily, it appears more and more El Centros are investing in safer walk ways. 😊

[@MarioGomez-xc4yc]

Hopefully things will change for the better , We have a new government eager to doings right ,so we need to demand that they help us straighten things out in every way . I understand on how thing things work here in Mexico , me being mexican , but accustomed to things in the States also. Good luck & God bless to all.🙏🙋🇲🇽☮️

[@softblackkitten]

Appreciate quality advice.

[@damasodelgado4542]

great video!🎉, I'm not from Mascota, but I lived there in the late 70s attending a school that is still there CBTA, nice cool town love to visit every time a go to Mexico, I end up marrying a girl that was born an hour from Mascota, by the way I'm retiring next year and can wait to move back for half a year , congrats you choose a good place!!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Nice! Thanks for sharing

[@EnoughTimeTravel]

These expat interviews are my favorite videos on this channel! Wonderful to hear this couple’s story. (And kudos on the production quality & editing that just gets better & better). Thank you for the ongoing inspiration 🙏🏻

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it! and thanks for noticing that we are trying harder and harder to bring you the best videos

[@worldobserver3515]

I don't think I would leave Mascota. That seems like my kind of town.

[@Wilfredos_]

Thank you for sharing! Wish you the best of time as you are retiring to Mexico the right way!

[@dennishassler605]

Excellent points! I'm pleased you have the knowledge to live a quality of life in Mexico; also, the diet and the ability to live a healthy life style seems more available in Mexico.

[@JesusRodriguez-rw6fy]

Gracias por visitar México.

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

Hi Mariana! Hola Susan and Daniel! Mascota is a cool little town. I wanted to give you two a heads up, if you enjoy wetting a line (fishing) there is a good size reservoir called Presa Corrinchis that has some sizeable bass lurking there just South of Mascota. It's a nice road trip for the day and it has a swimming, a boat launch and a few places to grab a bite to eat. Suerte desde Ensenada

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks for the tips!

[@SusanAKlein]

We have friends that live near the reservoir. We’re not big fisher people - but it’s a beautiful location. This winter’s dry season was rough though - it was probably below 30% of capacity. You could literally walk across it.

[@lorenzogaz8074]

As longtime (17 years) 5-month winter residents in nearby Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica, we found this video very well done, informative, and consistent with our experiences here.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sipprianawest3333]

Thank you for sharing. Love this interview.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pamelalueschen1062]

Thanks folks for the informative video.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

thanks for watching their story!

[@mariem5990]

Great video, Thank you. I like small towns and this was really interesting

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it. I’ll be covering a few more small towns soon

[@CharliePowell-dy1tl]

I’m from Idaho too. I have lived in SE Idaho all my life, currently I’m in Lava Hot Springs. Except I’m in Chapala now. I was thinking of heading back to Idaho after a short stay here due to rental problems and was looking for another place to stay before I go back and found Mascota. Then I found this video. I’m interested in knowing more. Thanks for the video!

[@ElreyRayo]

Gracias 👍

[@danielbautista4757]

You guys are so beautiful . May God bless both of you

[@Speedinginprogress]

Sound Advice. Great Video.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching. Where are you watching from?

[@Speedinginprogress]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide Watching from the very hot Las Vegas NV. :)

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Move to Mexico The RIGHT WAY with our complete Mexico Relocation Guide bit.ly/3rDlkC0 Get instant access to our directory of contacts, our guide for moving to Mexico, and our expert tips and advice.

[@jvahl8747]

I cannot afford to live in the US, and, unfortunately, I cannot afford the Guide. Still determined to find a way with my kitties 🐈🐾🙏

[@linseyodonnell3729]

We are in Mascota as well. Would love to meet up and compare notes.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

How cool! This is Mariana from MRG- would you be open to an interview to share your experience with my audience? Send me an email please [e-mail]

[@SusanAKlein]

Hola! Yes - we’d love to meet up. Do you live in Mascota full time? We’ve moved to a temporary living arrangement up on the mountain closest to where our house is being built. But we go into town pretty frequently.

[@user-te9gj8vy7q]

I am from Mascota, but ai also, usd to Live in Chicago a long time ago, en 1962, but,I migt, go buck to Mascota one day, I riagt now, Live in Gauadalajara, I use to be an MD, in Mascota in 1975, 76 MY Name? Dr. Hugo O. Penia, I have a House In Mascota at, Lerdo de Tejada # 105, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@janetgorski4065]

You guys mentioned building a home in the mountains near Mascota. That sounds divine. Any more info on where and how to do that? Thanks for the info.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

Ironic that a town named Mascota doesn’t have an animal shelter. 🐕🐈

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

yeap- that is ironic. I agree.

