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It’s known as the City of Flowers and the Town of Eternal Spring. A place so beautiful it feels like it was pulled straight from a postcard.
If you’ve never heard of Atlixco, think of it as a charming alternative to more popular expat towns like San Miguel de Allende or Ajijic—less touristy, more authentic, and with even better weather year-round.
But of course, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. This is a real town, with its own vibe, its own challenges, and its own unique rhythm of life.
So, what is it actually like to live in a place like this? Let’s dive into what you need to know about Atlixco, from cost of living and neighborhoods, to transportation, healthcare, groceries, and even the downsides.
Where Is Atlixco?
Atlixco is a pueblo mágico located in the state of Puebla, in a lush valley at the foot of the famous Popocatépetl volcano—one of Mexico’s most active and iconic volcanoes.
One of Atlixco’s biggest advantages is its location. It’s just 30 to 40 minutes away from the big city of Puebla, which means you can enjoy small-town peace and quiet while still having access to world-class hospitals, big shopping centers, and an international airport.
It really gives you the best of both worlds.
Weather in Atlixco
If there’s one thing that makes people fall in love with Atlixco, it’s the weather. The nickname City of Eternal Spring isn’t an exaggeration.
Because Atlixco sits at a lower altitude than nearby highland cities, its climate is warmer and more comfortable year-round. Most days are sunny and fall in the 70–80°F range.
It’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor living but without the sticky humidity of the coast. During the rainy season, you’ll usually get a refreshing afternoon shower that cools everything down and makes the flowers bloom even more.
Winters can get a little chilly at night, especially since homes here aren’t built with insulation. Most people make do with space heaters and heavy blankets for those few cold nights.
As Patrick, one of our clients who moved from Minnesota to Atlixco, told me in an interview: “The weather here is incredible. After 75 years of shoveling snow, I can’t tell you how good it feels to walk outside in January and be comfortable in just a light sweater.”
What’s the Vibe in Atlixco?
Life in Atlixco is relaxed. The streets are colorful, lined with flowers, and framed by incredible views of the volcano. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and neighbors know each other.
But unlike touristy towns that try to cater to foreigners, Atlixco is a working Mexican town. It’s home to generations of families, weekend visitors from Puebla, and a small but growing community of expats.
This isn’t Ajijic or San Miguel de Allende. You won’t find English spoken everywhere, and you won’t be surrounded by foreign-owned shops and restaurants. That’s part of the charm. If you’re looking for a more authentic, immersive experience—and want to practice your Spanish—Atlixco offers that in spades.
If you love walkable neighborhoods, fresh markets, and a slower pace of life while still being close to a major city, this town might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Best Neighborhoods in Atlixco
So, where would you actually live? Let’s break down some of the most popular colonias.
1. Centro Histórico
The heart of the town. This is where you’ll find the markets, shops, cafés, and most of the community celebrations. It’s very walkable and convenient, but also busy and sometimes noisy—especially during festivals.
Rental Example: We found a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom unfurnished home for about $10,500 MXN per month (around $570 USD).
2. Solares Grandes & Solares Chicos
These neighborhoods sit just outside the Centro. They’re quieter and more residential, but still within walking distance of the town square. You’ll find a mix of long-time locals and new residents who enjoy a little more space.
Rental Example: A 2-bedroom apartment here rents for about $6,700 MXN per month (around $360 USD).
Compared to more famous expat towns, rentals in Atlixco are about 30–50% cheaper.
Cost of Utilities
Another big perk of living in Atlixco is that you don’t need air conditioning or central heating.
Here’s a typical monthly breakdown for a two-person household:
- Electricity (CFE): $400–$600 MXN every two months ($11–$16 USD/month)
- Water: $200–$300 MXN ($11–$16 USD/month)
- Gas (for cooking and hot water): $600 MXN ($32 USD) every 2–3 months
- Internet/Phone: around $500 MXN ($27 USD) per month
Altogether, you’re looking at $50–$80 USD per month for utilities.
Patrick shared that his total monthly expenses in Atlixco—including rent, food, and utilities—are about $1,500 USD.
“I’m living comfortably on just my Social Security,” he told me. “And I still save about $700 a month. That wasn’t possible back in Minnesota.”
Grocery Shopping
Shopping for groceries in Atlixco is one of the best parts of living here.
- Mercado Benito Juárez: The central market is perfect for picking up fresh produce, meat, and cheese directly from local vendors.
- Weekly Tianguis: Every Tuesday and Saturday, Atlixco hosts one of the region’s largest open-air markets. You’ll find everything from mountains of fresh fruit to clothing and street food.
- Neighborhood Tienditas: Almost every street has a small family-run shop for everyday essentials.
- Supermarkets: For modern shopping, you’ll find Chedraui, Bodega Aurrerá, and Soriana.
For vegans and vegetarians, this town is a dream because of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round.
Healthcare in Atlixco
For day-to-day needs, you’ll find plenty of local doctors, specialists, and pharmacy clinics in Atlixco.
The largest hospital in town is Complejo Médico Gonzalo Río Arronte, a modern facility that can handle most emergencies and health issues.
For highly specialized care, you’re only a short drive away from Puebla, which has some of the best hospitals in the country.
This combination gives you peace of mind: you have local care for everyday needs and world-class facilities close by when you need them.
Transportation
Do you need a car in Atlixco? The short answer is no.
Atlixco is incredibly walkable, especially if you live in the Centro or nearby neighborhoods. Most daily errands—groceries, cafés, visiting friends—can be done on foot.
For trips across town, locals use combis (shared vans) that cost just a few pesos. Uber and Didi are also available and affordable.
A car can be useful if you want to explore the countryside, but it’s definitely not a necessity for daily life.
Cons of Living in Atlixco
No town is perfect, and Atlixco has its downsides too.
- Crowds during weekends and festivals. Since Puebla is so close, many families visit on weekends. During major events like the Villa Iluminada, the streets are packed.
- Small-town limitations. For major shopping malls, nightlife, or specialized healthcare, you’ll need to head into Puebla.
- The Volcano. Living next to Popocatépetl means occasional ash fall and rumbling. Most locals see it as part of everyday life, but it’s something to be aware of.
Final Thoughts
Atlixco really is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. With incredible weather, affordable cost of living, fresh markets, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to a major city, it’s a place that offers so much for expats looking for a slower, more authentic lifestyle.
As Patrick said: “I came to Atlixco for the weather, but I stayed for the people. The community here is warm, welcoming, and genuine. I couldn’t imagine a better place to spend this chapter of my life.”
Thinking About Moving to Mexico?
If you’re serious about exploring life in Mexico—whether in Atlixco or somewhere else—the best next step is to join one of our private relocation tours.
On these tours, we’ll introduce you to trusted local contacts, show you neighborhoods and answer your specific questions about residency, healthcare, and lifestyle.
We’ve helped thousands of people move to Mexico with confidence—and we’d love to help you too.
👉 Click here to learn more about our Private Relocation Tours and start planning your move to Mexico today.
