I moved to Querétaro 3 weeks ago and got an AirBnb in La Cruz for a couple of weeks. I took a tour of the city with a very nice driver and ended up finding an apartment that I liked near Puerta La Victoria. I'm about a 20 minute walk from Centro. I've got my residency paperwork completed and I'm just waiting for an email to come down for my card. My internet was installed 2 days after I called them. All in all it has been really easy to get set up. Now all I need to do is work on improving my Spanish. I signed up for BaseLang yesterday. Thanks for your videos. You have been a real help answering questions I didn't even know I had.
OMG!!!! it´s very strange to see my hometown, so pretty, so sunny.... while I´m here living in Germany, with the coldest spring ever... I love Querétaro, it used to be even prettier, more secure, smaller, but it is still a great place to live.
Alex, I live in Boston, thinking of moving to Mexico, I do have family in Sonora and Yucatan, I don't like the weather in Yucatan, it is to humid, I heard that Queretaro is the safest and cleanest city in all Mexico.
Greatly appreciate your honesty and the fact that you do not sugar-coat everything about expat living here. (I have lived here 10 years as a USA expat. Cannot imagine moving back.). I am thinking about relocating to GTO city. You have anything about that?
I’m a Queretano living in Kansas . I go down and visit my family every year , i have visited a lot of places In Mexico but honestly nothing like queretaro . Please you have to visit la Sierra gorda de queretaro you will not regret it
@@alex-wittman it was super safe, walking during the day or night I was always comfortable. There r various places to eat, tacos of "el primo" were cheap and good, 2 malls to buy groceries, the center of the city was like 5 to 10 min by car and the view was good, etc.
9:45 This is the young lady I am so jealous of because she's living in a nice apartment that's so cheap it might as well be free. My utilities alone last month were equal to her rent 😥
I live just below Cimatario, on a boulevard called Avenida del Parque. (Highway 400 to Huimilpan) 5 km of hiking/biking in the center of the boulevard.
@@alex-wittman Awesome! Maybe you can show some cool places to go (like restaurants) in those locations! Where are more expats located? Where are the family-friendly locations? Where do the young people hang out? Looking forward to your upcoming videos!
Check Zakia, la Vista, mision conca, misión San Jerónimo as well, they are close to refugio and they are very beautiful... There's also Alamos, carretas, arcos...
Thank you for the information about the air quality when i arrive in San Juan Del Rio Querétaro for all my time there regularly I feel like I am running out of breath even when I am talking I realize that something was wrong because I was perfectly good in my country at one point I think it was covid but I get tested and I was ok and the moment I arrived back in my country I was good again it's now that I am learning that it's it the air quality with all said I love Querétaro beautiful and nice.. keep up your good work Alex
I'm looking forward to my move to Mexico in Aug. However, the transportation from cheaper airports like you mentioned (Mexico City) is almost non-existent if your traveling with a pet. It would be so much cheaper but I'm then stuck getting to Queretaro. The busses in Mexico such as ADO only allow pets to ride under the bus with luggage. That's crazy. In the heat and with luggage falling over. That did seem like a rather expensive ticket price you paid from Queretaro to Indiana. That was what a round trip was from Scotland. I look forward to your video of the neighborhoods as I am debating two of those on your list.
As for neighborhoods, we disliked Juriquilla as all the homes were the same and the nearby restaurants and businesses were all in mini malls. Some people like that many things there are new. Now we are in Alamos 2da and like it much better. We are within walking distance of el Centro, many great restaurants and other small businesses. We don't have a car, but mostly walk or Uber. We met a great driver that we call and pay cash and it is cheaper than renting a car for going to SMA or Pena de Bernal. It is worthwhile to get an AirBnB to start and find a neighborhood you like.
Regarding the fireworks, I remember some of the ones that made a lotta noise such as los Cometas, las Burras y las Mariposas just to name a few. We used to use them for the only purpose of making noisy sounds like a BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. I miss those times. Only the memories remain.
@@alex-wittman It's been a while(many years) since I played with them but las burras, if they still make them, make a strong boom sound, las mariposas used to make a more diffuse softer boom sound and los cometas were the ones closer to the traditional fireworks. Los cometas made a sound that resemble more of a constant rocket sound but they spiraled away from the ground projecting upward therefore, due to the spiraling nature of cometas, their sound was changing from a lower to a higher amplitude and oscillated between the two relatively fast. Hope that helps!
amazing cant wait for your next video "best neighbourhood" would love to know which is for families where kids can play outside safely with other kids and socialize
I was impressed by the recycling bins. They are just like the ones we have in some of the Portuguese cities. They've only been installed in the last few years or so. En hora buena Querétaro. I was also impressed with the bikes available for getting around the city. I wouldn't imagine Mexico to be a bicycle friendly country as streets are pretty congested and drivers might not respect cyclists as they do in Europe (outside of Italy). Just curious if there is any danger of being held up using ATMs. In Brazil, for example, you would never find an ATM outside a bank. I guess the type of crime in Mexico is different from that in Brazil. In Brazil you can be held up on a bus, at the beach (arrastão), while getting out of your car at your house, even on some highways. Most Brazilians I meet say they have had a gun pointed to their head at least once. From what I hear Querétaro is pretty safe.
