I've lived in Mexico now for 3 years and love it and always have. I've heard so many wild and erroneous stories about the killings, the rapes, the murders, the muggings and such like for so many years before i arrived i was terrified to come, but i did it anyway. Now i'm glad i did. I've been around the border areas of all bordering states and yes, it's hell there. I wouldn't feel comfortable spending the night anywhere within 100 miles of the borders, even though i have in the past. Once you get away from the border, the incident rate drops to practically zero. I live in dead center Mexico, Guadalajara and Chapala. Chapala is on Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico. About 20 miles wide and 50 miles long. Not very deep but beautiful. It is about 5200 feet above sea level in the Sierre Madres, Occidentals. There are two Sierre Madre ranges, the Occidentental and the Oriental. Tallest peak is 18,000 feet. Snow and Ice capped and colder than a well diggers' behind. When you come down to 10,000 feet, just occasional snows. Down to my level it's gorgeous weather 12 months out of the year. About 75 during the day and this time of year it gets down to about 50 at night, but quickly warms in the morning sun, which you see every day. Those living here have no deficiency of Vitamin D3. That's the new buzz word not, Vitamin D3. Shortage of this, which over 85% of American have as tested recently, causes many health problems. These Mexican people are very courteous, kind, generous and can't wait to help you when they perceive you need help. Their extremely family oriented and just good people on average. Don't let the news media discourage you from visiting or living here. It's the best place i've ever lived. I've lived in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. I've visited most of the U. S., but not all. I have enough experience within my 60 years of life that i feel i have a grasp on enough things to compare reasonably anything there is in the U. S. with any other country in the world. Let me know what you think about Mexico and why you think that. I surely will appreciate your valued input. There is no right or no wrong in this issue. Just information.

When I was a child we visited Mexico every
year, it was wonderful.
Later I spent my honeymoon there, Cozumel,
not quite as nice.
Later I took a cruise there (coastal) and
there were guards armed with machine guns
patrolling Puerta Vallarta.
My uncle (the unofficial mayor) lives in
San Miguel de Allenda, and I would love to
visit but am plain too scared to go now.

So, yes, I have seen it happen. While I
understand avoiding the border towns, I
still do not wish to be a target based
on my nationality.

What is your nationality please? San Miguel is a beautiful city and the entire area is gorgeous, as are you my dear. I have walked the patches (sidewalks) which are narrow but there is a lot of wonderful history there. There has been little to no violent incidents there in a long time. Basically, it's more peaceful and safe than most U. S. cities of the same or similar size. The people are gentle and kind and courteous, respectful and peaceful on average. A very beautiful place to visit, but a very expensive place to live.

I love travel. I have declined trips to Mexico a few times because my visits have not been pleasant in the past. From corrupt police in Tijuana stealing our jewelry to the extreme poverty in Acapulco which you couldnt step more than three feet without noticing and being tugged on or having someone begging you or water you had to fear drinking. Those things just dont scream 'vacation' to me. And then there is the question of why so many Mexicans break laws to get HERE if Mexico is so nice to live.


I dont believe in broadbrushing groups or cultures, so I would never say never, but I would certainly research the area(crime rates, poverty index, etc,,) before going or living there.

I have visited many areas of Mexico since my military duty in San Diego. All of my experiences have been good to great!

I find that our government stirs up a lot of propaganda to keep tourism and imigration of Americans to Mexico to a minimum.

I dont doubt the propaganda stirring, fear rules and unites, unfortunately. But on the common sense side, I would never assume that ALL of mexico is one way or another and I am sure there are areas which are nice and those which suck. Different 'classes' of people probably have different treatment too. Perhaps authority like police and military would have a different experience than powerless citizen visitors,, I dont know. I just question why so many leave there to come here, its mostly the actions of mexican nationals myself that cause MY concern.

All the time to Pier 39 (by Rosarito Beach) for surf trips. Loved it!and agree about lovely, genuine, corteous people!!!!

American.
I understand once you get there,
it is great. But flying in and out
of Mexico City, then 4 hours by bus
I think is how it plays out.
Too scary for me.

They come to the US because they dont like paying taxes or they are criminals in there own state in Mexico. Another reason is, every American enjoys having someone to clean their toilet or mow their grass for low wages.

The interior of Mexico is not the problem. You would have to be retarded or suicidal to risk the border towns. You can call it propaganda all you want but to think that the cartels are not engaged in a full scale war is wishful thinking. A friend of mine is a mule for a cartel and yes, the money is good but, the risks would only be taken my the seriously stupid or the oblivious. Even here, Mexican mafia has lots of property holdings (safe houses, transports, storage facilities) 8 hours from the border.

I deal with Mexico mexicans on almost a daily basis and indeed, they are a good people that I got no problem with them...but, when even they are freaking out over having to pass through some of those border towns....I take thier word for it that sh** is serious.

All I can say is Ive lived in Vallarta as a single woman for 7 yrs (in Feb.) Ive never experienced a problem. Last night is a good example...my daughter and I were out partying for new years. I came in about 3 ...my daughter at about 5am. I never gave it a thought. Ive never worried about my girls out and about at all hours here...I cant say the same about any North American cities.

Yeah but, you are smoking hot! So, you got an advantage.

We used to go on shopping trips to Mexico as a kid and it freaked me out. Apparently, blonde hair is/was considered lucky and EVERYONE would pull me over to touch my head....harmless in retrospect but, still freaky as a kid. My Dad and brother would just laugh at the look on my face as I would be getting rubbed on while I was panicking saying "LETS GO!!!!!!" I just didnt know.

Ahahahha sounds familar I discovered that they think "redheads" are lucky and green eyes just sends them over the edge.

Yeah I bet!!!!!