Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. Here's a link to the wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laredo%E2%80%93Colombia_Solidarity_International_Bridge. Compared to the other cities Ive listed along the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas has slightly more crime. Be sure to research the local laws before you travel so that you dont get into any trouble while youre there. 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. La Paz is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur. From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city. 16 Acapulco - Dangerous Outside Of Resorts Acapulco is easily one of the most recognizable beach resort towns in Mexico. The highway heading into NL is like 6 lanes wide, but the speed limit I believe is 60 KM, but go the limit and you'll have no problems. With Bacalar, because its NOT a tourist destination, it also tends to be extremely safe. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65428183', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Antonio (if she drives that route) are ridiculously expensive due to the oil drilling. There is a large police presence in these towns and the residents are used to the increased security. According to Human Rights First, 636 crimes against migrants have been committed in the first quarter of this year, including rape, kidnapping, and torture. As the United States continues to struggle with its own issues regarding immigration and illegal crossings at its southern border, the question of whether or not Mexican border towns are safe has become more relevant. Now technically, the US does currently have a do not travel travel advisory for Mazatln. Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. In general, towns that are closer to the border are more likely to be safe than those that are located further inland. Where is she driving from? 30 minutes is just $100, and I offer discounts for repeat customers. The Mexican border is a hot-button issue in the United States, with many people arguing that it is not safe. Ive included Yelapa for folks who want a deeper Mexican experience, but note that its in one of the State Departments orange zonesso youll want to do a bit more research before choosing this part of Jalisco. But yes, you can pre-pay if you wish to donate your $4. No matter where you go while traveling abroad, youll want to follow common-sense rules such as drinking only in moderation, getting a cab instead of wandering around after dark, and leaving your valuables at home. Correction to my #8 post. The town basically sits on the Lagoon of Seven Colors which features stunning turquoise waters. 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. So in this article, we explored the best (and some of the worst) places in Mexico to move to. Yelapa is Mexicos last authentic beach town, says Pacheco, and is definitely under the radar. Additionally, at 7,200 feet above sea level, Puebla never gets too hot, and its considered one of the safest places in Mexico. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65428530', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico city. And again, drug cartels, which are responsible for a fair amount of violence, dont want to kill the tourism industry. Very little violent crime, and a beautiful Caribbean shoreline to top it off. It is difficult for the city to fund round-the-clock coverage at all shelters and send officers to each one. There are many great Mexican border towns to visit, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Drug organizations don't like unnecessary violence. Well also take a look at the places where most Ex-pats live and what cities in Mexico have the lowest crime rate and cartel issues. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. . By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. Under the migrant protection protocol, asylum seekers are typically returned to Mexico and held in Mexico while awaiting a decision from a federal court. Truth be told, Ive only been to Cancn once and didnt care for it. For sun lovers, Puerto Peasco sees 362 days per year of bright sunshine. In addition to taking safety precautions while traveling in Mexico, its also important to be aware of the local laws and customs. All Rights Reserved. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. But really, its not going to be any more dangerous than any large city in the US. Expect expenses in Mexico to be roughly 50% lower than the average in the United States. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is currently hearing arguments on the Migration Protection Protocol. The Lincoln Bridge, or bridge #1, has no customs or immigration,and the customs caseta @ KM 21 is longer. I wont lie. Despite this, the city does not have the funds to cover every shelter and cannot provide round-the-clock coverage. Now Playa Del Carmen is a big tourist area and resort town, and sometimes that does attract petty theft like pickpocketing. Residents of El Paso, Texas, overwhelmingly stated that their city is a safe place to live. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel. Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan. In the fiscal year 2017, the Customs and Border Protection arrested 94,285 family units from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Do exercise caution if moving to the city just as you would if moving to a big city in the US like New York. [viator_tour destination=628 type=3-mod]. Tijuana, Mexicos most visited city, receives more than 40 million border crossings each year, making it a popular tourist destination all year. She is coming from a town near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I want to go to Mexico because I want to go to a dentist and optometrist. 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. A visit to Merida is not only a chance to see the city, but it is also a chance to meet expats. And while Guadalajara is definitely changing and becoming more of a tech town (think Silicone Valley of the south), its still not terribly safe. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. Puerto Vallarta is consistently regarded as Mexicos most secure city. 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. Should I Avoid Costa Rica During the Rainy Season? Bahas de Huatulco, which means Bays of Huatulco, is located in the state of Oaxaca on the southern coast of Mexico. As of right now we are choosing to go through the downtown Laredo bridge. However, there are some areas that should be avoided. Anyway, last time we crossed. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. Couple things. Where to Stay: There are numerous places to stay in Puebla that wont break the bank. This is the best Mexican town to visit when traveling to Texas. Yes, texas border towns are safe. The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) are a Trump administration policy that requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their U.S. court hearings. The area also offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Petty crime is probably the most common issue. However, with the right precautions, Mexico City can be a safe place to live. 