Thanks for watching, Ray! Yes, Querétaro has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Mexico. If I am on my own, I try to only go to the ATM during the day, but that's the same as I do in the US.
Happy to have found your site. Thank you for the tour. FYI - The link to the FREE Move to Mexico Quick Start guide is NOT working. Even when I tried to download it from your main website, it did not work. 🤔
How is the digital nomad scene in Queretaro? I never new about Queretaro before seeing your videos, and I'm considering moving there now too. I'm a digital nomad, and it would be great if Queretaro had some other nomads there, coworking spaces, events, etc.
i've been watching alex for a while now because i'm coming to queretaro soon: smart, pretty, charismatic, but baked asparagus w olive oil, garlic and parm, wow, where did you learn that at your age??!!👍👍
I really recommend altozano is a new neighborhood near to Juriquilla it is rounded by nature. it have even a river crossing the neighborhood it's so cool
Your videos are amazing... from my beloved queretaro im mexican and your english are pretty well I understand all, but i cant understand your friend 😅 im sorry.. Greetings from queretaro Alex
@@alex-wittman you should visit brewers is the best restaurant in arteaga street i love craft beer in this restaurant you can find different kind of beers and the meals are so tasty
One issue I seldom hear asked is laundry. Do you have a washing machine? If not, are there good laundrymats available or places that launder your cloths for you? Thanks Alex!
Great question! I don't have a washing machine. I use a laundry service called Mr. Jeff. They come to my house every week to pick up my dirty clothes & drop it off two days later all fresh and folded. It costs around $37 USD/month for four loads, but there are lots of walk-up laundromats that are cheaper.
Hi. I moved to Chapala, JAL 10 years ago from Oakland, Calif. and I am getting tired of being just another Gringo in Gringolandia. I really like a lot of things about Q'ro, but nobody talks about the rural areas there. I have a horse, I have a large dog, and I want to live away from El Centro, but still close enough to drive in within about 30 minutes. Any resources you can recommend to help guide me? I plan on relocating in about 1 - 2 years. Thanks, John
Have you considered changing the name of your YT channel? I saw it had backpacking in the name and I thought not interested in backpacking so didn't subscribe and then some videos showed up in my feed and I saw it wasn't a backpacking channel. Just an idea for marketing since you create good content and deserve more subscribers.
Thanks for the feedback! For now, I'm going to stick with the name since it pays homage to my roots. I started blogging way back in 2014 after backpacking around Europe.
Are there any repetitive barking dogs that you can hear regularly when you're at home? The repetitive barking dogs from neighbours has been my biggest source of suffering while in Mexico.
Cerro de las campanas is also a nice park full of green areas in the middle of the city. The bad part is that they require a fee to enter iirc, because it's kinda touristy.
Best type of passive income depends on your skillset. Personally, I've found success selling digital products. If you're a foreigner, I recommend looking into jobs that allow you to work online. Generally, there's greater earning potential.
But you should be careful if you move on bike or motorbike in town...the last years a lot of bikers and motorbikers were hit by cars...unfortunately most of them die....Also the security in Town is not so good because a lot of delinquency come from other states to this State mainly on weekends; and about the unemployment it is very high in this State because the Pandemy of Covid-19 and the economical problems of México since the last 40 years, but you are right about pollution that normally is low and good for walking around the Town, and also the people is very friendly and honest, in anyway you are welcome to México. Regards.
In one of my first videos on my channel, I shared the reasons, but basically, I liked the proximity to Mexico City (good for travel), it has a good reputation for being one of the safest cities in Mexico & it isn't a huge expat hub (I wanted a different kind of experience after living in Madrid).
A good,organized video and to the point.I have good friend who has been living in San Migue for 1.5 yrs l,and she has to go to Quretaro for medical treatment.She may consider moving yet heard furnished apartments are hard to find.She doesn't want an unfurnish one.Any suggestions?She has seen some of your videos.She likes how Queretaro is less expensive than San Miguel.
@@alex-wittman I got everything I wanted. I am 79 and will apply for the basic retirement. I order groceries from La Comer, but problems submitting final order to Walmart. I have my first cell phone , and did not know it ran out of time, but my neighbor helped me.
I did get a beautiful apartment overlooking the city from my balcony. The apartment is furnished and includes all utilities. I use La Comer for home delivery of groceries, and super happy with their service. I used Volaris Airlines from Chicago to Queretaro one way, and I did get the 180 days. I paid $16 from the airport with one of the white taxis at the airport, and there is a bus there also. I am learning how to use my first cell phone purchased from Telcel on my first day here. I do speak Spanish as a second language, but I do not read or write it, like I speak it.
Thx for info. What I would like to know. Are there building codes relating to residential properties? Does housing in Mexico have wall insulation or is it only block? How about windows? Metal, wood, or vinyl?
I'm not an expert but my family owns multiple properties in the State of Mexico. building codes are rarely enforced. No wall insulation, usually. There's not much of a need, temperatures stay relatively constant. Metal is used in almost every building from the rebar to fixtures and windows. Poorer homes and industrial buildings use aluminum roofs. Wood is minimal to nonexistent as 1) it's expensive in Mexico and 2) homes are built to last centuries so there's not much demand for materials that rot and mold. Vinyl can be acquired and there is a growing market. It's preferable, in my opinion, to the homes built where I live in Georgia (US). The homes here can get stuffy in the summer due to the wood and insulation and trapped air and humidity.
