Thirteen of the Best Places to Live in Mexico



Even earlier than many human beings end their office jobs or were switched to a very faraway life-style, Mexico was one of the top spots for digital nomads and retirees to resettle. Considering the colourful lifestyle, splendid beaches, and breathtaking mountains the united states has to provide, it’s no wonder why such a lot of human beings to migrate here.

I’ve been living in Mexico for over years, and I can genuinely say there’s nowhere else I’d instead name domestic. While I nonetheless perceive very a great deal as a nomad, Mexico is my everlasting domestic for the foreseeable future.

Below are my pinnacle hints for destinations in Mexico which might be in particular perfect for foreigners like myself who desire to transport right here.

But first, what makes Mexico a notable place to stay?

I’ll preface this with a reminder that now not all towns and cities on this large u . S . Are the equal. There is a wide range of diverse places to go to in Mexico, every with their very own quirks, demanding situations, and blessings. While I and lots of foreigners love dwelling here, I additionally should renowned that dwelling in Mexico isn’t always anyone’s cup of tea. Some human beings discover the sluggish tempo of existence, common stomach bugs, language barrier, and other demanding situations to be overwhelming.

However, regardless of the drawbacks, I assume Mexico is a exquisite place to live as a foreigner. Generally talking, Mexican nationals are heat and hospitable, specially toward individuals who at the least try to talk Spanish and/or the nearby indigenous language. I’ve never been anywhere wherein the people embraced me as their own family extra than in Mexico. That’s a lovely, sacred component to feel.

Another big plus is the food. Lordy, the food! It’s sparkling, flavorful, and occasionally sudden. It’s nothing just like the Tex-Mex you discover inside the States and some place else. There’s no evaluation.

Last, but not least, the scenery! From white, sandy Caribbean beaches to volcanic peaks and the entirety in between, Mexico has a few display-preventing herbal regions that hold to take my breath away.

Anyway, this isn’t a meant to be list of motives you should circulate right here, so let’s move directly to the exceptional places to stay in Mexico:

Best Beachy Places to Live in Mexico

1. La Paz, Baja California Sur

When it involves seashores with crystal-clean water shallow enough that you could wade out for what seems like miles, Balandra Beach may be reason sufficient to trap you to relocate to La Paz in Baja California Sur. With the Sea of Cortez laid out before you, you’ll love finishing your days with a walk at the malecón (boardwalk) to capture a radiant sunset that La Paz is understood for.

Besides the beach perspectives and uncrowded beaches, La Paz gets its popularity as a exceptional place to live because it’s tremendously safe; has a sophisticated vibe, with people from everywhere in the world; and a high preferred of dwelling for a fragment of what it expenses to live in the States, Canada, or Europe.

La Paz is likewise in a superb vicinity for exploring Baja California Sur, inclusive of destinations just like the pueblo mágico (magic town) of Todos Santos, which has spell binding cobblestone streets that wind along the coast.

One drawback of La Paz is the extraordinarily hot temperatures from July to October, with highs reaching nearly 100 degrees. During this time, locals generally tend to regulate their daily schedules to avoid being out of doors inside the afternoon warmness. If you don’t mind doing that, you’ll healthy right in.

2. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido is a exceptional location to relocate to if you’re young, or at least young at heart. The surf way of life is powerful right here, and also you’ll observe that an amazing majority of traffic in warm spots like La Punta are in their 20s and early 30s.

Sure, it’s a huge spring damage destination, but the relaxation of the yr in Puerto is quite laid again and uncrowded. This sleepy metropolis was lots more off the tourism radar than it is now, but it nevertheless keeps a quiet surroundings and is safe for foreigners.

If you’re a seaside lover, Puerto can be for you because of how many seashores there are nearby, each with its very own distinct vibe. In the metropolis of Puerto Escondido by myself, there are almost a dozen to choose from, with others in cities just 30-60 minutes away.

One disadvantage to moving to Puerto Escondido is the occasional electricity outages. Due to the city’s speedy expansion as tourism keeps to develop, infrastructure has struggled to preserve up with the population. However, those outages have end up much less frequent in the remaining year, and citizens report that even the internet speeds are enhancing as the town adapts.

