Compared to the other cities Ive listed along the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas has slightly more crime. Pickpocketing tourists is probably the biggest safety concern here. Tijuana has a constant ebb and flow of violence. It has a rich history that dates back to when Mexico was ruled by the Spanish. According to a survey of El Paso residents, 43.8% describe their neighborhood as calm, followed by good and safe. The higher the number, the safer the city! Middle Class Dad is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad. In general, there is not a record number of migrants, but a record number of those who require significantly more resources to be detained and removed. The Golden zone, Old Town, and the Malecon are considered the safest areas. In addition to being sister cities, both Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acu*a, Mexico, are commercial centers. And when there is less disparity of income, that typically means less crime. link to Should I Avoid Costa Rica During the Rainy Season? The tortilla curtain allows you to see a wide range of foods, art, and culture. Baroque and colonial architecture abound, and the Cathedral of San Cristbal Mrtir was built over 400 years ago! Mexico City is a very safe city for both expats and foreigners to live in. I do not represent World Nomads. U.S. citizens can visit within the frontera area (a 26-mile border area of Mexico) for up to 72 hours without a . Take out Mexican Pesos before leaving Getting your hands on the local currency is pretty easy, and saves you the hassle and anxieties of figuring it all out after a long flight. Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. malecn (boardwalk). My hometown of nearly five years was Mexico City, which I consider to be one of the best cities in the country. The surprising truth is that Mexico City is relatively safe. However, it is important to remember that the vast majority of people who live in Mexico are not involved in the drug trade or other illegal activities. So in this article, we explored the best (and some of the worst) places in Mexico to move to. Where to Stay: La Casa del Atrio, across from the Museo de Arte, is both popular and affordable. There are always the odd, out-of-the-blue border towns to visit, as well as the usual suspects that you have never heard of. For now, Ill just have to settle for the cookbook I bought there years ago. But most residents dont find themselves crime victims. The first step to staying safe in Mexico City is to be aware of your surroundings. The highway heading into NL is like 6 lanes wide, but the speed limit I believe is 60 KM, but go the limit and you'll have no problems. A couple of other things. According to a Border Network for Human Rights survey of 1,222 residents from ten major border cities from California to Texas, 67.2% feel safe living in a border community, and 69.7% feel the same about their border neighborhood. The furthest point of the Baja Peninsula just a bit further from Todos Santos lies Cabo San Lucas. And in general, Tijuana excepted, the Baja Peninsula is generally one of the safer places in all of Mexico. Tipping in Mexico: The Mexico Tipping Guide, 10 Puerto Vallarta Hotels for Every Type of Traveler, 10 Incredible Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead. The nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco, less than 10 miles away, is also a World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage site for penitent Mexicans and tourists alike. Campeche is a safe city to live and vacation in, making it one of the safest cities in Mexico. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. Tijuanas transformation is best suited to its slow and steady manner; in contrast, Jurezs patient rebuild cant compete with Tijuanas comeback. Overall, Mexico is generally considered safe for expats if they take the necessary precautions and research their destination before traveling there. Once considered a nice day trip from Mexico City (its two hours away by car), Puebla is emerging as a primary destination in its own right. Pickpocketing in tourist areas is not uncommon, and there are also occasional reports of carjackings late at night in the outer parts of the city. After all, with more and more digital nomads, moving to other countries is becoming more and more common, whether thats from the United States, Latin America, or elsewhere. Although there are some indicators of safety, especially in this part of the country, border towns along the Lone Star State line are well-known for being among the most dangerous places in Mexico. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is currently hearing arguments on the Migration Protection Protocol. So they tend to commit fewer crimes in cities like Mexico City that are big tourist destinations. Beyond those 2 cities, Todos Santos down the Baja Peninsula near La Paz is also a great choice for ex-pats looking for a great and safe place to live. Generally speaking, the state of Quintana Roo (where Playa Del Carmen is) is the safest of the Mexican states. Campeche is a safe city to live and vacation in, making it one of the safest cities in Mexico. As part of the series, we uncover fundamental truths about asylum in the areas it affects, beginning with the fact that seeking asylum is a human right. The Middle Class Dads Guide to Budgeting e-book, 7 Top Fatherhood Challenges and Solutions for Your Family, How Mindful Meditation Can Improve Your Parenting Style, 15 Flavorful and Healthy Family Meals That are Perfect for Picky Eaters, 34 Kids Yoga Exercises That Boost Self Esteem (And Physical Flexibility), The Ultimate Guide to Make Saving Money Fast and Easy, The Best 10 Types of Exercise for Kids Who Get Too Much Screentime, https://immigrationtomexico.mx/pros-cons-temporary-or-permanent-residency-in-mexico/. 