I am curious about Querétaro. I was planning to go last march when everything shut down, on my way to SMA. I tried to download the "free"PDF, but it wasn't free. How is the water supply in Querétaro? The aquifer in SMA is being depleted rapidly. As much as I love SMA, I would not live there because of the water shortage and deteriorating water quality. Hopefully Querétaro isn't part of the same aquifer. If you like dance, you might look into the tango community in QRO. Maggie Druse has a studio, has lived in QRO for some time and speaks fluent english, and spanish. Looking forward to seeing more of your experience in QRO.
Hi, Robert! I got your email & I am glad you were able to download the Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide. I am not sure where the Queretaro water supply comes from, but there's never been a drinking shortage or anything like that since I moved here. Thanks for sharing the tango contact--I've never taken a dance class but would be interested!
I moved to the beautiful, clean and safe Queretaro, Mexico at the age of 79 .from the deadly USA The police do not play here, and the people are super nice, respectful, and kind. It is less expensive to live here, and I have a beautiful apartment, and my own driver and maid and laundry, and above all FREE wifi. I have lived since 1962 part time in Acapulco, but I was in 6 earthquakes and one hurricane.,There are people of African ancestry n Mexico, and the 2nd President of Mexico was of African ancestry. Vicente Guerrero,
BEST NEIGHBORHOODS? In shopping for a house I must have seen all 10,000 neighborhoods in QRO. Found a fab house in a lovely forested gated community which NEVER appears on anybody's BEST list.
I’d love to see a video of you visiting the nearby national park you mentioned. My wife and I moved to QRO just over a year ago but haven’t visited much outside centro yet for fear of the virus. I got my first vaccine two weeks ago. When we’re both fully vaccinated, we’ll be looking for places like that park to visit,
What is the best way to get to San Miguel de Allende from Queretaro? I mean, is there a certain bus line you would recommend? We are planning to come in December and want to split time in both places.
Alex, enjoy your videos, I am either coming in September or November for about 4 months. 57 year old man(retiree math teacher)- I am looking on airbnb-what area of The city should I be looking to be able to enjoy the city --and is $600 month rent possible for furnished studio or 1 bedroom, thanks
We hoped to move there without a car but we will likely have at least 1 dog and wonder if we should drive our suv there for her....difficult to get an uber that will take a dog or two for vet visits, etc ? Thx !
It depends on how big your dog is. Uber doesn't have an official policy about pets--it's up to the individual drivers. So you can just ask in the chat when you request a ride.
@@alex-wittman yes...i used to love those vikings Bestia de Metal...they use to play live on the sidewalk...it was like seeing Motor Head in home...those days are gone...😂...☺
I'am from Querétaro... I could recomend you some other places to live here... Like Arboledas, Álamos, Loma Dorada, Jardines de la Hacienda... Or some more exclusive places: El Campestre and El Campanario. I'am glad you are happy living here. Son muy bienvenidos y les deseo lo mejor! Cualquier otra información que pueda ayudarles, encantado 😄👌
@@alex-wittman de acuerdo, hay varios Airbnbs y el Centro es muy seguro... En general la ciudad... Yo creo que como en todos lados depende de moverse siempre en buenos lugares y espacios y a buenas horas. A mí jamás me ha sucedido algo.
Great video again. Disappointed hearing about fireworks, are they happening a lot? Probably have to wait for our dog to pass before we make the move. One question? Have you ever had contact with the police there in Queretaro? And what was that like?
Thanks for watching! I've never had to interact with the police here, but I do see them out & about a lot in the centro patrolling. They seem professional and courteous.
Thank you . I'm 8 years out but every intention of calling mexico home .. I've spent alot of time there and love it .. I married into mexico and immigrated her here to the states . Most certainly heading there for retirement. Insurance has been my number one and only concern. .. I've had much of my health care done in mexico as paying cash, but I believe long term insurance would be the way to go . Live your channel..
Hi Alex, I have applied for my Mexican Temporary Residency Visa using economic solvency. All documentation was approved BUT Employment Verification Letter. The Consulate requested that the signing HR administrator include a photo ID. My HR Department said they don't provide their personal ID. I'm stuck in the middle. Did you experience this request?
Thank you! That was very informative. I'm traveling from Albuquerque. I'm not sure I understood you. One should fly into Mexico City then take the 3-hr bus ride to Querétaro? Is there a limit to how much luggage one can bring? Could I text you or somehow send you my potential list of stuff? I value your opinion on what's necessary (because it'll cost too much if I try to buy it there), and what I might as well get once I get to Querétaro. I plan to be there no later than September 2022. My birthday is 9/24...I'll be 58! I want to celebrate my birthday in my new home. I receive ssdi and a small pension so during those first few weeks, cutting corners will be essential. For now, I'm trying to figure out where I should stay whilst I look for semi-permanent digs. I have a list of small Airbnb homes. What is your opinion about renting storage in the states whilst your in Mexico? I have items which I just don't want to part with...especially if I find a permanent unfurnished home...I'd want to fill it with what I already have. I'm still trying to figure it out...I have a year. In December, I should have enough saved up for my passport. Now THAT'S where I'm thoroughly confused. Do I need a passport book AND a card? I'm disabled, is there a way to get approved for residency and forego the 180-day visa? I truly don't want to have to come back to the states for an extended visa...not if it can be helped. You're very patient to read this...it's a lot. I just want to get this right. I haven't made as big of a move since I left South Florida for the southwest.
