I have been to Queretaro numerous times for work and yet find time to enjoy the area. One of my favorite things to see is the Disney like movie played on the side of the Tequisquipian(?)
I just arrived back to Las Vegas a week ago after living in Santa Catarina, Guanajuato MX which is a 1.5 hour drive from Queretaro. I lived there for 5 months and would ofter visit Queretaro every 2 weeks or so. I fell in love with the city as it has all the amenities im use to. Im currently looking to rent a home in Juriquilla or El Campanario this October for a year or so. Im so excited to get back and hopefully experience Queretaro and many other cities as they were pre covid. have a blessed day and thanks for the upload!
Thanks for watching! It's always nice to hear from someone who love Queretaro as much as I do. Because it offers the best of both worlds (small-town feel & big city amenities), I think it's definitely one of the best places to live in Mexico as an expat. Best of luck to you when you look for a place to rent in Queretaro this fall!
Amazing how most Mexican city's downtown look so cool so charming i myself never been queretaro.. but I grow up In morelia..jts so beautiful ..like most magic towns..also queretaro has so much history that has to do with Mexican. Independence..
Thanks for watching, Blanca! Yes, I love living in a city with so much history. I've visited most of Queretaro's museums (some of them multiple times). I was supposed to visit Morelia right as the pandemic started, but of course, my plans had to change. It looks like a beautiful city & I can't wait to visit!
Thats a great price for rent. Some questions though. 1. Air quality doesnt appear to the be the best (im in Oaxaca) 2. I cook a lot of ORGANIC food - available? 3. Ever seen an Infrared Sauna? (needed for bad air and detoxing) 4. Safe areas you recommend to walk a little dog? 5. Lots of NOISY fireworks, loud music?
Hi, Dale! Outside of the charming centro, Queretaro is a large & industrial city. With all the manufacturing that goes on here, I'm not surprised to hear that the air quality is poor. I've seen it reported as such on the weather apps, but I haven't felt its effects personally. Organic food is available. There's actually a relatively new shop near Plaza Fundadores (I believe it's called Sopla El Viento) with a good selection of products. Infrared sauna: I've never used one here, but there are many salons & spas, so I'm sure you could find one. There isn't anything I've looked for in Queretaro (minus decent crackers) and not been able to find. I often see people out walking small dogs in the center. There are also several dog parks if your pup is into that kind of thing. Lastly, I'm not sure where you're interested in living in Qro, but like any city (especially a Mexican city), the center can get noisy on Friday & Saturday nights. Hope that helps & thanks for watching!
Hi, Dale I have the exactly same questions for u. I am looking for place available for good air quality, organic food and infrared sauna. Is Oaxaca available for all? especially organic produce?
I moved to Mexico eight years ago in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. We moved up to Queretaro over two years ago. Queretaro is definately the best city in Mexico.
Watching your videos, would love to see a video of you touring those craft breweries and restaurants! Can’t wait to take my wife to Queretaro once covid is over. I also agree with you on DF, my wife and I went 3 times in two years. Love all of the diverse neighborhoods
Thanks for watching! I'm actually thinking of doing a "day in the life" vlog this weekend & might go to one of my favorite breweries! Keep an eye out for that!
Hi! Great video haha I’m mexican but wanted to know an expat point of view on living there... as I’ve been abroad for a while and now considering moving to Queretaro... quick tip for your videos, a little microphone could be super good to improve the audio quality, there is a little echo 😅 but just a little advise, I don’t mean to be rude !
Very well organized and presented video about Queretero! So informative and clearly spoken! This is one of the best videos about Queretero that I’ve seen. I plan to go there in the New Year so I will “gobble up” all your extra information in your Description! Thank you so much!
you have a nice apartment and what you pay per month is great .If you live in areas that are popular with expats like San Miguel de Allende or Lake Chapala like you mentioned Rent prices will go up much more .Your luck you live in Mexico .The USA is getting out of control and people are getting crazier especially when it comes to politics .Seems like you can't disagree with someone and have a civil conversation about the disagreement .Nowadays people want to hurt you fight you etc.I still have a few years to go ,and my plan is to go South into Mexico.I would love to buy a house in a small village near a river do some fishing drink some beer eat tacos party with the senoritas and listen to Mariachi music ,and give Uncle Sam the finger .OOP's sorry for my French .
Mexico will be here for you when the time comes! Your plan to fish, drink beer, eat tacos & party it up sounds awesome. I am very much grateful for my life in Mexico & when you move here, I'm sure you will be as well. Any idea where in the country you want that small village near a river to be?
I am retired, and agree with you 100%. I just want my studio apartment and enjoy my online activities, and interact with the locals. I traveled the world from ages 20-73. I will be 79 in October, and blessed to be still alive and healthy. It is nice to be nice always. Judi
You have a new subscriber. Appreciate your concise and well presented information. One thought would be to include more pictures. Looks like a beautiful place. Glad you’re enjoying your life there!
This second time back to San Miguel..my first was amazed..now second not sure...I find it becoming over crowedd...less friendly... I spent 2 weeks in Queretaro and found people smile and hellpful....I suggest visit a city more than once...I am still torn between Queretaro and Morelia..I found it offered a little more upscale then Queretaro ....So please update your videos of current neighborhoods in Queretaro... San Miguel is more difficult to walk cobbled streets and very high and narrow walk ways....yet Queretaro has a good share of unbalanced sidewalks..but handicap is more thoughtful there
Queretaro is on the top of my list, looking to move to Mexico in the future, my family is from Jalisco, I was born in Dallas, decided a short time ago Im done living in the U.S and ready to move to Mex!
@@alex-wittman Thank you, Im 41 and 100% VA disabled so I currently get a little over $4k a month but since Im looking to completely retire I will need to save up for a bit!
@@alex-wittman you’re welcome 😉 I know you guys are younger but do you know any retirees that live in Queretaro, if so would you happen to know what their budget a month is, or do you have a video on this subject? Thanks again!
Amazing video, thanks for sharing all those information Do all people wear mask outside like in Mexico city?? Im here in PV and not everyone is wearing a mask outdoor
Hi, thanks for watching! If you haven't yet, I recommend checking out my Mexico Open for Tourism video. I talk specifically about how things are currently in Querétaro 🤓 On the whole, I'm impressed with the way the city has handled the virus & with the large majority of people wearing masks, I feel relatively safe when I'm out & about in the city.
I think we are sold on retiring to Queretero. We still hope to check out a few other cities but pretty sure at least our first year will be in the Big Q ! We retire in 3 years and one of our daughters built a house outside of town. We hope to get an apartment in the historic downtown area. We hope not to own a car...just walk, bike, and uber. We speak Spanish. Love your videos !
Yay, I'm so happy to hear that you're sold on Qro! I hope you'll love it as much as I do. If you live in the center, you definitely don't need a car. I've gotten by for more than three years now without one. The center is very walkable & when you need a ride somewhere, Uber is cheap and plentiful. Since you speak Spanish, you will have a definite advantage when it comes time to apartment hunt. Wishing you all the best!
