Tulum 10. It is especially popular for its chorizo. Theres all the yoga in Tulum. [2] Travel Safe How Safe Is Mexicali for Travel? People often plan to pass through Oaxaca and settle elsewhere and then stick around because its got everything a digital nomad needs. There was a gap between what was culturally happening in the U.S. and Mexico, explains Trevio. Nightlife is concentrated around Avenida Chapultepec and the historic center which makes bar hopping a breeze. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. While its not an expat hotspot, its still one of the more expensive places to live in Mexico. As you said, its so nice to be able to pack up and try somewhere new when the urge strikes. Mexico City sits directly on the site of the Aztecs' capital city, Tenochtitlan, so its . Cost of the Camino de Santiago {2021}: How Much Should You Budget? I like your advice about exploring various cities before settling into one and I might just do that with Queretaro being the first stop on my list. The cuisine alone varies throughout Mexicos various regions! I would have to say that ABQ metro leans more towards liberal by a small margin, but it cannot be compared to places like San Francisco, CA. Popo is still active and last erupted in June 2019. San Cristbal? 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. I have heard good things about both San Cristbal & Antigua! Escape Artist - International Strategies For The Globally Minded. The best places to live in Mexico arent too expensive for budget travellers or those living on a pension. Its the last city on my list for a reason; no interest personally. Mexico City (CDMX) is the first state to approve gay marriage and is the most progressive in the country. You will certainly want to check the weather before your visit, but most locations only call for layers so that you can bundle up if youre chilly or remove layers if youre hot. If you want to get to the point and your priorities are just right I strongly endorse this place for its surfing community. These are in order of our preference, not by how safe they are. With high tourist turnover, you could take a new face out for dinner every day of the week. Yeah sure, but of the unreliable flavor only a copywriter or Instagram model could stand. Although I hear its getting better, literally by the month, because of recent investments in the telecommunications tech there. If youre interested in the typical expat retiree experience abroad where you live in a community with lots of other people from your home country, then Quertaro probably isnt the city for you. I am looking forward to some long trips around Mexico myself once it is safe to do so. Puebla is a great place, although it isnt for those who get distressed under the slightest of altitudes this place is a little closer to the sky. If youre looking for remote health insurance that has much better coverage than your average travel insurance something that even includes cancer treatment, check out their freelancer health insurance. Every year weve heard from friends moving there who later decide to stay longer than planned, typically due to the weather, its low cost of living, unique architecture and accommodation options, its vibrant culture, great dating and/or networking scene, as well as the unexpected level of safety they experience. One of my favorite spots is Cervecera Hrcules, which is a craft brewery located inside an old textile factory. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw Review 2023: Pros, Cons, & Verdict. I dont need an expat community because I am fluent in Spanish and I have several friends from my youth when I lived in Tampico. Since 2017, Ive lived in Quertaro, Mexico. My bf and I moved from Canada to Playa del Carmen, but are moving to Oaxaca in a few months as well! When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Its a great hub. Is quality healthcare a top priority? One of the biggest mistakes I see expats make when they move to Mexico is failing to recognize just how big Mexico is. In spite of the growing interest in this area, its still one of the safest cities in Mexico and ideal for long-term stay. Culture? The comforts. That just means knowing what the heck is going on around you which is good practice wherever youre living in the world. 3 Trailblazing Destinations Changing Travel for the Better, 8 Best Places to Live in Mexico, According to Real Estate Experts, Mexico's 'Happy Coast' Is a Beach Destination Like No Other You've Ever Experienced, This Is Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta From Cemetery Visits to Parades and the World's Tallest Catrina, WorldPride Is Coming to Sydney in 2023 Here's How to Plan Your Trip, 10 Up-and-coming Destinations Around the World For LGBTQIA+ Travelers, 10 Places in Mexico Where the Locals Love to Go, 13 All-Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta for the Ultimate Mexico Getaway, I Love to Travel for Pride Here's Why Travel Is Such an Important Part of the Celebration, This Mexican State Offers Powdery Beaches, Mayan Ruins, and a Stunning Flamingo Preserve, Why Your Next Trip to Mexico Should Go Beyond the Obvious Hot Spots, Here's What It's Like Inside Saudia Arabia's Rapidly Growing AlUla Development, How San Miguel Became Mexico's Most Enchanting Destination and the 2021 World's Best City. In fact, Quertaro the fastest-growing city in Mexico. And Mexico City is enormous one of the largest cities on the planet with about 24 million residents (the "county" not the urban . This city is primarily used as a trade location since it lies between Mexico City and major trade ports. Your best bet is to opt for Cancun transfers (shuttle) or to pick up a car rental at Cancun airport. It has gained a reputation as the most progressive. Digital nomads feel right at home in Mexico City with its many cafes and co-working spaces where they can set up office. 