Hi, Kelly! I offer 1-1 Clarity Calls via Zoom to help people organize their moves to Mexico. You can learn more here: backpackingbrunette.com/consulting-services/
Apartment hunting tips, renting in Spanish cheatsheet & 11-point Move to Mexico Checklist! Download the FREE 32-page Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide (PDF) 👉🏼 backpackingbrunette.com/mexicoguide/
I'm from Queretaro but living in USA for long time, I really miss Queretaro is a beautiful town, friendly people
I feel very fortunate to call this incredible city home!
I moved to Querétaro 3 weeks ago and got an AirBnb in La Cruz for a couple of weeks. I took a tour of the city with a very nice driver and ended up finding an apartment that I liked near Puerta La Victoria. I'm about a 20 minute walk from Centro. I've got my residency paperwork completed and I'm just waiting for an email to come down for my card. My internet was installed 2 days after I called them. All in all it has been really easy to get set up. Now all I need to do is work on improving my Spanish. I signed up for BaseLang yesterday. Thanks for your videos. You have been a real help answering questions I didn't even know I had.
Welcome to Querétaro, Craig! I am so happy to hear you're settling in so well 🤗 wishing you all the best with your Spanish studies! You've got this 🤓
Great, welcome to our city 🤗
Puedes empezar a estudiar español por este medio TH-cam. Bienvenido.👍
@@alex-wittman dear BB can you give the name of hostel that will allow me to see and experience in the short term what you are recommending in Que ?
We are on the fence between SMA and Queretaro...we will be moving at the end of this year.
OMG!!!! it´s very strange to see my hometown, so pretty, so sunny.... while I´m here living in Germany, with the coldest spring ever... I love Querétaro, it used to be even prettier, more secure, smaller, but it is still a great place to live.
I think it would be tough to get used to the weather in Germany after living in Mexico!
Alex, I live in Boston, thinking of moving to Mexico, I do have family in Sonora and Yucatan, I don't like the weather in Yucatan, it is to humid, I heard that Queretaro is the safest and cleanest city in all Mexico.
Yay Querétaro! Been here in the Centro Histórico 10 years & love it!
I feel so fortunate to call this city home!
Greatly appreciate your honesty and the fact that you do not sugar-coat everything about expat living here. (I have lived here 10 years as a USA expat. Cannot imagine moving back.). I am thinking about relocating to GTO city. You have anything about that?
Moving to Querétaro this July from Austria and just looooooooving your videos!
Wishing you all the best with your future move to Mexico, R W H 🤗
I’m a Queretano living in Kansas . I go down and visit my family every year , i have visited a lot of places In Mexico but honestly nothing like queretaro .
Please you have to visit la Sierra gorda de queretaro you will not regret it
I have visited the Sierra Gorda twice! It's incredible! I can't wait to go back 🤗
Haha I'm from Kansas wanting to move to Queretano. Do you recommend? I work remote.
Very helpful! Great video - and so glad you connected with Mattie and Jordan
I am too, Maureen. Thanks for watching! 🤓
I lived in Milenio III b4 and I really like that place
Thanks for sharing! I definitely plan to include Milenio III 🤓 why did you personally like living there?
@@alex-wittman it was super safe, walking during the day or night I was always comfortable. There r various places to eat, tacos of "el primo" were cheap and good, 2 malls to buy groceries, the center of the city was like 5 to 10 min by car and the view was good, etc.
Just came back from Queretaro earlier this week.. enjoyed my time there!
Yay, I am so happy to hear that!
4:42 Don't tell me you walked past a dying dinosaur without doing anything to try to save it! I hear those things are going extinct.
There was nothing I could do, I SWEAR!!
#TangerineTravels?
That’s funny 😆
9:45 This is the young lady I am so jealous of because she's living in a nice apartment that's so cheap it might as well be free. My utilities alone last month were equal to her rent 😥
The only thing cuter than Louise's apartment is her dog!
Thanks!...super helpful and concise vids! Keep us posted on the membership site...much success!
Thanks! It launched on Saturday & has been a real success so far. In case you're interested: backpackingbrunette.com/register/
Great vlog! Wishing you great success with your new upcoming website.🎉
Thank you so much, Jose!
I arrived on 1-2-2021, and I love this city. Thank you so much. I will work on my retirement visa now.
I live just below Cimatario, on a boulevard called Avenida del Parque. (Highway 400 to Huimilpan) 5 km of hiking/biking in the center of the boulevard.
I was out that way a few months ago & it was really nice!
There are also very good neighborhoods in corregidora, queretaro near the pyramid of “el pueblito” 🙂
I'd heard that but haven't spend much time over there myself. I will have to check it out! Thanks for the tip!
Great video! I learned a lot! It’s nice to see your life there in Queretero and see the city:)
Thanks for watching, Erinna! I plan to show even more of the city in coming videos 🤓 anything in particular you'd like to see me cover??
@@alex-wittman Awesome! Maybe you can show some cool places to go (like restaurants) in those locations! Where are more expats located? Where are the family-friendly locations? Where do the young people hang out? Looking forward to your upcoming videos!
