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willie1947@att.net

Feb 17, 2010, 9:35 PM

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Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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I am a teacher in Ventura, California, with plans to retire soon and move with my Mexican partner to Queretaro or Morelia. I need help to decide. I would appreciate comments from those who know one or both of these beautiful cities. I am fluent in Spanish and haved traveled a lot in Mexico. I am interested in observations about
climate
economy
cost of renting an apartment in centro historico
cost of buying a house in centro historico
food
cultural resources/activities
friendliness and openness of people
American ex-pat groups
crime and safety (especially with regard to the narcos)

susank

Feb 17, 2010, 10:47 PM

Post #2 of 11 (12540 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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Count me in on this question, too. We've been considering Lake Chapala but I'm hoping there might be some alternatives In Mexico that are more affordable with excellent health care.

gpkgto

Feb 18, 2010, 7:44 AM

Post #3 of 11 (12516 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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Morelia wins. There is more of a narco problem in Michoacan, but it does not affect most people's daily life. If by "partner" you happen to mean "gay partner"-Queretaro has had some anti-gay prblems and it has a very pro-chyrch/anti-liberal government. Neither city has an active ex-pat community--people integrate into Mexican life--you will probably want to do this, also.

esperanza

Feb 18, 2010, 9:12 AM

Post #4 of 11 (12499 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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Another vote for Morelia.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Oscar2

Feb 18, 2010, 2:06 PM

Post #5 of 11 (12454 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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Have not visited nor lived in Queretaro but can offer my recent 2 week living experience I not only found satisfying but also found the people of Morelia friendly, fun and warm. I lived totally in Centro Historico with accommodations which rate in the top five in my 45 years of visiting and living in Mexico. Not only due to its central location but the price point and complete Suite appointments which included fully furnished 2 bedroom, living room, TV room with full kitchen and nook area, maid, laundry service and free breakfast cost me a mere song by comparison to NOB.

As for safety, while there not “once” did the locals nor anyone for that matter even approach the subject of the Narco activities or anything related to it. Why, I can only guess but let’s just say for my or perhaps their day-to-day living, I guess it just wasn't mentioned and life just goes on.

The convenience of getting to and fro was one of the highlights of my stay there. Besides enjoying and living within the beauty and power of its majestic colonial structures, transportation just about anywhere within this big/little city was very inexpensive and a pleasure to get around town because of it. Food/meals of all kinds are close by and just about everywhere.

I for one would definitely put Centro Historico on the top of my list of a delightful place to live which has a big city look but for me, an enjoyable, warm, small town atmosphere..

(This post was edited by Oscar2 on Feb 18, 2010, 2:10 PM)

Anonimo

Feb 18, 2010, 5:20 PM

Post #6 of 11 (12418 views)

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Re: [Oscar2] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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I think many who move here will soon find a significant difference between vacation visits and day to day life. It can still be enjoyable, but it's not the same.

Saludos,
Anonimo

Oscar2

Feb 18, 2010, 6:44 PM

Post #7 of 11 (12405 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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I agree, and this holds true where ever one lives, including to, but not limited to Mexico or NOB, as well. It seems to be universal.

jerezano

Feb 19, 2010, 7:41 AM

Post #8 of 11 (12361 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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Hello willie1947,

You wrote:>>
I am a teacher in Ventura, California, with plans to retire soon and move with my Mexican partner to Queretaro or Morelia. I need help to decide. I would appreciate comments from those who know one or both of these beautiful cities. I am fluent in Spanish and haved traveled a lot in Mexico. I am interested in observations about
climate
economy
cost of renting an apartment in centro historico
cost of buying a house in centro historico
food
cultural resources/activities
friendliness and openness of people
American ex-pat groups
crime and safety (especially with regard to the narcos)

The first question you should ask yoursel if what your Mexican partner wants to do with his life. Is he a salesman, a tradesman, a professor or what?

Then in answer to your questions, I would sugges you consider other locations that just Morelia or Querétaro.

For example:
Climate--Tepic, Nayarit
economy--Tepic
Cost of renting or buying in centro histórico--Tepic
Food--Tepic
Cultural resources/activities--Tepic
Friendliness and openness of people--Tepic
American ex-pat groups--Lake Chapala area
Crime and safety especially with regard to the narcos).--Tepic

In addition, well located an hour and a half from Guadalajara, an hour from the beaches, superb medical faclilities, one of the best public libraries I have encountered in Mexico, a transportation systems that is especially economical for senior citizens, other government benefits for senior citizens.Furthermore with the development of the Nayarit Riveria and the designation of the Tepic airport as an International airport, as well as the heavy invesltment in creating major highiways connecting Tepic to the beaches, Tepic will start booming as a tourist destination or way point. The only downside is that the ex-pat community is very small and some of it is very exclusive and closed off--No, we don't want any more gringos.

jerezano

(This post was edited by jerezano on Feb 19, 2010, 7:44 AM)

Huchepo

Feb 19, 2010, 6:46 PM

Post #9 of 11 (12307 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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I live in Morelia, but travel to Queretero several times a year. Tough choice, but I would give the edge to Morelia. Queretero is more arid, probably warmer, can get real hot in summer months. The newer developments north of the city (Juriqua and Juriquilla) have had some water shortages. Queretero has a much larger industrial base, so there is more prosperity there in general.

Both centers are very nice, I wish Morelia would finally close off traffic in the centro historico like they have in Queretero. The narco stuff, Queretero would win out , Michoacan has more problems, although in Morelia it is pretty safe. You are 2-3 hours closer to the beaches in Morelia, which is a plus. Both cities are pretty close to Mexico and Guadalajara. Expats in Morelia meet once a week, but it is a pretty small group, most just blend in to the community. In Queretero, I know there are many foreigners and expats, most working and earning a living in the Industries there, you will not find too many on the internet though, except for nearby SMA. I love the lakes and woods for hiking in Michoacan, but I also enjoy myself when in Queretero, nice culture, restaurants, etc.

chinagringo

Feb 19, 2010, 7:06 PM

Post #10 of 11 (12302 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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I would personally recommend taking a hard look at Patzcuaro. Michoacan and Patzcuaro in particular is our personal favorite! Then again, "different strokes for different folk"!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Peter

Feb 27, 2010, 3:44 PM

Post #11 of 11 (12090 views)

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Re: [willie1947@att.net] Queretaro or Morelia to retire to?

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I grew up in Ventura, CA and now live in Morelia. I love every minute of it. I do not know Queretaro so cannot comment much.

I agree with Chinagringo about Pátzcuaro being a favorite place, I visit there regularly as it is so close, but I don't endorse it for full-time living as Morelia offers so much more convenience at your fingertips.

If you plan on coming to check it out then do drop a private reply beforehand for tips on where to stay or visit. We do have a small ex-pat group here that meets on Wednesdays for cocktails.

(This post was edited by Peter on Feb 27, 2010, 3:51 PM)