There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these arent as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such theyre less crowded. 1.2 Baja California Sur. The year 2019 saw the highest number of murders in history (34,608). 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. Bacalar is very safe, and far enough away from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen to avoid some of the touristy petty theft that can happen in big tourist towns. Aside from its world-famous restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere is enjoyed at this resort. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a walled Spanish colonial city that has been superbly restored nearly to its former glory. The US State Department has classified Mexico as a Level 3 risk, indicating that there is an increased risk of illness. What is the most geographically close US-Mexican border? These include Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Acapulco and Nuevo Laredo due to high levels of crime and violence associated with drug trafficking. So they tend to commit fewer crimes in cities like Mexico City that are big tourist destinations. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. Now Playa Del Carmen is a big tourist area and resort town, and sometimes that does attract petty theft like pickpocketing. But you may not have heard of this gem located just 40 miles away. The policy has been widely criticized by human rights groups, who argue that it puts asylum seekers in danger and violates their rights. Now that youve seen the list of safest places in Mexico, popular tourist destinations, and beautiful beaches, its time to answer some additional questions youre likely asking yourself (or should be). Most dangerous U.S.-Mexico border town? Every time I used to visit Mexico, I would dream of living there. Pickpocketing is probably the most common type of crime. In general, some of the worst areas in Mexico in terms of cartel violence include pretty much the whole state of Sinaloa, but also Uruapan, the second-largest city in the state of Michoacan. It is a lively city all day and at night. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. It is an excellent base for exploring Chiapas or living in a small-town setting. But its still safe not only for tourists and residents but for families or solo females too. The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular areas for expats in Mexico. Its a short drive to the beach in Veracruz. 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/. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. Whether youre looking for a lively and exciting town or a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, youre sure to find a great Mexican border town to suit your needs. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Let's start with three cities that are directly on the border with Mexico: Laredo, Brownsville and Hidalgo. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. President Trump held a rally to make the case for his border wall again, repeating his usual talking points on the supposed dangers lurking in the region. All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers wont regret visiting them, he says. And we explored crime rates, common problems for US citizens living there (and European citizens too), as well as cartel issues, and how much money you need to live comfortably. Yes, like other places on the list it has great beaches like Playa El Mdano. Huatulco This laid back beach town is among the safest cities in Mexico to live, with one of the largest and best expat communities in Mexico, but also some of the safest Mexico resorts. Its relatively hot, with an average high of about 90 F all year. The UN Refugee Agencys animated series explains what it is like to seek asylum in the United States. Some of the best include Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, and Matamoros. The turn is right after the airport and not marked very well. Like its sister city to the south, it is a beach resort town with a bustling malecn (boardwalk). Colima went from one of the safest places in Mexico to one of the least safe places in Mexico in less than five years. The higher the number, the safer the city! These cities are typically well-protected by law enforcement and have little to no gang activity. malecn (boardwalk). Texas residents are permitted to carry concealed firearms after completing firearm training and conducting a thorough background check; however, it is illegal to transport any guns or ammunition into Mexico. There is certainly a lot of violence in Mexico, and the border region is no exception. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. That being said, there are some general things that can be said about living near the Mexican border. U.S. citizens can visit within the frontera area (a 26-mile border area of Mexico) for up to 72 hours without a . Antelope Wells-El Berrendo State Road 81, Antelope Wells, New Mexico - Carretera El Berrendo-Janos, El Berrendo, Chihuahua. Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. But since Mexico has no billing arrangement with the toll authority, (like some other states in the US) you can't be billed for the toll. I'm of the opinion to avoid border towns. Colombia bridge is the least busy, if that's a concern. Mexican border cities: too dangerous for Americans but safe enough for migrants, U.S. government says The State Department has issued warnings advising against travel to Mexican border states. It's too expensive here in the US so that is not an option. This city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. So, Colombia would be the easiest, I think. Mrida is flat topographically speaking as its not on the coast or in the mountains. But thats largely due to issues outside the city. Sure its a BIG city and tourist destination, and there are some dangerous places in Mexico City. The touristy areas such as Medano Beach and around the Harbour are pretty safe, although there are still some parts (in the city centre) that are still best avoided. While this is an official head's up, isn't this good advice for any major city or area where the crime rate is higher than average? Tijuana, not surprisingly, is the least safe city in all of Mexico, with a high murder rate. It is very helpful. [Expect] great seafood, great beaches, nice hotels, and none of the inflated prices.. You can visit Guanajuato as a day trip from nearby San Miguel de Allende or use it as a home base in itself. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something doesnt feel right. 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. There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on individual circumstances and opinions. I have lived and traveled throughout Mexico for over 30 years, and I have visited a wide range of beautiful and safe cities and towns. Ensenada is part of the Baja California Peninsula. It's too expensive here in the US so that is not an option. There are a variety of areas in Mexico that are popular among expats, each offering something unique. As in any other border town, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and a number of other popular Mexican tourist destinations are not at risk of earthquake damage. Learn more about the event and program at https://hubs.la/Q01xm7Q80 . According to recent crime statistics published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, communities along the U.S.