Midway between Merida and Cancun is Valladolid, a colorful and friendly city thats within easy driving distance of several beautiful cenotes. Editors note: This story was originally published in 2018. Third, it is important to remember that the border is not the only place where crime and violence occur. Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a monthly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trendsand how they could affect your travel plans. 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. It is an excellent base for exploring Chiapas or living in a small-town setting. Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitorsincluding street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums. Mexico is a relatively safe country for those who have been vaccinated to drive, visit, or travel. Most dangerous U.S.-Mexico border town? 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/. But all other types of crime are quite low here. [Expect] great seafood, great beaches, nice hotels, and none of the inflated prices.. Unfortunately, there are some cities in Mexico that are unsafe to travel. About an hour north of Puerto Vallarta lies this small town. One of the strongest economies in Mexico for the past few decades has led to many moving here from all over. 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 terms of safety, it is relatively safe here as like with other tourist areas, the government goes to great lengths to crack down on crime. Kind of Vegas on the sea. So they tend to commit fewer crimes in cities like Mexico City that are big tourist destinations. Puerto Peasco enjoys miles of wide, sandy beaches bordered by the waters of the Sea of Cortez waters that are warm, clear, and calm all year long. In terms of crime, Mexico City is generally considered safe compared to other cities in Latin America. Think old mines, a mummy museum, and streets so narrow that one is called the Alley of the Kiss because couples can smooch one another from opposite sides. But for the savvy retiree, it can be a beautiful spot to move to. Part of the Riviera Maya that also includes Playa Del Carmen and Cancn, Tulum is known for both beautiful beaches and Mayan ruins. Where to Stay: With its cozy common areas and brightly painted rooms, Casa de la Noche is an appealing place to rest your head. As far as safety goes, it's really not much of an issue at either crossing. With a visitors visa, Americans can stay in Mexico for up to 6 months. The furthest point of the Baja Peninsula just a bit further from Todos Santos lies Cabo San Lucas. Since January, Human Rights First reports 636 crimes against migrants, including rape, kidnapping, and torture. And again, drug cartels, which are responsible for a fair amount of violence, dont want to kill the tourism industry. About 6 hours north of Puerto Vallarta lies Mazatln. It takes a while to get to and theres not an easy way to get back, so gang and cartel activity are pretty minimal if it even exists here at all. Thank you for all the information! link to Is Costa Rica Kid Friendly? Is the Safety Situation improving in Mexico? So what are the safest places to live in Mexico? Expats can explore the citys many museums, take part in its vibrant nightlife scene, or visit one of its numerous parks or plazas. As a general rule, the city of Laredo is a very safe place to live and work. A little bit of . Drive time from U.S. border: 1 hour 10 minutes, 62 miles (100 kms). This is because the closer a town is to the border, the more likely it is to have a strong presence of border patrol and other law enforcement. Make sure you understand the laws regarding drugs and alcohol before engaging in any activities that could put you at risk of breaking them. So if youre moving here, make sure and have a garage or automatic gate to your home. Right near the border of Belize, this is a tropical paradise. Alternatively, you may use, Northern Mexico Hotels and Places to Stay, http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laredo%E2%80%93Colombia_Solidarity_International_Bridge. So what are the safest places to live in Mexico? My husband already had his temporary visa, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods. 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. The colonial city of San Miguel de Allende is also a popular destination for expats in Mexico. 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. Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe. Walk in, though. Yes, texas border towns are safe. The higher the number, the safer the city! In general, towns that are closer to the border are more likely to be safe than those that are located further inland. Like Todos Santos mentioned below, Bacalar holds the official designation as a Pueblo Magico, or Magical Town, due in large part to the lagoon. It is difficult for the city to fund round-the-clock coverage at all shelters and send officers to each one. Sofia and her husband fled their country with their two children to seek asylum in the United States. Bill Morrow: How do border residents feel about security and crime? And does Mexico City make the cut? Huatulco is quite a small city, but it is packed with incredible beaches and a vibrant downtown. There are only three border crossings. It's too expensive here in the US so that is not an option. Thank for very much for the great info. Campeche is a safe city to live and vacation in, making it one of the safest cities in Mexico. However, even towns that are close to the border are not immune to the dangers of the drug cartels. But Cabo is really unlike the rest of the Baja Peninsula. Now this town is safe, but its worth pointing out that Guadalajara is only 45 minutes away. In addition to taking safety precautions while traveling in Mexico, its also important to be aware of the local laws and customs. In all, 2,367 murders were committed in the municipality, which has a population of approximately 1.75 million people. 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. Bridge #2 has customs/immigration. 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 . Popotla sits on the same oceanside lot as Baja Studios, where Twentieth Century Fox filmed Titanic. The options for temporary or permanent residency also can allow for work permits. Narrated by Mindy Kaling and Ben Stiller, both UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and high-profile supporter of the agency. The city of Tijuana, Mexico, located just south of the United States border, is a popular destination for travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.With its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and various attractions, it is no surprise that it has become a popular spot for many to visit. 