The largest perks of Puerto Escondido besides the beaches include extraordinary restaurants, especially reasonably-priced lease (in comparison to other seashore towns), and an interesting nightlife scene. This is the place to live if you need to make new friends, learn to surf, and experience a carefree environment. If you want to test it out earlier than making the pass, definitely don’t miss out on our whole Puerto Escondido manual.

3. Sayulita, Nayarit

In many approaches, Sayulita could be very just like Puerto Escondido in its usual ecosystem. You’ll see numerous young human beings residing and visiting here, and revel in a colourful nightlife scene and the city’s hip, cutting-edge touch. Sayulita is in reality at the traveller song, particularly for those who are journeying the massive accommodations in nearby Puerto Vallarta, however it’s still a laid-back spot to settle in.

Like Puerto Escondido, Sayulita has an excellent surf scene in shape even for novices. There’s additionally a large yoga tradition, with lots of studios to pick out from and instructors from around the arena. Surrounded by way of nature, Sayulita is likewise a splendid place for outdoorsy people who want to get out into the jungle from time to time to explore. Plus, it’s close to dreamy San Pancho, which is a quiet town to break out to if the tourist crowds get too overwhelming.

Sayulita is properly prepared to acquire foreigners, with plenty of factors to do and other close by destinations, however locals document that every so often internet speeds can be gradual. If you don’t require excessive-pace net to your task, or are willing to get innovative approximately seeking the net you want, this received’t be an issue.

As Sayulita is a acknowledged celebration destination, it is not for you if you’re seeking out someplace totally quiet. But in case you don’t mind a piece of noise, cross for it. Still, understand that in many Mexican cities, events can last until 4am or even later, something that isn’t unique to locations like Sayulita.

four. Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

Want to experience the splendor of the Riviera Maya, but turned off by using the mega-tourism of Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen? Puerto Morelos has all the great elements of each of these spots, with out as some of the drawbacks, making it the appropriate Riviera Maya beach metropolis to live in. It gets a small fraction of the tourists, it’s proper at the sugary beach, and it has a fab stability of current infrastructure and dirt roads main to mystery spots at the shore. The price of residing is a little bit higher than some other place in Mexico, but you still get a terrific price in your money.

Puerto Morelos has a respectable quantity of locals dwelling there still, unlike other seashore towns on the Caribbean coast, that means it’s an fantastic area to connect to human beings from the vicinity and learn about approximately their subculture. I’ve visited oftentimes, and whenever I’m overwhelmed through how pleasant people are. There are pretty quite a few foreigners residing there too, so there’s a sturdy “expat” community where it’s smooth to be social with out the principle pastime being partying.

Another large plus for Puerto Morelos — or simply anywhere you choose to live inside the Riviera Maya — is that the healthcare is of high first-rate and inexpensive. In fact, people from all over the region go to Puerto Morelos just to look the medical doctors and dentists there.

Considering how much there’s to see in the Riviera Maya — from secret seashores to breathtaking cenotes and old fashioned towns — Puerto Morelos is a stunning and underrated region to live.

Best Mountainous Places to Live in Mexico

5. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

San Cristóbal de las Casas has been my domestic for nearly years now, and I wouldn’t have it every other way. Given that, that is the vicinity in this listing that I can communicate to from revel in the most.

Nestled in the heart of mountainous Chiapas, “San Cris” is one of the us of a’s maximum beloved “magic cities.” It has function chilly weather, a vibrant indigenous culture, and colorful colonial buildings all through the metropolis’s center.

Not most effective is the city a hub for all forms of healers, from herbalists to yoga teachers to standard temazcal (Mexican sweat resort rite) leaders, however its records is one of resistance to the repute quo, one purpose why many people pick this as their transient or everlasting home. This region was the website online of the legendary 1994 Zapatista rebellion, a fight for indigenous rights in Mexico that also is lively nowadays. Here you’ll additionally see many humans operating hard to protect Mother Nature, and her maximum precious useful resource: water.

Speaking of water, it’s not so brilliant right here in San Cris. The faucet water here is questionable, at high-quality. After years, I can’t even rely how in many instances I’ve seen different foreigners get ill (myself covered) from accidentally ingesting infected water or by accident washing their vegetables with it. There’s additionally generally much less infrastructure, with occasional energy outages for the duration of city and risky internet. However, I managed to get fiber-optic cables in which I live, which completely solved the net hassle. So it’s feasible to avoid a number of the main drawbacks here.

