I too wondered about San Cristobal and even Campeche (it looks quite beautiful) but Queretaro and Oaxaca City intrigue me most at this time. Do you want to be a part of a large expat community? The cafes, restaurants, and scenery are some of the best in the country. The high-desert climate means warm days and cool nights for the majority of the year. To commemorate this legacy, a public initiative called Revolucin al Rojo is campaigning for Monicas original doors to be installed as a monument at Parque Revolucin as an homage to Guadalajaras LGBTQ+ history. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Because of San Miguels popularity among foreigners, the cost of living is significantly higher than in other parts of Mexico. Quertaro is located pretty much dead center in Mexico. It isnt the best time to arrive in Mexico, especially if youre headed for the beach. In our experience most hosts wont be able to reliably rent out their home for more than 2 weeks out of every month with the app. It's one of the most progressive cities (in one of the most progressive states) in America and same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington in 2012. Many say the museum scene in Guadalajara rivals that of Mexico City. Okay, I couldnt put these in an order one might expect. I hope you enjoyed this article: Gay-Friendly Cities in Mexico. Best Places to Live in Mexico 1. The last four decades have seen an LGBTQ+ community galvanized to improve their lives and stature in society. Somewhere I can be off-grid, with a moderate climate (compared to south-west Canada). Pacific coast cities such as Huatulco are worth considering for a long-term stay in Mexico. This is a great city for nature lovers who only need to leave the city limits to enjoy a hiking trails, waterfalls and ancient Zapotec ruins. Even though the city may not be huge, it is important for the states economy. The LGBTQ pride march and festival in Mexico City. Cost of the Camino de Santiago {2021}: How Much Should You Budget? Average fixed internet data speeds (including guest houses) are around 35 mbps down, 15 mbps up. Unique Fact: although gay marriage is not yet legal in Mexico, in Mexico City it is legal. Because life is not meant to be lived in one place, February 16, 2021 by Alex | Backpacking Brunette 28 Comments. For longer short term stays, one tip is to try to make a deal with an Airbnb host off platform. Hobbs Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 5 /10 Population: 37,427 Percent Republican: 70.5% $ Republican Amount Per Capita: $13.7 # Republican Contributions Per Capita: 0.02 More on Hobbs: Photos | Data Hobbs is a city in Lea County, New Mexico, United States. Although costs are going to be higher, I recommend transferring there or flying direct. If youve seen pictures or footage of Quertaro, then you know it has a beautiful historic center. Between shopping at the market, speaking Spanish daily and just feeling at home in the city, this is really the experience that I envisioned for myself when I decided to move to Mexico. Mexico City is also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Mexico. I come from Florida, where your next door neighbor is most likely to be a snowbird or a tourist. But the work thats been decades in the making in Guadalajara has had lasting impact throughout Jalisco. We have a dog and want to know if that is a problem for us. For the enjoyment of the LGBT community there are hidden beaches and ecological destinations that can be enjoyed both as a romantic escape and a relaxed vacation. Great article and I think your advice about visiting a few different cities before settling on a more permanent place to call home, is spot on. Your ultimate goal is to pack so that you can dress in layers. Counting its neighboring cities of Puebla, Toluca, Pachuca, and Cuernavaca, the mega-region encompasses 27 million people. Regular: Which Is Better? Hablarmos pronto! Nah, you might as well choose Antigua, Guatemala instead. I loved reading your post, 11 Best Places to Live in Mexico and seeing the accompanying video on your experience in Queretero. For expats interested in big city amenities, Mrida has universities, major corporations and museums. Cost of living is very important, but its still just one of many factors you need to consider when deciding where to move in Mexico. Because this area is right on the border, it is a favorite place for Americans to visit. While its not an expat hotspot, its still one of the more expensive places to live in Mexico. This city is not very popular for tourist attractions, and it only has a population of about 50,000. Valladolid 14. B+. This is awesome! If you can find pepper spray. Los Lamentos, Chihuahua In fact, Quertaro the fastest-growing city in Mexico. Input your search keywords and press Enter. