AboutClaudia Reyes-Hull Expertise I have lived in both the US and México. I am familiar with both cultures and languages. I now reside in the mountain town of Coatepec, Veracruz but have traveled extensibly (with and without kids) throughout Mexico and can answer to general questions on culture, travel, people, etc.
Experience Mexican National with experience as a guide for professional architects from the US and Worldwide. Extensive travel through Mexico with and without kids.
Education/Credentials Masters degree in Architecture
Certified translator/ interpreter English/Spanish
Art Teacher
Personal Chef
Question QUESTION: I was in Veracruz 4 years ago for Carnanval. I enjoyed the city very much. I have been to Mexico many times as a younger man, and lived on the border as a child, so I have a general understanding of the Mexican life style.
I am a senior, with limited income, and would like to spend a month or two there. I speak a bit of Spanish, and do not need to live like an norte-americano.
My question is...are there some areas that are not too expensive and safe.
ANSWER: Hi, David:
There are many parts in the State of Veracruz that are safe and inexpensive. Actually, as long as you are not in a large city like the Port of Veracruz, everything else is pretty safe and inexpensive. Most of Mexico is very safe, unfortunately the news only talk about the bad and give bad press to the rest of the Country. In a nutshell: violent crime is mostly located along the borders (north and south), some Pacific Coast States (Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa) and the mayor cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey).
Towns and small cities are a lot cheaper than bigger cities. Depends on what kind of charm and weather you are looking for there are many, many options. Usually people prefer places like Xico and Coatepec since they are mountain towns with more temperate climate, but others prefer Villa Rica or Vicente on the coast.
Do you have a preference?
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QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response.
I am familiar with the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. I like the city of Veracruz. I like warm weather,although it does get pretty muggy in the hotter climes. I will go on line and check out Xico, Coatepac, Villa Rica, and Vicnete. I like to be able to get to the city easily and I know that throughout the year Veracruz has several social and musical events. I am very interested in the music and entertainment possibilities. I do know of a jazz club, Carolina's Rib House.
Again thanks.
Answer Not too much jazz in small towns, but the Xalapa-Coatepec-Xico area has a lot of musical culture thanks to the music programs at the University of Veracruz. The city of Xalapa is cheaper than the city of Veracruz which has been named one of the most expensive cities to live in Mexico.
You might also want to check out the town of La Antigüa (right outside Veracruz port) and Tlacotalpan (about an hour distance, capitol of Veracruz music and World Heritage Site).
BTW, Villa Rica is a beach town about 30 mins north of Veracruz Port and Xico and COatepec are 10-20 minutes off Xalapa, capitol of the State.