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. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana. And when there is less disparity of income, that typically means less crime. There have been no major incidents in recent years. 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. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. It is a popular tourist destination with lively nightclubs and restaurants. 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. 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. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. The police provide security in some shelters in Ciudad Jurez. U.S. citizens can visit within the frontera area (a 26-mile border area of Mexico) for up to 72 hours without a . It seems the aduana folks there are pretty gringo friendly, too. 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. Blogging, WordPress, hosting, email, and social media marketing, SEO, and how to write content that ranks and gets traffic! As a result, many college students fly into McAllen and stop for gas at Progreso en route to South Padre Island. Its not the most well-known city in the country, but there are excellent beaches and a vibrant downtown. baroque colonial architecture but lots of Mayan structures too. Like a few other places Ive mentioned, Quertaro City is extremely safe for both locals and tourists. 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. Campeche is a safe city to live and vacation in, making it one of the safest cities in Mexico. While I know it's pretty temperate all year, I've wondered should I avoid Costa Rica during the rainy season? These numbers are the 2016 crime statistics compiled by the FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety. The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. I don't know that it has anything to do with security, but there is a lot of traffic between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Another option is to use the toll road to Reynosa (it will cost her around $15USD) and cross to Texas using Anzalduas Bridge, using these last bridge she won't cross the Reynosa downtown area, this city has a bad reputation on security issues. But I was also mostly in the hotel zone. 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. These cartels are responsible for a great deal of violence and crime in Mexico, and they often target border towns in order to smuggle drugs into the United States. Tipping in Mexico: The Mexico Tipping Guide, 10 Puerto Vallarta Hotels for Every Type of Traveler, 10 Incredible Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. But in truth, its a lot harder to find data on safe cities in Mexico compared to unsafe ones with high crime rates. Learn more about the event and program at https://hubs.la/Q01xm7Q80 . Which is the safest bordertown full of tourists and lots of security? Furthermore, it will free up resources and personnel in order to better protect our nations sovereignty and rule of law. 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. A typical San Cristobal de las Casas resident can be either a retiree or a young family. La Paz is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur. The UN Refugee Agencys animated series explains what it is like to seek asylum in the United States. There is a new City Express on the highway by Monterrey, otherwise there are no hotels between Monterrey and the border. It distracts from business. Now technically, the US does currently have a do not travel travel advisory for Mazatln. However, there are some generalities that can be made about the safety of Mexican border towns. 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. What is the Best Mexican Border town? This is because Mexico relies heavily on tourism dollars and the cartel doesnt want to lose that. The cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen are particularly popular among expats due to their vibrant nightlife and numerous restaurants and bars. Aside from its world-famous restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere is enjoyed at this resort. Guanajuato state does have some very dangerous parts with a lot of drug cartel action and gang violence. Its one of a few resort towns in the area. What kind of info? 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. If you can tell me the exact city/town where your girl will start her roadtrip I will be glad to propose you an itinerary. There are always the odd, out-of-the-blue border towns to visit, as well as the usual suspects that you have never heard of. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Among small cities, Santa Rosa was third safest, and Rancho Viejo 16th safest. The majority of crimes that do occur are petty crimes such as theft. 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. First, it is important to remember that the border is a large and diverse place. Travel Smarter! Violent crime rates in border cities such as McAllen, Brownsville, and Laredo have decreased since 2006. Residents of El Paso, Texas, overwhelmingly stated that their city is a safe place to live. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated almost right in the middle of Mexico and. If a Trump administration rule is challenged, asylum seekers could be denied protection in the United States. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. A safe border city is a city that has been designated by the federal government as a safe haven for undocumented immigrants. However, with the right precautions, Mexico City can be a safe place to live. 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. Even further down the Baja Peninsula from La Paz lies Todos Santos. 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. My mexican fiancee is driving up from mexico to Mississippi next weekend to visit. The safety situation in Mexico does vary considerably by region, however. Unlike me. And stop for gas at Progreso en route to South Padre Island aside from its restaurants. 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