Is Mexico safe for expats, digital nomads, or retirees considering a move? If you’ve heard family members or friends say, “Mexico is so dangerous, why would you go there?”, you’re not alone. Mainstream news often paints the country as a place filled with crime, cartel violence, and constant danger. But how much of that is truth, and how much is sensationalized fear?
In this post, we’ll separate fact from fiction, look at real crime statistics, and break down what life is actually like in popular expat destinations.
The Media vs. Reality: Why People Ask Is Mexico Safe
Turn on CNN or Fox News, and you’ll almost always see negative stories about Mexico. Whether it’s violence in border towns, a nightclub incident in Cancun, or political unrest, the coverage rarely shows the millions of people- locals and expats alike- living normal, peaceful lives across the country.
The truth is, the question is Mexico safe is often asked without context. Safety varies not only by city but also by neighborhood and even by street. Just like in the U.S., there are areas you wouldn’t want to live in – and there are areas that are just as safe, if not safer, than American suburbs.
Is Mexico Safe in Popular Expat Cities?
Expats aren’t moving into high-crime neighborhoods. They’re choosing vibrant, middle-to-upper-class communities that offer strong local economies, walkability, and community networks. Here’s a closer look at some hotspots:
Mexico City
The citywide crime rate is about 8 per 100,000 residents, similar to Los Angeles or Phoenix. In neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Polanco, and Condesa – where most expats live – serious crime rates are significantly lower than national averages. Surveys show that in Benito Juarez, fewer than 21% of residents even perceive insecurity, which is among the lowest in the capital.
Puerto Vallarta
Despite being a major tourist hub, Puerto Vallarta consistently ranks as one of the safer urban areas in Mexico. Most reported crime involves property or family disputes, while violent crime rates remain low. Expats and locals alike report feeling safe in daily life, and perception surveys in 2024 confirmed Vallarta as one of the most comfortable places to live.
Guadalajara
Mexico’s second-largest metro does have dangerous pockets—but expats tend to settle in neighborhoods like Providencia, Chapalita, and Colonia Americana. These areas have strong community networks, neighborhood watch programs, and crime rates comparable to U.S. metropolitan areas.
Why National Totals Don’t Answer “Is Mexico Safe?”
Looking at Mexico’s national homicide rate (about 24 per 100,000 in 2023) doesn’t reflect the personal risk for someone living in a good neighborhood. Crime in Mexico follows the law of concentration: a small number of streets account for most incidents. That means where you choose to live matters far more than national statistics.
How Expats Can Stay Safe in Mexico
The answer to “is Mexico safe” depends on your lifestyle and choices. Here are some practical steps:
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Pick the right neighborhood: Just like you wouldn’t move into a high-crime part of Chicago, you shouldn’t in Guadalajara or Mexico City.
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Understand local culture: Building relationships with neighbors and learning basic Spanish go a long way.
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Avoid risky behavior: Late-night clubbing in unsafe areas isn’t wise anywhere in the world.
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Leverage expat communities: Many areas like Ajijic, Puerto Vallarta, and Polanco have strong networks of foreigners who share information and support each other.
So, Is Mexico Safe to Move To?
The short answer: yes, if you choose wisely. Mexico is as safe- or safer – than many major U.S. cities for expats who pick the right neighborhoods and integrate responsibly. Instead of relying on fear-driven headlines, look at the numbers, visit in person, and talk to people actually living here.
For many, Mexico offers a higher quality of life, lower costs, and welcoming communities that make it an incredible place to live.
👉 If you’re serious about exploring life abroad, download our free Move Abroad Checklist or book a consult with my team at entrepreneurexpat.com/consult. We’ll help you navigate visas, relocation logistics, and settling into a safe and thriving community in Mexico.
Additional Resources:
Moving Abroad Resources:
👉 Moving Abroad Relocation Roadmap Guidebook that walks you through the five phases of moving abroad ($27): https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/relocate
👉 Moving Abroad Relocation Blueprint Course which offers step by step guidance on everything from choosing the right country to immigration to taxes and everything in between: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/blueprint
👉 Want us to handle the details of your move abroad? Apply for our white-glove relocation services here: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/consult
👉 Free Moving to Mexico Guide: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/mexico
👉 Free Moving Abroad Checklist: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/abroad
Remote Work and Online Income Resources:
👉 Expat Income Accelerator course which shows you the multiple ways you can make money globally based on our 15+ years of experience in online business, investing internationally and living in multiple countries: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/income
👉 Get Your First High Paying Client Online Bootcamp which walks you through the first four foundational steps of creating and monetizing an online business based on 15+ years of experience in online business: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/firstclient-yt
👉 YouTube Mastery Workshop which shows you how we’ve built two YouTube channels that bring clients and passive income from digital course sales (including turning Entrepreneur Expat into a six-figure business in six months): https://www.YouTubeMasteryWorkshop.com
👉LinkedIn Mastery Workshop which shows you how to use LinkedIn to find remote work, clients and connect with recruiters based on Justin’s experience building a six-figure business and finding remote work on LinkedIn: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/linkedin
👉 Free Make Money From Anywhere Guide: https://www.entrepreneurexpat.com/money-guide