Queretaro/surrounding areas: Relocation info wanted, how to live/work there succesfully as an American.?

Question

I am planing to visit and relocate to Mexico in the very near future and would like details on making a like in Mexico. I am still desiding the area. I will likely choose an area between Queretaro, Valle de Bravo and Celaya. I'm not retired by any means. Not rich. I'll be working from home writing books or what ever else may find me. My children will be going to schools, likely in Queretaro.

Thank You for your feed back.

Cheers,

Gigi

Answer 1

Queretaro: Great city two hours north of Mexico City.  It is one of the fastest growing cities in the non coastal Mexico.  Queretaro has its own new international airport and has good shopping.  There is an American School (ASF) in Queretaro that some firends' children have attended with much success.  Queretaro has several new shopping centers and many modern conveniences.  Seeing as the population is larger here your chances of finding work or things to do is pretty good.  

Celaya is much more an industrial city not far from Queretaro.  If you are used to US conveniences, you will not be satisfied with what Celaya has.  All in all you could find a better choice.

I used to have a house in Valle de Bravo.  It is beautiful and a great place to inspire you to write. - but best for singles or retired folks.  I am not sure if you would be happy with the schools there, however.  I have heard about some drug problems there at the better schools.  Since it is a resort community, you will see ebbs and flows of people depending on weather and weekends, etc.  DOnt count on many modern conveniences in Valle.  There is no shopping other than essentials and crafts.  Everything else has to be done from Toluca about an hour away.

Answer 2

Queréteraro is fine for you, good and clean city. Celaya is okay, but not better than Qro., and Valle de Bravo is beauty, but I'm not sure on living there. You should think in Aguascalientes too; similar to Quererétaro, but the conecction to USA by the airport is easier (Qro. is too close to Mexico city, therefore, you can find more int'l flights at other city, not as close to Mex DF).

First, you have to speak spanish. If you are writer, maybe you could also be an english teacher. There are many good private schools either in Qro. or in Ags., the bilingual (or trilinguals: spanish-english-french, or spanish-english-japanese in Ags.) schools in Ags costs about $200 dollars per month at elementary school.

I'm not sure what else are you expecting to know here, but if you have any other questions, send me an e-mail.

Answer 3

Celaya is a small city with an economy based in agriculture and industry, although it has a good population of less than 400,000 people there are not enough services there as in other cities like León or Queretaro

Many of my friends came to study to Queretaro from Celaya, and they are still in Queretaro, there are better and more job offers, also better paid.

My family is from Celaya and almost all of them moved to Queretaro because of the opportunities.

Plus Celaya is now in the ranking of the dangerous cities in Mexico.