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. Puebla has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that Ive never found anywhere else in Mexico. The Mexican border is a point of contention for many Americans. According to a Border Network for Human Rights survey of 1,222 residents from ten major border cities from California to Texas, 67.2% feel safe living in a border community, and 69.7% feel the same about their border neighborhood. For now, Ill just have to settle for the cookbook I bought there years ago. Oaxaca has a number of stunning resorts that are located along nine different bays. Its also a UNESCO world heritage site as well. So they tend to commit fewer crimes in cities like Mexico City that are big tourist destinations. A safe border city is a city that has been designated by the federal government as a safe haven for undocumented immigrants. If a Trump administration rule is challenged, asylum seekers could be denied protection in the United States. Costa Rica is very kid friendly, featuring Hi! The low crime rate makes it a great place to live or visit. link to Is Costa Rica Kid Friendly? It is very helpful. The downtown area is small and centered on the main plaza. Copyright __ez.scxr.getDW(document).write(new Date().getFullYear())All Rights Reserved, The DARK TRUTH about why AMERICANS LEAVE MEXICO. 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 is important to keep in mind that traveling to Mexico is not without risk; therefore, we recommend taking precautions to ensure your safety. And about the safest crossings between Mexico and Texas, Colombia will be the quickest and safest highway due is a toll road administrated by Texas' authority. Is it safe to live near the Mexican border? All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. However, it is important to remember that the vast majority of people who live in Mexico are not involved in the drug trade or other illegal activities. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the Migration Protection Protocols as part of its review. Just keep to the speed limit and you'll be fine. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and a number of other popular Mexican tourist destinations are not at risk of earthquake damage. One of the safest places in Mexico to visit during the spring, is Morelia, which has beautiful colonial architecture and delicious Mexican cuisine. 19 Amazing Reasons We Love it! Its been a long time since I was there, but I loved every minute of my time there. If you dont want to drive in Mexico, the best thing to do is take a cab across the border. Let's start with three cities that are directly on the border with Mexico: Laredo, Brownsville and Hidalgo. The turnoff to Saltillo is easy to miss in Monterrey. However, that is the maximum time, and the officer in charge could mandate less time. Which is the safest bordertown full of tourists and lots of security? About an hour north of Puerto Vallarta lies this small town. . Congratulations to Mark Rhule, 2022 Safety Recognition Program Finalist! San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the most landlocked cities on our list as many are beach towns. Aside from its world-famous restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere is enjoyed at this resort. It is located in the state of Guanajuato at the heart of Mexico, a three-hour bus ride northwest of Mexico City. But Cabo is really unlike the rest of the Baja Peninsula. Keep in mind that bad things can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that dont appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. Yes, thats a short answer. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. But Lake Chapala near Guadalajara is also very safe with a large ex-pat community. Tijuana, not surprisingly, is the least safe city in all of Mexico, with a high murder rate. 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. What is the Best Mexican Border town? The walled center is somewhat of a museum piece, but the life of the town surrounding it might even be the main attraction. It's only like 3 hours and change to Saltillo from the border. Its also a good idea to register with your embassy or consulate so they can contact you in case of an emergency. In addition, these cities have seen an increase in kidnappings and extortion attempts by organized criminal groups. Their family fled from Bulgaria to the United States in order to seek asylum, as didSofias husband and two children. It is easy to get there and has a lot of stores and curios. As a general rule, the city of Laredo is a very safe place to live and work. But heres a handy list of several well-known Mexican cities and parts of Mexico you may want to avoid, and the homicide rate. Where to Stay: Try for a balcony room or suite at the modestly priced Hotel Socaire. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Laredo bridges get very busy on the weekends, as you might imagine. The warm days and cool nights of San Miguel de Allende make . The tortilla curtain allows you to see a wide range of foods, art, and culture. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. 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. But its got beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination too. She can overnight in the McAllen/Harlingen area where she can find hotels starting at $40USD/night or she can overnight here in Monterrey that is full of affordable and comfortable hotels and drive straight to Houston the next morning without making stop on the Texas Valley area. Right near the border of Belize, this is a tropical paradise. Dont expect frequent visits to the beach here; its over 6 hours away. It is possible to find a safe and secure place to live near the Mexican border, but it is important to do your research and make sure that you are making the best decision for your family. Mexico is a popular destination for expats, with many choosing to move there for its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. 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. As part of the series, we uncover fundamental truths about asylum in the areas it affects, beginning with the fact that seeking asylum is a human right. But Lake Chapala is very safe in and unto itself and has a large ex-pat community. In 2016, the city of Juarez was ranked one of the worlds most dangerous, with 282.3 homicides per 100,000 residents. 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. Safest border Town in Mexico to go to from Texas 5 years ago Save I want to go to Mexico because I want to go to a dentist and optometrist. The safety of living near the Mexican border depends on a number of factors, including the specific location, the surrounding community, and the individuals personal safety precautions. 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. link to Should I Avoid Costa Rica During the Rainy Season? Juarez, a city of distinction on the border with Mexico, is known for its outstanding Mexican food, including classic Mexican steaks and Chinese food. 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). While I know it's pretty temperate all year, I've wondered should I avoid Costa Rica during the rainy season? 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. 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. By comparison, Bacalar is in Quintana Roo, and, in fact, is the largest city in Quintana Roo. Where to Stay: With its cozy common areas and brightly painted rooms, Casa de la Noche is an appealing place to rest your head. Guanajuato state does have some very dangerous parts with a lot of drug cartel action and gang violence. Its also important to respect local customs and traditions while living in Mexico as a foreigner. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. 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. Km 21 is longer and the residents are used to the safe border towns in mexico limit and 'll! Bays of Huatulco, which means Bays of Huatulco, which are responsible for a fair amount of,. The funds to cover every shelter and can not provide round-the-clock coverage a beautiful Caribbean shoreline to it... 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Kill the tourism industry cancun, Playa Del Carmen is a popular tourist destination too a!