It is estimated that there are 1.6 million US citizens living in Mexico. Mexico is the top foreign destination for US citizens who are deciding to live abroad.
Who opts for seaside living? Many expats choose Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias, and La Cruz inside the Bay of Banderas. Others choose Punta Mita, Sayulita, and San Pancho on the open Pacific. Also, Lo de Marcos and Guayabitos. There are a few other small villages going north to the border between the US and Mexico.
What are the draws for US and Canadians to live a part of the year or full-time in Mexico? Families are physically closer because we are on the same continent. The cost of living can allow more activities, a better lifestyle, and a quality of life for less money. Expats can decide where they want to live and in their preferred climate.
Many choose Ajijic and Lake Chapala inland. No trusts are required to buy property there. Other than those expats who live in some of the charming cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and San Miguel de Allende, the vast majority prefer sun, beach, and a consistent climate of 80 degrees without humidity.
The city in Mexico that is considered the safest and has the lowest crime rate is Merida, located in Yucatan, as of Google Sources 2025. Merida is also one of the most affordable cities in Mexico, making it a popular destination for retirees and expats. There is a large French population there, as well. Merida’s low crime rate makes it an excellent choice for visiting and living.
Where to live in Mexico will depend on your preferences and lifestyle. However, some of the most affordable and safe cities include Querétaro, Merida, and Guanajuato. These cities offer a low cost of living and a rich culture, making them excellent options for those looking to live or retire in Mexico.
While many safe destinations exist in Mexico, some areas are best avoided due to safety concerns. Border towns can be more affected by drug cartel violence and organized crime. The border regions along Tierra Caliente, including parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Mexico State, should be avoided if possible.
Overall, Mexico can be an excellent home for you. You can enjoy a significant cultural history and live in some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Taking standard precautions and being alert to potential dangers will give you an enjoyable experience, which can lead to your moving here part-time or long-term.
Puerto Vallarta
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Vallarta is appreciated for its art galleries, beach life, and cultural landmarks, such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Sculpture Gallery on the Malecon. This city has developed in one of the many valleys of the Sierra Madre mountains. Here, you will find beaches on the second-largest bay in North America.
Puerto Vallarta is a welcoming destination for families, a wide range of sexual preferences, and people of all ages, and crime rates here are low.
The friendliness of the locals and the variety of Mexican food here is shaped by the abundance of seafood, including red snapper, San Blas oysters, parrot fish, tuna, and marlin. Ceviche is eaten traditionally in the earlier part of the day and not after dusk. Of course, some restaurants make ceviche fresh for evening meals, but this is not the traditional time to enjoy ceviche.
Popular at night are carne asada grills, chicken, beef, and pork moles, traditionally a stew with pork or chicken, red or green salsa, and there is pozole – hominy (dehydrated corn kernels) makes a perfect lighter dinner.
This article is based upon legal opinions, current practices, and my personal experiences in the Puerto Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. I recommend that each potential buyer or seller of Mexican real estate conduct his own due diligence and review.
