Art galleries, tons of street vendors, and museums abound here as do beautiful beaches that are great for surfing. But there are also a lot of international employers here in the tech, financial, and aerospace industries. 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. In general, there is not a record number of migrants, but a record number of those who require significantly more resources to be detained and removed. By and large, Nuevo Progreso is probably the safest choice of all Mexican border towns that lie across from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. 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. As a result, many college students fly into McAllen and stop for gas at Progreso en route to South Padre Island. Take out Mexican Pesos before leaving Getting your hands on the local currency is pretty easy, and saves you the hassle and anxieties of figuring it all out after a long flight. This surf town in Baja California Sur features world-class waves and lots of natural beautyand its just far enough north of touristy Cabo San Lucas to offer respite from the crowds. It is home to some of the countrys most beautiful beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. Additionally, towns that are closer to the border are also more likely to have a higher number of tourists, which can help to deter crime. 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. But its got beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination too. Tijuana is a diverse city that is perfect for everyone. Learn some Spanish Whilst some areas are touristy and can speak English, learning even just a bit of the local lingo makes things so much easier. I don't know that it has anything to do with security, but there is a lot of traffic between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The low crime rate makes it a great place to live or visit. There is no significant risk in Mexico, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and many other popular tourist destinations. Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. It distracts from business. Its very family-friendly too with well-lit streets and a police force committed to keeping the town safe. And then the safest areas are: But safety aside, youll enjoy the beaches, sunsets, and active nightlife here. One of the safest beach towns in Mexico is Puerto Escondido. 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. Laredo is listed as No. 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. And theres also nearby Guadalupe Island. The walk across from this location is relatively simple, but the drive across from this location is also relatively simple. If you cross @ #1, you'd have to double back through town to get to immigration, so if you cross at downtown Laredo, #1 is what you'd want. The policy has been widely criticized by human rights groups, who argue that it puts asylum seekers in danger and violates their rights. Aside from its world-famous restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere is enjoyed at this resort. Maybe google it spelled as Colombia, not Columbia, a common mistake. The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. Is San Antonio similar to Mexico? And again, drug cartels, which are responsible for a fair amount of violence, dont want to kill the tourism industry. However, even towns that are close to the border are not immune to the dangers of the drug cartels. Mexico is safe for expats when you look at the numbers. 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. Increased border patrols and the construction of a border fence have had no effect on immigration, despite the fact that residents feel safe. I can usually be found practicing martial arts, making music, or blogging on my many blogs. Huatulco is quite a small city, but it is packed with incredible beaches and a vibrant downtown. According to a survey of El Paso residents, 43.8% describe their neighborhood as calm, followed by good and safe. The Golden zone, Old Town, and the Malecon are considered the safest areas. According to Human Rights First, 636 crimes against migrants have been committed in the first quarter of this year, including rape, kidnapping, and torture. In many cases, tourist towns tend to be safe since the cartels and other criminal organizations dont want to mess with the tourism dollars that flood their country. Basically the drug war that made it so dangerous ended when one cartel was victorious (the army helped), and there was more government effort about the same time, and it's considered pretty safe today. The warm days and cool nights of San Miguel de Allende make . Guadalajara is a beautiful city that is constantly in the news for security problems. Bahas de Huatulco, which means Bays of Huatulco, is located in the state of Oaxaca on the southern coast of Mexico. The area also offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Bridge #2 has customs/immigration. The nearby Hierve el Agua hot springs are breathtaking too. The plusses of living in Baja California Sur include being a port city but also surrounded by mountains. Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan. 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. By following these tips, expats can enjoy their time living in Mexico without worrying about their safety or breaking any laws or customs. The Baja California peninsula is another popular area for expats in Mexico. link to Is Costa Rica Kid Friendly? An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico for both living and for vacation. No, Costa Rica is a great place to visit Is Costa Rica Kid Friendly? Is it safe to visit mexico, especially the border towns? Another UNESCO World Heritage site and like a few other cities Ive mentioned is literally one of the safest cities in Mexico. 