Grueling Decision: Where to live in Mexico?! How to decide?
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- How to think about this big decision? For me it is both objective and subjective. My first summer in Mexico. What did I learn? San Miguel de Allende. Ajijic. Guadalajara. All are fantastic places. I take you through how I stacked them up against each other share with you my decisions.
email any questions to me at nextchaptermexico@gmail.com.
#movetomexico #nexmex #retireinmexico
Guadalajara should have won the restaurant category to be honest. There are way more options at a wider price range and there is more fine dinning and at less expensive prices than San Miguel. I think you could have explored the restaurant scene more if you placed it second. There are lots of restaurant corridors like Av. Mexico, Lopez Cotilla, and in the downtowns of Zapopan, Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque. But they are everywhere. Just take a look at Uber Eats options and you'll see how much there is. Also, walkability in Guadalajara is better. San Miguel is the size of 1 neighborhood in Guadalajara. So you can walk everywhere (Not if you live in the outskirts' residential new areas though), but the sidewalks are really narrow and they are not tree lined like in Guadalajara. In Guadalajara you can walk comfortably mostly under the canopy of trees from downtown to Providencia which is aprox. 5 kms with every range of category of housing and dining. The more west, the more upscale. So central west areas like around Centro Magno are perfect if you can afford them.
Yesterday I booked 3 days in San Miguel DA in Feb., I am looking find lodging in Guadalajara to check that city out as well as Ajijic. Really excited to visit.
Great information since I will be visiting all three areas starting in a few weeks. I plan to also check out Queretaro . Currently in Cabo and SJD but I don't like the heat, humidity, and the condos are more than what I want to spend.
Excellent video and analysis!!🌟🌟🌟 Thank you💜
Good information
Thanks for sharing all your research -- it's very helpful. Torn between Queretaro, SMA and Ajijic here so enjoying your journey. Hadn't considered Guadalajara but may have to add it to the list. Enjoy your videos!
Those are three great places. good luck and let me know where you end up.
@@nextchaptermexico3283 Did you stop and check out the Tlaquepaque area? It's a pretty cool area between Ajijic and GDL.
Nice video. I know it’s a year old but nobody caught your math mistake? Probably for the best. All the best.
This is Scott. Wherever you move to, I am moving right next door. 😊
I really enjoyed your analysis. I need to be able to look at water everyday and after a lot of research Mazatlán (I know… humidity but a lot of biggish city activities) and Ajijic (my first love but will I be bored at 63?) are my two choices. I am going on a 2 week visit to both places at the end of the month (Día de Muertos here I come!) to make my final decision… Wish me luck 💀
I have not been to Mazatlan. But have heard good things about it. You may want to try to hop on some social media Mazatlan sites to see how it's doing after last week's hurricane. Ajijic is REALLY quiet. BUT! seriously for a retired person, the Lake Chapala Society is a GREAT organization. Such an easy way to make social connection through so many activities, classes, etc. Add to that this is one of Mexico's best food scenes, and Ajijic is a really good choice...which seems obvious given how many expats live here. Good luck and let me know where you land. And remember...enjoy the adventure!
I just looked around a bit online...I don't think the storm was too bad in Mazatlan. Still, I would make sure things are mostly open and the place you're staying has power. Enjoy!
It’s hard to be objective when choosing a place to live. I think emotions drive this decision. Ajijic did nothing for me. Queretaro, same. Guanajuato, same. I haven’t been to Guadalajara yet, but Mexico City really excites me! But I’m 66 now and don’t think I could take advantage of all the fun going on there. Haha! So San Miguel de Allende it is. I think I knew that from the start, but I did my due diligence just to be sure. Enjoy the journey and the process till you find the place that speaks to you on all levels.
I agree! Objectivity is but a noble dream! Lol
Actually living in SMA gets very old and very tiring after a year or two. I made it two and a half years and left without looking back.
There is so many more places to live in México
I would tend to say Ajijic won. The airport is pretty much a tie between Guadalajara and Ajijic. Among the three based on my Knowledge Guadalajara is the best for you among the three options for a residence. It allows for easy weekend getaways to lakeside as well. Guadalajara/Chapala is more of a package deal. Especially when all the Tapatios head south on the weekends. Another benefit of Ajijc is it offers an easier /quicker exit if you need to want to move on in 5-6 years and require your houses equity to facilitate
Have you considered Oaxaca?
I selected this itinerary working under the idea that I would like to be able to drive back to the border in a single day. However, I am rethinking that. And I have no doubt that I would absolutely LOVE Oaxaca.
Where did you end up xx >?
Did you drive between these cities? Did you drive into Mexico from the US? If so, is driving safe?
ive driven extensively in Mexico. ive driven from McAllen Texas to San Miguel d A a number of times. “Safe” is a relative term. I have lived for years in New Orleans. in terms of crime, I honestly feel as safe in Mexico as New Orleans. despite recent events, I still plan to drive through Tamaulipus which is absolutely beautiful from Victoria south. the safety of actually operating a motor vehicle is a different matter. driving on the toll roads is generally better for safety because the roads are often four lanes and require less passing…which works VERY differently in Mexico. but the toll roads are kind of boring in terms of scenery. finally, although I have had no encounters with corrupt cops, I do believe this is something one should think through before driving.
@@nextchaptermexico3283 I understand, I lived in a drug infested section of Washington DC for 11-years. I actually had to dodge gun fire more than once. However I was 35 years old & an urban pioneer. Made a small fortune on a rehab/resale. Today I'm 69. I understand putting on your "game face" and being aware of your surroundings. I was just in Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende. I felt very safe, but I had a driver. I want to come down for a month or more every year in winter, but not sure I want to drive....THANKS!
I can barely hear you 😞