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. 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. News, US, Canadian boat owners left in limbo after armed raid on marinas by Mexico tax officials. Just to give you an idea about the cost of living in Quertaro, our rent for our two-bedroom apartment in the historic city center costs $11,500 MXN ($569 USD). When you get tired of sipping tequila in the city, the beach is only four hours away. Mexico is one of the most visited countries for lesbian-gay tourists and retirees in Latin America. How to Ace Being a Digital Nomad to Suit Your Traveling Lifestyle, What to Look for When Buying Property Overseas, When Everything Else Fails, Crypto Will Remain, A Trip To Europe Everything You Need To Know, You Can Take Your Self-Directed IRA Offshore. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Mexico is the wettest from June to September, with May and October being more moderate. New Mexico on a whole I would say lies in the middle - not being too conservative nor too liberal. Valladolid 14. So dont take my word on Mexico City. Some say its worthy for digital nomad life, others say its a pass-through city. The LGBTQ pride march and festival in Mexico City. But, The US has changed so much for the worse and the moniker of ex-pat is not scaring me. 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. By bus, its approximately three hours north of Mexico City. It is a history lovers playground! Hello Ray, i accidentally found this website and your post. Im told that Europeans have firmly solidified their presence here, and the historical landmarks of Chiapas both natural and man made are divinely worth the visit. Santa Fe is rated the most liberal city in the state which can be subject to debate. Your email address will not be published. The landscapes of the Pacific are amazing and the weather is amazing (so much better than Mexico City in the summer). Here are some of the gay friendliest cities to live in Mexico. Another Airbnb hack is to rent an apartment the old fashioned way and then make arrangements to become an Airbnb host yourself. Going on four years now, I have no plans to leave anytime soon. Oaxaca City 4. Huge passive income potential with this one. Is that true of all of D.F., or just places like Polanco, Zona Rosa, etc. I just watched the 10K Q&A. Big cities or, even, large towns arent the right fit for every expat. Many people speak English, and the climate is much more temperate. I know it for the beer brand. This city began in the 16th century as a mining camp, though it had been used by Native Americans for years before. We are from Germany but living in FL, Your videos and blogs about Mexico are among the best of the best! Here are the 10 most liberal places in Texas for 2019: Roma ( Photos) Rio Grande City ( Photos) Crystal City ( Photos) Eagle Pass ( Photos) Laredo ( Photos) Socorro ( Photos) El Paso ( Photos) Horizon City ( Photos) Anthony Alton If you're wondering, Perryton is the most conservative city in Texas of all those we measured. Monterrey, Mexico This beautiful city of a little over 1 million inhabitants beats out Paris and Milan in Numbeo's quality-of-life index. that are closer to the city center? 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. This article is focused on LGBTQ cities in Mexico. Before hitting the beach, you can get some exercise along one of the large public walkways and promenades. 1 The 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico: Quick List 2 A Closer Look at the 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico 2.1 1. Its got plenty of coworking spaces, and theyre packed with talent you can network with. Connecting with people like yourself will surely provide much needed comfort. Nothing personal, but that might be your thing, too. It is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains and has a subtropical highland climate. The Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Because it is so small, there arent a lot of touristy things to do. Acapulco has an extraordinary beach at the end of Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue. Great list! I visited Puebla last winter and it was so much fun and never felt unsafe there. One thing a friend pointed out about Puerto Vallarta is that the locals havent been totally ruined by tourists, and its still an easy going place where you can make nice with the locals. Thank you. I loved reading your post, 11 Best Places to Live in Mexico and seeing the accompanying video on your experience in Queretero. Plus for retirees and older expats, Mexico City has some of the best hospitals in Mexico. Mexico is only surpassed in Latin America by the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. How Should I Pack When Visiting Mexico in the Winter? Bamboo Toilet Paper vs. South of Puerto Vallarta youll find a nature reserve preferred by the LGBTQ community that is one of the most breathtaking beaches Mexico has to offer. SC was extremely underwhelming for me: cold, dirty and poor. Cancun offers a beautiful tropical atmosphere with first class hotels and great hospitality. The expat community isnt huge but is still around 1,000 people. Great food and a lot of fun options just outside in Cholula. The most popular gay neighborhood in Mexico City is called Zona Rosa. Thank you very much for taking the time to put together such an informative blog! #20 Best Places to Live in New Mexico. Keeping reading for the cliffnotes versions. Puerto Vallarta 5. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Sayulita is popular among retirees for its affordability, but as more co-working spaces crop up, digital nomads are settling here and living out their fantasies of working from the beach. If youre looking for colour, culture, food, eye candy architecture and quality internet that is worthy of most digital nomads, this is the place for you. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. If you dont have your SIM card setup before you arrive you will likely need to scout a cab from the airport. Some for a weekend, some for a week, and a handful lived there for a year or more. For a relatively low cost of living, you can enjoy a variety of trendy restaurants, bars and social activities. Im happy with our decision but still think we would have liked living in Puebla. Madera is a bit different. My friend here is happy as a clam; hes a single guy in his mid-thirties and he likes it quite a bit. For example, in October 2020, Jalisco signed into law that a trans person of any age can change the gender identity on their legal IDs, including birth certificates. That ruled out most small beach towns. In a statement made by the executive director of LGBTQ Confex, Rubn Sandoval, Mexico has become an increasingly attractive market for the LGBTQ community due to the advances in the recognition of rights, tourism promotion campaigns, and awareness training driven by the Federal government. Since I dont have a car, I regularly use Uber to get around. According to my friend from Tabasco, larger cities like Mexico City and Monterrey are liberal, while smaller, more provincial places like Merida and Villahermosa are more conservative. Dry season is between the middle of November and ends somewhere in April. This is all weve got for the best cities in Mexico to live at least for now, in 2023. In recent years the establishments dedicated to the LGBTQ community have multiplied. Yes, I highly encourage you to make a list of a few different places to live in Mexico that fit your list of must-haves and spend a few weeks in each. LAKE CHAPALA LOOKS LIKE A NICE PLACE TO RETIRE. "It's also considered to be extremely progressive for its significant investments in educationthe safest border cities in Mexico, and the safest of its size." View in Article The people, culture, food, sights and diversity of things to do is what I like about it most. This is awesome! I am fascinated by the ruins, the history, its people and cuisine. With so many universities within the city limits, there are a lot of students living in Quertaro and they help to give a really progressive, young vibe to the city. Found a condo in Puerto Vallarta but is it too touristy there? Get the Best Airbnb in Mexico: A Hack for Nomads, THIS WEBSITE USES COOKIES | BY USING THIS WEBSITE YOU UNDERSTAND & AGREE TO OUR POLICIES. i am looking to go to mexico for 2 months jan/feb. El Paso is the largest city on the Texas-Mexico border and is known for its progressive policies. Above all, its the setting. Do you have any information about Morelia? However, were keeping our minds open to the latest developments in this country and may add more in the future. Somewhere I can be off-grid, with a moderate climate (compared to south-west Canada). In fact, the city is located next to the Sierra Los Lamentos Mountains. Although equal marriage is not yet legal in this beach destination, it is one of the sites with a focus on the LGBTQ community. Queretaro isnt the cheapest place to live in Mexico, but I think you get a lot for your money living here (very high quality of life for still an affordable cost of living compared to the U.S.). Something to ponder. Hopefully, you already have a list of must-haves going, but in case youre feeling stuck, here are a few questions to get the ball rolling: This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get from readers and subscribers about living in Mexico. Thanks for reading & sharing your plans for where youd ideally like to live in Mexico, Leland. I am trying to plan logistics and was wondering what makes the most sense. Because this area is right on the border, it is a favorite place for Americans to visit. If you want to get up to $43 USD off your Airbnb stays and experiences, sign up with this link. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. are there any decent websites that I am not finding? So keep your wits about you. With this in mind we take the nightly rate, multiply by 10 14, and then make that our offer for a full month, outside of the app. This is a supplemental add-on to our popular How to Become a Digital Nomad guide. Despite meeting much of the criteria for best places to live in Mexico, Quertaro is often left off of these types of roundups. 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. Your energy is infectious! You may have done Bali, but have you done Tulum? With a per-capita income of $18,000 a year, higher . 