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Jei

Sep 1, 2011, 3:35 PM

Post #1 of 9 (4346 views)

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Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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First time poster, (somewhat) long time lurker. Thank you to all who make this an informative forum.

This is a bit of a narrative, but to offer some context...
My company has offered me an attractive management position at our facility in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes.
I like working with our plant in Aguas now from the home office and am interested in the position.
I also like what I've seen of the city and am making progress learning the language.
(Bear with me, I'm almost to my point)

Between talking to the people at the plant and the research I've done online, I'm not worried about random/drug violence.
(Not that it's not possible, but we're pretty boring people who mind our p's and q's, and it doesn't seem any worse than the city we lived in Brazil for a while. We felt safe enough there and overall really enjoyed the experience. As an aside, you might think the transition to Mexico would be relatively easy after Brazil, but my wife is Brazilian so that obviously made a huge difference)
My concern is kidnapping.
From what I've read reported kidnappings are minimal and I could find no reports of any foreigners being kidnapped. (I know there is a sizable Japanese population there due to the large Nissan facility amongst others)
But I've also read that a lot of kidnappings go unreported.
We've got two little girls (5 and 3) and I worry about the possibility of targeted/random kidnappings.
I'd appreciate anyone familiar with the area who could address how much of a concern this is for the locals and/or expats living there.

I apologize for yet another post on safety and I am quite familiar with the standard dialogue regarding safety in Mexico.
I would however be very much obliged if those living in the city would respond.
(Additional input beyond my specific concern and/or outside the city is also welcome)
Thank you.

halfmexi

Sep 2, 2011, 11:52 AM

Post #2 of 9 (4264 views)

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Re: [Jei] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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I really can't help you with the inner workings of Aguascalientes today, just an opinion of what I have seen and experienced. In 2004 we spent a month in Aguas and decided it was the place to be (we were living in Queretaro at the time). But when we returned the next year and saw the growth changes were not what we had anticipated, so we stayed put. We revisited Aguascalientes again in enero 2011 and were shocked by the changes. Checkpoints and military everywhere, the size Nissan had grown to, the new traffic problems (the bicentennial bridge). Our 2 week stay was cut short because we didn't like the changes that had taken place - not the same city anymore.

We have some friends and business partners up there and they all disapproved of the changes themselves as well as the growing narco problem and violence on the streets the past couple of years. They themselves have been harrassed by the military, but none have been violated by local thugs thank god. If you can, go there temporarily, maybe by yourself for a couple of months and feel things out before moving the family. Personally I would not want any kids of mine growing up there, but that is my personal feelings.

Buena suerte with your decision,
BIL

VOTE MAYAN ...For A New Tomorrow!

Jei

Sep 2, 2011, 3:48 PM

Post #3 of 9 (4225 views)

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Re: [halfmexi] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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Thanks for the feedback, BIL.
I'll definitely keep what you said about the military checkpoints and growing narco activity in mind as I look into things more.
I hadn't gotten that impression during my visits, but my perspective is limited by being there on business trips.
I think my next step is to take your advice and go there temporarily for a few months by myself first to get a better feel.
As an aside, this would be a three to five year expat assignment not a permanent transfer.
Any additional insight from you or others would be appreciated.

Glenn

Sep 3, 2011, 8:25 AM

Post #4 of 9 (4169 views)

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Re: [Jei] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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Judy in Ags use to be a regular poster. She aind her husband are retired missionaries and have built and retired in Aguascalientes. Why don't you email her at: judysny@gmail.com.

Judy in Ags

Sep 3, 2011, 6:57 PM

Post #5 of 9 (4121 views)

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Re: [Jei] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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I see someone mentioned my name and here I am! We have lived here in Ags. 8 1/2 years and I don't know what the poster was talking about with all the check points (yes, occasionally there will be one on highway 45 --we live just a few blocks off that highway) and we do see the military once in a while, but hey, we live here and probably have a better idea of the frequency of these presences than the other poster ('Sorry to contradict you, sir.)

I'm not saying that there haven't been any instances of violence here, but we lived in a city in the US where drive-by shootings happened several times a week. I'm sorry, but there are NO truly safe places in this world as long as there are evil people. Of course, one seeks to go to the safest place. Aguascalientes is definitely one of the safer large cities in our opinion.

How interesting that you also spent time in Brazil. We were there (mostly in the jungles) for nearly 10 years. Recently a nephew of our Brazilian co-worker (back in the 60's/70') moved here with his wife on a business venture. His parents recently came for a visit and are seriously considering moving here from Brazil. They loved it here. This nephew's parents-in-law are coming for a visit next week.

I wish you the very best and hope that you'll find peace in whatever decision you make. My email address is here on MC and if you email us, we'll give you our Vonage number and you can feel free to call and ask us anything you'd like.

BTW, we know a young family (three small children) who were here for three years with Bosch. When there 3-year stint was up they returned to the States and after a couple years had an opportunity to come back here. They've now been back here several months. In fact Sunday they were at the celebration of 50th wedding anniversary (along with 135 other friends we've met since we came here).

Judy and John

Judy in Ags

Sep 4, 2011, 10:43 AM

Post #6 of 9 (4058 views)

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Re: [Jei] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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Jei,

I'm sure that our friends who work for Bosch (who have the 3 children) would be happy to supply you with any information you need regarding Aguas. They are out and about the city much more than we are. Their children go to school here, etc., etc. Just let me know and I help you get in contact with them.

Judy

Jei

Sep 4, 2011, 5:20 PM

Post #7 of 9 (4019 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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Thank you for the reply, Judy.
I would like to take you up on your offer to contact you via email.
My wife and I would love to speak with you.
Really appreciate everyone taking the time to respond.

Judy in Ags

Sep 4, 2011, 9:02 PM

Post #8 of 9 (4000 views)

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Re: [Jei] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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I thought of another thing that might be interesting. Our Brazilian friends who moved here 6 months ago are continually amazed at how much cheaper things are here than in Brazil. He had to buy a transformer the same item cost much less here than in Brazil.

Jei

Sep 11, 2011, 7:39 AM

Post #9 of 9 (3852 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] Job Transfer to Aguascalientes

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Yes, I think a lot of Americans mistakenly believe that if you go to a country where the economy is not as robust as the US then everything must be cheaper. That is true with some things, but from my experience in general it is hard to beat the US for cost of goods. Brazil is a wonderful place but I think most newcomers experience sticker shock. (I know I did)

Thank you again, Judy. You and the family you put us in contact with have been extremely helpful. We are planning on going down in November to look at houses, schools, etc. We hope to see you then!