Considering a move to Mexico? Discover the top 8 safest cities in the country, from Mérida’s colonial charm to Playa del Carmen’s Caribbean lifestyle. Whether you seek beaches, history, or a thriving expat community, explore your best options for a secure and vibrant life in Mexico.
August 25, 2024
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
In the last 20 years, Mexico’s foreign-born population has almost tripled from around 500,000 to around 1.3 million. It’s not a very large number in comparison to the country’s total population, but the drastic increase is enough for people to notice.
The fact is that Mexico offers affordable living, great weather and nature, a nice climate, and strong expat communities, especially for digital nomads. However, you might be concerned about safety, especially if you’re moving with your family.
Here’s a list of the safest cities in Mexico so you have the top 8 locations in mind while weighing your options for places you may want to relocate to.
Safest Cities in Mexico – Our Top 8 Picks
1. Mérida, Yucatan
Mérida is also known as the White City, and when you see it, you’ll know why. The Yucatan capital has beautiful colonial architecture, meaning that you’ll find beautiful white buildings everywhere. It’s also known as a great foodie hotspot, with a wealth of restaurants serving top-notch cuisines from around the globe.
More importantly, it’s the safest city in Mexico. In fact, it was named the 30th safest city in the world by CEO World in 2019, making it the 2nd safest city in the Americas. There are low crime rates, especially violent crime, so you’ll definitely feel at ease here.
Mérida also has modern amenities, excellent healthcare, and a well-organized public transportation system. It’s a popular destination for expats too, so you’ll be in a nice melting pot of cultures, while still being able to find a community of friends.
2. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s known for its well-preserved beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic churches. So if you’d love to live somewhere that has historical beauty, then consider this city. The stunning rooftop bars and inner courtyard restaurants of this city add to it’s charm.
Not surprisingly, San Miguel de Allende has a focus on tourism and cultural preservation. In turn, this has helped keep crime rates relatively low. In 2020, it received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s “Safe Travels” stamp.
This city has a large population of expats too, mainly consisting of American, Canadian, and British people.
3. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Looking to live on the coast near the gorgeous beach? Then consider Puerto Vallarta, which you may already be familiar with since it’s one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations. Not only does Puerto Vallarta offer life in paradise by the Pacific coast, but it also has a vibrant nightlife if you like to get out.
Like with San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta is heavily focused on tourism, so the city has a strong police presence. In addition, there’s plenty of street lighting and many surveillance cameras around. Both tourists and residents benefit from this enhanced safety.
This is also a very welcoming and tolerant city. This makes Puerto Vallarta one of the safest cities in Mexico for expats who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
4. Querétaro, Querétaro
Querétaro is a city located in central Mexico and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities, so you get a good mix of colonial architecture and thriving modern industries. Querétaro has a well-maintained transportation system for those who need to commute.
Crime rates are low here; there are lots of security camera systems and the streets are regularly patrolled too. You can thank the economic stability for the city’s overall safety.
Querétaro has many English speakers as well, so it’s one of the best places to live in Mexico if you don’t know Spanish yet.
5. Campeche, Campeche
If you’re in love with UNESCO World Heritage sites, then here’s another you can live in: Campeche. This city on the Gulf of Mexico has strikingly colorful buildings built in the colonial style and there are fortifications dating back to pirate attack days.
Campeche is rich in history and has great beaches. Plus, it’s probably one of the cheapest safest places to live in Mexico. That makes it ideal for those who want to make every dollar count.
The city is also on the smaller side, with a slower pace of life. It’s quiet and peaceful, and less crowded than other tourist destinations, which helps keep crime rates low. If you want to avoid throngs of people, then Campeche is perfect for you.
6. La Paz, Baja California Sur
Expats who want to stay close to the US will find La Paz an excellent choice. It’s known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. In addition, La Paz has a laid-back, peaceful environment that’s in part thanks to its thriving yoga and wellness scene.
This city has a spotlight on sustainable tourism and nature preservation, which means that the city attracts people who are interested in a more tranquil experience. This contributes to its low crime rates.
If you want to travel often within Mexico, then you’ll be pleased to know that La Paz has a domestic airport. Within the city, you’ll find a thriving expat community consisting mainly of those from the US and Canada.
7. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant city that blends the best of Mexico’s Caribbean coast with a laid-back lifestyle. It’s known for its stunning beaches, lively art scene, and the bustling Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
The city has a thriving expat community, drawn by its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to Cancun and it’s international airport. This airport is extremely well connected, making Playa, and the whole Riviera Maya coast easy to travel to from all over the US, Canada, and Europe, with many daily direct flights.
Playa del Carmen remains one of the safer spots in the region. Its appeal lies in its balance between beautiful natural surroundings, convenient amenities, and a strong sense of community.
In fact, this hotspot is a vibrant and lively expat hub, with weekly recurring events such as comedy nights, trivia, and meet-ups for digital nomads.
8. Tulum, Quintana Roo
Fans of Mayan ruins are in for a treat if they reside in Tulum. This city is famous for its intact Mayan ruins that overlook the Caribbean Sea. It’s close to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but has a much more relaxed feel. You’ll still have gorgeous beaches and cenotes, and you’ll find amazing art galleries and beach clubs.
While it’s true that there has been an uptick in crimes, Tulum is still one of the safest places in Mexico to go. Its reputation for eco-friendly tourism attracts a certain type of traveler, and as a result, there’s a safer and more conscientious community.
Choose From These Safest Cities in Mexico
Now you have a list of the safest cities in Mexico, ranging from pretty beachside cities to middle-of-the-country locations. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide the exact destination that’ll suit your personal needs.
However, you can’t go wrong with any of the above options. Not only will you have a better quality of life, but you’ll also have lower expenses. Plus, you’re sure to be close to tight-knit expat communities, so you’ll never feel alone.
Do you have tax questions about relocating to Mexico? Then get in touch with us now. We at Global Wealth Protection will help you protect your assets and keep your money secure.