You do such a great job on these videos! The only problem is many of us want to move to an oceanside location. If only you could do a similar channel or series of videos on Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan or any other beach town you might know of.
I am planning on spending some time in Puerto Vallarta this fall & will be making videos there! Right now, I have a couple videos on my channel about Puerto Escondido--one of my favorite beach towns in Mexico.
I will be visiting that place (and for that matter Mexico itself) for the first time ever. It looks like an amazing little gem of a place that isn't on the tourist radar, if you know what I mean. It looks amazing, a quaint yet historical place full of beauty and delectable cuisine. As well as, a place with the perfect year-round temperature and that is quite affordable.
Alex, I love your videos, it seems that you put a lot of work to make them interesting, informative and enjoyable, however, how can we make Taylor to be more enthusiastic 🤩 when he appears on your videos? My feeling watching him on this video was that he is forced to be a part of them.
I was wondering why you chose that city to live in. What prompted you to go there in the first place? It looks too big and industrial for me, plus If I'm going to be spending my winters in Mexico, being very close to the water is a must. Love your videos Alex, take care!!
Hi, Chris! I lived in Madrid before Querétaro & knew I liked living in a city. As much as I love the beach, I personally prefer the climate in Querétaro for year round living 🤗
This a great video! I will be in Querétaro, MX in January 2022 and I'm wondering if you have any suggestions on co-working spaces. near the city center that you could suggest?
Oh yes, the weather! Mid-December to mid-January is probably the coldest ( but, still not that cold...I'm from Michigan haha). Then, April & May are generally the hottest months. I love the mostly dry, desert climate--we do have a rainy season in the fall though.
These videos are miracle work for others you have no clue I feel so many of us are in similar events. Just curious btw what places are foreigners working at over there are there field works or labor?
Hi, thanks for watching! There are a lot of international companies in Queretaro that do their manufacturing here (Airbus, Michelin, GE, Samsung, Gerber, Coca-Cola...). If you're interested in seeing what is available here, I definitely recommend checking out LinkedIn.
New subscriber here. Have been thinking about retiring to Mexico and looking to do that in the next 2-3 years. I've learned more from two of your videos than I have from several other UA-camrs, all of them posting good and interesting content. Thanks for the description of Queretaro; I'm not looking to move to hang out with a bunch of expat Americanos. I hang out with Americans every day here.
Thanks for watching, Dan & I'm so happy you found me! I'm glad you're finding my videos helpful & please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about moving to Mexico 🤓
Hi, Gary! To get to the ocean, it is about a four or five hour drive. As far as lakes, I haven't been to any where you can swim, but there are rivers & waterfalls in the Sierra Gorda.
I've lived in Puerto Vallarta and Chihuahua over the past 3 years, and now currently checking out Cabo San Lucas for the past 2 weeks. There are far too many Americans here in Cabo. It feels like an extension of the US, which I'm not fond of, and I'm American. After watching your video, I think I'll check out Queretaro. I'm growing a bit bored of the beach life. Thanks for the great video!
Hi, Adam! I am so happy to hear that my video convinced you to check out Queretaro. Please let me know if you have any questions about the city & thanks for watching!
@@alex-wittman I am also looking around the same budget and planning to move to Queretaro. I’m looking for a single family home and am still searching websites to find. It’s a little difficult 😣
I have been wanting to retire in Mexico for 10 years or more but my dog has kept me anchored in Texas. But I feel that I have to make the move now before it is too late. I am 68 years old and feel that time is passing me by. I was born in Mexico but have lived in the US for most of my life. Today, is the first time that I ran into one of your videos even though I have been watching other UA-cam videos for some time now. Where have you been hiding? You are now my favorite and have inspired me to make the move. You have amazing speaking skills with such clarity, motivational and an inspirational qualities. Thank you. I have liked and subscribed and will now look for your other videos.
Thanks for watching, Arnie! I am so glad you found me & am happy to have you here. Are you thinking about returning to the city you were born in, or do you have your eye on another place in Mexico? Please let me know what information I can provide to help you fulfill your dream of moving (back) to Mexico.
@@alex-wittman I was born in Matamoros, a city on the border at the mouth of the Rio Grande. And, NO, it is not one of the places I am looking to move to. I have no family there. Any family I still have in Mexico (cousins mostly) live in Monterrey and Saltillo. But I have been looking at other places, Mazatlan, Guanajuato among others. But since viewing your video on Queretaro, that is number one on my list now. Thank you for your video and all you do in keeping us informed. I have been watching your other videos and I love them. I will let you know anything I have a question about as I get closer to my move.
I like to watch this videos even if I'm mexican myself. I moved to Queretaro from Guadalajara on 2017 too but really feel like I still know very little about this city because of the place where I have my house is far for everything and I don't like to drive a car. My intention was to go out more often last year using the bus but then Covid happened :/
Hopefully, you will be able to get out and explore the city soon! Even living in the city center, there were plenty of times in this past year that I felt trapped.
Thanks so much for your awesome videos, Alex! They have totally opened my eyes to another option I had not even heard of before yesterday. A concern: the altitude. How long did it take you to adapt to the higher elevation?
Hi, great question! I didn't really notice the altitude until the first time I went for a run in Queretaro 😅 It was definitely a challenge, but after a month or so of exercising, I ceased to notice it. I never had any headaches just a little shortness of breath when I was exercising rigorously. Hope that helps & thanks for watching!
Hello, enjoyed your video. Question, can you live and / or retire in Queretaro without owning a car and rely on public transportation, Grab, etc.? And, do you live there without a car?
Hi, Dave! I've lived in Querétaro for three years without a car. I live in the historic center which means I can walk a lot of places & for everything else I use Uber. It is easy, affordable & safe. There are city buses as well! Thanks for watching 😊
@@alex-wittman Hello again and thanks for your answer. I have another question. Since Mexico taxes foreign income of all residents, how are income taxes paid on that income? Do you have to file a Mexican income tax return? Does Mexico require you to submit a copy of your USA tax return? I ask these questions as I am retired and have to take this into consideration as a potential resident.
I worry about elevation sickness. When I was younger that wasn't a thing. Now, I feel "not so good" when I visit Denver for crying out loud. I'm sure the locals are used to it, but do you ever meet foreigners who have altitude sickness issues ?
In the city, no, but it could happen out in the mountains. I do know that sometimes people with respiratory issues have trouble due to the thin air & pollution.
Hi, Randi! We've had Telmex for about a year now & I'm super happy with the service: We have a fiber optic connection (150 Mbps download speed). It costs $550 MXN per month ( approx. $28 USD).
Hi! We live in Costa Rica but are trying to sell to move to Mexico (we are originally from Vancouver, Canada). Our plan was to move to SMA where we got married 2 years ago. Unfortunately, in July, I lost my leg. This takes SMA off the table as it is not disabled accessible. From the dozens of videos we have watched, including yours, of course, Queretaro appears to be more wheelchair friendly (wider sidewalks and ramped sidewalk cuts at intersections). Is this the case? We are starting to feel really good about Queretaro. Hope our distant observations are true. Thanks for your videos and sharing.