Consider touring San Cristóbal de las Casas earlier than you decide to shifting here. Keep in mind that as compared to a few other locations on this list, it’s surely extra of a complete immersion in Mexican culture, meaning that having an open thoughts and coronary heart is prime. I desire you adore it as a great deal as I do!

6. Tepoztlán, Morelos

Like San Cristóbal de las Casas, Tepoztlán draws a more bohemian crowd even as maintaining its conventional Mexican aptitude. Foreigners searching out a greater unconventional way of residing have a tendency to discover themselves settling in Tepoztlán. This is probably because of the laid-again nature of the metropolis, its proximity to nature, and it average mystical placing. After all, that is another one in all Mexico’s special “magic towns.”

In Tepoztlán, you’ll locate old fashioned cobblestone streets lined with colonial homes. As you stroll through metropolis, you’ll be capable of gaze up at the green mountains that surround it, breathing inside the crisp air as you cross. Tepoztlán is understood for its gastronomy, that’s every other motive why people are thrilled to live here. From conventional mole to the well-known cecina (cuts of pork or beef marinated in a blackberry sauce and served up in tacos), it’s a foodie’s paradise.

Another big plus for Tepoztlán is its close proximity to Mexico City, that means that worldwide travel is tons simpler than other locations that most effective have small domestic airports. From Tepoztlán, you can get to the capital inside hours, depending on traffic. This is especially appealing for common travelers, or folks that need a dose of town life each every now and then.

As it’s such an antique city and one with a strong rural Mexican identity, that is any other vicinity in which it’s crucial to remember the fact that you are a visitor. Loud fireworks, bands of road puppies, and coffee parties lasting till the wee hours are not unusual right here. Don’t assume to return to “Tepoz” and alternate your neighbor’s habit of having loud song on all day. Some foreigners find this tough to adapt to, so it’s vital to don’t forget these capability drawbacks earlier than moving here.

7. Guanajuato, Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a former silver mining town that slowly became one in all Mexico’s pinnacle tourist locations. It’s additionally one of the maximum popular in the country for retired foreigners to to migrate to. With characteristic yellow to rose shades all through its streets, this is one of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever been to.

Even though such a lot of foreigners and nationals alike determine to retire in Guanajuato, the town remains sparkling and colourful, thanks to the University of Guanajuato, which on my own has around 17,000 students, approximately 10% of the metropolis’s populace. There’s continually something taking place on the town, from festivals to theater performances to concerts and everything in between. Plus there is an abundance of neat museums and the food is awesome. Convinced to transport right here but?

One of Guanajuato’s nice features is its first rate pedestrian-pleasant streets. Several are even pedestrian most effective, perfect for lengthy walks around city. Another massive bonus is the weather. It’s frequently dry yr spherical, with the wet season most effective lasting a pair months. Plus, the temperature remains warm often, simplest dipping at some point of December and January. It’s now not too warm, now not too cold — just proper!

A downside of Guanajuato is that currently droughts have grow to be a lot extra of an issue, making water shortages more not unusual than ever. Even with this in thoughts, it’s one of the most foreigner-friendly towns in Mexico because it’s smooth and secure and has awesome access to healthcare and exceptional infrastructure. There’s no surprise why so many human beings pass right here!

Best Big Cities in Mexico to Live in

8. Mexico City, Estado de México

If you’re a journey-or-die metropolis individual and not intimidated by the mega-city that is Mexico City — the absolute epicenter for nearly the whole lot within the u . S . — right here you’ll discover the first-rate restaurants, nightlife, concert events, you call it. There are seemingly infinite activities, which makes it a no brainer that so many people depart feeling like they’ve most effective scratched the floor.

The neat issue approximately living here is that every neighborhood has its personal persona. From the floating parties in Xochimilco (pictured above) to the candy artwork museums of Coyoacán and posh cafés of Reforma, jumping around the metropolis in no way receives boring. You’ll locate humans from all around the global living right here, which creates a clearly cosmopolitan ecosystem unmatched anywhere else.

