Question about Safety

[brownbob]

Hi Everyone,

I might have the opportunity to spend 10 months in Leon or Guanajuato with my family, and I am wondering if those of you who are there think it would be a safe environment for a family that includes two school-aged kids. I have been reading some frightening things about kidnappings, etc. We would probably be in Leon, but also visiting Gto. a lot. I can't seem to find much information about Leon. Thanks for any help you might be able to give!

[The Duck]

A very good website on Leon can be found here: http://www.ruelsa.com/gto/leon/leon.htm

Also google "expat leon guanajuato lee iwan" and contact Lee

[doncoulter]

I don't know where you're from, brownbob, but I'll guess somewhere in the United States. Within the past week, there have been at least three mass shootings there. So try to put things in perspective, and ask yourself if as a foreigner you'd feel safe visiting the States these days.

Regarding León and Guanajuato, they are two of the safest cities in all of Mexico. Bad things can happen anywhere, but I would advise you not to worry too much about safety here.

Finally, if you have a choice between León and Guanajuato, choose Guanajuato. It's much more accessible and friendly for first-timers. That's the reason you can't find much info about León.

Don

[brownbob]

Thanks to both of you for the information. I had also thought a lot about the shootings and other crimes that happen here in the US, and how they may be perceived by someone from another country. It's really hard to get a good sense of how serious a risk things are. If I could choose, I definitely would live in Guanajuato! I was there a few years ago and absolutely loved it! I will check out the Leon web site. Thanks!

[roberb7]

Here's a couple of opinions:

1. Bus drivers in GTO (and a lot of other cities in Mexico) make change. How many cities are there in North America where this is possible?

2. One rule of thumb I picked up in Peru quite a few years back, is, if you see children playing in public parks in the evening, you're probably in a safe area.

[philyrossy]

Unfortunately, children don't play in the public parks in Chapala in the evening any more. Nor do the expats sit out and talk, nor are many Mexicans there either. :(