30 minutes is just $100, and I offer discounts for repeat customers. Finally, Mexico City is one of the most popular areas for expats in Mexico due to its large population and diverse culture. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. On one hand, some believe that the presence of the border creates a sense of safety and security. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. Puerto Nuevo is a small village just a few miles away, with a dozen or more restaurants serving pan-fried langosta, beans, rice, and flour tortillas. I was a leader for Whole Foods Market for over 2 decades and then ran a large martial arts school (primarily) for kids. The UN Refugee Agencys animated series explains what it is like to seek asylum in the United States. Violent crime rates in border cities such as McAllen, Brownsville, and Laredo have decreased since 2006. But its not just for older folks. How safe are Mexicos border towns from the drugs and corruption? We are crossing in three days and at times so much of the information found online makes me feel confused and afraid. One of the strongest economies in Mexico for the past few decades has led to many moving here from all over. 5. Despite this, the city does not have the funds to cover every shelter and cannot provide round-the-clock coverage. Very little violent crime, and a beautiful Caribbean shoreline to top it off. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which border town they believe to be the most dangerous. Overall, La Paz, like much of the Baja Peninsula, is very safe, and petty theft and pickpocketing in the touristy spots are about the only real concern for most who live here. Lots of baroque colonial architecture but lots of Mayan structures too. In the Axios story , reporter Russell Contreras wrote: "The latest crime data collected by the FBI from 2019 contradicts the narrative by President Trump and others that the U.S.-Mexico border is a "lawless" region suffering from violence and mayhem." 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. According to the Citizens Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, a Mexican think tank, the city of Jurez is ranked sixth on a list of the most dangerous cities in 2021. Is that safe? Copyright __ez.scxr.getDW(document).write(new Date().getFullYear())All Rights Reserved, The DARK TRUTH about why AMERICANS LEAVE MEXICO. It is important to keep in mind that traveling to Mexico is not without risk; therefore, we recommend taking precautions to ensure your safety. Baja, of course, provides the easiest access to the US as its fairly close to San Diego. San Antonio, which is 63 percent Hispanic and a two-hour drive north of the border, is a prime example.Today, San Antonio looks nothing like a Mexican city, nor do other cities in Texas.Interestingly, Mexico and the U.S. may invert these differences throughout the 21st century. In terms of safety, while the state of Oaxaca is one of the poorest in Mexico, there is less disparity in Oaxaca City itself. Located in the state of Oaxaca, the city is home to some stunning resorts that sit amongst nine different bays. Every time I used to visit Mexico, I would dream of living there. A typical San Cristobal de las Casas resident can be either a retiree or a young family. But unlike La Paz, which lies on the interior on the Gulf of California, Todos Santos faces the Pacific ocean. Where to Stay: With its cozy common areas and brightly painted rooms, Casa de la Noche is an appealing place to rest your head. San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the most landlocked cities on our list as many are beach towns. As Playa del Carmen has been the site of some troubling violence in the past, the coastal town of Tulum to the south may be a safer alternative. The Lincoln Bridge, or bridge #1, has no customs or immigration,and the customs caseta @ KM 21 is longer. Juarez, a city of distinction on the border with Mexico, is known for its outstanding Mexican food, including classic Mexican steaks and Chinese food. 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. That tells me this is a safe place as she and her late husband Frank didnt know a lick of Spanish, were fairly well off, and couldnt have defended themselves against anything. San Cristobal, by comparison, is largely in the mountains in Chiapas. And even still, the safest area in Mrida is Paseo de Montejo. But Lake Chapala is very safe in and unto itself and has a large ex-pat community. Guanajuato state does have some very dangerous parts with a lot of drug cartel action and gang violence. Ensenada has everything I could ask for: incredible craft beer, a beautiful beach, great weather for nine months of the year, local wines, and delicious seafood. However, that is the maximum time, and the officer in charge could mandate less time. Some of the best include Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, and Matamoros. A final advice, never use the riverside highway that connects the Mexico's border cities such as Laredo,Mx-Reynosa-Matamoros, if she needs to move around the Rio Bravo's area, better use the american riverside highway (Laredo,Tx-McAllen-Brownsville). Guanajuato is mountainous with a lot of narrow winding streets (many that cars cant fit down). In 2016, the city of Juarez was ranked one of the worlds most dangerous, with 282.3 homicides per 100,000 residents. 16 Acapulco - Dangerous Outside Of Resorts Acapulco is easily one of the most recognizable beach resort towns in Mexico. The cities of Tijuana and Ensenada are particularly attractive to expats due to their proximity to the US border and their lively nightlife scenes. 