Plus, the meals in Mexico City is to die for, mainly from avenue carts and inside the markets. People from all around Mexico rave about how remarkable the delicacies is here, in order that’s how you know it’s greater unique.

I don’t have to tell you that residing in a town as massive and stressful as Mexico City has its drawbacks. Some of them consist of overcrowded rush hour transportation, no longer the cleanest streets, and its very own basket of safety challenges. However, if you could keep away from rush hour, don’t thoughts a bit city filth, and find approaches to stay safe in Mexico City, you’ll be just excellent.

9. Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca

If you’re looking to revel in the satisfactory parts of Mexican lifestyle on a every day basis, Oaxaca is really one of the first-rate places to immerse yourself. Every time I go to, I discover a new motive to plot any other experience, due to the fact there never seems to be enough time to explore the entire city. Maybe due to the fact I always trap myself in an countless loop of ingesting all the scrumptious food inside the marketplace? Nah, couldn’t be.

Oaxaca’s colourful murals, wide pedestrian streets, bustling markets, and fascinating museums are all a part of the city’s specific appeal. There are a variety of humans — Mexican and otherwise — who’ve creative initiatives here, as it’s a hub for track, theater, dance, and art. The country of Oaxaca is specially well-known for its grabados, an art method just like linocut printmaking. You’ll see shops everywhere promoting these stunning portions.

In a nutshell, there’s hundreds to do in Oaxaca whether or not you’re settling here or just making plans to go to.

The town is ready a six-hour, winding, mountainous drive to or from the coast of Oaxaca, which has a number of the great beaches inside the united states of america, in my opinion. It may additionally sound like an extended drive, but I’ve executed it and observed it to be extraordinarily stunning and really worth it, mainly in case you’re staying in Oaxaca for a long term.

Before settling in San Cristóbal, I taken into consideration moving to Oaxaca however determined that the heavy celebration scene wasn’t for me. However, in case you are looking to dance the night time away on any day of the week, Oaxaca is the region to be. After all, it’s miles the mezcal capital of Mexico.

Another difficulty here is probably protection, as petty crime quotes are exceedingly high here compared to other locations in this listing, so test out those approaches to stay safe in Oaxaca.

10. Mérida, Yucatán

Settling in Mérida, one of the friendliest cities in Mexico, makes general sense if you’re a social butterfly and want to really experience true local way of life. I’m charmed by way of it every time I go, and I spent 3 months dwelling there as a university scholar in 2017. I really loved Mérida, and consequently completely understand why it’s this kind of popular vicinity for foreigners to relocate to.

The heat hues of the colonial buildings, steady cultural occasions within the main square, and high-quality meals scene all embody the nice elements of Mexico. For a big town, Mérida has a especially chill vibe, which you’ll find mainly outside of the middle of town.

Also, there’s a custom on this a part of Mexico at some point of the hottest summer days in which human beings will sit on their the front porch or in lawn chairs at the sidewalk around the identical time every day. They name it tomar fresco, or taking some fresh air. This is also high time for chisme (gossip) around the community.

There’s lots to do in Mérida for any period of live, with distinctive gala’s taking place for the duration of the year. You can seize a show on the symphony, check out a museum, or do a nighttime strolling tour to listen approximately the city’s particular colonial beyond. After three months right here, I did and saw loads, but still felt like there has been more to find out.

The largest drawback of Mérida for plenty foreigners, specifically the ones like me who come from a chilly climate, is the warmth. The town is understood us of a-extensive for its raging summer season temps, so beware and put together yourself to avoid being out of doors from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Another downside is the often-congested visitors and subpar public transportation. Even though it’s a huge metropolis, the simplest public transportation are the buses and colectivos (vans), which usually have long routes and take a long time to get from area to place. Some human beings without a doubt depend upon Uber, even though, which is pretty reasonably-priced. I preferred to stroll on every occasion I may want to, but you can also motorcycle quite without problems right here.

Best Small Cities in Mexico to Live in

eleven. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

This cobblestone-filled city is sincerely spell binding, and also you’ll right now understand why so many human beings come right here as quickly as you arrive. I spent three superb weeks in San Miguel de Allende and felt like I become cheating on San Cris a bit bit, due to how an awful lot I become falling in love with the city. Perhaps it became more adorable because it changed into around Christmastime and there had been lighting fixtures glowing everywhere, however I digress.

