Safety In Mexico

SEDONA · #1 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 09:41 AM

Trying to consider all options in making a move "south of the border" in a couple of years. Mexico (according to some well known publications) is being touted as a very desirable place for an ex pat to put his boots on the ground.

However, a guy I met recently (who is envolved in law enforcement) has commented that "living in Mexico at this time, would be like living in Colombia 10 years ago" ! He says that the violence , kidnappings and attitude toward gringos is getting worse. He also says he cannot tell me the source of his "knowledge" (?), but he would never consider living there.

Anyone who can share any info and/or enlighten me on what is really happening in Mexico , would be much appreciated.

Cubafro · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 09:58 AM

I know at least 2 person who would be able to give you info on Mexico like GUERO, LL and AZJET...Where are you guys??

CUBA

Cap'n Jib · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 10:49 AM

Sedona,

I really do not KNOW that much about Mexico but from what I have read, the law enforcement guy MAY be spot on.

Some of the intelligence sites question the ability of local police or National Police to stay on top of the criminal gang situation. This is in a time of ‘relatively’ good economic environment. What would happen if Mexico were to suffer a 20% or so economic decline?

That said, when I looked at Mexico as a possible, retirement location and its’ history of ‘relative’ lawlessness, I focused on those locations that had natural defenses already in place. One example that made the cut was Zihuatanejo. Over a two and a half hour drive from the next city of any size, through tight mountain passes, creates a natural siphon to help law enforcement. Three ways to get in air, boat and car. Also the city is surrounded by mountains effectively on three sides.

GrizGator · #4 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 11:15 AM

I really don't know the answer either. But I would not be surprised is mexico was a dangerous place for the gringo now. We already know about government/police corruption. And now that illegal immigration has become such a sore subject here, I am sure gringos are becoming more of a sore subject in Mexico. After all, think about what will happen is the illegal immigrants are no longer able to send all of their money back to mother Mexico? It will be the gringos fault...and I suspect that will continue to reflect on how gringos are treated in Mexico, other than in places that live and die by the tourist buck.

I'm sure there are places that are fine, but Mexico would not be on my radar as a place to move/retire.

Griz

LastLion · #5 (**permalink**) 09-16-2007, 01:01 AM

Well considering they are using the army to fend off narcos. They are really the new narco leaders, how do you think all that stuff gets here from colombia. I think it is getting worse and worse, there as much as I love mexico. All my surf buddies are telling me they would rather go to Nicaragua o El salvador these days!

RXD · #6 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 06:13 PM

The most important matter in Mexico is the safety precautions. The crime pattern in Mexico is similar to that in the U.S. and most countries. Here I am providing you link which is more helpful to you according to safety precautions:

Mexico Safety

Regards!

layinlo · #7 (**permalink**) 08-28-2010, 01:35 PM

I think the best advice is to be aware of you surroundings at all times.
It is fairly easy to spot when someone has bad intentions.

zapano · #8 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 10:54 AM

I have lived in central Mexico for over 10 years and have not noticed our situation getting worst.
I could not compare the situation to the one of Colombia 10years ago as I did not live in Colombia but I live here without fear.
The danger is in being at the wrong place at the right time but I do not go to clubs and stay away from drugs so I feel pretty safe, actually safer than in many US cities. The crime here is not random so I do not feel I have anything to fear.
If I had to do it again I would move to Mexico. I would not move to the cities in the border or some other hot cities but although you read about crime every day like you do in large cities in the US as a foreigner, you are not really affected by the violence.

Jimmy · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011, 11:26 PM

I looked at the posts here and some are from June or so. Its now October and as I think about retiring in Mexico I'm wondering if the safety issues have changed at all for better or worse? I like the idea of living somewhere close to the border as its closer to home in Nebraska. But you are saying these places are too dangerous now? Is that true for all areas close to the border?

Jimmy