Thanks for watching, Eden! I'm so glad to hear you've found my videos helpful. Queretaro is much much flatter than SMA & in some parts of the city center, there are wider sidewalks as well as ramps. I also feel like drivers are very respectful of pedestrians. One of the reasons I love living in Queretaro is that it is very clean & well-maintained. As with any city, there are things that are in need of repair, but the city works hard to keep up with the work. I hope this insight will help & wish you all the best with your future move to Mexico.
You can try Aguascalientes too is a beautiful city and has a big community of Japanese and German citizens look at this link ua-cam.com/video/wFnn-xTkrL8/v-deo.html
Now that I have service with Telmex, my internet is very reliable. The power rarely goes out in Querétaro. Not sure what you mean about scams, but I don't really worry about any living here.
A QUESTION - IF YOU HAD SOME MONEY - WHERE WOULD YOU BUY OR RENT IN THE QUERETARO AREA OR SUBURBS. WE'RE RETIRED HAVE BEEN LVING FOR MANY YEARS IN San Jose DEL CABO AND ARE CONSIDERING A SECOND HOME ELSEWHERE IN MEXICO. THANKS
Hi! Do you have a car? You mentioned uber and buses. Also is querotaro an actual city or are you talking about santiago de querotaro? I don't know spanish either, and you mentioned how little english you speak. Is it a problem to not know spanish there? Curious to know what draws you to live there.. for me, I love living in Ajijic because of the lake. And Bali because of nature. But what's the draw living in that city other that cost of living, safety, etc? I'm moving back to Mexico next year from asia so considering other options aside from Ajijic. Thanks!
I don't have a car. Really, between buses & Uber, I haven't had any trouble getting around. The city I live in is Santiago de Queretaro which is the capital of Queretaro state. Everyone just calls it Queretaro for short. The more Spanish you know here the better, but I know some foreigners with limited language skills who get around just fine.
Hello, nice video! Very interessting! We are already in Mexico and are thinking about move to Querétaro. I'd have a few questios to you, I hope you can answer: Which part of Queretaro is good for living as a family? Are there lots of busses or is it better to go by taxi? Or is it better to have your own car to go shopping and come around? Many thanks for answering my questions! Cassy
There are lots of families out in Zibata, but it depends on the lifestyle you're looking for. Personally, I usually use Uber to get around. Most people who live outside the city center like having a car.
We have a fiber optic connection with a 150 mpbs download speed. That's the fastest I've heard of in Queretaro, but you might be able to get even faster in CDMX!
What are the terms in renting in Queretaro? How many months of deposit, minimum number of months? Are the utilities separate from the rent? 😀 Muchas gracias! This video is very informative! 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi, Maya! I paid one month's rent as a security deposit, but if you're unable to find a guarantor, you might need to pay a bigger security deposit. My utilities are separate from my rent, and my lease is for an entire year. If you're interested learning more about apartment renting in Mexico, head to the link in the description of this video & grab my free Move to Mexico guide. I think you will find it very helpful 🤗 Thanks for watching!
You've just got to be ready to pound the pavement & talk to people. If you have the resources to hire a realtor, that could make things easier too! Best of luck! 🇲🇽
Don't be nervous, so many things in Queretaro were easy for us once we relaxed a bit from our Silicon Valley ways. we came to visit Queretaro for five days about a year and a half ago. we loved it, and have just stayed. Our original apartment was an AirBnB; after our five days we moved around a bit to try different areas within the Centro....and we talked to so many people. We weren't suffering- we just weren't " settled". Eventually you too will find a place that you want to call home for awhile. The hassle of moving is nothing compared to the stress and pressure of life in CA. Have a taco and enjoy. Many AirBnb owners are willing to talk about long term contracts at quite a discount.
Great content! Thanks for sharing. Can you share some of the best neighborhoods in the area if you want to live a little outside of the central part of Queretaro?
Thanks for watching, Karen! It depends on what you're looking for. If you're interested in an expat community, check out Juriquilla or Jurica. Other popular neighborhoods include El Refugio, Cimatorio & Milenio Tres.
Hi, thanks for watching! Queretaro is pretty much dead center in the middle of Mexico. The closet beach is Ixtapa, which is on the Pacific Coast. It's 5-6 hours away by car.
Hi, thanks for watching! Queretaro is known throughout Mexico as one of the safest places to live. Since moving here in 2017, I haven't heard of an cartel-related violence occurring. Hope that helps!
It appears that "Queretaro" is a state in Mexico and you speak of it as a city. Can you elaborate? Are you talking about a particular town/city in Queretaro?
Hi, John! The capital of Querétaro state is Santiago de Querétaro (also known as Querétaro City). The majority of people shorten it to just Querétaro! 🤓
Thanks for watching, Lisa! I usually tell foreigners that there best bet is looking for online work. The pay is better & you don't need to worry about a work permit. Teaching English online is a good place to start, but there are so many options!
Great information! I am hoping to visit Queretaro. Will hotels be open around August 1st. I’m seeing a lot of conflicting information online. I heard no Abnb’s are authorized
Thanks for watching & I'm glad you found the video helpful! Yes, there's a lot of conflicting info online...I hadn't heard that about Airbnbs. The one down the street from my house has had people in and out of it throughout the pandemic! Not sure about hotels. I'm actually in the US at the moment or else I would try to do some on the ground research for you. I suggest contacting the tourism office for a definitive answer!
No one would ever imagine Madrid to be a cheap place to live. After Barcelona it is probably the most expensive place in Spain. Rents are really high. What is cheap is public transportation. The metro system is vast, cheap, and efficient. Doing a quick comparison on Numbeo, Querétaro is 50% to 60% cheaper than Madrid. Rents are 70% cheaper. On Expatistan the situation is similar. Querétaro is 70% cheaper. Of course if you are earning a Mexican salary, the cost of living is not low but 99% of expats are not earning a Mexican salary. As for not having opportunity to practice your Spanish in Madrid that is understandble since it is such a big city that no one has time to speak to strangers.
Hi, Ray! Madrid is an affordable place to live relatively speaking. Of course, Mexico is much more affordable, but when I was living in Madrid, I couldn't believe all I was getting for my money compared to the U.S. Qro is far from the cheapest place to live in Mexico (probably one of the more expensive), but it's a bargain compared to Spain & definitely compared to the U.S.
@@alex-wittman Good points. You can speak from experience because you have lived in both places. I guess rent would be the biggest difference but transportation, eating out, and services also come into play. A lot depends on how much people earn, especially the minimum salary. In Spain the minimum salary is 1008,30EUR, paid 14 times, in Portugal it is 740.83EUR also paid 14 times, while in Mexico it is $141.70. I don't know if this is paid 12, 13 or 14 times. What anyone can see is that it is incredibly low--starvation wages, which are even lower than those in Brazil. You can see why so many people are desperate to make it to the U.S and why the cost of living is so low for foreign expats who are often getting $1500 or more every month. From what I have seen on different UA-cam channels if you have a no frills life style, you could easily live on less than $1000 a month in Mexico. In a small, away-from-the beach town you would live like a king.