San Miguel is a small, centrally located metropolis simply an hour from Querétaro, 1.5 hours from Guanajuato, and three hours from Mexico City. Its awesome place is just the beginning, although. This charming, foreigner-pleasant destination has a strong artwork scene, a countrywide culinary reputation, and surroundings to die for. The weather is mild all 12 months spherical, with warm, sunny days maximum of the 12 months. Even in December, it changed into handiest cold at midnight; throughout the summer it also receives cool inside the evenings.

There’s a big populace of retired American and Canadian residents right here, which can be a plus or a disadvantage relying on what you’re looking for. I tend to observe that during locations like this, once in a while foreigners anticipate the relaxation of the populace to adapt to them rather than the alternative manner around. People say this about San Miguel, however I didn’t experience that during any of my interactions.

That said, San Miguel has a reputation for being the gentrified model of different lesser-known cities in Mexico, so take that for what it’s worth. Overall, I propose journeying first to peer if the vibe suits you earlier than finding out to transport there.

12. Bacalar, Quintana Roo

Home to “the lagoon of seven colorings,” Bacalar has loads to provide nature fanatics and people searching out a laid-again and quiet vicinity to stay. It’s approximately 2.Five hours south of Tulum and has a individual all of its personal. The city sits on a long, skinny lagoon, with an isthmus on the other side that creates a barrier to the Caribbean Sea.

The lagoon itself is motive enough to pay Bacalar a go to, however is it really worth it to move there? That all relies upon on what you’re seeking out. A large pro of dwelling in Bacalar is that it’s near quite a few other incredible spots on the Riviera Maya, just like the cenotes near Tulum and Cancún. It’s additionally just a 20-minute pressure from Chetumal, a sleepy seashore city near the Belize border.

In Bacalar you’ll be able to experience the absolute fine and most nicely-preserved nature within the vicinity. This is due to the fact the municipal government suggests extraordinary dedication to preserving the location’s natural assets. You will nevertheless discover plenty of vacationers milling about, but no huge motels on the lagoon’s waterfront. Even although it’s a popular visitor destination, there’s still a small-city experience here, making it smooth to get to understand your buddies.

A con of residing in Bacalar is that it’s a bit more luxurious than other places in the country, and buying a property is difficult, because constructing regulations are tight due to the government’s upkeep efforts. Some additionally claim that Bacalar is the next Tulum, so in case you are became off via Tulum, possibly Bacalar wouldn’t be a outstanding lengthy-time period choice.

13. Izamal, Yucatán

Izamal’s nickname is “the yellow city,” which is quite obvious, considering a good deal of the metropolis is painted in vibrant dandelion hues. This is the spot to transport to in case you need to learn about Yucatec Maya subculture, enjoy the warmth, and don’t thoughts being among few foreigners. Out of all the locations on this list, Izamal has the bottom populace of foreigners, which might be a large plus for some humans.

Besides residing in a shiny, beautiful Mexican city, a big perk of Izamal is its area. It’s handiest about an hour from Mérida, an hour or two from the Gulf of Mexico, and hours from Celestún, in which you could find herds of flamingos for as a ways as the eye can see. There are also lots of small Mayan pueblos close by, which can be cool to go to simply for a quick meal and chat with the locals.

As it’s far in lots of small cities in the Yucatán Peninsula, people are extremely warm and pleasant. To me, this is wherein you’ll locate the peak of Mexican hospitality. As a foreigner dwelling in Izamal, your kindness and openness to research may be thoroughly received, I’m sure of it.

A con of living here, like Mérida, is the warmth. There also are fewer healthcare centers right here, meaning you could need to force to Mérida for any procedures or emergencies. There are also no buying department shops or film theaters in Izamal, so put together yourself for genuine small-town existence right here.

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Any of those places can be your future domestic in Mexico. How interesting is that?! Moving to Mexico turned into the satisfactory preference for me as a digital nomad, however it definitely isn’t for anybody, though. As I stated approximately lots of those beautiful locations, make sure to go to first earlier than you commit to transferring. Stay for a month or , get your bearings, and you’ll be able to make a more sound choice.

Which place sounds just like the fine to you?