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. Even though its small compared to other cities on this list, Huatulco still has its own international airport with direct flights to the U.S. and Canada as well as other parts of Mexico. Internet? In all the time Ive called Quertaro home, I have never once felt unsafenot even uncomfortable. Apizaco, Tlaxcala 2.3 3. Is your goal to immerse yourself in the culture? We have a dog and want to know if that is a problem for us. The 10 Most liberal Places In Arizona For 2019 1. And 30 years ago, the government was promoting discrimination. That budget allows for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center with money for groceries, utilities, personal expenses and public transportation. Understandably, one of the top concerns for expats moving to Mexico is safety. Mexico City has all the goodness of a top digital nomad destination, but it also has strings. We typically rent more than one apartment within a country at one time with this Airbnb hack namely, living in the Philippines. Its quickly getting attention with tourists thanks to Instagram, so if youre going to visit now is the time. 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. It is the rainiest during the winter in Mexico, so dont forget your raincoat. I live vicariously through my friends there, and live they do! The vibe there is chill, its home to an eclectic expat community, and its going to have everything you need. Are there any cities I should have included? When I first moved to Mexico, I swore I could never live in Mexico City. For more about what it's like to live in Mexico City as an expat, check out my friend Laura's blog Eternal Expat. Get Essential Information on Protecting Your Assets. The top 10 most liberal cities in Texas include Roma, Rio Grande City, Crystal City, Eagle Pass, Laredo, Socorro, El Paso, Horizon City, Anthony, and Alton. The 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico: Quick List, A Closer Look at the 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico. Do your research, as I have heard conflicting opinions of this place. This has been an especially important movement in Guadalajara. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. Top 10 Most Liberal Cities In Texas 1. Just an educated guess but if you live a little bit more like a local you will have no trouble with $1200 and still have some fun. The sights in this state are otherworldly, and I highly recommend you find out for yourself what were talking about. Los Lamentos, Chihuahua "For over 40 years, the city has worked toward becoming a more inclusive place," says Andrs Trevio, who, in 2018, became Jaliscos sexual diversity director, adding that, historically, just like many other places, Guadalajara wasnt very open to diversity and LGBTQ+ people were under the threat of police harassment. "We cannot just call the state or government inclusive without recognizing the past. Based on crime statistics, Mrida has earned the title safest city in Mexico.. Valladolid is all about the eye candy (although not quite as much as Guanajuato). This city is cold because its elevation is so high. In Puerto Vallarta, its easy to connect with other foreigners so you can celebrate holidays from your home country. On the other hand, Acapulcos night scene is one of the best in Mexico and there are numerous gay friendly bars. Although costs are going to be higher, I recommend transferring there or flying direct. Here are a few more articles on the LGBT scene in Mexico. If youre flying to Mrida and/or Progreso youre in luck, theyve got their own airport. Playa del Carmen is still very much suitable for those who are more introverted, and families, too. Airbnb deserves its own subhead within this article because its probably the best way to get accommodation in Mexico (and most other places). As you can see, Mexico has some cold cities. Imagine beautiful buildings coloured vibrantly, spread out atop winding hills for a gradation thats hard to find, at the cost of living that Mexico locals can enjoy this university town has beautiful surroundings, and beautiful people. And boost your sponsored post rates. And its proximity to the United States makes Mexico an easy jump off point for first-time digital nomads. In January, you can expect temperatures in the low-70s (Fahrenheit). Many best places to live in Mexico lists focus heavily on the Rivera Maya, but living in Mexico is a lot different that vacationing here. Guanajuato is an old silver mining town. In recent decades, the government has made significant investments in the citys infrastructure. Having layers will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire day. Texas is known for having a diverse political landscape, . But theres much more to this 30,347-square-mile state an honoree in Travel + Leisure's 2023 Global Vision Awards than Puerto Vallartas LGTBQ+ beaches, hotels, and parties. Quertaro is located pretty much dead center in Mexico. All of these may be the ultimate recipe to get shit done. I hope you enjoyed this article: Gay-Friendly Cities in Mexico. El Dorado is a wonderful place to grow up since it is filled with family life and community. Related: View our collection of packing lists for men and women. Now, dont get me wrong. So, they have to provide a statement that recognizes that was a mistake and that theyre perspective has changed, Trevio adds. Sayulita was my first choice but rentals are higher than Canada. Unique Fact: although gay marriage is not yet legal in Mexico, in Mexico City it is legal. Mexico is still Latin America. Buy us a coffee. That way I can enjoy each city without enduring extreme heat or cold. In my very early research I have many similar cities. It also works in over 150 countries, so its likely to be a reliable travel tool well after you leave Mexico. Lets take a look at the seven coldest cities in Mexico. Nah, you might as well choose Antigua, Guatemala instead. 