12. For sun lovers, Puerto Peasco sees 362 days per year of bright sunshine. How safe are Mexicos border towns from the drugs and corruption? Be sure to research the local laws before you travel so that you dont get into any trouble while youre there. But lets also be honest, there are a lot of safety concerns about Mexico. But its also a bustling resort town with tons of restaurants and a place where a number of celebrities have 2nd homes here or come here with great regularity. Is the Safety Situation improving in Mexico? Is it safe to live near the Mexican border? With these measures in place, you can enjoy all that Mexico City has to offer without worrying about your safety. As the name implies, it is located on the Baja California Peninsula. Basically the drug war that made it so dangerous ended when one cartel was victorious (the army helped), and there was more government effort about the same time, and it's considered pretty safe today. We did have an issue with a speed trap in Nuevo Laredo some months back. According to Human Rights First, 636 crimes against migrants have been committed in the first quarter of this year, including rape, kidnapping, and torture. But you may not have heard of this gem located just 40 miles away. Travel Smarter! Alternatively, you may use, Northern Mexico Hotels and Places to Stay, http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laredo%E2%80%93Colombia_Solidarity_International_Bridge. I cant blame you although Costa Rica also tops my list of places I would love to move to. In the Hotel Zone its pretty safe, although outside it can get somewhat seedy. In 2016, the city of Juarez was ranked one of the worlds most dangerous, with 282.3 homicides per 100,000 residents. Mrida is flat topographically speaking as its not on the coast or in the mountains. Guanajuato is mountainous with a lot of narrow winding streets (many that cars cant fit down). Like its sister city to the south, it is a beach resort town with a bustling malecn (boardwalk). Overall, La Paz, like much of the Baja Peninsula, is very safe, and petty theft and pickpocketing in the touristy spots are about the only real concern for most who live here. Drive time from U.S. border: 1 hour 10 minutes, 62 miles (100 kms). Mexico City is a large and vibrant city, and like any large city, it has its own unique set of safety concerns. The Historic Downtown Urban Development Master Plan has helped to restore historic buildings and revitalize the tourist and business districts that were devastated by the violence. During October, November, and December of 2018, an average of 2,000 illegal and inadmissible aliens crossed the border into the United States every day. Beyond safety, youll enjoy hidden beaches, coffee plantations, and tons of waterfalls. Mexico is safe for expats when you look at the numbers. From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city. Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a monthly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trendsand how they could affect your travel plans. They are likely the best-known tourist towns in the state of Baja California Sur. The Best And Safest Border Crossings Between Mexico And Texas Colombia, the safest border crossing between Mexico and Texas, is the safest border crossing. Pickpocketing happens a lot here and the other crime that is common is where someone calls you pretending to be a relative in trouble who needs money. I'm Jeff Campbell. Close to Mrida and basically due south of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico lies this little coastal town. If you don't have a hotel yet in Saltillo, the Sheraton Four Points (formerly American Business Inn) is the closest to the highway and has secure parking. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. San Miguel de Allende Puerto Vallarta Playa del Carmen (and the whole Riviera Maya) Tulum Ensenada (Baja California) Mrida Mexico City But those are just a few of the top picks. With a low crime rate and a strong police presence, these towns are a great place to live or visit. The Mexican border is a hot-button issue in the United States, with many people arguing that it is not safe. The area also offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Dont forget to grab a mojito from La Bodeguita del Medio, the place that invented it. Despite all of this activity, the border is relatively safe. The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular areas for expats in Mexico. And about the safest crossings between Mexico and Texas, Colombia will be the quickest and safest highway due is a toll road administrated by Texas' authority. Puerto Vallarta is consistently regarded as Mexicos most secure city. I did set off on foot one day to explore the non-tourist part of town, but given Cancn is kind of shaped like the number 7, it takes a while to walk around. Right near the border of Belize, this is a tropical paradise. Now this town is safe, but its worth pointing out that Guadalajara is only 45 minutes away. Great for wine, artists, fantastic restaurants, museums, open-air markets, food carts, and a big dose of not only Mexican and Spanish culture but a melting pot for a lot of cultures. She can overnight in the McAllen/Harlingen area where she can find hotels starting at $40USD/night or she can overnight here in Monterrey that is full of affordable and comfortable hotels and drive straight to Houston the next morning without making stop on the Texas Valley area. Take a look at this chart showing the relative safety index for Cabo and some other well-known cities in Mexico. Everyone has heard of Cabo San Lucas (sometimes just called Cabo) and its nearby sister city San Jos del Cabo. The turn is right after the airport and not marked very well. But theres also plenty of yoga, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Expats can enjoy exploring the citys cobblestone streets, visiting its many art galleries, or taking part in one of the many festivals held throughout the year. A great example of Spanish colonial influence, Merida is a walking-friendly town that is connected to Chichen Itza by a toll road, which is considered the safest way to travel in Mexico if you are driving. Why is Progreso Mexico a safe place to visit? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65426049', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight), but I expect to travel back and forth in the future, including driving some. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and a number of other popular Mexican tourist destinations are not at risk of earthquake damage. Ironically the biggest threat to Bacalar comes from the rapid growth due to its inherent beauty. San Cristobal, by comparison, is largely in the mountains in Chiapas. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. A slight addition to #3's post, since TX toll roads have no casetas like in Mexico, they take pictures of your license plates if you don't have a TXtag and then send the bill to the address listed on your registration. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. But the other unique thing about this part of Baja is just that its so isolated with the ocean on either side. This is one of the very best places in Mexico to move to or retire in. With Bacalar, because its NOT a tourist destination, it also tends to be extremely safe. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which border town they believe to be the most dangerous. More recently, many residents and tourists have declared that the city of Merida is the safest place to live in Mexico and the safest place to travel in Mexico due to its low crime rate. The UN Refugee Agencys animated series explains what it is like to seek asylum in the United States. 19 Amazing Reasons We Love it! The Baja California peninsula is another popular area for expats in Mexico. Is Mexico safe? Its a question many American travelers have asked themselves, especially in the wake of a sweeping security alert for Mexico issued by the U.S. State Department. Which is the safest bordertown full of tourists and lots of security? He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. However, in general, towns that are closer to the border are more likely to be safe than those that are located further inland. It's only like 3 hours and change to Saltillo from the border. And a visit to El Reppollo Rojo (the Red Cabbage Cafe) is a must if you go. Midway between Merida and Cancun is Valladolid, a colorful and friendly city thats within easy driving distance of several beautiful cenotes. Its a tourist town, of course, but as long as you live somewhere down the road from the hotel zone, youll still get plenty of authentic Mexican culture, food, and entertainment. Typically the safest areas in Mexico in terms of cartel violence are the most touristy areas such as Cancn, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende. LAREDO, Texas ( Border Report) Two South Texas cities on the Mexican border have been named among the top 20 "safest cities" in America, according to a recent survey. Former Juarez drug war correspondent Joseph Furey is fond of Tijuana, Popotla, and Cuidad because of its charm. The plusses of living in Baja California Sur include being a port city but also surrounded by mountains. Lots of baroque colonial architecture but lots of Mayan structures too. Be aware of your surroundings, follow local laws and customs, and take advantage of programs such as Ciudad Segura for added security. There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on individual circumstances and opinions. Let's start with three cities that are directly on the border with Mexico: Laredo, Brownsville and Hidalgo. It's not the most well-known city in the country, but there are excellent beaches and a vibrant downtown. The nearby Hierve el Agua hot springs are breathtaking too. To help you plan your own trip, Ive gathered some of the safest places to visit in Mexico, complete with information on why you should go and where to stay. But its got beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination too. Here youve got beaches, nightlife, seafood, coffee shops, amazing sunsets, a huge artist community, and the amazing 19th-century Nuestra Seora de La Paz Cathedral. More a village than a bustling city, lots of ex-pats live here with a big emphasis on being environmentally conscious. And theres also nearby Guadalupe Island. The best restaurants, hotels, and chain stores in town make this a great place to visit. But for the savvy retiree, it can be a beautiful spot to move to. Of all the places to visit Mexico, Mrida is the safest for a vacation with your family, with safe neighbourhoods and a charming vibe. Which is the safest bordertown full of tourists and lots of security? The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. But thats largely due to issues outside the city. The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) are a Trump administration policy that requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their U.S. court hearings. I am a father, martial artist, budget-master, Disney-addict, musician, and recovering foodie. Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe.