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its definitely one of the best cities in Mexico to visit, at least a handful of times. Is there anything youd like to add? Santa Fe is rated the most liberal city in the state which can be subject to debate. I would also feel just fine hailing a cab on the street. Located in the heart of central Mexicos Bajo region, this colonial city is one of the most picturesque towns in the entire country. In May, temperatures get up to the mid-80s (Fahrenheit). Im planning a 3 month visit to Zipolite in October. The last one on my list is probably the one most readers were expecting and maybe not one of the safest cities in Mexico according to the mainstream media. Lets take a look at the seven coldest cities in Mexico. While I love having Quertaro as my home base in Mexico, in the future, Id like to spend one month out of each year living near the beach. Mexico is so rich in archeology, history, customs and culture. San Cristobal de las Casas 12. The city's residents are the most likely in the world to look for "any excuse to party," according to Hostelworld, and also have the second highest frequency of meeting friends. Required fields are marked *. Weve got close friends living in every one of these cities at the moment, we were spoiled by the wealth of information theyve shared and look forward to getting into greater detail on each down the line. We are from Germany but living in FL, Your videos and blogs about Mexico are among the best of the best! Help! [2] Travel Safe How Safe Is Mexicali for Travel? These are in order of our preference, not by how safe they are. Guadalajara is quickly becoming a cheaper alternative to Silicon Valley for software engineers and the like. It is impossible to discuss Mexico without considering Mexico City. Did we nail all the best cities in Mexico, or do you have a better suggestion? As far as the other cities highlighted on our list, we find they all are safe, especially when employing some basic common sense. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Backpacking Brunette If you want to get up to $43 USD off your Airbnb stays and experiences, sign up with this link. Finally, the seventh coldest city in Mexico is Los Lamentos, Chihuahua. I enjoy reading your posts and will continue to do so. Airbnb deserves its own subhead within this article because its probably the best way to get accommodation in Mexico (and most other places). 2: Mexico City. Thank you for the great information! Share your thoughts on this list of best places to live in Mexico. The city is situated in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range which means a cooler climate (by Mexican standards, of course). Either company will allow you to sign up remotely, after youve already started travelling. Today, the city is known for its prolific meat industry. Tulum 10. However, regardless of partisan politics, there are obviously countries that have proggressed way more than others on issues such as abortion, marihuana, gay rights, etc. I am a little late to this party but no doubt it will keep on going. Among many queer travelers, Jalisco is a well-known Mexican destination, thanks in large part to the immense popularity of the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, which has enjoyed the patronage of LGTBQ+ visitors for many years. Population 5,419. In fact, every person I spoke to in order to write this article said that they loved Mexico City. We typically rent more than one apartment within a country at one time with this Airbnb hack namely, living in the Philippines. The WiFi in cafes is anyones guess the world over and Mexico is no exception, but fixed internet connections were quite good according to everyone we spoke to. If you like the idea of living in a big city but arent sold on Mexico City, Guadalajara could be the place for you. 3. Internet? Puerto Escondido is not only a great a beach town for surfing in Mexico, it also has enough modern comforts to make it a Bali alternative for US citizens not too interested in a 30-hour flight. Copenhagen, Denmark This city began in the 16th century as a mining camp, though it had been used by Native Americans for years before. Located in Baja, California, Mexicali is one of Mexico's safest and most progressive cities. It also works in over 150 countries, so its likely to be a reliable travel tool well after you leave Mexico. The best time to visit Mexico actually happens to be during the winter. We will continue to look out for your posts & videos. Mrida is a laid back city, and Progreso is a nearby beach town thats not as developed as Cancun (in spite of Cancuns close proximity). Roughly two-thirds of Hispanic likely voters live in the state's major urban areas, according to a recent survey by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation, while about 20 percent live in the Rio . Truthfully, at first glance, Mexico City is another surprise to be so high in this first Latin American smart cities ranking. From October to February it can be cold at night so bring a sweater.The hottest months are typically between March and June. So keep your wits about you. Now its my favourite place to live long term in Thailand. My friends in Mexico say Im insane because I didnt even want to put it on the list. Chihuahua City is the state capital of Chihuahua. San Miguel de Allende is a retiree hot spot, so you know its got what you need as a digital nomad, and even a little of what you dont. The Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Especially if youre considering moving to one of Mexico Citys trendier neighborhoods, its important to note that the cost of living in Mexico City is more expensive than in other places on this list. During winter, you will still get to wear T-shirts and be comfortable, but you dont have to worry about frying underneath the hot sun either. There are a number of towns along the coast of Lake Chapala with Ajijic being one of the most popular among foreigners. Because of the silver and minerals in the city, Zacatecas quickly became a major city in the country. You might not need the jacket during the day, but you will certainly appreciate having it at night. Thanks to Mexicos generous tourist visa, you can try living in Mexico for six months without needing to pursue temporary residency. He was born in Manila, grew up in New Jersey, and travels often. Puerto Escondido is another port town in Mexico thats worth at least a week or two visit. There are direct buses from Quertaro to the Mexico City airport which makes it easy to score the cheapest flights in Mexico back to the U.S. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. The historic center of Guadalajara includes a wide range of gastronomic offerings and nightly entertainment, and the proximity to Puerto Vallarta, a coastal city with an active gay population, makes the capital of Jalisco an important gay center. It is a huge city with all the problems large cities . Cancun, Mexico is your typical Spring Breaker hub with all of its night life, accommodation for every price point, and its stellar beaches but it can also be an ideal hub for young and single digital nomads looking to cut loose, network and/or increase their body count after a tough year. Each location on this list ideal for just about anyone struggling with an internal debate over living in Mexico expats, retirees, and digital nomads alike. By bus, its approximately three hours north of Mexico City. The Oaxacan food and mezcal are staples of the state. 1 The 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico: Quick List 2 A Closer Look at the 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico 2.1 1. Dont forget to research the requirements for getting residency in Mexico. However, the location is absolutely gorgeous. The nearby Pueblos Mancomunados are a hit with outdoor lovers looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure. All rights reserved. I live vicariously through my friends there, and live they do! Instant Download - Print off for your private library before the government demands we take these down! I saw a poll of Mexico City residents that shows a pretty large minority of folks who don't approve of either abortion or gay marriage, so it can't be anything like liberal cities in the U.S. Then make sure to check out our Bookstore we have titles packed full of premium offshore intel. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. Please let us and others know in the comments. Debra Barnum recently posted11 Important Things to Know Before Moving to Mexico. It has a population of just over 1,000,000, making it the fifth most populous city in the country. The area is known as Las Piedras and is perfect and very gay friendly. With articles enshrining green space and LGBT protections, the document has been hailed by liberal advocates as the most progressive in the Western Hemisphere. In my neighborhood (the historic city center), I feel safe walking the streets at night by myself. Some say its worthy for digital nomad life, others say its a pass-through city. The largest city in the Mexican state of Jalisco is home to more than 5 million residents. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. According to the Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, LGBT tourism brings in about 8.5 million persons per year. Remember that living in a place is a lot different than vacationing there. Of course, shop around its on you to decide what works best for your budget. #20 Best Places to Live in New Mexico. Now, dont get me wrong. The Mexican Secretary of Tourism states that Mexico receives around three and a half million tourists from the LGBTQ community annually. If youd rather be fully prepared in advance with no need to juggle SIM cards along the way, we highly recommend picking up a Skyroam Solis. Instead, its a great idea to pack T-shirts, pants, shorts, lightweight jackets, and a raincoat. The communities around Lake Chapala are largely self-sufficient, but if youre craving the city, Guadalajara is only 45 minutes away by car. For a relatively low cost of living, you can enjoy a variety of trendy restaurants, bars and social activities. Theres plenty of beaches, a quality nightlife, the internet here is great, and theres a hell of a lot of deals on accommodation especially during low season. With so many destinations to choose from, there really is something for everyone in Mexico. While most of Japan is covered by mountains and heavily wooded . A lot will depend on where you live in Mexico and the standard of living youre hoping to acheive. It is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains and has a subtropical highland climate. In fact, the city is located next to the Sierra Los Lamentos Mountains. This city is primarily used as a trade location since it lies between Mexico City and major trade ports. my parents travelled there and loved it much. If youre prone to motion sickness, you might want to skip the winding highway all together and book a flight out of Oaxacas international airport. The Mexican Secretary of Tourism states that Mexico receives around three and a half million tourists from the LGBTQ community annually. Mexicos fourth-largest city, Puebla is located three hours east of Mexico City. Mexico City, warts and all, is certainly worth a visit and perhaps worthy of being your homebase in Mexico. Get Essential Information on Protecting Your Assets. Texas is known for having a diverse political landscape, . The safest place to live in Mexico is wherever youre committed to maintaining situational awareness. I recommend visiting Puebla for the food, for the view, and for the lower numbers of mind-numbing tourists. Huatulco has some of the best water treatment facilities in Mexico. The city is also a popular tourist destination which can drive up prices. Rosa is the equivalent of Hillcrest in my San Diego. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. In the 1980s and 1990s, the city was home to some of the countrys biggest and most important LGBTQ+ nightlife venues. Cancun offers a beautiful tropical atmosphere with first class hotels and great hospitality. Above all, its the setting. Our friends say dont drive to Mexico over the border fly there. Playa del Carmen is still very much suitable for those who are more introverted, and families, too. There are many colorful streets, lots of flowers, and well-preserved colonial architecture. One of the most established expat communities in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has been attracting foreigners for more than 60 years. Good afternoon Alex! Thanks to the amazing progress made by the government in promoting equal rights, the number is sure to grow. FREE GUIDE! Unique Fact: although gay marriage is not yet legal in Mexico, in Mexico City it is legal. And again, for the Grams. The best places to live in Mexico arent too expensive for budget travellers or those living on a pension. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. With high tourist turnover, you could take a new face out for dinner every day of the week. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Mexico City sits directly on the site of the Aztecs' capital city, Tenochtitlan, so its . The Gay Games are a measure to repair that damage, as well as a path to the future. Hello Ray, i accidentally found this website and your post. Is quality healthcare a top priority? This website uses cookies to improve your experience. "We cannot just call the state or government inclusive without recognizing the past. Humidity is low, costs are a little higher, and so is the traffic. After living in Madrid (huge tourist destination, huge expat city) its been a really nice change of pace to settle into life in Quertaro where I really feel like Im a part of the community. Update Privacy Preferences Theres Monicas, which first opened as a clandestine gay bar in 1980 (the first openly gay club in the city). As you said, its so nice to be able to pack up and try somewhere new when the urge strikes. Do you open a Mexican bank account and use that to pay for rent, food, etc? Mexico City (CDMX) is the first state to approve gay marriage and is the most progressive in the country. Yeah sure, but of the unreliable flavor only a copywriter or Instagram model could stand. The city itself will make a great home base for digital nomads and retirees alike. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Its chock full of amazing places to regain your sanity, eat amazing food (really, really amazing food), and has enough priceless views to make your Instagram following envious. So glad to have connected with you, Leland. Sayulita is a small-ish town on the historical Riviera Nayarit and up the coast from Puerto Vallarta. Search on Facebook for expat groups to connect with other American citizens living in Vallarta & gather for a special Thanksgiving in Mexico. Its Mexicos second-largest city and home to a sweet variety of expats from around the world. Guanajuato 13. Use promo code HOBOLAPTOP to get a discount here. While there are clusters of expats in the city, its not a major expat community like some of the other places to live mentioned on this list. Foreigners might not be as familiar with LGBTQ+ culture in Guadalajara. Puerto Escondido 6. that are closer to the city center? I am fascinated by the ruins, the history, its people and cuisine. The good news is that the coldest cities in Mexico are rarely freezing. And it's this office that has helped propel landmark rulings in favor of LGBTQ+ people. Im also practicing to be a bar tender. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The stories of this place. Although equal marriage is not yet legal in this beach destination, it is one of the sites with a focus on the LGBTQ community. Mexico City has all the goodness of a top digital nomad destination, but it also has strings. are there any decent websites that I am not finding? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Even though Mexico City is the most gay friendly city in all of Mexico, it is in Guadalajara where more gay people live (a larger population). Th church is nice, but my religious experience in Puebla came when I tried mole poblano for the first time. Guadalajara 7. While the 180-day tourist visa is generous, obtaining temporary or permanent residency in Mexico is that way to go if you want to make a home for yourself in this incredible country. The 10 Most Conservative Places In New Mexico For 2019 1. Because this town is up in the mountains, it was once a large lumber community. Apizaco, Tlaxcala 2.3 3. Top 5 LGBT Travel Destinations in the Caribbean, Gay Friendly in Mexico: Zona Rosa, Mexico City.