Best Of Lists

The 7 Safest Cities in Mexico, According to Expats

October 21, 2023

For those looking for a change of pace, many immigrants and retirees have been drawn to Mexico in recent years. With beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and a much lower cost of living than many other countries, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to move to Mexico. However, safety is an important consideration when relocating to any new area. Here’s a look at some of the safest cities in Mexico for expats.

1. San Miguel de Allende

Located in the state of Guanajuato, this charming colonial city has been named one of the “Best Cities in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler and is renowned for its Spanish language schools, art galleries, and cobblestone streets. It’s also one of the safest cities in Mexico for expats. This charming city is known for its vibrant culture and stunning scenery. There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine as well as a few international dishes. San Miguel de Allende also offers some excellent shopping opportunities with numerous boutiques selling unique items from Mexican artisans. As far as safety goes, San Miguel de Allende is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico due to its low levels of crime overall. The city is small enough that you still get the feeling of being part of a tight-knit community while still having access to all the amenities you need. Plus, there are plenty of things to do here—from local festivals to outdoor activities like hiking and biking—so you won’t be bored.

2. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico and is known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. But don’t let that fool you—this city is actually one of the safest cities in Mexico for expats. Although crime does occur here (as it does anywhere), tourists are rarely targeted and locals are friendly and welcoming towards foreigners. There’s also a large expat community here which can make it easier to transition into life in Playa del Carmen if this is your chosen destination.

3. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific coast between two mountain ranges – making it one of the most beautiful spots in all of Mexico. Not only does this coastal city boast stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters but it also has a strong police presence which makes it one of the safest cities for expats looking for a peaceful vacation spot or retirement destination. Plus there’s plenty of nightlife options (including some great bars) if you’re looking for more excitement. And just like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta has an active expat community which makes transitioning into life here much easier than other locations throughout Mexico. Additionally, locals have adopted “neighborhood watches” which helps ensure everyone feels safe wherever they go within PV.

4. Mérida

Located in the Yucatan peninsula, Mérida is one of the most popular cities for expats moving to Mexico. Mérida is considered to be one of the safest cities in the country due to its low level of violent crime compared to other large Mexican cities (and Americans cities as well). The city also has a large expat community that makes it easy for newcomers to make friends and get involved in activities with like-minded people. Close to Gulf of Mexico beaches, Mérida boasts some beautiful colonial architecture and plenty of cultural attractions such as museums and art galleries. It’s also incredibly affordable compared to other Mexican cities—which makes it perfect for those on a budget or retirees looking for a place where their money goes further, and it offers modern amenities like world-class restaurants and shopping centers (including Costco!).

5. Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City is located in the southern region of Mexico and offers plenty of history and culture for visitors and residents alike. With its lively markets, fascinating archaeological sites, and bustling nightlife scene, there is something here for everyone! Oaxaca City also has some great outdoor activities such as hiking trails through nearby nature reserves or swimming in mountain lakes nearby. This charming city boasts colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, delicious food stalls selling traditional dishes like mole negro (black mole sauce), and some of the friendliest people around—all making Oaxaca City one of the best (and safest) cities in Mexico for expats who want a unique cultural experience without sacrificing safety or security. Plus with its nearby beach towns like Puerto Escondido, it’s easy to escape from urban life whenever needed.

6. Chapala/Ajijic

Lake Chapala is located just an hour south of Guadalajara in Jalisco state and is home to some of Mexico’s best lakeside living in towns Chapala and Ajijic. The vibrant town center offers plenty of shopping options while the lakefront Malecón Boardwalk offers stunning views and plenty of places to explore. Expats have enjoyed living here for decades due to its low cost of living, good healthcare system, spring-like weather, and friendly locals—not to mention its low crime rate.

7. Mazatlán

Mazatlán on the Pacific coast offers beachside living at an affordable price point—it’s no wonder so many people are moving here. The historic downtown area boasts some incredible architecture while nearby beaches provide plenty of fun opportunities like swimming, fishing, surfing, sailing, etc. Mazatlán also has increased safety measures over recent years making it one of the safest spots in Mexico for expats to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Which Would You Choose?

Mexico offers so much potential when seeking out your next home abroad—from bustling metropolises full of life to sleepy beach towns with breathtaking views—but safety should always be a top priority when considering any move overseas. Luckily, there are plenty of safe options available throughout the country; whether you prefer more urban environments or smaller towns with lots of charm, there’s sure to be something perfect just waiting for you in Mexico!

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Jen Barnett

Jen Barnett is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that's helped thousands of Americans on their moving abroad journeys. She created the Expatsi Test, an assessment that recommends countries for aspiring emigrants based on lifestyle data. Jen has an MBA from Emory University with concentrations in marketing and innovation. Prior to Expatsi, she created Freshfully and Bottle & Bone—two businesses in the local food space—and spoke at TEDx on being brave. She lives in Mérida, Yucatán, along with her husband and co-founder Brett, pitbull mix Squiggy, and three rotten cats. How can she help you move abroad?

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