Centro and Zona Romantica are vibrant yet noisy. There are countless options to suit your desired lifestyle, and hopefully, the tips below will help to narrow down your choices. In neighbouring Ajijic, there are some gated communities also. Barra de Potosi[SEE MAP] Jane Rawson / Flickr The nearest cities to Guadalajara are Guadalajara, Aguascalientes, Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. Ensenada is known for its Baja Med Cuisine, a mixture of oriental flavours and seafood. With an extended stay with a view to maybe becoming an Expat these locations are a superb starting point to explore the locality and surrounds. They all have varied climates and a host of amenities and leisure activities. Palenque is a very small town, but its heart is the national park, where one of the most important Mayan cities is located. booking a flight between airports. A car ferry operates weekly from the port to La Paz, in Baja California Sur. Wander the mountain roads in Taxco while looking for centuries-old silver, or sip a fresh fruit smoothie on the powder-soft beaches of Tulum. The Realities Of Living In The Yucatn Peninsula, Mexico, Living In Puerto Escondido, Mexico: Essential Expat Guide, What Its Like Living In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico As An Expat, Living In Mexico: Essential Expat Guide 2023, Living In Baja California Sur & La Paz: Expat Guide, The 11 Best Places To Live In Mexico For Expats, How To Avoid Pitfalls Renting Or Buying Property In Mexico, 9 Must-Knows For Living In Mazatln, Mexico, As An Expat, Healthcare & Health Insurance For Expats In Mexico, Living In San Miguel De Allende As An Expat, 1. Tlaquepaque is part of Guadalajara, a suburb. December, January and Semana Santa are especially busy periods. But my experience living in this part of town has been pretty amazing overall. Cobblestone streets are padded by locals and international surfers alike. A favorite for photographers looking to capture the charm of Mexicos small towns, Tequila is one of the best day trips you can take from Guadalajara. The place is also renowned for the open golf-cart taxis known as pulmonias which are a usual form of transport. Less than 15 kilometers from Tapalpa which is under two hours away from Guadalajara youll find one of the best natural getaways in the region, that attracts hundreds of visitors a year. I've lived in New York City - Brooklyn - for over 20 years. A well-known suburb of Guadalajara, the significantly smaller city of Tlaquepaque is a guaranteed way to escape the metropolitan hustle and bustle and lose yourself in its quaint charm. Strict ecological regulations limit building and land use, homes on the beach are earth-toned to blend in with the surrounding nature and there are no high-rise condominium buildings, as is the case in other locations in Mexico. NEVER felt unsafe. Guadalajara, city, capital of Jalisco estado (state), west-central Mexico. Getting Around Pitillal Despite being a busy port, Manzanillo retains a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere with an authentic Mexican feel about it. These plants are so beautiful that the agave landscape between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Rent a bicycle and get exploring. Remnants of the Mayan past can still be found, even though the Spanish made every attempt to overwhelm the centuries-old Mayan heritage. #7 Best Value of 966 places to stay in Guadalajara. local cities, including the distance and information on each town. The place has a tropical sub-climate with the rainy season from May to October with some tropical storms and hurricanes possible. It's also a great spot for photographers looking for interesting places to photograph in Mexico. There is also a church, theatre, cultural centre, museum, and historic buildings. Located on a gorgeous part of the Pacific coast, the surf in Sayulita is reliable, and backdropped by palm trees and jungle, making for a paradise spot by anyones standards. It is characterized by its microclimate, pleasant most of the year. San Cristobal is a popular stop on the backpacker route around southern Mexico. Map of Mexico - Best Small Towns for Tourists 1. Regardless of which you pick, all command breathtaking views. Widely known for its unbelievably agreeable weather almost every day of the year, its attracted many foreigners to settle down on the shores of the nearby lake that shares its name. Here youll find high-end shopping centres with the likes of Gucci and Louis Vuitton, first-rate hospitals and healthcare, and large home stores such as Home Depot. Not far from the state capital, Merida, Izamal is a town splashed in shades of yellow and ochre. It's a bit outside the downtown area and is located near many of the hotels. Less famous than sites on the east coast like Tulum and Chichen Itza, the Guachimontes are a series of circular pyramid structures that are a breathtaking sight to behold, as well as being steeped in fascinating history. There are lots of local groups here from writing groups to art classes, yoga, and photography. To find out more, read our Living In Mazatln As An Expat guide. It is home to American and Canadian snowbirds escaping the northern cold winters and so has one of the largest expat communities in the whole of Mexico. With bold- and pastel-colored low-rise colonial houses, tropical weather, and palm trees everywhere, Tlacotalpan brings Caribbean visions to a Mexican world. From government meddling to theories of aliens, the structures have attracted intrigue over the years and were reportedly built over 2000 years ago. In Jalisco state, you will find Mexicos largest freshwater lake and the old-world, charming town of Chapala. Hey! This makes it very easy to jump to Belize for a day or two. During the coldest months (January and February) it can drop below freezing. Lived here for 4 months and counting, in Americana near Chapultepec. There is a long promenade to walk that stretches for miles along the coastline and prestigious cruise ships pass