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Mexico has always been a popular destination for retirees, digital nomads, and travelers for years. You most likely are attracted to Mexico for its landscapes, food, people, weather, and lower cost of living. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Is Mexico Safe?”
And I fully understand why.
If you Google “Is Mexico Safe?” out of the first 10 search results, half of them will likely be about cartel violence. But Mexico is a LARGE country, and even though the violence is seen mostly in specific areas of Mexico, the media doesn’t make that distinction.
So, this effectively causes fear and concern that if you move to Mexico, you’ll end up in harm’s way. But again, Mexico is a very large country. And you shouldn’t write off an entire country because certain areas are considered risky territory.
Since 2019, I’ve written over 250 blog posts and published over 150 videos on our Mexico Relocation Guide YouTube channel. I’ve interviewed dozens of foreigners living in Mexico who share their experiences, learnings, and advice for newcomers.
In those interviews, I always ask our guests if they have ever felt unsafe in Mexico. I know it’s one of the main questions people have in mind when researching this country. Not a single person has told me they felt unsafe.
And even though I am not a crime stats authority and far from being a cartel expert, I can tell you that a lot of the news is sensationalized. However, it’s important to note that not all parts of Mexico are equally safe. So these are the top cities in Mexico I would NOT live in.
These are based on crime stats, my opinion, and an overall sense of safety. I still recommend you do your own due diligence, like taking a Mexico relocation tour for you to asses how a city or cities feel to YOU.
Culiacan, Sinaloa
Culiacan is situated in the state of Sinaloa. A state known for having some of the strongest cartels in Mexico. Because of this, Culiacan has recently seen a surge in the levels of cartel turf wars.
I would avoid traveling to and staying in Culiacan for the time being. In fact, many local businesses have closed because there has been so much cartel fighting that locals fear to go about their daily lives.
Tijuana, Baja California
Let’s start with Tijuana, ranked as the most dangerous city in Mexico.
Its exceptionally high rates of homicides and drug-related violence have earned it this infamous title. With a shocking homicide rate of 138 per 100,000 people, Tijuana is a hotbed of cartel activity, serving as a primary entry point for drugs from South America.
Its proximity to the United States border has made it a significant hub for human trafficking and organized crime. Surprisingly, Tijuana also holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most hazardous city in the world based on homicide rate statistics.
As with all border towns, Tijuana has had the misfortune of being stuck between the highest consumer of drugs to the North (the U.S.A.) and the highest producer of drugs to the South (Colombia).
And even though I think driving through Tijuana to get to the rest of Baja California is generally safe, I wouldn’t want to live here.
Fresnillo, Zacatecas
Fresnillo, Zacatecas, has unfortunately gained a reputation as one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities, making it a place many might consider avoiding when choosing a location to live in.
The city has been plagued by high crime rates, particularly related to organized crime and violence, which have led to a pervasive sense of insecurity among its residents.
Despite its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, the ongoing safety concerns overshadow these aspects, making Fresnillo a less desirable option for those seeking a peaceful and secure environment to call home.
Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
Ciudad Victoria in Tamaulipas is notorious for its violence, with a homicide rate of 86 per 100,000 people. A town that I used to visit very frequently when I was little because half of my grandmother’s family is from here. But that was 20 years ago.
Today, Ciudad Victoria is another hotspot for drug-related violence and holds strategic importance as a gateway city beyond the U.S. border.
Northeast Cartel actively conducts operations in this city, which contributes to its volatile nature.
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahaua
Ciudad Juarez, another border city, stands in close proximity to El Paso on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande. El Paso is another city I wouldn’t want to live in, but that’s a different story.
It is recognized as one of the most violent cities in Mexico, boasting a homicide rate of 86 per 100,000 people. Ciudad Juarez has experienced a significant influx of drug trafficking and has witnessed a surge in violence due to ongoing turf wars between the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels.
These powerful cartels maintain a tight grip on Ciudad Juarez, making it an exceedingly perilous place for tourists.
Irapuato, Guanajuato
Now, let’s shift our focus to Irapuato, located in the central state of Guanajuato.
Over the past three years, Irapuato has experienced a drastic surge in homicides resulting from drug-related violence. Its current homicide rate stands at 81 per 100,000 people, making it unsafe not only for tourists but also for local residents.
The violence in Irapuato is largely attributed to the ongoing turf wars between the Jalisco Cartel New Generation and the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel.
Celaya, Guanajuato
Similarly, Celaya has also witnessed a surge in crime rates, including homicides, robberies, and extortion.
The city has become a focal point for criminal organizations, resulting in frequent clashes between rival gangs. This has led to an atmosphere of insecurity and compromised the quality of life for residents. This is unfortunate because I consider Celaya to be a pretty city overall.
The presence of cartels and their illicit activities has created a sense of unease and has made living in Celaya risky.
However, one of the safest cities in Mexico is about an hour away- San Miguel de Allende. A picturesque town in Mexico that attracts thousands of tourists each weekend. But if you look at the U.S. State Department’s Site, the entire state of Guanajuato is classified as a danger zone.
I encourage you to do more research and not write off an entire state or country because of the U.S. State Department’s Advice.
Uruapan, Michoacan
Starting with Uruapan, it has experienced a notable increase in crime rates, particularly related to drug trafficking and organized crime.
The city has struggled with cartel activity and turf wars, leading to increased violence. Homicide rates in Uruapan have been alarmingly high, creating an environment of fear and instability. This has prompted many residents to reconsider living in the city and seek safer alternatives.
And yet, an hour down the highway is Patzcuaro- a colonial town tucked in the hills with great year-round weather and a safe city many foreigners have fallen in love with.
Tapachula, Chiapas
Tapachula, located in the southern state of Chiapas, is another city that many might think twice about when considering a place to live due to its significant security challenges.
The city has recently faced a growing crime rate, exacerbated by its position as a major transit point for migrants traveling northward.
This situation has led to an increase of locals leaving their city and seeking safer places in the north of Mexico.
Residents and visitors alike often express concerns about safety, as the city’s proximity to the Guatemalan border adds layers of complexity to the security issues. While Tapachula is rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, the ongoing struggles with crime and instability make it a less appealing option for those prioritizing safety and security in their living environment.
Where Would I Live? Where Is Safe?
Despite having a list of cities in Mexico I wouldn’t want to live in, there are dozens and dozens more I would move to in a heartbeat. And I assure you that I will NEVER recommend a city or town I wouldn’t personally live in or visit.
Having said that, no city or country in the world is 100% safe. You could be at the wrong place at the wrong time—even in some of my favorite cities in Mexico, which I deem safe.
Some of our favorite cities include Mexico City (my hometown), Chapala, Atlixco, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Queretaro, Huatulco, Merida, Los Cabos, Todos Santos, Rosarito, La Paz… and the list goes on and on.
In fact, I made a list of the top places to live in Mexico– and the cities on this list are places I would recommend living in.
However, the purpose of the Mexico Relocation Guide isn’t for you to base your decisions on my personal opinions; I give you my opinions based on my research of facts so you can do your own research and form your own opinions.
This is why our customers love our private Mexico Relocation Tours. A personalized one-on-one tour with a local who can show you what living in a specific city is actually like. No one will experience a city like you will in Mexico.
I encourage you to do your own due diligence and scout an area you’re interested in to determine whether it is the right place for you.