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. More a village than a bustling city, lots of ex-pats live here with a big emphasis on being environmentally conscious. Visitors to the area are mostly native Mexicans, so you can immerse yourself in the culture fairly well; try a miners enchilada if you get a chance. Would it be better and dagger to do the Lincoln bridge? Right near the border of Belize, this is a tropical paradise. If you dont want to drive in Mexico, the best thing to do is take a cab across the border. What is the Safest place in Mexico to vacation with family. What you will find, however, are historic ruins that date to 300 BC, beautiful and colorful Baroque architecture, and youll be surrounded by mountains. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and a number of other popular Mexican tourist destinations are not at risk of earthquake damage. One of the best is the Casona Maria Hotel Boutique, with its pretty courtyard and convenient location within walking distance of the historic center. And the pyramid at Chichen Itz isnt too far away either. Narrated by Mindy Kaling and Ben Stiller, both UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and high-profile supporter of the agency. Residents of El Paso, Texas, overwhelmingly stated that their city is a safe place to live. As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided. If you don't have a hotel yet in Saltillo, the Sheraton Four Points (formerly American Business Inn) is the closest to the highway and has secure parking. Third, it is important to remember that the border is not the only place where crime and violence occur. Ironically the biggest threat to Bacalar comes from the rapid growth due to its inherent beauty. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is currently hearing arguments on the Migration Protection Protocol. Typically the safest areas in Mexico in terms of cartel violence are the most touristy areas such as Cancn, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende. The policy is being challenged by the United States Supreme Court, which is considering whether it violates international law by sending asylum seekers to countries with a high risk of persecution. Along with the cities of San Jose del Cabo, San Lucas, Loreto, and Todos Santos, there are numerous other great places to visit. But its still very safe overall for a city in Mexico. Hi! My favorite Mexican dish, cochinita pibil, comes from this area. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 1.2 Baja California Sur. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. 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. Correction to my #8 post. But theres also plenty of yoga, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. And while Guadalajara is definitely changing and becoming more of a tech town (think Silicone Valley of the south), its still not terribly safe. A safe border city is a city that has been designated by the federal government as a safe haven for undocumented immigrants. Is the Safety Situation improving in Mexico? If you have questions, I have answers! 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? It's only like 3 hours and change to Saltillo from the border. Its been a long time since I was there, but I loved every minute of my time there. More than you asked for, sorry for being long-winded. In addition to taking safety precautions while traveling in Mexico, its also important to be aware of the local laws and customs. 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). There is a large police presence in these towns and the residents are used to the increased security. That being said, there are some general things that can be said about living near the Mexican border. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. Oaxaca has a number of stunning resorts that are located along nine different bays. In addition, these cities have seen an increase in kidnappings and extortion attempts by organized criminal groups. 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. He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already. By comparison, Bacalar is in Quintana Roo, and, in fact, is the largest city in Quintana Roo. The cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen are particularly popular among expats due to their vibrant nightlife and numerous restaurants and bars. However, with the right precautions, Mexico City can be a safe place to live. Campeche is a safe city to live and vacation in, making it one of the safest cities in Mexico. There are occasional reports of violence, but for the most part, the border is peaceful. Unfortunately, there are some cities in Mexico that are unsafe to travel. A great example of Spanish colonial influence, Merida is a walking-friendly town that is connected to Chichen Itza by a toll road, which is considered the safest way to travel in Mexico if you are driving. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Where to Stay: For a cozy stay right near the funicular into the center of town, book one of the eight rooms at Casa Zuniga B&B. These include Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Acapulco and Nuevo Laredo due to high levels of crime and violence associated with drug trafficking. Mexico City has a reputation for being a bit more relaxed than other cities when it comes to laws and customs, but its still important to follow the rules. More temperate than coastal areas, Guanajuato has highs that range between 70 90 F throughout the year. I guess in the end we will have our own story to tell you all. 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