@@rayvogensen2983 I even think it would be possible to live in a big city like Queretaro for less than $1,000 USD/month. One of my goals for this year is to track all my expenses in detail for a month to share here on UA-cam. Thank you for bringing up the average salary in Mexico. It's important to remember that while living here is extremely affordable for foreigners, that's not the case for many Mexicans.
@@rayvogensen2983 You are getting the minimun salary from internet? In México there is a minimun salary and a median salary ... Is not like in the usa where people earn the minimun salary, in México is just a reference... Usually un Querétaro people should earn 4 time the minimun salary.
@@alex-wittman Thank you. I would like to live somewhere were the population is not blindly following the rules of the government. I don’t wear facemasks. Can I walk into a store without it or will I be thrown in jail?
@@alex-wittman Thanks so much! I may have to reconsider as I just watched another of your videos on residency and you mentioned that a minimum of $1600 and change is required for retired social security income..rats..I am just short of that..oh well :-(
@@alex-wittman Yes it is always a good idea to spend time before moving there. I lived in Panama for 4 years so know what it is like :-) I am hoping for long term residency though.
Thanks for watching, Brian! Cases numbers are going down in Queretaro & the city is starting to lift some restrictions. However, there's still a mask mandate in public spaces. I would say, overall, people are really good about wearing them in Qro. I haven't read it yet, but it's on my list!
COMO CAMBIAN LOS TIEMPOS....EN MADRID ESPAÑA, LA CUNA DEL ESPAÑOL, RARA VEZ TENIA LA OPORTUNIDAD DE PRACTICAR EL ESPAÑOL.( SE SOBREENTIENDE POR LA GRAN CANTIDAD DE "ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE" LIVING THERE LOL!! )
Hi Alex - Great information. We plan to visit this spring with an eye toward a move. We have a developmentally disabled 29 year old daughter who would need a group home or a care situation which would entail a 24/7 companion(s) who could attend to her personal needs. Do you have any resources, leads or contacts that could help? Would love to host you guys for drinks while we are there! Thanks.
Hi, Peter! Thanks for watching & I am so glad to hear you've found my videos helpful. Unfortunately, I don't have any leads that could help you. If I hear of anything between now & the spring, I will be sure to let you know!
Hi, Carlos! Yes, the term "illegal alien" is so dehumanizing 😔 did you see that the new administration is seeking to end the use of that phrasing in the immigration laws? I think that's a step in the right direction!
Thanks for watching! What do you think the best place to live in Mexico as an expat is? Have you ever been to Queretaro?
I have been to Queretaro numerous times for work and yet find time to enjoy the area. One of my favorite things to see is the Disney like movie played on the side of the Tequisquipian(?)
👀
Yes
I've been watching a lot of Mexico related content and yours is top notch! The detail on your website was really helpful too. Thank you!
I am so happy to hear you're finding my content helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! 🇲🇽
I just arrived back to Las Vegas a week ago after living in Santa Catarina, Guanajuato MX which is a 1.5 hour drive from Queretaro. I lived there for 5 months and would ofter visit Queretaro every 2 weeks or so. I fell in love with the city as it has all the amenities im use to. Im currently looking to rent a home in Juriquilla or El Campanario this October for a year or so. Im so excited to get back and hopefully experience Queretaro and many other cities as they were pre covid. have a blessed day and thanks for the upload!
Thanks for watching! It's always nice to hear from someone who love Queretaro as much as I do. Because it offers the best of both worlds (small-town feel & big city amenities), I think it's definitely one of the best places to live in Mexico as an expat. Best of luck to you when you look for a place to rent in Queretaro this fall!
WELL DONE !
CLEARLY PRESENTED .....YOU NAILED THIS VIDEO - WE''RE MOVING !!!!
Woohoo! That's what I like to hear, Dany!
Amazing how most Mexican city's downtown look so cool so charming i myself never been queretaro.. but I grow up In morelia..jts so beautiful ..like most magic towns..also queretaro has so much history that has to do with Mexican. Independence..
Thanks for watching, Blanca! Yes, I love living in a city with so much history. I've visited most of Queretaro's museums (some of them multiple times). I was supposed to visit Morelia right as the pandemic started, but of course, my plans had to change. It looks like a beautiful city & I can't wait to visit!
Very informative!
Thank you for watching! There is so much to love about Qro :)
Thats a great price for rent. Some questions though.
1. Air quality doesnt appear to the be the best (im in Oaxaca)
2. I cook a lot of ORGANIC food - available?
3. Ever seen an Infrared Sauna? (needed for bad air and detoxing)
4. Safe areas you recommend to walk a little dog?
5. Lots of NOISY fireworks, loud music?
Hi, Dale! Outside of the charming centro, Queretaro is a large & industrial city. With all the manufacturing that goes on here, I'm not surprised to hear that the air quality is poor. I've seen it reported as such on the weather apps, but I haven't felt its effects personally. Organic food is available. There's actually a relatively new shop near Plaza Fundadores (I believe it's called Sopla El Viento) with a good selection of products. Infrared sauna: I've never used one here, but there are many salons & spas, so I'm sure you could find one. There isn't anything I've looked for in Queretaro (minus decent crackers) and not been able to find. I often see people out walking small dogs in the center. There are also several dog parks if your pup is into that kind of thing. Lastly, I'm not sure where you're interested in living in Qro, but like any city (especially a Mexican city), the center can get noisy on Friday & Saturday nights. Hope that helps & thanks for watching!
Hi, Dale
I have the exactly same questions for u. I am looking for place available for good air quality, organic food and infrared sauna.
Is Oaxaca available for all? especially organic produce?
What an awesome video! Thank you! Only a matter of time before your channel catches on ... great job!
Thanks for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 🤓
I’m from Mexico and have family that live in Querétaro and every time I go I love it. So everything you said is true. Good video 💕
Thanks for watching & I am so happy to hear that you agree 🤓
I moved to Mexico eight years ago in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. We moved up to Queretaro over two years ago. Queretaro is definately the best city in Mexico.
Thanks for watching & I am so glad to hear you feel so at home in Queretaro!
Moving to Querétaro in May 2021
That's so exciting, John! Congrats!
Thanks
Muchos gracias 🌴
Thanks for watching, Scott!
Watching your videos, would love to see a video of you touring those craft breweries and restaurants! Can’t wait to take my wife to Queretaro once covid is over. I also agree with you on DF, my wife and I went 3 times in two years. Love all of the diverse neighborhoods
Thanks for watching! I'm actually thinking of doing a "day in the life" vlog this weekend & might go to one of my favorite breweries! Keep an eye out for that!
@@alex-wittman Can't wait to see it! I love craft breweries, especially the ones with exotic brews. They are popular in Wash DC
@@julioalvarez4481 I love Washington DC! I have family there & have spent a lot of time in the city over the years 😊
Hi! Great video haha I’m mexican but wanted to know an expat point of view on living there... as I’ve been abroad for a while and now considering moving to Queretaro... quick tip for your videos, a little microphone could be super good to improve the audio quality, there is a little echo 😅 but just a little advise, I don’t mean to be rude !
Thanks for watching, Lucero! I'm glad you found the video helpful 🇲🇽
I would have dropped some background music in as well.