Always interesting and relevant thank you so much
Taylor got to speak again! Great video. Looking forward to more discussions on neighborhoods.
I might have him join me for a bit in the live tonight!
Another great video! Good job Alex!!
Thanks, Charlie!
Check Zakia, la Vista, mision conca, misión San Jerónimo as well, they are close to refugio and they are very beautiful... There's also Alamos, carretas, arcos...
Thank you for the recommendations! Mich appreciated!
Your video are so JAMM-PACK with helpful information.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the information about the air quality when i arrive in San Juan Del Rio Querétaro for all my time there regularly I feel like I am running out of breath even when I am talking I realize that something was wrong because I was perfectly good in my country at one point I think it was covid but I get tested and I was ok and the moment I arrived back in my country I was good again it's now that I am learning that it's it the air quality with all said I love Querétaro beautiful and nice.. keep up your good work Alex
Thanks for watching! The air quality isn't as bad as in some big cities, but it's still a factor--as you've experienced.
10:10 😂😂😂 Cute pup alert! 🐶😍
Yes!!!!
I'm looking forward to my move to Mexico in Aug. However, the transportation from cheaper airports like you mentioned (Mexico City) is almost non-existent if your traveling with a pet. It would be so much cheaper but I'm then stuck getting to Queretaro. The busses in Mexico such as ADO only allow pets to ride under the bus with luggage. That's crazy. In the heat and with luggage falling over. That did seem like a rather expensive ticket price you paid from Queretaro to Indiana. That was what a round trip was from Scotland. I look forward to your video of the neighborhoods as I am debating two of those on your list.
Queretaro Mexico Is Beautiful
As for neighborhoods, we disliked Juriquilla as all the homes were the same and the nearby restaurants and businesses were all in mini malls. Some people like that many things there are new. Now we are in Alamos 2da and like it much better. We are within walking distance of el Centro, many great restaurants and other small businesses. We don't have a car, but mostly walk or Uber. We met a great driver that we call and pay cash and it is cheaper than renting a car for going to SMA or Pena de Bernal. It is worthwhile to get an AirBnB to start and find a neighborhood you like.
Regarding the fireworks, I remember some of the ones that made a lotta noise such as los Cometas, las Burras y las Mariposas just to name a few. We used to use them for the only purpose of making noisy sounds like a BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. I miss those times. Only the memories remain.
Thanks for sharing this! Do you know the difference between the three? Different sounds?
@@alex-wittman It's been a while(many years) since I played with them but las burras, if they still make them, make a strong boom sound, las mariposas used to make a more diffuse softer boom sound and los cometas were the ones closer to the traditional fireworks. Los cometas made a sound that resemble more of a constant rocket sound but they spiraled away from the ground projecting upward therefore, due to the spiraling nature of cometas, their sound was changing from a lower to a higher amplitude and oscillated between the two relatively fast. Hope that helps!
I live in Qro, I feel you should definitely cover El Campanario aswell!
Thanks for the suggestion!
amazing cant wait for your next video "best neighbourhood"
would love to know which is for families where kids can play outside safely with other kids and socialize
Thanks for watching, William! My plan is to publish that video at the end of May 🤓
I was impressed by the recycling bins. They are just like the ones we have in some of the Portuguese cities. They've only been installed in the last few years or so. En hora buena Querétaro. I was also impressed with the bikes available for getting around the city. I wouldn't imagine Mexico to be a bicycle friendly country as streets are pretty congested and drivers might not respect cyclists as they do in Europe (outside of Italy). Just curious if there is any danger of being held up using ATMs. In Brazil, for example, you would never find an ATM outside a bank. I guess the type of crime in Mexico is different from that in Brazil. In Brazil you can be held up on a bus, at the beach (arrastão), while getting out of your car at your house, even on some highways. Most Brazilians I meet say they have had a gun pointed to their head at least once. From what I hear Querétaro is pretty safe.
Thanks for watching, Ray! Yes, Querétaro has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Mexico. If I am on my own, I try to only go to the ATM during the day, but that's the same as I do in the US.
Happy to have found your site. Thank you for the tour. FYI - The link to the FREE Move to Mexico Quick Start guide is NOT working. Even when I tried to download it from your main website, it did not work. 🤔
Thank you for the information about the industry which surrounds Queretaro. Are there any surrounding areas that you recommend for better air quality?
You forgot Zakia, it’s in the middle of Zibata & el Refugio ✨✨✨✨ there are a lot of parks and pretty houses too ✨✨✨✨
Thank you for the recommendations, Liliana!
Mi esposo trabaja en Trinity Rail acá en USA creo hay otro en Querétaro, me gustaria visitar
Surprised I haven’t seen your vids sooner. Great vids.
Glad you like them!
Great idea s ..all the best
Thanks for watching, Mary Joan!
How is the digital nomad scene in Queretaro?
I never new about Queretaro before seeing your videos, and I'm considering moving there now too.
I'm a digital nomad, and it would be great if Queretaro had some other nomads there, coworking spaces, events, etc.
they dont need anymore digital nomads....
Hi, just wondering if loma dorada neighborhood is worth considering to live. Thanks
Many of the buildings have great views & a few people have suggested it here in the comments as a great place to live.
In your neighborhood video you should feature, El Campanario and Balvanera as well.
