Where are some good places to live in Mexico for an American?

Question

My fiance is from Mexico and we are thinking about moving there. I am looking for somewhere safe and not too expensive and where we could both find jobs. Neither of us went to college. Also, I have a five year old daughter so somewhere with bilingual schools.

Answer 1

You're probably going to end up where your fiance is from assuming they still have family.  I would be more concerned about jobs and income than I would about schools.   Jobs in Mexico pay very little and getting a job for foreigners requires a permit.  Public schools are inexpensive but a bilingual one won't be.

I would go for a visit and look around

Answer 2

There are plenty of bilingual schools throughout Mexico -- there is no need to limit yourself to DF!  Here in Torreon we probably have more than a dozen English/Spanish totally bilingual schools and more that teach English to a greater or lesser extent.  Obviously, the private schools are going to add significant cost to your budget.

That said, you have much more serious issues to consider first.  You need to determine if and where you could work and what type of budget you would have.  Also, depending upon whether you want to live more of an "expat" lifetstyle will impact your budget greatly.  Mexico has many, many more people than good paying jobs, so the competition for jobs will be much higher here than in the US.  

I would strongly suggest doing some research online first; deciding one place to visit for about a month; and THEN determining whether a permanent move to Mexico is best for your family.

Answer 3

it would be nice in Cancun, mx, Guadalajara, Or Monterrey N.L. these three places are kind of safe especially cancun.

Answer 4

their school systems arent very goodthe country is poor and the cities that are good are too expensive, thats why they all flee to america lol ask yer fiance if hes from there what an impact itll have on yer kid.....and not a good one

Answer 5

For bilingual schools you have to go to the bigger cities, like Mexico city (DF) but its not that safe anymore.  Monterrey may have some bilingual schools also.  If you are looking for a nice place then Cuernavaca is your best bet (the city of eternal spring).  I would stay away from the tourist attractions like Cancun.  But... if what you want is a place where you can easily find a job and there are plenty of bilingual people you want to stay in the border towns like Reynosa.  Reynosa is one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico and there are a lot of "maquiladoras" (factories) that will hire just about anyone who can speak good English and can communicate with the corporate officers, vendors and such.

By the way... there is nothing wrong with the school system in any part of Mexico.  Algebra for example, is taught to children in 7th grade, and in high school they are studying business law, calculus, logic, and other advanced classes that most high school grads in the US will never study unless they go to college.  You do, however, have to pick a good school, one with a good reputation or a private school (which are not very expensive).  In Mexico you don't have to go to the school in your district, you can enroll your child in whichever school you choose.

Answer 6

Mexico City is a big city and has many great bilingual schools. You can get an ESL certificate and teach English or give private lessons. It all depends on what you want to do, but you can find work easily there because it's a big city. You will hear a lot about it being unsafe, but I've been several times and have taken my daughter, too with no problems. We are moving there next year. If you don't speak Spanish then I'd learn at least a little before going. If you do then you're set. Oh and it's not expensive there, either. You can email me if you want more info. :-)