I'm in Merida now. Your place looks so lovely and great price. I can't wait to visit.
I hope you're able to visit Querétaro soon! Thanks for watching!
You’re good! Thank you for such amazing content. Hubby and I are dwindling down our list of where to live in Mexico.
Thanks for watching, Johanna! What cities are on your list?
@@alex-wittman We had gotten it down to 3: Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. I say had because now Queretaro is on our radar ☺️.
@@JohannaEarthlyRamos Sounds like you have a really nice mix of places!
Very well organized and presented video about Queretero! So informative and clearly spoken! This is one of the best videos about Queretero that I’ve seen. I plan to go there in the New Year so I will “gobble up” all your extra information in your Description! Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching, Mahria & I hope you enjoy your time in Queretaro!
you have a nice apartment and what you pay per month is great .If you live in areas that are popular with expats like San Miguel de Allende or Lake Chapala like you mentioned Rent prices will go up much more .Your luck you live in Mexico .The USA is getting out of control and people are getting crazier especially when it comes to politics .Seems like you can't disagree with someone and have a civil conversation about the disagreement .Nowadays people want to hurt you fight you etc.I still have a few years to go ,and my plan is to go South into Mexico.I would love to buy a house in a small village near a river do some fishing drink some beer eat tacos party with the senoritas and listen to Mariachi music ,and give Uncle Sam the finger .OOP's sorry for my French .
Mexico will be here for you when the time comes! Your plan to fish, drink beer, eat tacos & party it up sounds awesome. I am very much grateful for my life in Mexico & when you move here, I'm sure you will be as well. Any idea where in the country you want that small village near a river to be?
I am retired, and agree with you 100%. I just want my studio apartment and enjoy my online activities, and interact with the locals. I traveled the world from ages 20-73. I will be 79 in October, and blessed to be still alive and healthy. It is nice to be nice always.
Judi
same here brother
Very nice. Yes.
Thanks for watching, Susan!
Yes
You have a new subscriber. Appreciate your concise and well presented information. One thought would be to include more pictures. Looks like a beautiful place. Glad you’re enjoying your life there!
Thanks for the feedback, Tobi! I really appreciate it & will keep that in mind for future videos 😊 glad to have you here!
Thanks for the tips.
You're welcome, Buddy! Thanks for watching 🇲🇽
Yes.
Thanks for watching!
This second time back to San Miguel..my first was amazed..now second not sure...I find it becoming over crowedd...less friendly...
I spent 2 weeks in Queretaro and found people smile and hellpful....I suggest visit a city more than once...I am still torn between Queretaro and Morelia..I found it offered a little more upscale then Queretaro ....So please update your videos of current neighborhoods in Queretaro...
San Miguel is more difficult to walk cobbled streets and very high and narrow walk ways....yet Queretaro has a good share of unbalanced sidewalks..but handicap is more thoughtful there
Very well done.
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the video ☺Qro is a lovely city!
Really great video thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching, John!
Yes!
Thanks for watching, Michael!
It's very good explained. Very helpful
Thanks for watching!
Very nice video. Thank you for all the information.
Thank you for watching, Richard!
Queretaro is on the top of my list, looking to move to Mexico in the future, my family is from Jalisco, I was born in Dallas, decided a short time ago Im done living in the U.S and ready to move to Mex!
Wishing you all the best with your plans to move to Mexico 🇲🇽
@@alex-wittman Thank you, Im 41 and 100% VA disabled so I currently get a little over $4k a month but since Im looking to completely retire I will need to save up for a bit!
@@jeusebio2413 Thank you for your service!
@@alex-wittman you’re welcome 😉
I know you guys are younger but do you know any retirees that live in Queretaro, if so would you happen to know what their budget a month is, or do you have a video on this subject? Thanks again!
Amazing video, thanks for sharing all those information
Do all people wear mask outside like in Mexico city?? Im here in PV and not everyone is wearing a mask outdoor
Thanks for watching, William! Yes, there's a mask mandate in public spaces.
Thank you for the great video! How is the covid situation there today?
Hi, thanks for watching! If you haven't yet, I recommend checking out my Mexico Open for Tourism video. I talk specifically about how things are currently in Querétaro 🤓 On the whole, I'm impressed with the way the city has handled the virus & with the large majority of people wearing masks, I feel relatively safe when I'm out & about in the city.
BUt but but, you look Spanish of Mexican. Very good videos and a very nice voice as I am critical with my hearing. Congrats!
I think we are sold on retiring to Queretero.
We still hope to check out a few other cities but pretty sure at least our first year will be in the Big Q !
We retire in 3 years and one of our daughters built a house outside of town. We hope to get an apartment in the historic downtown area. We hope not to own a car...just walk, bike, and uber. We speak Spanish. Love your videos !
Yay, I'm so happy to hear that you're sold on Qro! I hope you'll love it as much as I do. If you live in the center, you definitely don't need a car. I've gotten by for more than three years now without one. The center is very walkable & when you need a ride somewhere, Uber is cheap and plentiful. Since you speak Spanish, you will have a definite advantage when it comes time to apartment hunt. Wishing you all the best!
Excellently done!
Thanks for watching, Musari!
Thank you for that video!
Thanks for watching, Diego! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it 🤓
Que genial video! Gracias! Ahora me gustaría aprender más sobre Querétaro! También yo subscríbete!
You do such a great job on these videos! The only problem is many of us want to move to an oceanside location. If only you could do a similar channel or series of videos on Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan or any other beach town you might know of.
I am planning on spending some time in Puerto Vallarta this fall & will be making videos there! Right now, I have a couple videos on my channel about Puerto Escondido--one of my favorite beach towns in Mexico.
I work for an airline that flys there I need to fly down and check it out! The city and area looks fantastic! Thanks for your video!!
Yes, you've got to come check out Qro, Tom!
Excellent video with very professional presentation, thanks!
Thanks for watching, Ron! I'm so glad to hear you found it helpful 🤓
Can you do a video about Tlaxcala? It seems to be a place that is very much overlooked and underrated.
It's not a place I've traveled to personally, but it looks like it has a lot to offer!
I will be visiting that place (and for that matter Mexico itself) for the first time ever. It looks like an amazing little gem of a place that isn't on the tourist radar, if you know what I mean. It looks amazing, a quaint yet historical place full of beauty and delectable cuisine. As well as, a place with the perfect year-round temperature and that is quite affordable.
Thank you for this!!
Thanks for watching, Joey!
@@alex-wittman My privilege. Been absolutely Loving your content! 🙌
@@JoeyBeeFit please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about moving to Mexico!
@@alex-wittman For sure. Thanks for taking the time to respond and offering your advice. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Alex, I love your videos, it seems that you put a lot of work to make them interesting, informative and enjoyable, however, how can we make Taylor to be more enthusiastic 🤩 when he appears on your videos? My feeling watching him on this video was that he is forced to be a part of them.
Hi there! Taylor here, note taken haha :) you're right about being forced but it's not all that bad
I like Oaxaca best, personally.
I was wondering why you chose that city to live in. What prompted you to go there in the first place? It looks too big and industrial for me, plus If I'm going to be spending my winters in Mexico, being very close to the water is a must. Love your videos Alex, take care!!