-Mexico border are among the safest in the country. For sun lovers, Puerto Peasco sees 362 days per year of bright sunshine. The plusses of living in Baja California Sur include being a port city but also surrounded by mountains. Because it is one of the safest Mexican border towns in Texas, we chose to drive 60 miles to the border crossing in Nuevo Progreso. Already, several lawmakers have proposed a series of rail safety reforms in response to the Feb. 3 derailment that forced the evacuation of half the town of East Palestine, Ohio, near the . Here's the list of cities and towns with the largest expat populations in Mexico (excluding border towns): Guadalajara, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Jalisco (the largest per-capita population of . These towns offer a wide variety of activities and attractions, from shopping and dining to nightlife and cultural experiences. This is the best Mexican town to visit when traveling to Texas. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. One of the best is the Casona Maria Hotel Boutique, with its pretty courtyard and convenient location within walking distance of the historic center. link to Should I Avoid Costa Rica During the Rainy Season? But there are also a lot of international employers here in the tech, financial, and aerospace industries. Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana. The Best And Safest Border Crossings Between Mexico And Texas Colombia, the safest border crossing between Mexico and Texas, is the safest border crossing. Another town that is nowhere near the beach. Couple things. The Mayan influence remains strong here, and the area has its own style of cuisine that diverges considerably from what you will find in other parts of Mexico. Most foreigners who move to Mexico live in Lake Chapala in the state of Jalisco, Ensenada in Baja California, Mrida in the Yucatan peninsula, and the Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. Expats can explore the citys many museums, take part in its vibrant nightlife scene, or visit one of its numerous parks or plazas. There is a large police presence in these towns and the residents are used to the increased security. Some shelters in Ciudad Jurez have police officers on hand to provide security. Here's a link to the wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laredo%E2%80%93Colombia_Solidarity_International_Bridge. My husband and I are moving to the Yucatan area and will be crossing the border this Friday to head towards Saltillo the first night. There are only three border crossings. Close to Mrida and basically due south of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico lies this little coastal town. There are occasional reports of violence, but for the most part, the border is peaceful. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.. If a Trump administration rule is challenged, asylum seekers could be denied protection in the United States. Everyone in the United States has heard of San Miguel de Allende. Dont expect frequent visits to the beach here; its over 6 hours away. I can usually be found practicing martial arts, making music, or blogging on my many blogs. About 6 hours north of Puerto Vallarta lies Mazatln. This includes things like being aware of ones surroundings, being cautious when travelling in unfamiliar areas, and keeping up-to-date on the latest safety information. Youll find plenty to do in the city in its own right, and itll keep you occupied for weeks. She will need to pay a very cheap fee in advance ($3 or $4USD, can't remember the exact amount) using a major credit card. But unlike CR, Mexico is a lot more varied; both good and bad. Walk in, though. Make sure you have pesos for the tolls. But its not just for older folks. If you have questions, I have answers! In fact, just to drive to Ensenada (on the list above), would take you 19 hours, and then its still a short drive to the border crossing from there. This program focuses on reducing crime through increased surveillance and community involvement. But that was also several years ago. The MPP will provide a safer and more orderly process for those attempting to enter the United States illegally and making false claims to stay. As a result, they were at odds with the Trump administrations Migrant Protection Protocols program. Mexico is a popular destination for expats, and it is generally considered safe. But Lake Chapala near Guadalajara is also very safe with a large ex-pat community. But youve likely heard of San Miguel already. Overall, the safety of Mexican border towns varies depending on a number of factors. Piggybacking on my previous listing, Huatulco just might be the 2nd safest city in Mexico. It is home to some of the countrys most beautiful beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. Cabo San Lucas safety score 54.65 Villahermosa One of Mexico's many underrated destinations, Villahermosa is located in the jungle state of Tabasco, which borders Chiapas and Campeche. 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. Its also a UNESCO world heritage site as well. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Tijuana has something for everyone, whether you want to go out for a night on the town with friends, to learn a new culture, or to eat a delicious meal. However, in general, towns that are closer to the border are more likely to be safe than those that are located further inland. Is it safe to visit mexico, especially the border towns? Wish us luck! Drive time from U.S. border: 1 hour 10 minutes, 62 miles (100 kms). Youll find an active life living here with tons of nightlife and restaurants. As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided. Former Juarez drug war correspondent Joseph Furey is fond of Tijuana, Popotla, and Cuidad because of its charm. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. Just a block away, former Democratic . But unlike La Paz, which lies on the interior on the Gulf of California, Todos Santos faces the Pacific ocean. Here are the bridge's webcams: http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html. The walk across from this location is relatively simple, but the drive across from this location is also relatively simple. 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. Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. Of all the types of crime that could happen, the biggest risk here is auto theft. Where to Stay: Posada La Poza has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates. The Mexican border towns of California are some of the safest in the world. Mexico is a popular destination for expats, with many choosing to move there for its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. The Lincoln Bridge is actually #2, with no immigration. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated almost right in the middle of Mexico and offers cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial churches, and plenty of great restaurants. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. 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