What's it like to live in Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico? What are the pros and cons, based on my experience living in Tepoztlán since 2003? Of course, this is highly subjective. What's an advantage for me might even be a disadvantage for you! Nevertheless, you might learn something by reading this article.
I got the idea when someone considering relocating in Tepoztlán, coming from the US, asked me this question in an email. Some of what I have to say is about Mexico in general, but my focus is on this Pueblo Magico (Magic Town).
Introduction
A man I met at a folk festival in the US invited me to visit Mexico, and at the end of my third visit, I was in tears. I did not want to leave this paradise and return to winter in Boston. But the climate was not the main reason. It was the fiestas and how they provide the glue that holds family and community together by group bonding. Family and community are far more important in Mexico than in the US, where materialistic concerns of work, money, and shopping predominate. In the fall of 2003, I retired from my career to immigrate from the US to find greater soul expansion.
Since that time, I published two memoirs, and have published a monthly blog since 2017. I got a lot of requests from folks who had landed in Tepoztlán from various countries that asked for my help in orienting them. A friend suggested we start a business doing this, and a year ago we launchedMexico Living Experienceto provide advice and individually tailored CONCIERGE SERVICES for easy cultural navigation. The site has blogs and FAQ, that form the basis of this article, along with the Letters From Mexico blog.
The Pros:
1. Safety.
Tepoztlán is so safe that young women walk alone weekend nights without problems. I assume that cartel members live here, but do their business elsewhere, not wanting to foul their nest. Tepoztlán is tolerant to minorities. For example, it has frequent gay pride marches, and has a gay (men only) spa. The US-Mexico border towns are more violent, and some parts of other cities are, too.