Hi, Chris! I lived in Madrid before Querétaro & knew I liked living in a city. As much as I love the beach, I personally prefer the climate in Querétaro for year round living 🤗
This a great video! I will be in Querétaro, MX in January 2022 and I'm wondering if you have any suggestions on co-working spaces.
near the city center that you could suggest?
Check out Krow near the old train station! I also really love Montanea Cafe for getting some work done!
You didn’t mention the weather!!! That is a big factor. What is it like year round? Thasnk said so much for all you are sharing!!!
Oh yes, the weather! Mid-December to mid-January is probably the coldest ( but, still not that cold...I'm from Michigan haha). Then, April & May are generally the hottest months. I love the mostly dry, desert climate--we do have a rainy season in the fall though.
These videos are miracle work for others you have no clue I feel so many of us are in similar events. Just curious btw what places are foreigners working at over there are there field works or labor?
Hi, thanks for watching! There are a lot of international companies in Queretaro that do their manufacturing here (Airbus, Michelin, GE, Samsung, Gerber, Coca-Cola...). If you're interested in seeing what is available here, I definitely recommend checking out LinkedIn.
Yosoy Qretano si estraudinario pasiar por su cayes es ermoso y lindo
Gracias por ver, Carmelo!
New subscriber here. Have been thinking about retiring to Mexico and looking to do that in the next 2-3 years. I've learned more from two of your videos than I have from several other UA-camrs, all of them posting good and interesting content. Thanks for the description of Queretaro; I'm not looking to move to hang out with a bunch of expat Americanos. I hang out with Americans every day here.
Thanks for watching, Dan & I'm so happy you found me! I'm glad you're finding my videos helpful & please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about moving to Mexico 🤓
Are there any lakes for swinging nearby? Also, how hard is a trip to the ocean? Thank you.
Hi, Gary! To get to the ocean, it is about a four or five hour drive. As far as lakes, I haven't been to any where you can swim, but there are rivers & waterfalls in the Sierra Gorda.
I've lived in Puerto Vallarta and Chihuahua over the past 3 years, and now currently checking out Cabo San Lucas for the past 2 weeks. There are far too many Americans here in Cabo. It feels like an extension of the US, which I'm not fond of, and I'm American. After watching your video, I think I'll check out Queretaro. I'm growing a bit bored of the beach life. Thanks for the great video!
Hi, Adam! I am so happy to hear that my video convinced you to check out Queretaro. Please let me know if you have any questions about the city & thanks for watching!
@@alex-wittman Thank you, and I may have some questions soon that you might be able to help with. Saludos
Adam, did you like Chihuahua?
@@brianpan6453 It was ok, but a bit too cold in the winter.
@@alex-wittman how is the weather year round in queretaro? it seems beach towns like Puerto Vallarta and Tulum are too humid in the summer
❤
I want to rent a nice size house in Mexico. Willing to spend up to 1000 bucks a month.
Hi, Chris! If you're planning on moving to Querétaro, I think that's a great budget. How big of a house are you looking for?
@@alex-wittman I am also looking around the same budget and planning to move to Queretaro. I’m looking for a single family home and am still searching websites to find. It’s a little difficult 😣
@@selenaknight1369 I found the real estate websites to be somewhat unreliable. It's easier to house hunt in Mexico when you're on the ground here.
I have been wanting to retire in Mexico for 10 years or more but my dog has kept me anchored in Texas. But I feel that I have to make the move now before it is too late. I am 68 years old and feel that time is passing me by. I was born in Mexico but have lived in the US for most of my life. Today, is the first time that I ran into one of your videos even though I have been watching other UA-cam videos for some time now. Where have you been hiding? You are now my favorite and have inspired me to make the move. You have amazing speaking skills with such clarity, motivational and an inspirational qualities. Thank you. I have liked and subscribed and will now look for your other videos.
Thanks for watching, Arnie! I am so glad you found me & am happy to have you here. Are you thinking about returning to the city you were born in, or do you have your eye on another place in Mexico? Please let me know what information I can provide to help you fulfill your dream of moving (back) to Mexico.
@@alex-wittman I was born in Matamoros, a city on the border at the mouth of the Rio Grande. And, NO, it is not one of the places I am looking to move to. I have no family there. Any family I still have in Mexico (cousins mostly) live in Monterrey and Saltillo. But I have been looking at other places, Mazatlan, Guanajuato among others. But since viewing your video on Queretaro, that is number one on my list now. Thank you for your video and all you do in keeping us informed. I have been watching your other videos and I love them. I will let you know anything I have a question about as I get closer to my move.
@@arnievaldez7541 I'm glad to hear my videos have inspired you to consider Queretaro!
Arnie, GO, young man!!!!!
Alex You are A Very Beautiful Woman And A Real Legend
I know this is an odd question....but do you know of any horse 🐎 riding Stables?
I like to watch this videos even if I'm mexican myself. I moved to Queretaro from Guadalajara on 2017 too but really feel like I still know very little about this city because of the place where I have my house is far for everything and I don't like to drive a car. My intention was to go out more often last year using the bus but then Covid happened :/
Hopefully, you will be able to get out and explore the city soon! Even living in the city center, there were plenty of times in this past year that I felt trapped.
Thanks so much for your awesome videos, Alex! They have totally opened my eyes to another option I had not even heard of before yesterday. A concern: the altitude. How long did it take you to adapt to the higher elevation?
Hi, great question! I didn't really notice the altitude until the first time I went for a run in Queretaro 😅 It was definitely a challenge, but after a month or so of exercising, I ceased to notice it. I never had any headaches just a little shortness of breath when I was exercising rigorously. Hope that helps & thanks for watching!
Yes - but I don’t see a “description” with a link to anything
Here's the link, Betti: freebies.backpackingbrunette.com/movetomexicoguide
Thanks
You're welcome! Let me know if you have any questions about moving to Mexico!
Do you know of language schools in Q for gringoes (65 year old widow with high school Spanish)?
Hello, enjoyed your video. Question, can you live and / or retire in Queretaro without owning a car and rely on public transportation, Grab, etc.?
And, do you live there without a car?
Hi, Dave! I've lived in Querétaro for three years without a car. I live in the historic center which means I can walk a lot of places & for everything else I use Uber. It is easy, affordable & safe. There are city buses as well! Thanks for watching 😊
@@alex-wittman Hello again and thanks for your answer. I have another question. Since Mexico taxes foreign income of all residents, how are income taxes paid on that income? Do you have to file a Mexican income tax return? Does Mexico require you to submit a copy of your USA tax return? I ask these questions as I am retired and have to take this into consideration as a potential resident.
I worry about elevation sickness. When I was younger that wasn't a thing. Now, I feel "not so good" when I visit Denver for crying out loud. I'm sure the locals are used to it, but do you ever meet foreigners who have altitude sickness issues ?
In the city, no, but it could happen out in the mountains. I do know that sometimes people with respiratory issues have trouble due to the thin air & pollution.
What are the internet speeds like?