Thanks for the suggestions!
i've been watching alex for a while now because i'm coming to queretaro soon: smart, pretty, charismatic, but baked asparagus w olive oil, garlic and parm, wow, where did you learn that at your age??!!👍👍
🥰🥰
How difficult is it to bring pet dogs to Queretaro from the U.S. We have two Bernese Mountain dogs. Thank you.
It's actually pretty straightforward! This is helpful: www.mexperience.com/mexico-essentials/bringing-pets-to-mexico/
Alex, Yours is the most informative ex-pat channel on You Tube. Queretaro is our first choice for retirement. So you are a godsend. Thanks as always.
I am so glad to hear you find my videos helpful, Doug 🤓 When retirement comes, I hope you will feel totally ready for life in Mexico!
I really recommend altozano is a new neighborhood near to Juriquilla it is rounded by nature. it have even a river crossing the neighborhood it's so cool
That sounds lovely, I will have to check it out!
Coming to visit in June to see if queretaro is right for us thanks to you girl! LOVE your content!!!
Safe travels, Krislyn!
Your videos are amazing... from my beloved queretaro im mexican and your english are pretty well I understand all, but i cant understand your friend 😅 im sorry..
Greetings from queretaro Alex
Thanks for watching! I'm always looking for Querétaro recommendations so feel free to tell me your favorite restaurants & things to do 🤓
@@alex-wittman you should visit brewers is the best restaurant in arteaga street i love craft beer in this restaurant you can find different kind of beers and the meals are so tasty
I'm coming girl!
Vamos al parque cimatario!!! Sounds like a plan? 🤩
Siiiiiii 😍
Que tal te fue?
One issue I seldom hear asked is laundry. Do you have a washing machine? If not, are there good laundrymats available or places that launder your cloths for you? Thanks Alex!
Great question! I don't have a washing machine. I use a laundry service called Mr. Jeff. They come to my house every week to pick up my dirty clothes & drop it off two days later all fresh and folded. It costs around $37 USD/month for four loads, but there are lots of walk-up laundromats that are cheaper.
Hi Alex! I´m a learner of the English language. I like a lot your videos. Take care.
Good luck with your English studies, Francisco!
Is there any public swimming pools there... kind of like the ymca?
Hi, Rachel! Up at the place where I was walking around the track (Casa de la Juventud), there's a public indoor swimming pool.
Hi. I moved to Chapala, JAL 10 years ago from Oakland, Calif. and I am getting tired of being just another Gringo in Gringolandia. I really like a lot of things about Q'ro, but nobody talks about the rural areas there. I have a horse, I have a large dog, and I want to live away from El Centro, but still close enough to drive in within about 30 minutes. Any resources you can recommend to help guide me? I plan on relocating in about 1 - 2 years. Thanks, John
Have you considered changing the name of your YT channel? I saw it had backpacking in the name and I thought not interested in backpacking so didn't subscribe and then some videos showed up in my feed and I saw it wasn't a backpacking channel. Just an idea for marketing since you create good content and deserve more subscribers.
Thanks for the feedback! For now, I'm going to stick with the name since it pays homage to my roots. I started blogging way back in 2014 after backpacking around Europe.
Are there any repetitive barking dogs that you can hear regularly when you're at home? The repetitive barking dogs from neighbours has been my biggest source of suffering while in Mexico.
Fortunately, the dogs in my neighborhood are pretty quiet. I'm sorry to hear that hasn't been your experience!
You should check out the University side of Centro - amazing and cheaper. Also, Alamos lll Bosques de Acuesucto also at edge of Centro…
Ooooo yes! Some of my favorite parts of the city!
Cerro de las campanas is also a nice park full of green areas in the middle of the city. The bad part is that they require a fee to enter iirc, because it's kinda touristy.
I was there earlier this week. Very peaceful on a Tuesday!
How would the thin air in Queretero affect someone with asthma like myself? What about places like San Miguel, Peurto Vallarta or Baja?
What is the best passive incom or what type of jobs are there?
Best type of passive income depends on your skillset. Personally, I've found success selling digital products. If you're a foreigner, I recommend looking into jobs that allow you to work online. Generally, there's greater earning potential.
Are you originally from Indiana? I noticed you mentioned flying to South Bend. We are in Fort Wayne.
I'm a Michigander! SBN is just the closest airport.
But you should be careful if you move on bike or motorbike in town...the last years a lot of bikers and motorbikers were hit by cars...unfortunately most of them die....Also the security in Town is not so good because a lot of delinquency come from other states to this State mainly on weekends; and about the unemployment it is very high in this State because the Pandemy of Covid-19 and the economical problems of México since the last 40 years, but you are right about pollution that normally is low and good for walking around the Town, and also the people is very friendly and honest, in anyway you are welcome to México. Regards.
Why did you move to Queretaro? I spent my summers there when I was a kid
In one of my first videos on my channel, I shared the reasons, but basically, I liked the proximity to Mexico City (good for travel), it has a good reputation for being one of the safest cities in Mexico & it isn't a huge expat hub (I wanted a different kind of experience after living in Madrid).
The best neighborhood, El Campanario
That's another vote for El Campanario! Thanks for the suggestion, Ricardo!
A good,organized video and to the point.I have good friend who has been living in San Migue for 1.5 yrs l,and she has to go to Quretaro for medical treatment.She may consider moving yet heard furnished apartments are hard to find.She doesn't want an unfurnish one.Any suggestions?She has seen some of your videos.She likes how Queretaro is less expensive than San Miguel.
