10 Best Places To Live In Mexico - Updated 2024

best places to live in mexico
Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 6 min read

Located in the southern region of North America, Mexico, offers diverse ethnicities, cultures, and terrain that’s as big as the nation itself. Rooted in long-held traditions and tight-knit family structures, Mexico’s friendly meter is off the charts. From cool Mexico-City-bohemian types and bashful yet intriguing indigenous villagers to mountainous regions and thick rainforests, this country of Mayan temples and Teotihuacán pyramids leaves a significant impression on many. Because Mexico is a huge country, you need an easy way to discover top areas to hang out, chill, and enjoy “the good life.” So scroll down to see the best places to live in Mexico.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

1. San Miguel de Allende (from USD 132)

San Miguel de Allende sky
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user https://www.flick... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

San Miguel de Allende is a feast for the eyes. A UNESCO World Heritage-awarded city, San Miguel de Allende boasts exquisite colonial Spanish architecture. From the neo-Gothic church with eye-catching pink-hued towers that fit prominently above the main plaza to the 18th-century church with an intricately Spanish Baroque-style facade, this place is an architectural lover’s dream. A lovely cobblestoned hill town, San Miguel de Allende also showcases a successful art scene and an array of cultural celebrations that draws countless. It’s no surprise Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende is a best seller. Oozing opulence and grace from every corner of the property, this former convent dating back to the 16th-century features amazing architecture, large deluxe guest rooms, and soothing spa treatments.

Tip from Content Creator

San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende

If you’re headed to San Miguel de Allende, here are six museums to check out:

1. Casa de Cultura Banamex (Old bank building, free)


2. Museo Histórico Casa de Allende (Allende’s house, 70 MXN [4.11 USD])


3. Centro Cultural El Nigromante (& Sala de Murales Siquieros, free)


4. Instituto Allende (free)


5. Museo La Esquina del Juguete (Toy museum, 80 MXN [4.69 USD])


6. Fabrica la Aurora (artist studios and galleries, free)


7. Mask Museum

Stayed at this property?

Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende

Address: Aldama 41, Zona Centro
234.3 km (145.6 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Cashless payment available Internet services Mobile app for room service WiFi available in all areas CCTV in common areas Private parking Luggage storage Physical distancing rules followed

2. Tulúm (from USD 16)

Tulum 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Popo le Chien used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Residing on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s divine Yucatán Peninsula, Tulúm is a popular tourist destination. For locals, it’s a slice of heaven. The lure of this peaceful beach town is the awesome white sandy beaches paired with warm turquoise-colored waters. There are also compelling ruins of a centuries-old Mayan port city. Tulúm exudes a laidback bohemian feel that’s hard to resist. Days can be spent exploring fabulous natural sinkholes, witnessing seasonal sea turtle nesting, and savoring the freshest and most flavorful ceviche in the region. An adults-only lodging, Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Tulum is a trendy hostel in a lush setting lined with tall palm trees. A tasty continental breakfast is served daily and every unit provides wooden bunk beds with handy privacy screens.

Stayed at this property?

Mayan Monkey Tulum

Wifi Available

Address: Avenida Coba Carretera Tulum KM. 25
1225.7 km (761.7 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking Restaurant Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle

3. Huatulco (from USD 120)

Santa María Huatulco, Oax., Mexico - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jleonelss used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A tropical paradise, Huatulco has sparkling waterfalls, dramatic canyons, abundant coffee, and tropical fruit plantations. Huatulco is a wonderful mix of mountain adventures and fascinating villages in secluded jungles. Water escapades like exciting snorkeling, adrenaline-pumping diving, and fun boat excursions are plentiful in Huatulco. This resort town touts a fabulous national park where four species of sea turtles inhabit the water. There’s also an array of marine life from lively dolphins to colorful butterflyfish. If you adore dazzling displays of nature and fun water recreation, you’ll definitely fall in love with Huatulco. Residing in lovely tropical gardens, Princess Mayev is a popular hotel boasting attractive amenities. Within strolling distance of the beach, this accommodation offers an exhilarating infinity pool, air-conditioned rooms, and room balconies to relax and drink in the incredible sea view.

Stayed at this property?

Princess Mayev

Wifi Available

Address: Paseo Punta Santa Cruz, Manzana 1 lote 4
518.75 km (322.4 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

4. Puerto Vallarta (from USD 99)

Puerto vallarta skyline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Found on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is an irresistible utopia filled with lovely beaches, great water sports, and vibrant nightlife. Regarded as the gay beach capital of Mexico, this coastal city displays an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere and offers a dizzying range of day and nighttime diversions. By day, relax surfside, go on a diving exploration, or take an expedition to the lush palm-blanketed mountains of Puerto Vallarta’s interior. After the sun goes down, head to inviting restaurants for delicious cuisine, or visit energetic bars to dance the night away. Tropicana Hotel Puerto Vallarta is a laidback casual accommodation on a beautiful private beach. The beachfront lodging offers sunny spacious rooms with subtle decor or you can upgrade to receive cool air conditioning, convenient kitchenettes, and breezy balconies.

Stayed at this property?

