Mexico is an amazing country to live in for foreigners. Despite negative stereotypes about the country, there are great and safe places to stay there. So, what’s the best place to live in Mexico for a Canadian?
The best place to live for Canadians in Mexico is Puerto Vallarta. This beach town has all the amenities for comfortable living. There are other amazing towns and cities with similar qualities such as Campeche, Tulum, Merida, Playa del Carmen, Lake Chapala, Puerto Escondido, Ensenada, and Huatulco.
What makes these places great is the safety, high quality of living, amenities, and high population of expatriates. Here, we discuss the nine towns and cities in Mexico most suitable for Canadians.
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1. Puerto Vallarta
This international beach resort is on the Pacific Coast, part of Mexico. Vallarta used to be a fishing village, but it’s now a much bigger town covering the shores of Banderas Bay. This place is surely one of the best to live for Canadians moving to Mexico. It has all the facilities you’ll find in a first-world country, and there are lots of amenities too. There’s an international airport here, and expatriates from various countries love to live here. If you’re planning to retire here, there are lots of activities for you, whether it’s water-based or not.
Puerto Vallarta has several fantastic neighbourhoods to stay in. You can find something on your budget easily. The town is also safe, and there are several entertainment options for you. The only issue with living here is that it can be very busy during tourism.
2. Campeche
This little town is quite beautiful and has a rich history. This quaint coastal town has museums, ancient ruins, historic sites, and more. Campeche is on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Not many expats live here yet, so if you’re looking for a place where you can be away from everyone, this is a good place to look into.
3. Tulum, Quintana Roo
The incredibly low crime of Tulum is a big draw for foreigners who want to live in Mexico. Its weather further makes it a great choice. The temperature during the day is in the mid 80 to low 90s, while it’s around the mid-60s at night. So, it’s optimally warm here most of the time.
4. Mérida
The capital city of Yucatán Peninsula is where you’ll enjoy the luxury of a big city that’s still a beach town. The city of over 1 million residents is about 30 minutes from the Yucatan gulf coast. The gulf coast contains tons of villages where residents of Mérida usually spend their summers. Expats are plentiful in this area nowadays. While many towns have developed, they still maintain that family-friendly small-town feel. You won’t find many exquisite dining or shopping options here, but if you want to live by the beach at low prices, this is where to find it.
5. Playa del Carmen
The resort town of Playa is a place to laze around and play. So, if you’re considering retirement, it might be a great option for you. It’s in the Mexican Caribbean and is known for its nightspots, restaurants, and coral reefs. The climate here is subtropical, no matter the season. Although the town is small, it has several amenities you’ll find in major cities. The expatriate community is mostly retirees and digital nomads. Some Canadians and Americans even have real estate businesses here. So, you can easily find an agent that speaks and understands your native language. While you’ll find affordable places in the city, you can also check out its exclusive neighbourhoods. The Playacar area is a perfect example of this with its gated communities. But exclusive neighbourhoods also cost a lot of money. Tulum is close to Playa, and you can easily move between the two with the public transport options.
6. Lake Chapala
Here’s another great place for Canadian retirees wishing to move to Mexico. Located in Jalisco state, the town contains the largest freshwater lake in the world. The weather is pleasant throughout the year in this charming town. Cobbled streets, green mountains, and blooming gardens are commonplace here. There are several great neighbourhoods here, such as Chula Vista and Riberas del Pilar. Wherever you choose to stay, you’d find that it has its charm. The town also has a state-of-the-art hospital and assisted living homes. If you’re someone who enjoys boating, scenic routes, golfing, and idyllic living, you’ll love this town. The town is also close to Guadalajara. So, you can always head out to the city if you want to get a taste of the city. Tennessee Williams once lived here while writing the play that later became Streetcar called Desire.
7. Puerto Escondido
The town wasn’t that active until the 60s. Today, it’s world-famous for its surfing spots, scenic walkway, and tons of beaches. There are several great communities, and Bacocho is one of the best for Canadians. While it is much popular now, it’s still a simple town. So if you like surfing and scenic views, you can give this place a try.
8. Huatulco
The Mexican government’s national trust fund for tourism development, FONATUR, planned this town. With less than 60,000, it’s still a small town. But it has potential, and several expats retire or have a home there. The town is quite easy to navigate with the road too big for its population needs. It has an international airport with flights to Canada, the US, the UK, and Mexico. Popular activities include snorkelling, fishing, diving, and other water-based activities.
9. Ensenada
This port city has always been a prime destination and remains so today. A city is a great place for Canadians looking to enjoy the best of Mexico. Beyond the multitude of activities that residents can do here, it also has several research facilities and institutions. It has one of the largest concentrations of scientists in Mexico. The city is quite close to San Diego in the US, allowing residents to enjoy the best healthcare facilities across the border. Of course, Ensenada has its healthcare facilities.
In conclusion
Mexico is a great place. If you’re Canadian planning to move here, there are a lot of safe and wonderful places you can settle. The important thing is to research before making any move. Then, if possible, you can try living in these places for some time to rest and see if they’re ideal for you.