[@starchildproject]

Ironic yes!😂 however the word “mascota” comes from a nahuatl word: “Amaxacotlán” which means the place of deers and snakes.

[@gm-qn8ri]

A Mascota Can be a person or any object .Why do you believe a Mascota has to be a Animal.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks for the excellent clarification :)

[@user-te9gj8vy7q]

But, what kind of Shelter do you want os to have??? My home town do need thet? of course NO, I wose born in Mascota in 1946, and it is a very OLD city , Mascota? is in Mexico, and Not in USA, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@edwardmcdonald2566]

Great interview. Ironic that my wife, who is from PV and I are currently living in Dallas and we are seriously considering moving back down and getting a place in PV and a retreat in Mascota. (I definitely need an escape from the PV heat.) I also have motorcycles that I would like to bring down with me, so I hope that can work out. That home you are building is very impressive. So many shared interests as we have also been involved in rescuing pups and I would definitely volunteer in PV, which has FAR too many poor strays in the street. All the best in your experience there.

[@user-qh3kd5pw3m]

But, both Temp. And Permanent residency Visas have skyrocketed since I received my Temp. Residency Visa in 22. (I lost in 23) A medical ER and the USD dollar plummeting in the last years I lived in BCS, I screwed myself. Learn as much Spanish as you can, don't go beyond your budget, don't assume anything and have a plan especially for health issues. Make a plan. I didn't have a plan and after a decade living in MX, I ended back in the States. Not happy in the States. Temp or permanent Residency will make one's life so more enjoyable. Excellent Video! Thank you❤ This channel is so important in navigating thru MX. I wish I had know way more than I did a decade ago!

[@magoo2929]

hi I just bought land to start to build my home as I am getting close to retairing I would love to meet you guys I am planing to go in september hope to we could meet stay safe and injoy mascota.

[@jorgemarmolejolu6222]

Awasome video!! Real life leasons regardless of where you are!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it! thanks for watching. Where are you watching us from?

[@jorgemarmolejolu6222]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide North Carolina, but i was born in California, raised a few years in Jalisco, my mom lives in Guadalajara. I had nooo iiidea that Ajijic was a Gringo town until i started watching your videos. Now i want to move back to mexico, so many wonderful stories that bring back my childhood memories.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

you can do it :)

[@kimmfay5644]

Thanks for a conversation about a Mexican town that we typically don’t hear about but the conversation was SO vague. I didn’t hear about how, why they decided on Mascota or the Puerto Vallarta piece of the story. Disappointed that there was so much conversation about the cost of living which we’ve heard time and again. But I really loved hearing about how amazing the Relocation guide is for assistance in buying and building a house in Mexico….

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Hey kimmy thanks for the feedback. I’ll take it into consideration 👍🏼

[@terryholland9417]

I'm really interested in that momentary mention of nationalizing a motorcycle. I haven't got a car at all so that's the vehicle that I'd be bringing with me. But most of the information I can find is about nationalizing a car.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Nationalizing a motorcycle works very similarly to importing a car.

[@terryholland9417]

@@Mexico_Living I'm already aware that you can buy a motorcycle in Mexico.

[@terryholland9417]

@@Mexico_Living The motos I have are an Enfield 650 and a T120. Nothing so luxurious as a Harley cruiser.

[@bilrmjl2]

We will be in PV this November. Would it be possible to get together?

[@jayman48044]

Is there ever a discount promo/coupon code for the Mexico Relocation Guide purchase?

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Hi Jay! Unfortunately I do not have any promotions currently. Because we are always adding new information. Ocassionally I have run promotions in the past, but currently I do not have a coupon. If you'd like to be kept up to date with any promotions sign up for my newsletter mexicorelocationguide.com/newsletter

[@jackbaldwin3649]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide That's a real shame as the guide is pretty expensive and a lot of us can't afford it.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Sorry you feel that way Jack, Send me an email [e-mail] see what I can do for you

[@losapriscos7258]

​@@jackbaldwin3649, discount promo/coupons are not common in Mexico. That's why.