I would tell her to look into renting an Airbnb long term. In my last video, my friend Louise provides tips for how she did just that.
Thank you.
I will be moving there on November 2, I would like a furnished studio apartment.
Best of luck!
@@alex-wittman I got everything I wanted. I am 79 and will apply for the basic retirement. I order groceries from La Comer, but problems submitting final order to Walmart. I have my first cell phone , and did not know it ran out of time, but my neighbor helped me.
I did get a beautiful apartment overlooking the city from my balcony. The apartment is furnished and includes all utilities. I use La Comer for home delivery of groceries, and super happy with their service. I used Volaris Airlines from Chicago to Queretaro one way, and I did get the 180 days. I paid $16 from the airport with one of the white taxis at the airport, and there is a bus there also.
I am learning how to use my first cell phone purchased from Telcel on my first day here. I do speak Spanish as a second language, but I do not read or write it, like I speak it.
Very nice video thank you
Perhaps after Puerto Morelos, you'll consider coming to Queretaro!
How is wheelchair accessibility in Queretaro?
Nice!
Thank you! Cheers!
Puppy likes to chew! Love doggies! Is puppy part dachshund? (They are very sweet, small dogs!)
If you're referring to Louise's dog, Jon, I don't think he's part dachshund....he's actually pretty big now!
Thx for info. What I would like to know. Are there building codes relating to residential properties? Does housing in Mexico have wall insulation or is it only block? How about windows? Metal, wood, or vinyl?
I'm not an expert but my family owns multiple properties in the State of Mexico. building codes are rarely enforced. No wall insulation, usually. There's not much of a need, temperatures stay relatively constant. Metal is used in almost every building from the rebar to fixtures and windows. Poorer homes and industrial buildings use aluminum roofs. Wood is minimal to nonexistent as 1) it's expensive in Mexico and 2) homes are built to last centuries so there's not much demand for materials that rot and mold. Vinyl can be acquired and there is a growing market. It's preferable, in my opinion, to the homes built where I live in Georgia (US). The homes here can get stuffy in the summer due to the wood and insulation and trapped air and humidity.
I am curious about Querétaro. I was planning to go last march when everything shut down, on my way to SMA. I tried to download the "free"PDF, but it wasn't free. How is the water supply in Querétaro? The aquifer in SMA is being depleted rapidly. As much as I love SMA, I would not live there because of the water shortage and deteriorating water quality. Hopefully Querétaro isn't part of the same aquifer. If you like dance, you might look into the tango community in QRO. Maggie Druse has a studio, has lived in QRO for some time and speaks fluent english, and spanish. Looking forward to seeing more of your experience in QRO.
Hi, Robert! I got your email & I am glad you were able to download the Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide. I am not sure where the Queretaro water supply comes from, but there's never been a drinking shortage or anything like that since I moved here. Thanks for sharing the tango contact--I've never taken a dance class but would be interested!
@@williamhe8959 awesome info which places in Mexico have the best water and how do I find this information?
You are making this very tempting!
That's what I like to hear, David!
Can you do a video on dog friendly neighborhoods to rent in? Thanks!
"I am 87" !!!! I I am "only" 72, so I guess there is still hope for me!
Most definitely still hope!
I moved to the beautiful, clean and safe Queretaro, Mexico at the age of 79 .from the deadly USA The police do not play here, and the people are super nice, respectful, and kind. It is less expensive to live here, and I have a beautiful apartment, and my own driver and maid and laundry, and above all FREE wifi. I have lived since 1962 part time in Acapulco, but I was in 6 earthquakes and one hurricane.,There are people of African ancestry n Mexico, and the 2nd President of Mexico was of African ancestry. Vicente Guerrero,
BEST NEIGHBORHOODS? In shopping for a house I must have seen all 10,000 neighborhoods in QRO. Found a fab house in a lovely forested gated community which NEVER appears on anybody's BEST list.
I’d love to see a video of you visiting the nearby national park you mentioned. My wife and I moved to QRO just over a year ago but haven’t visited much outside centro yet for fear of the virus. I got my first vaccine two weeks ago. When we’re both fully vaccinated, we’ll be looking for places like that park to visit,
I hope to make a vlog about it soon, Billy!
We are seniors looking for a low to medium cost of living beach town, not to touristy. Any suggestions?
What is the best way to get to San Miguel de Allende from Queretaro? I mean, is there a certain bus line you would recommend? We are planning to come in December and want to split time in both places.
Personally, I like ETN.
Alex, enjoy your videos, I am either coming in September or November for about 4 months.
57 year old man(retiree math teacher)- I am looking on airbnb-what area of The city should I be looking to be able to enjoy the city --and is $600 month rent possible for furnished studio or 1 bedroom, thanks
We hoped to move there without a car but we will likely have at least 1 dog and wonder if we should drive our suv there for her....difficult to get an uber that will take a dog or two for vet visits, etc ? Thx !
It depends on how big your dog is. Uber doesn't have an official policy about pets--it's up to the individual drivers. So you can just ask in the chat when you request a ride.
I remember Queretaro s music....SIX BEER ...SATANIC ....BESTIA DE METAL...three brutal old heavy metal bands....that s Qro for me!!
