Where Do Most American Expats Live In Mexico?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The

lakeside villages of Chapala and Ajijic

are where most of the live, and it's an easy drive (about 40 minutes) to Guadalajara which offers all of the amenities you would expect from Mexico's second-largest city; including direct flights to the USA.

What city in Mexico has the most American expats?


Lake Chapala

: Mexico's Largest Expat Hotspot

Lake Chapala is Mexico's largest lake, and the surrounding area is also home to the largest concentration of U.S. expats in the world.

Where is the safest place for an American to live in Mexico?

Statistically speaking,

Merida

is the safest city in Mexico (safest in Latin America) and the state of Yucatan is also the overall safest state to live in Mexico.

Where do American expats live in Mexico City?

  • Roma Norte/Roma Sur/Condesa/Juarez/Reforma/Zona Rosa. Yes, that was quite the list! …
  • Santa Maria la Ribera. To get out of the earthquake zone, yet retain some of the great amenities of previously listed , consider Santa Maria la Ribera. …
  • Polanco.

Where do most American retire in Mexico?

  • Ajijic, Lake Chapala.
  • Álamos.
  • Durango.
  • Hualtulco.
  • Mazatlán.
  • Morelia.
  • Oaxaca.
  • Playa del Carmen.

Can I collect Social Security and live in Mexico?


No, U.S. citizens can collect social security in Mexico

. There are a few countries the U.S. will not send benefits to and your payments are withheld until you return to the US, but Mexico is not one of them.

How long can a US citizen stay in Mexico?

If you're traveling to Mexico from the United States as a tourist, you do not need a visa to enter the country. Upon arrival, you will be allowed 180 days, or

six months

, with what's called a “visitor's permit” or FMM.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Mexico?

The cost of living also varies according to where you live. Some cities are more expensive, just as they are in the United States. It's possible to live on less than $600 in Mexico but to live comfortably, you'll want to aim to spend

about $1,000 per month

.

Can an American buy a house in Mexico?

Foreigners can own property in Mexico.

It's perfectly legal

. Outside the restricted zones—50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from shorelines and 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from international borders—foreigners can hold direct deed to property with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals.

What places to avoid in Mexico?

  • 15 Tepic – Travel Advisory.
  • 16 Acapulco – Dangerous Outside Of Resorts. …
  • 17 Coatzacoalcos – Even The Locals Don't Feel Safe. …
  • 18 Celaya – State-Wide Corruption. …
  • 19 Ciudad Juárez – Increasing Crime Rate. …
  • 20 Mazatlan – Don't Venture Out At Night. …

What is the safest city in Mexico for expats?

1.

Mérida

(and Nearby Progreso) Mérida is quickly becoming one of the best cities in Mexico for digital nomads, and it's at the top of our list for the safest cities in Mexico because it's far-flung from any border towns –both Mérida and nearby Progreso are generally nice and quiet, even during high season.

What are the disadvantages of living in Mexico City?

  • Awful air pollution. you can't see it, but the smog is there. …
  • Rough parking situation. crowds like this make parking – and driving in general – hard. …
  • Relatively high rent. …
  • It's hard to find a yard. …
  • Nonstop noise. …
  • Negative public perception.

Is Retiring in Mexico a good idea?

One of the best places in the world to retire is Mexico


Mexico boasts a great quality of life, natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and safety

. You should also consider retirement in Mexico because it offers you proximity to the United States, which in turn gives you more flexibility in making your retirement move.

Is it safe for Americans to live in Mexico?

The short answer

is yes

. Although there is a high rate of crime it is isolated to certain areas of the city. Expatriates and foreigners living in Mexico city are able to enjoy a high quality of life and live safely within the city boundaries. It is recommended that you take precautions as you would in any major city.

Can I live in Mexico as a US citizen?

Unsurprisingly, you'll

need a visa to live

in Mexico. By law, you can stay in the country as a tourist for up to six months. You're also able to make a visa run to another country, then re-enter Mexico for another six months.

How can I live in Mexico permanently?

  1. have certain close family connections in Mexico, or.
  2. apply for retirement status and prove they have sufficient monthly income (or substantial assets) to support themselves, or.
  3. have 4 consecutive years of regular status as Temporary Resident, or.
Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.