Hi, Randi! We've had Telmex for about a year now & I'm super happy with the service: We have a fiber optic connection (150 Mbps download speed). It costs $550 MXN per month ( approx. $28 USD).
Hi! We live in Costa Rica but are trying to sell to move to Mexico (we are originally from Vancouver, Canada). Our plan was to move to SMA where we got married 2 years ago. Unfortunately, in July, I lost my leg. This takes SMA off the table as it is not disabled accessible. From the dozens of videos we have watched, including yours, of course, Queretaro appears to be more wheelchair friendly (wider sidewalks and ramped sidewalk cuts at intersections). Is this the case? We are starting to feel really good about Queretaro. Hope our distant observations are true. Thanks for your videos and sharing.
Thanks for watching, Eden! I'm so glad to hear you've found my videos helpful. Queretaro is much much flatter than SMA & in some parts of the city center, there are wider sidewalks as well as ramps. I also feel like drivers are very respectful of pedestrians. One of the reasons I love living in Queretaro is that it is very clean & well-maintained. As with any city, there are things that are in need of repair, but the city works hard to keep up with the work. I hope this insight will help & wish you all the best with your future move to Mexico.
You can try Aguascalientes too is a beautiful city and has a big community of Japanese and German citizens look at this link
ua-cam.com/video/wFnn-xTkrL8/v-deo.html
Let me correct you, its south of Mexico city, not north.
Nope, Querétaro is north of Mexico City!
join me for a beer when I first step foot in qro !
Are you planning on moving to Queretaro soon, Gianna?
@@alex-wittman visiting nov for a jan-feb move
Is the internet service dependable? I depend on it to make a income. Is the power grid out often? Do you often worry about scams?
Now that I have service with Telmex, my internet is very reliable. The power rarely goes out in Querétaro. Not sure what you mean about scams, but I don't really worry about any living here.
A QUESTION - IF YOU HAD SOME MONEY - WHERE WOULD YOU BUY OR RENT IN THE QUERETARO AREA OR SUBURBS. WE'RE RETIRED HAVE BEEN LVING FOR MANY YEARS IN San Jose DEL CABO AND ARE CONSIDERING A SECOND HOME ELSEWHERE IN MEXICO. THANKS
I love the center for its walkability, but it really depends on what your lifestyle is. There's something in Queretaro for pretty much everyone!
Do you have videos about your time in Madrid?
I don't, Clarence. I just started this channel about a year ago. Would you be interested in seeing content about Madrid?
@@alex-wittman Yes, absolutely!
Hi! Do you have a car? You mentioned uber and buses. Also is querotaro an actual city or are you talking about santiago de querotaro? I don't know spanish either, and you mentioned how little english you speak. Is it a problem to not know spanish there? Curious to know what draws you to live there.. for me, I love living in Ajijic because of the lake. And Bali because of nature. But what's the draw living in that city other that cost of living, safety, etc? I'm moving back to Mexico next year from asia so considering other options aside from Ajijic. Thanks!
I don't have a car. Really, between buses & Uber, I haven't had any trouble getting around. The city I live in is Santiago de Queretaro which is the capital of Queretaro state. Everyone just calls it Queretaro for short. The more Spanish you know here the better, but I know some foreigners with limited language skills who get around just fine.
Hello, nice video! Very interessting! We are already in Mexico and are thinking about move to Querétaro. I'd have a few questios to you, I hope you can answer:
Which part of Queretaro is good for living as a family?
Are there lots of busses or is it better to go by taxi?
Or is it better to have your own car to go shopping and come around?
Many thanks for answering my questions! Cassy
There are lots of families out in Zibata, but it depends on the lifestyle you're looking for. Personally, I usually use Uber to get around. Most people who live outside the city center like having a car.
can't see your link to your guide
Hi, Robert! Here's the link to the guide: freebies.backpackingbrunette.com/movetomexicoguide
“The students give a progressive vibe to the city.” To what extent is woke and/or LBTGQI+ popular and/or dominating??? Any idea? Thanks for the video!
how fast is the internet there? what’s the fastest internet speed available there?
We have a fiber optic connection with a 150 mpbs download speed. That's the fastest I've heard of in Queretaro, but you might be able to get even faster in CDMX!
What are the terms in renting in Queretaro? How many months of deposit, minimum number of months? Are the utilities separate from the rent? 😀 Muchas gracias! This video is very informative! 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi, Maya! I paid one month's rent as a security deposit, but if you're unable to find a guarantor, you might need to pay a bigger security deposit. My utilities are separate from my rent, and my lease is for an entire year. If you're interested learning more about apartment renting in Mexico, head to the link in the description of this video & grab my free Move to Mexico guide. I think you will find it very helpful 🤗 Thanks for watching!
Backpacking Brunette Thank you! I’ll check it out!
Totally nervous about finding an apartment in this city.
You've just got to be ready to pound the pavement & talk to people. If you have the resources to hire a realtor, that could make things easier too! Best of luck! 🇲🇽
Don't be nervous, so many things in Queretaro were easy for us once we relaxed a bit from our Silicon Valley ways. we came to visit Queretaro for five days about a year and a half ago. we loved it, and have just stayed. Our original apartment was an AirBnB; after our five days we moved around a bit to try different areas within the Centro....and we talked to so many people. We weren't suffering- we just weren't " settled". Eventually you too will find a place that you want to call home for awhile. The hassle of moving is nothing compared to the stress and pressure of life in CA. Have a taco and enjoy. Many AirBnb owners are willing to talk about long term contracts at quite a discount.
@@terryg3046 thanks so much for sharing your experience, Terry!
Great content! Thanks for sharing.
Can you share some of the best neighborhoods in the area if you want to live a little outside of the central part of Queretaro?
Thanks for watching, Karen! It depends on what you're looking for. If you're interested in an expat community, check out Juriquilla or Jurica. Other popular neighborhoods include El Refugio, Cimatorio & Milenio Tres.
I'm 58 been retired for 5 yrs
Spent a year in Spain.
Looking for a costal town with good surf and safe good vibes. Do you have any recommendations,
Hi, Ralph! Check out Puerto Escondido! It's one of my fave places in Mexico & sounds like it could be exactly what you're looking for.
How do you manage to be so darn BEAUTIFUL ?
That's nice of you to say, Pjotr!
How far are you from the Beach and which one is best for Quertero? Thank You I am binging your vids trying to figure where I want to move to..
Hi, thanks for watching! Queretaro is pretty much dead center in the middle of Mexico. The closet beach is Ixtapa, which is on the Pacific Coast. It's 5-6 hours away by car.
@@alex-wittman Thank You So Much!!
Can I ask if Queretaro has Cartel presence? Has there been any drug violence?
Hi, thanks for watching! Queretaro is known throughout Mexico as one of the safest places to live. Since moving here in 2017, I haven't heard of an cartel-related violence occurring. Hope that helps!
It appears that "Queretaro" is a state in Mexico and you speak of it as a city. Can you elaborate? Are you talking about a particular town/city in Queretaro?