[@elvaplascencia6810]

Thanks for this video I think is excelente for me a single retire lady I should b able to make it with a $900 monthly income I can adapt to simple life since I’m Mexican living in USA 45 yrs but visiting my state every year . I’m familiar with Guadalajara as well . Love love that old field construccions.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

That might be unrealistic. Not impossible but probably a lifestyle you’re not used to. Just hoping to be very transparent here 😉

[@user-xy2vy1dc3q]

Thank you for this video. While I liked the video, and they seemed like very nice people, I wish there were more details. There were a lot of generalizations, and not enough specifics. I would have liked to have heard more about why they chose Mascota. How’s the weather? Is there any public transportation? How about healthcare? And they brought up some interesting information, but did not follow up on it. What goods did they discover they should or should not bring across the border, and why? Why were the locals angry that they paid their rent six months in advance? Why was their rent so high? I would have expected a small town’s rent to be significantly lower. Maybe this would have been a better Q&A interview. I don’t mean to sound negative, but I am so used to MRG’s videos being evocative. Oaxaca’s video blew my mind, and made me want to reconsider that area. I personally want to hear more about Mascota and other small towns in Mexico. Thanks again for a video about a town in Mexico that many new Mexican residents may not have considered.

[@susanshaver912]

Definitely agree!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

thanks for the feedback- I will def consider this for future videos :)

[@user-xy2vy1dc3q]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide ♥️

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

thanks Susan- I'll consider it for future videos :) Saludos

[@SusanAKlein]

Mariana has asked if we’d be interested in a follow up live Q&A session - which we may do. Until then, I can try and answer some of your questions directly (FWIW - we were working from a set list of questions and tried to stay on track as much as possible)

[@laura3619]

❤

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Thanks for watching

[@duzty122]

After living in Mexico for 14 years, there's a general rule of thumb. If you stick to touristic places, keep a low profile, and only travel during the day, you should be safe. If you get involved with the wrong people, being too nosy and asking too many questions, and flash your bling bling, your a target for an unsafe experience. I've travelled to a small town near Guadalajara, did some shopping and had a local at a store clerk ask "why are you hear? did you know its very dangerous for a foreigner to be here?!".

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

What small town was this?

[@duzty122]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide Was at an expo in Chapala about 9 years ago at one of the hotels. Went walking down main street and had a small conversation with one of the people that worked in a small shop. Told me and my friend that.

[@rickyevelynsheppard5994]

Sooo many have worked long years faithfully, only to die a couple years after retirement ....

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Exactly! We’re living on borrowed time. If you want to do something, do it ☺️☺️

[@rickyevelynsheppard5994]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide I'm retired military and I'm looking at the Costa Chica region (Cuajinicuilapa)

[@gem3132]

Keep improving your Spanish. It WILL make a difference.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

fully agree! thanks for the comment :)

[@lih-fk8by]

I recommend everyone to stay away from pre venta or pre sale property, they try to lure you with a better price but imo it is not worth the risk, at best what should've taken 6 months will be 2-3 years at worst you will never see your home or the money you pay in advance

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

That’s just not true for all pre sales. That’s why it’s important to work with the right people

[@lih-fk8by]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide you are correct it is not true for all pre sales, the reason for the pre sale is to finance the project, which is not bad, but at the point you hand over money you go from a home buyer to an investor in someone else's business, if you have the time to wait and the money to gamble go ahead, just do your research there are plenty of accounts of people who thought they were dealing with reputable companies and lost a lot and it is not that the companies are necessarily bad, but things happen in business

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

Def do your research. And hire a real estate lawyer to check the developer is legit

[@yomeroc9713]

very few imigrants here do they fell safe? thats what you mean right?

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

No. I meant to write what I wrote :)

[@iamthatiam8894]

Mexico is God Almighty's heart and home. Sincerly Jesus Christ

[@leticiawhite2747]

Good interview! But you are not expats. You are immigrants!

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

True- they are immigrants, foreigners, expats, etc. But no one searches for the word immigrant. So I will continue using the word expat because that is how people search 😊

[@DrJohnnyJ]

@@MexicoRelocationGuide As a lifelong expat, I consider and emigrant one who seeks citizenship and integration; something permanent.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

That’s not the dictionary meaning. But I’m also not opposed to the word expat. There are many ways to say the same thing 😉

[@SusanAKlein]

Based on dictionary definitions - we are both. Expat does imply a more transient way of life - and we have moved to Mexico permanently. We will split out time between our main house in the mountains and our tiny condo in Vallarta. I have zero plans to return to the States.

[@tomspikeU]

No tienea idea de que ablas Leticia!

[@4lugan]

Mascota is a boring town….