through here such as Carnival, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean cruises. The main beach is lined with palapa straw-roofed restaurants and palm trees. I agree with most of the reviews posted here. This local delicacy is a pork sandwich 'drowned' in chili pepper sauce. Read our Living In Puerto Vallarta guide. Plenty of good transportation in those areas - subway, buses or Uber. Been there for a day as a day-trip from Cancun. Taking advantage of the current exchange rate, it is a very affordable city, as in any metropolis you must be careful with your things in some places, especially where there are many people because they can take your mobile phone out of your pocket, as in the Barcelona metro or Paris I have also lived it. 26.01 km. Located in Jalisco state about 65 km (40 miles) from Guadalajara, Tequila is a popular tourist destination, mainly to visit the distilleries, some of which are located in 18th century haciendas. If you have USD, bring as much as youre comfortable traveling with - exchanging USD cash gets you ~10% more than swiping or transferring. I have lived all over the world the past 12 years and i have to say that Guadalajara or Zapopan where i live is my biggest favorite so far of all places. You can take a tour of a distillery and have a nice meal. Aside from that, nature lovers will have a great time. In the mountains west of Mexico City The highland lakeside towns of Chapala, and Ajijic are home to the largest community of foreign residents in Mexico; the city of Morelia offers old-world colonial elegance, and the ancient highland town of Ptzcuaro offers an attractive blend of colonial indigenous cultures amidst an intimate colonial setting. A quick ascent to the top of the crumbled structure makes way for views over the town, and its base is one of the largest in Mexico. People sometimes choose to come here instead of the busier coastal destinations. Hi Jacqueline, would you like me to introduce you to a relocation consultant in Mexico? Source: Luis Alvarado Alvarado / shutterstock, Source: Francisco J Ramos Gallego / shutterstock, Source: Siarhei Dzmitryienka / shutterstock, Source: Antonio Ibarra Jimenez / shutterstock, From Guadalajara: Lake Chapala and Ajijic Tour, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). The most upscale housing areas are south of Zona Romantica, high in the hills and along the beachfront. However, the surrounding region is also rich in heritage and culture, some of it wildly different than that of the big city. Downtown Tlaquepaque is a cool spot to go out, and there are several big shopping malls in nicer areas of the city. The peace that permeates this peaceful and beautiful town is complemented by the magic stamp of the colossus that has behind him, the magnificent Volcan de Fuego. Tapalpa belongs to one of Mexico's tourist categories, for well-conserved traditional towns called "Pueblos Mgicos" (Magical Towns). I generally work from home, but we recently rented a small conference room for a meeting. The small city offers excellent eats and street food, whilst the bars are always full of happy sun-seekers; a laidback atmosphere permeates everyday life here. A small town in the mountains of Guerrero, two and a half hours southwest of Mexico City, Taxco is known as "the silver town" due to all the mines located there. It is not big although has great nightlife, coworkings, amazing streetart and is quite cheap. Explore cost of living, weather and travel information for 28 other cities in Mexico on Nomad List. One of these worth visiting is the colonial-era Church of the Immaculate. But while Todos Santos has managed to retain its sleepy, bohemian vibe for years, the secret is out and, like most small towns in Mexico, development is coming. Check out PV or anywhere west coast instead. I love hanging around in the coffee shop, and even starbucks looks artesanal. Yes, this town is the birthplace of the world-famous agave-based alcohol tequila.For this reason, UNESCO designated the Tequila Valleys region a "World Heritage" for its production of agave plants. One of the top 5 capital for industries and commerce, som of the most important companies have a sede in this city. 1. Santa Cruz de la Soledad is a small town in the municipality Chapala located within the limits of Lake Chapala in the state of Jalisco, at an approximate altitude of 1,540 m above sea level. Yet another magical town on the roster of beautiful destinations near Guadalajara, Lagos de Moreno is second in charm to possibly only Tequila. Stayed here for about a month. An authentic place divided into two principal areas a resort bay on the Santiago peninsula and the commercial downtown area. Troncones - a tropical retreat The most popular areas with expats are the Caribbean, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and inner mountainous towns. To enjoy small-town (but upscale) beach life on this coast, head to Tulm. Attractions such as Xcaret amusement park or scuba diving from Cozumel Island are popular with expats and tourists alike. Beyond the security issues, scams also abound, and the covid policy is wacky, with hand sanitizer being forced on you ev. From fusion food prepared in the restaurants of top chefs to gorgeously wide avenues lined with colonial buildings, theres no place quite like it in Mexico. There are plenty of properties for sale and to rent both in the town and the outskirts. Therefore, there is a community of Americans and Canadians who have decided to reside in the place. Cities near Guadalajara, Mexico: Tlaquepaque, Mexico Zapopan, Mexico Tonala, Mexico Nuevo Mexico, Mexico Coyula, Mexico El Verde, Mexico El Quince, Mexico Santa Anita, Mexico San Jose Del Castillo, Mexico Santa Cruz del Valle, Mexico San Sebastian El Grande, Mexico Tesistan, Mexico San Agustin, Mexico La Venta del Astillero, Mexico Venturing up into the mountains of the Sierra Madre, youll find the old mining town of San Sebastian, which has since become a celebrated destination for locals and visitors alike thanks to its historical preservation. Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible via the coastal scenic highway two hundred that runs down as far as Salina Cruz in Oaxaca state. And while the portrayed Mexican town isn't exactly where Red and Andy reunited in the film, it is based on a very real place on Mexico's Pacific coast. Narrow cobblestone streets run back from the beachfront, lined on either side with things to do, like dining in Zihuatanejo's local restaurants, shopping in boutiques, and browsing galleries. Tulum's beaches are powder white, and the vibe that has been crafted is pure boho-luxury. By 2008 US officials considered. Historic architecture, stunning natural views, museums, galleries, and restaurants keep it a humming and historic getaway from Mexico's capital city. Its known for its coral reef and cenotes (natural swimming caves), nightspots and restaurants. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Zihuatanejo. Todos Santos (all saints) is a designated Pueblo Magico (magic town) where Mexican culture, architecture, tranquillity, and traditions are being purposefully preserved. There are lots of local community activities to get involved in: environmental weekly beach clean-ups, poker-playing groups and retired meetups ideal for making new friends and finding inside community insight. The weather is favorable, safety is high, middle class majority and also very walkable. Everyone is super friendly and it's easy to meet people here. El Cafecito is a restaurant at the end of Zicatela beach, famous for its coffee and local menu. (Or more, as many merchants charge 10%-20% more to charge credit), if you have a 2000 euros per month you can save some money for other expenses good luck to the rents :-D. How did you guys classified Penge as rich? It is a flat and walkable city, good for keeping fit! neighboring city so you can discover new places. Puerto Vallarta bursting with natural charm, 4. There's plenty to do in NYC. The Kinich Kakmo Pyramid sits to the north of the city, blanketed in moss, and stands as a tribute to the nearly forgotten past. Mexico is a country built for exploring. Another popular area is the Balcones, which is situated at the top of a steep hill. Because of its flora and fauna. Most expats rent or buy homes in Chula Vista, Ajijic, Riberas del Pilar among others, but each neighbourhood has its individualistic style. On the heights of the Sierra del Tigre, the fog creeping is Mazamitla. Wineries are plentiful and celebrated at the Ensenada Vintage Festival in August. I lived 2 weeks in Bangkok and it was a good trip ! It also has reliable Wi-Fi, which can be patchy due to the remoteness of Puerto. The bulk of the action centers around Parque Hidalgo and Plaza Zaragoza. If you need to book a flight, search for the It is important to note that some parts of Cabo San Lucas are hilly which may not be suitable for retiring expats. Easily reachable on the road that first takes you through Tepatilan, San Juan de los Lagos is a hotbed of religious sites, containing some of the most impressive Roman Catholic structures in Jalisco. Overall, I spent around a month in Guanajuato state in 2020. And then there are the beachesthree, to be exact. Its climate is dry and mild except for the rainy season, which extends from July to mid-September. Hope you got in touch with Ola at Expatra, who has some excellent relocation consultants handy! This popular resort town has a wealth of beaches, a cruise ship terminal, a marina, and a port that cruise ships frequent. Getting there: Teptatitln is 45 miles east of Guadalajara. There are some places you definitely should not go as a tourist or nomad. But aside from that, it can get really boring like a mexican suburbia. To have the experience of visiting these magical villages around Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico and admire unique landscapes with his local expert who knows the area well dial the phone (33) 1578 0421 and Ricardo will accompany you to save you time, money and effort. list of big cities if you're Its known for its close-knit community. Its a bohemian town that attracts many surfing types, as well as retired surfers or those looking for a simpler way of life. There are also large shopping malls dotted around different parts of Playa. PV is considered a very safe environment for expats where one never lacks entertainment. It is only 42 miles from Guadalajara It is very charming and walkable. An airport offers flights to Mexico City and some US and Canadian cities. Favorite city so far. The place is frequently visited by A-listers such as Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney, and others who vacation here or have second homes in the area. Nevertheless this shook me a little bit and, along with the Nov 18 security advisory for Guadalajara and the recent cartel activity in Cancun, had me decide to cut my losses and leave. Todos Santos is one of those storied beach towns south of the border that seems to spring from literature. Millions of people will have to repay student debt. nearest airport to Guadalajara, Mexico. 92 reviews. This beautiful mountain town, wrapped in a huge blanket of forests and streams with a fresh annual temperature of around 21 C, and has all the amenities to make your visit an experience to remember. The colonial center is dotted with red terra-cotta roofs and veined with cobblestone streets. Lake Chapala thriving & popular retirement community and lakeside living, 3. Todos Santos is straight out of the pages of John Steinbeck or Jack Kerouac. Don't miss the historic Spanish fort, which has beautiful views out across the 60-mile-long lake. Looking for something fancy? It is also less commercialised which is often a welcomed fact if you are looking for a somewhat calmer location. The riverside Tlacotalpan is a gorgeous colonial town in the Gulf state of Veracruz. The winding streets snake. Spent one month living and discovering Guad and area. 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