Just the other day, a friend of mine from Michigan told me he loves the heavy metal bands from Qro!
@@alex-wittman yes...i used to love those vikings Bestia de Metal...they use to play live on the sidewalk...it was like seeing Motor Head in home...those days are gone...😂...☺
Thank you
Thanks for watching, D!
I'am from Querétaro... I could recomend you some other places to live here... Like Arboledas, Álamos, Loma Dorada, Jardines de la Hacienda... Or some more exclusive places: El Campestre and El Campanario.
I'am glad you are happy living here. Son muy bienvenidos y les deseo lo mejor! Cualquier otra información que pueda ayudarles, encantado 😄👌
Me puedes recomentar sitios para quedarte en vacaciones? Cuales zonas son menos seguras y cuales son mas seguras?
Gracias por las sugerencias, José! Eres muy amable!
Si quieres conocer el centro, hay muchos Airbnbs en el centro histórico! Es una zona muy segura.
@@alex-wittman de acuerdo, hay varios Airbnbs y el Centro es muy seguro... En general la ciudad... Yo creo que como en todos lados depende de moverse siempre en buenos lugares y espacios y a buenas horas. A mí jamás me ha sucedido algo.
I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but the link to your "free" PDF only takes me to a link that charges for the information. Thanks.
Here's the link to download the free Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide: freebies.backpackingbrunette.com/movetomexicoguide
If you fly in to Mexico City, do you take the bus to Querétaro?
Yes! There's a bus directly from the CDMX airport to Qro. The line is called Primera Plus.
Environmental economists widely believe that most recycling isn't beneficial when you factor in the total cost with the benefits.
I've read similar reports about recycling...For me, it's also just another reason to get out of the house and walk.
6:54 the glasses are OFF THE HOOK....she's BatGirl
😎😎😎
Great video again. Disappointed hearing about fireworks, are they happening a lot? Probably have to wait for our dog to pass before we make the move. One question? Have you ever had contact with the police there in Queretaro? And what was that like?
Thanks for watching! I've never had to interact with the police here, but I do see them out & about a lot in the centro patrolling. They seem professional and courteous.
Interested in schools for our kids. Looking at JFK but not aware of any others. Appreciate any comments. Thanks in advance.
I don't have children of my own, but perhaps, I could find some families to talk to about their experience.
You are from south bend? I has property in south bend! Very quaint town! Beautiful river runs through but very many drugs 😂
I live on border and am looking to move to interior of country, your videos very informative!
I'm not from South Bend...I'm about 30 minutes down the road in Southwest Michigan.
How about health insurance? Any suggestions?
I have health insurance with Grupo Nacional Provincial.
Thank you . I'm 8 years out but every intention of calling mexico home .. I've spent alot of time there and love it .. I married into mexico and immigrated her here to the states . Most certainly heading there for retirement. Insurance has been my number one and only concern. .. I've had much of my health care done in mexico as paying cash, but I believe long term insurance would be the way to go . Live your channel..
Hi Alex,
I have applied for my Mexican Temporary Residency Visa using economic solvency. All documentation was approved BUT Employment Verification Letter. The Consulate requested that the signing HR administrator include a photo ID. My HR Department said they don't provide their personal ID. I'm stuck in the middle. Did you experience this request?
Hi Paige, I did not experience that request nor have I heard of anyone else who has. What consulate did you go to?
@@alex-wittman Douglas, Arizona
I have emailed the Phoenix consulate for an appointment hopefully I will not be ask this again I think it's strange
Thank you! That was very informative. I'm traveling from Albuquerque. I'm not sure I understood you. One should fly into Mexico City then take the 3-hr bus ride to Querétaro? Is there a limit to how much luggage one can bring? Could I text you or somehow send you my potential list of stuff? I value your opinion on what's necessary (because it'll cost too much if I try to buy it there), and what I might as well get once I get to Querétaro. I plan to be there no later than September 2022. My birthday is 9/24...I'll be 58! I want to celebrate my birthday in my new home. I receive ssdi and a small pension so during those first few weeks, cutting corners will be essential. For now, I'm trying to figure out where I should stay whilst I look for semi-permanent digs. I have a list of small Airbnb homes. What is your opinion about renting storage in the states whilst your in Mexico? I have items which I just don't want to part with...especially if I find a permanent unfurnished home...I'd want to fill it with what I already have. I'm still trying to figure it out...I have a year. In December, I should have enough saved up for my passport. Now THAT'S where I'm thoroughly confused. Do I need a passport book AND a card? I'm disabled, is there a way to get approved for residency and forego the 180-day visa? I truly don't want to have to come back to the states for an extended visa...not if it can be helped. You're very patient to read this...it's a lot. I just want to get this right. I haven't made as big of a move since I left South Florida for the southwest.
Hi, Kelly! I offer 1-1 Clarity Calls via Zoom to help people organize their moves to Mexico. You can learn more here: backpackingbrunette.com/consulting-services/
I love Querétaro
Ahhhh same! I feel so fortunate to live here!
what is weather like
better to drink the coconut water out of the coconut rather than plastic cup... every bit helps.
Great point! Next time I plan to bring my own reusable container 🤓
Do you need some kind of bank account if so how do you go about getting one? Thanks.
I just have my US bank account with Charles Schwab! No atm or foreign transaction fees!