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. House Grail is reader-supported. COPYRIGHT 1997-2023 EscapeArtist Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 . At least the weather is pretty temperate and enjoyable! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In fact, every person I spoke to in order to write this article said that they loved Mexico City. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. All rights reserved. With that, we thought wed answer the most commonly asked question we hear about this popular travel destination; where are the best places to live in Mexico? Share your thoughts on this list of best places to live in Mexico. Its a city I have yet to visit, but its number one on my list of places to see in Mexico. After calculating the cost of living expenses in Quertaro, I would feel comfortable living on less than $1,000 USD (perhaps, even less than $800 USD) although that would require me to pay more attention to my spending and wouldnt leave much left over for savings. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The Airbnb hack we most commonly share on this blog involves finding a place you like, staying there for a few days, and then making an offer directly to the host for a long-term rental deal. I was born and raised in NYC and felt that it was much safer than that. The city is situated in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range which means a cooler climate (by Mexican standards, of course). 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Mexico's second-largest city, fondly nicknamed "the San Francisco of Mexico," has a large and open gay scene, with a wealth of parties, clubs, saunas and tours appealing to local gays and. Curious about how technology shapes our lives, minds. San Cristobal de las Casas 12. Finally, the seventh coldest city in Mexico is Los Lamentos, Chihuahua. Oaxaca City is growing in popularity among digital nomads. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Do you want to be a part of a large expat community? I had to save some of the best for last. The street vendors, restaurants, and world class living standards will have something for everyone. But the more time I spend there (its only three hours from Quertaro) the easier it is for me to imagine calling it home. Counting its neighboring cities of Puebla, Toluca, Pachuca, and Cuernavaca, the mega-region encompasses 27 million people. We picked the towns on this list of "most progressive cities in the US" based on the following criteria: 1. If you are outside of the gay friendly areas, displays of affection are frowned upon. Either company will allow you to sign up remotely, after youve already started travelling. But even before you dive into this list of best cities to live in Mexico, take a moment to think about what youre looking for in your new home abroad. Mrida is quickly becoming one of the best cities in Mexico for digital nomads, and its at the top of our list for the safest cities in Mexico because its far-flung from any border towns both Mrida and nearby Progreso are generally nice and quiet, even during high season. Madera, Chihuahua 2.7 7. Thanks to Mexicos generous tourist visa, you can try living in Mexico for six months without needing to pursue temporary residency. And it's this office that has helped propel landmark rulings in favor of LGBTQ+ people. There are a number of towns along the coast of Lake Chapala with Ajijic being one of the most popular among foreigners. For ex-pat living in Mexico, how do you handle banking and access to your money? Not only are they demonstrating thought leadership and creative problem-solving, they are taking actionable, quantifiable steps to protect communities and environments around the world. The coldest city in Mexico is Toluca, officially named Toluca de Lerdo. If you love nature, Madera might be a must-see destination. More than a million people live here, and it is growing. 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. Even the role Trevio occupies, which focuses on expanding sexual diversity and equality in the state, doesnt exist anywhere else in Mexico. Mexico has a lot of hidden gems that are not much advertised like Sayulita, San Cristobal de Las Casas, and much more. It also has an industrial area with universities and major historical landmarks. You can also find tours for the LGBTQ community, the city, historical sites and even the challenging cliffs of the Quebrada. Much like Madera, Los Lamentos is not a major city. From October to February it can be cold at night so bring a sweater.The hottest months are typically between March and June. I was writing something politically incorrect, but let's be brief: Is that true of all of D.F., or just places like Polanco, Zona Rosa, etc. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.