Hi, John! The capital of Querétaro state is Santiago de Querétaro (also known as Querétaro City). The majority of people shorten it to just Querétaro! 🤓
The name of the state is Querétaro, and the name of the capital city is also Querétaro..... So, Querétaro, Querétaro, México.
@@alexmadrid6043 yep, you've got it! Some people say Santiago de Querétaro, but that would be very formal & takes a lot of time to get out.
Can you get a job there just traveling there for the 6 months?
Thanks for watching, Lisa! I usually tell foreigners that there best bet is looking for online work. The pay is better & you don't need to worry about a work permit. Teaching English online is a good place to start, but there are so many options!
Great information! I am hoping to visit Queretaro. Will hotels be open around August 1st. I’m seeing a lot of conflicting information online. I heard no Abnb’s are authorized
Thanks for watching & I'm glad you found the video helpful! Yes, there's a lot of conflicting info online...I hadn't heard that about Airbnbs. The one down the street from my house has had people in and out of it throughout the pandemic! Not sure about hotels. I'm actually in the US at the moment or else I would try to do some on the ground research for you. I suggest contacting the tourism office for a definitive answer!
No one would ever imagine Madrid to be a cheap place to live. After Barcelona it is probably the most expensive place in Spain. Rents are really high. What is cheap is public transportation. The metro system is vast, cheap, and efficient. Doing a quick comparison on Numbeo, Querétaro is 50% to 60% cheaper than Madrid. Rents are 70% cheaper. On Expatistan the situation is similar. Querétaro is 70% cheaper. Of course if you are earning a Mexican salary, the cost of living is not low but 99% of expats are not earning a Mexican salary. As for not having opportunity to practice your Spanish in Madrid that is understandble since it is such a big city that no one has time to speak to strangers.
Hi, Ray! Madrid is an affordable place to live relatively speaking. Of course, Mexico is much more affordable, but when I was living in Madrid, I couldn't believe all I was getting for my money compared to the U.S. Qro is far from the cheapest place to live in Mexico (probably one of the more expensive), but it's a bargain compared to Spain & definitely compared to the U.S.
@@alex-wittman Good points. You can speak from experience because you have lived in both places. I guess rent would be the biggest difference but transportation, eating out, and services also come into play. A lot depends on how much people earn, especially the minimum salary. In Spain the minimum salary is 1008,30EUR, paid 14 times, in Portugal it is 740.83EUR also paid 14 times, while in Mexico it is $141.70. I don't know if this is paid 12, 13 or 14 times. What anyone can see is that it is incredibly low--starvation wages, which are even lower than those in Brazil. You can see why so many people are desperate to make it to the U.S and why the cost of living is so low for foreign expats who are often getting $1500 or more every month. From what I have seen on different UA-cam channels if you have a no frills life style, you could easily live on less than $1000 a month in Mexico. In a small, away-from-the beach town you would live like a king.
@@rayvogensen2983 I even think it would be possible to live in a big city like Queretaro for less than $1,000 USD/month. One of my goals for this year is to track all my expenses in detail for a month to share here on UA-cam. Thank you for bringing up the average salary in Mexico. It's important to remember that while living here is extremely affordable for foreigners, that's not the case for many Mexicans.
@@rayvogensen2983 You are getting the minimun salary from internet? In México there is a minimun salary and a median salary ... Is not like in the usa where people earn the minimun salary, in México is just a reference... Usually un Querétaro people should earn 4 time the minimun salary.
@@alexmadrid6043 Yes, I got it from the internet.
I would really like to know how the situation is now with the C. Are there mandatory facemasks?
Hi, Monica! Yes, there's a mandatory mask mandate in public spaces.
@@alex-wittman Thank you. I would like to live somewhere were the population is not blindly following the rules of the government. I don’t wear facemasks. Can I walk into a store without it or will I be thrown in jail?
@@Mojadushi You might have to pay a fine. You can find more about how things are in QRO here: www.queretaro.gob.mx/covid19/
In searching for an apartment, what would be the name or names of the areas in the old colonial part of the city? Thanks
Hi, Ron! If you're interested in the colonial part of the city, I suggest starting your search in the centro historico & La Cruz. Good luck!
@@alex-wittman Thanks so much! I may have to reconsider as I just watched another of your videos on residency and you mentioned that a minimum of $1600 and change is required for retired social security income..rats..I am just short of that..oh well :-(
@@viajerozz it's still possible to come to Mexico for a long-term stay (6 months) without applying for residency. In case you're still interested :)
@@alex-wittman Yes it is always a good idea to spend time before moving there. I lived in Panama for 4 years so know what it is like :-) I am hoping for long term residency though.
Are there places, pools etc to go swimming there?
There are various athletic clubs that you can join. If you're looking for a lap pool, Casa de La Juventud in the center has one.
@@alex-wittman Thank you so much! Seriously thinking of moving there but the sponsor could be an impediment. Any suggestions? Thanks again!
@@juliahage518 I would look into working online. Teaching English or doing virtual assistant stuff is a good place to start!
@@alex-wittman I already work online, but would I still need a sponsor to rent a place?
Your prefer living in mexico or spain? Queretaro looks cool but I loved Barcelona
👍
Thanks for watching, Leticia! 🤓
Alex You Are Such a Beautiful Woman
Your videos are superb. Is this city pulling out of COVID yet? Is everyone wearing masks? (P.S. Did you ever read One Hundred Years of Solitude)?
Thanks for watching, Brian! Cases numbers are going down in Queretaro & the city is starting to lift some restrictions. However, there's still a mask mandate in public spaces. I would say, overall, people are really good about wearing them in Qro. I haven't read it yet, but it's on my list!
@@alex-wittman , I bet you'll love the book. Keep me posted!
COMO CAMBIAN LOS TIEMPOS....EN MADRID ESPAÑA, LA CUNA DEL ESPAÑOL, RARA VEZ TENIA LA OPORTUNIDAD DE PRACTICAR EL ESPAÑOL.( SE SOBREENTIENDE POR LA GRAN CANTIDAD DE "ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE" LIVING THERE LOL!! )
Jajaja, I've had many more opportunities to use my Spanish skills in Mexico!
Traditional Catholic would be fantastic. Progressive is a communistic term.
Hi Alex - Great information. We plan to visit this spring with an eye toward a move. We have a developmentally disabled 29 year old daughter who would need a group home or a care situation which would entail a 24/7 companion(s) who could attend to her personal needs. Do you have any resources, leads or contacts that could help? Would love to host you guys for drinks while we are there! Thanks.
Hi, Peter! Thanks for watching & I am so glad to hear you've found my videos helpful. Unfortunately, I don't have any leads that could help you. If I hear of anything between now & the spring, I will be sure to let you know!
All this sounds great but what about earthquakes?
HI, thanks for watching! I haven't experienced any earthquakes since moving here in 2017. We never felt the big one that was in Mexico City.
Expat sounds nice, because when I was in USA they call me illegal alien.
Hi, Carlos! Yes, the term "illegal alien" is so dehumanizing 😔 did you see that the new administration is seeking to end the use of that phrasing in the immigration laws? I think that's a step in the right direction!
Lost me at progressive
I hope you're able to find a place to live in Mexico that's a good fit for you, Evelyn!