safe border towns in mexico
A slight addition to #3's post, since TX toll roads have no casetas like in Mexico, they take pictures of your license plates if you don't have a TXtag and then send the bill to the address listed on your registration. Is it safe to live near the Mexican border? It is difficult for the city to fund round-the-clock coverage at all shelters and send officers to each one. But Cabo is really unlike the rest of the Baja Peninsula. Mazatln is a resort town along the Pacific coast in the state of Sinaloa. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which border town they believe to be the most dangerous. And when there is less disparity of income, that typically means less crime. The biggest issues facing those who move to Mexico include: On average a couple moving to Mexico can live comfortably on $2,000 per month due to the low cost of living in Mexico. Mexico is a relatively safe country for those who have been vaccinated to drive, visit, or travel. Visitors to the border region, including cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa, and Matamoros should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Couple things. 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. 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. It is known for its stunning desert landscapes, world-class surfing spots, and whale watching opportunities. Where to Stay: The Hotel Lagunita is right on the water, with amazing views and a pool from which to enjoy them. And Quertaro City has the lowest rate of drug cartel-related deaths in all of Mexico. But the good news is the nearest beach is only about 40 minutes away. As a result, they were at odds with the Trump administrations Migrant Protection Protocols program. There is probably some cartel activity here, but its not typically directed at tourists, and even if youre now living there, many will still see you as a tourist. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road. Of all the types of crime that could happen, the biggest risk here is auto theft. According to a Border Network for Human Rights survey of 1,222 residents from ten major border cities from California to Texas, 67.2% feel safe living in a border community, and 69.7% feel the same about their border neighborhood. An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games. Middle Class Dad is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad. Huatulco. In general, some of the worst areas in Mexico in terms of cartel violence include pretty much the whole state of Sinaloa, but also Uruapan, the second-largest city in the state of Michoacan. If you are planning to visit the Texas-Mexico border . The hotels/motels between Laredo and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We will be crossing worth a 6x4 trailer and our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Here are the bridge's webcams: http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html. 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/. More recently, many residents and tourists have declared that the city of Merida is the safest place to live in Mexico and the safest place to travel in Mexico due to its low crime rate. Just a block away, former Democratic . That being said, there are some general things that can be said about living near the Mexican border. And we'll give some tips on how to stay safe if you're still determined to visit. MPPs are U.S. Government-imposed measures designed to protect migrants in the United States. The best restaurants, hotels, and chain stores in town make this a great place to visit. Under MPP, the number of aliens who take advantage of U.S. law and file false claims for asylum will be reduced. Kind of Vegas on the sea. It may appear that the border towns along the Mexican border have everything to offer, but it is not the case. According to crime statistics from 2019 based on 100,000 people per day, the Citizens Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice has released data that shows the 50 most dangerous cities in the world. Brick-lined streets and ornate trolly cars just add to the old-world charm. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. So, Colombia would be the easiest, I think. Its also important to take precautions when traveling in Mexico. Please advise on the top 3-5 best and worst border crossings from Mexico to Texas? Click to learn more about me. One of the best things on my trip was renting a car and driving to Chichn Itz and climbing the giant pyramid (which I dont think they let you do anymore. Right near the border of Belize, this is a tropical paradise. The US State Department has classified Mexico as a Level 3 risk, indicating that there is an increased risk of illness. What is the most geographically close US-Mexican border? Youll find plenty to do in the city in its own right, and itll keep you occupied for weeks. Here's the list of cities and towns with the largest expat populations in Mexico (excluding border towns): Guadalajara, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Jalisco (the largest per-capita population of . Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something doesnt feel right. The bottom line to personal safety when traveling is using good judgment and common sense. Guadalajara is a beautiful city that is constantly in the news for security problems. Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. You can visit Guanajuato as a day trip from nearby San Miguel de Allende or use it as a home base in itself. 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. In Juarez, 314 years of tradition has resulted in warm, inbred politeness and charm. Additionally, at 7,200 feet above sea level, Puebla never gets too hot, and its considered one of the safest places in Mexico. Violent crime is incredibly rare here. She will need to pay a very cheap fee in advance ($3 or $4USD, can't remember the exact amount) using a major credit card. This is one of the very best places in Mexico to move to or retire in. The surprising truth is that Mexico City is relatively safe. There are only three border crossings. Sure its a BIG city and tourist destination, and there are some dangerous places in Mexico City. But lets also be honest, there are a lot of safety concerns about Mexico. In addition to taking safety precautions while traveling in Mexico, its also important to be aware of the local laws and customs. There is no significant risk in Mexico, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and many other popular tourist destinations. But the other unique thing about this part of Baja is just that its so isolated with the ocean on either side. Because Juarez is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, you should plan ahead of time for a safe driving route, and keep an eye out for traffic. It applies to aliens entering the country from Mexico (including those apprehended at the border) who are not clearly inadmissible or who are placed in removal. Former Juarez drug war correspondent Joseph Furey is fond of Tijuana, Popotla, and Cuidad because of its charm. Monterrey is a likely stopping point after a long days drive. These towns offer a wide variety of activities and attractions, from shopping and dining to nightlife and cultural experiences. The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. As a result, it is important to research the specific situation in any given border town before making the decision to visit. With a visitors visa, Americans can stay in Mexico for up to 6 months. They then leave the country and re-enter. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated almost right in the middle of Mexico and. My recollection is that the parking is easier @ Colombia and it's nowhere near as busy; that's where we always cross when we've got a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Close to Mrida and basically due south of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico lies this little coastal town. I'm Jeff Campbell. These include Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Acapulco and Nuevo Laredo due to high levels of crime and violence associated with drug trafficking. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Its also a good idea to register with your embassy or consulate so they can contact you in case of an emergency. But I was also mostly in the hotel zone. 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. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The options for temporary or permanent residency also can allow for work permits. A separate case filed against a Trump administration rule would prevent asylum seekers from receiving protection in the United States. Another town that is nowhere near the beach. 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. It used to be that visitors automatically got 6 months and then could just hop across the border for a couple of days and then get another 6 months. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. On Monday evening in El Paso, Texas, two very different images of the U.S.-Mexico border emerged. But that was also several years ago. A typical San Cristobal de las Casas resident can be either a retiree or a young family. So in this article, well explore all of those and more in great detail. Theres a homemade Mexican-style breakfast every morning. Once n. Texas, if her car has Mexican plates, she won't have to pay the tolls, as Texas has no billing agreement with Mexico. Youll find an active life living here with tons of nightlife and restaurants. Midway between Merida and Cancun is Valladolid, a colorful and friendly city thats within easy driving distance of several beautiful cenotes. Puerto Nuevo is a small village just a few miles away, with a dozen or more restaurants serving pan-fried langosta, beans, rice, and flour tortillas. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel. Hi! 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. You can pay $5 per person and take a row boat across, or if the river is low enough you can wade through the water and cross on foot. 3 in the 2022 Safest Cities in America survey out this week by WalletHub. But its also a bustling resort town with tons of restaurants and a place where a number of celebrities have 2nd homes here or come here with great regularity. So if youre moving here, make sure and have a garage or automatic gate to your home. Take a look at this chart showing the relative safety index for Cabo and some other well-known cities in Mexico. Third, it is important to remember that the border is not the only place where crime and violence occur. If you cross @ #1, you'd have to double back through town to get to immigration, so if you cross at downtown Laredo, #1 is what you'd want. [Expect] great seafood, great beaches, nice hotels, and none of the inflated prices.. What is the Safest place in Mexico to vacation with family. It is very helpful. But its got beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination too. Overall, La Paz, like much of the Baja Peninsula, is very safe, and petty theft and pickpocketing in the touristy spots are about the only real concern for most who live here. Currently, 87% of the population of Colima considers the city to be unsafe. For a more affordable option, consider the Chillout Flat Bed & Breakfast, which earns plaudits for friendly service and homemade granola. In 2016, the city of Juarez was ranked one of the worlds most dangerous, with 282.3 homicides per 100,000 residents. If you choose to cross the border by boat, the $5 fee also . A couple of other things. Thank for very much for the great info. The Historic Downtown Urban Development Master Plan has helped to restore historic buildings and revitalize the tourist and business districts that were devastated by the violence. safest cities in mexico for TOURISTS 6. But most residents dont find themselves crime victims. Blogging, WordPress, hosting, email, and social media marketing, SEO, and how to write content that ranks and gets traffic! It also features the Lake of Seven Colors which is a giant lagoon that goes on for over 25 miles. I'm a local from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, in general, towns that are closer to the border are more likely to be safe than those that are located further inland. Middle Class Dad also participates in affiliate programs with Siteground, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. We did have an issue with a speed trap in Nuevo Laredo some months back. I did set off on foot one day to explore the non-tourist part of town, but given Cancn is kind of shaped like the number 7, it takes a while to walk around. But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. For sun lovers, Puerto Peasco sees 362 days per year of bright sunshine. There are 2.5% of respondents who have a felony conviction; foreigners are less likely to have a felony conviction. Lastly, you say you'll spend the first night in Saltillo, but wonder if Colombia bridge opens at 8? Tijuana, not surprisingly, is the least safe city in all of Mexico, with a high murder rate. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Lewisville Flower Mound. Ironically the biggest threat to Bacalar comes from the rapid growth due to its inherent beauty. San Cristobal, by comparison, is largely in the mountains in Chiapas. It's only like 3 hours and change to Saltillo from the border. Basically the drug war that made it so dangerous ended when one cartel was victorious (the army helped), and there was more government effort about the same time, and it's considered pretty safe today. Residents of El Paso, Texas, overwhelmingly stated that their city is a safe place to live. Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. El Paso has the lowest crime rate of any city with more than a million residents, according to the FBI. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. And a visit to El Reppollo Rojo (the Red Cabbage Cafe) is a must if you go. 4 hours south of Cancn lies this gem, also in Quintana Roo. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. Oaxaca is a safe city in Mexico. U.S. citizens can visit within the frontera area (a 26-mile border area of Mexico) for up to 72 hours without a . If a Trump administration rule is challenged, asylum seekers could be denied protection in the United States. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Its a short drive to the beach in Veracruz. Drug organizations don't like unnecessary violence. We ate trying to gather as much information as to which is the safest bridge to cross through. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The turn is right after the airport and not marked very well. Every time I used to visit Mexico, I would dream of living there. 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. On the other hand, others believe that living near the border puts them at risk for crime and violence. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Is that safe? We are crossing in three days and at times so much of the information found online makes me feel confused and afraid. Cities in Mexico with the safest neighborhoods (and some that arent). Nor did they even bother to check our cat's papers. San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the most landlocked cities on our list as many are beach towns. And then the safest areas are: But safety aside, youll enjoy the beaches, sunsets, and active nightlife here. 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. It seems the aduana folks there are pretty gringo friendly, too. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these arent as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such theyre less crowded. Any help would be appreciated. Tijuana, Mexicos most visited city, receives more than 40 million border crossings each year, making it a popular tourist destination all year. Not only for safety, but also for eating, the best sites, logistics etc. Generally speaking, the state of Quintana Roo (where Playa Del Carmen is) is the safest of the Mexican states. Keep in mind that bad things can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that dont appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. The Lincoln Bridge, or bridge #1, has no customs or immigration,and the customs caseta @ KM 21 is longer. Taking safety precautions while traveling in Mexico, its also important to take precautions traveling! 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