Tropicana Hotel Puerto Vallarta

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Amapas 214 PlayaLos Muertos
649.97 km (403.9 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests

5. Oaxaca (from USD 54)

Oaxaca Cathedral in Late Afternoon with Balloons - Oaxaca City - Oaxaca - Mexico (6505741221)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adam Jones used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Lovely Oaxaca is encompassed by mountains and awash in bewitching indigenous culture. From jaw-dropping Spanish-colonial architecture to lush outdoor splendor like the rare petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca is a mesmerizing collection of man-made buildings and natural beauty. Food is a big deal here, and many consider Oaxaca to be the culinary capital of Mexico. Notable is Oaxaca’s seven classic versions of a mole! Foodies love this city because it’s replete with bustling open-air markets stocked with fresh fruit, crisp vegetables, and more. Exuding a true Mexican flair, Hotel Dainzu is an eye-catching accommodation boasting a pretty garden courtyard. The rooms are low-key but very appealing with units featuring handsome furnishings and airy balconies.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Dainzu

Wifi Available

Address: Miguel Hidalgo 1013
367.38 km (228.3 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning Family rooms Free parking

6. Ensenada (from USD 111)

La paz malecon 1702p1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Carlos Valenzuela used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With the Mexican flag flying high over the sunny waterfront promenade, Ensenada is a colorful resort town with a cheerful atmosphere. Located on the cool Pacific coast of Mexico’s beautiful Baja California peninsula, this breezy seaport city is only a two-hour drive south of San Diego, California, making it a popular weekend getaway for pleasure seekers from Southern California. This delightful coastal town hosts a curious mix of people, from mellow locals to cruise-ship-arriving tourists. If you’re a wine connoisseur, Ensenada boasts an outstanding and flourishing wine country in Valle de Guadalupe. Vibrant decor highlights the contemporary brilliance of Hotel Cortez. Enjoy a swim in the heated outdoor pool or unwind at the cozy onsite restaurant and bar that offers a pleasant terrace.

Stayed at this property?

Baja Inn Hoteles Ensenada

Wifi Available

Address: Avenida Lopez Mateos 1089
2225.78 km (1383.1 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre Free parking Internet services

7. Mérida (from USD 115)

Skyline Mérida Yucatan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user J. Magno used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you want to experience a pleasing tropical climate, explore Mayan culture, shop for exotic produce at an airy outdoor market, swim in freshwater sinkholes, and tour stunning cathedrals, then Mérida is the place. The capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatán, this spirited destination is referred to as “The White City” because it showcases structures comprised of brilliant white stone. Yucatecan cuisine is a worldly mix of yummy flavors: robust Mayan staples and enticing Middle Eastern and European ingredients. Dishes like marinated pork cooked in a pit and gooey stuffed cheese are standout food items. Set in a prized locale, City Express Plus Merida is a four-star lodging with a fanciful exterior and ultra-stylish interior. The standout feature is the stupendous rooftop terrace with a lively bar and wonderful infinity pool.

Stayed at this property?

City Express Plus by Marriott Merida

Wifi Available

Address: Calle 60 No. 346 Colonia Centro
1008.16 km (626.5 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking Room service 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Free parking Internet services WiFi Available Free WiFi

8. Cancún (from USD 23)

Skyline cancun mexico. (24209557802)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user alyssa BLACK. used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Cancún offers an idyllic setting that’s unmatched in its temperate climate and clear clean waters. Found on the Yucatán Peninsula adjacent to the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Cancún is a fun-filled place awash in pristine, white sandy beaches, bright turquoise-colored waters, multiple first-class resorts, and festive nightlife. It is easy to see why Cancún is one of the most-visited Mexico destinations for globe-trekking travelers. The city is also a prime travel spot for university students at spring break so expect lots of college-age partygoers during this time. Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun is a waterfront accommodation with a whimsical and fun atmosphere. Ideal for the young and hip crowd, this lodging offers attractive rooms and prime spots to gather like the crystal-blue pool and the laid-back outdoor lounge.

Stayed at this property?

Mayan Monkey Cancun

Wifi Available

Address: Blvd Kukulcan Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera
1305.69 km (811.4 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking Restaurant Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Business centre

9. Mexico City (from USD 157)

Mexico City Reforma skyline (cropped)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jonathan Salvador used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Oozing with such an addictive vibrancy, Mexico City is one of the biggest cities on the globe. Packed with plenty of panache, this sprawling megacity is adored by locals for its limitless, escapist diversions: lively age-old cantina settings and fun boating trips through beautiful ancient canals. There is also an array of legendary, historical, and cultural sights that are worth exploring here. Springtime is absolutely lovely in the city with blooming jacaranda trees dotting the urban landscape and the heart of downtown brimming with gorgeous colonial-era architecture to add to this capital city’s flair. As sleek on the inside as the outside, Barceló Mexico Reforma is an in-demand hotel providing guests with five-star treatment. This modern luxury lodging offers a pleasantly heated pool, a rejuvenating spa, and a well-equipped fitness facility.

Stayed at this property?

Barceló Mexico Reforma

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Paseo de la Reforma # 1, Col. Cuauhtémoc
897 meters (0.6 ft) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

10. Guadalajara (from USD 68)

Guadalajara skyline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jandiano used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Touting the liveliest mariachi music and smoothest tequila, Guadalajara exudes tempting delights. This city offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan brilliance and bygone-era traditions. Adding an extra layer of quirky character to Guadalajara’s image is the invention of charreria–a rodeo-inspired competition that’s Mexico’s official national sport. When dining in Guadalajara, the must-have eats is tortas ahogadas, a quintessential food staple. Messy and truly delectable, this sandwich is overstuffed with tasty meats, succulent shrimp, or gooey cheese overflowing in fiery tomato sauce. A popular accommodation, Hotel Real Maestranza showcases a mix of excellence and comfort. Efficient rooms feature everything you need for a comfortable stay including a pristine private bathroom, a cushy bed, and a handy coffee machine.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Real Maestranza

Wifi Available

Address: 161 Francisco I. Madero Centro
460.24 km (286.0 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace

Mexico's splendid spots to live

Mexico is a gem boasting no less than two captivating coastlines: the incomparable Pacific and the gorgeous Caribbean. From tasty tequila and mouthwatering culinary dishes to exciting cities and ancient ruins, it’s understandable how Mexico easily casts a spell. Those who live within the borders of this incredible North American country are truly blessed.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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