Moving to Oaxaca?

 Oaxaca – One of the best cities in Mexico

Renowned for its intoxicating mix of different cultures and languages, expats and foreigners alike are drawn to Oaxaca because of its indigenous identity and charm.

Oaxaca is a magical destination. It was named the best city in the world in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2020. It is the city where mezcal is produced, Nahuatl is spoken, textiles abound, and homemade tortillas are sold.  

Oaxaca is a highly indigenous state on the southwest pacific coast of Mexico. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Backed by the rugged Southern Sierra mountains, the best beaches in Oaxaca run along a jagged coastline that weaves in and out of rocky bays. The most popular beaches include: Zipolite, Bahía de Huatulco, Bahia San Agustin, and Playa Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido.

At 5,000 feet above sea level, Oaxaca’s climate is dry and warm (75 F to 80 F) most of the year. The hottest month of the year is April, with temperatures in the low 90s F. Rains generally come in June.

10 things to know about Oaxaca

1. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico

Bright colored buildings line cobble stone streets, incredible cathedrals, and spectacular mountains in the skyline. City streets and coastal sunsets look like your favorite postcards.

2. Cheap cost of living in Oaxaca

Oaxaca City is very affordable. Total monthly expenses, including rent, can run from $900 USD upwards of $1,500 USD.  Many expats find food shopping at the Benito Juarez market both inexpensive and enjoyable. Steet food is safe and delicious: tlayudas, tamales, empanadas, chapulines (grasshoppers) are some of my favorites. Oaxaca City is cheap compared to other expat destinations such as San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala, and Los Cabos.

3. Language – Take Spanish classes before you travel or move to Oaxaca

Over 16 different indigenous languages are spoken in Oaxaca. Much of the population therefore, does not speak Spanish.

There are fewer English-speaking Oaxacans compared to other expat cities in Mexico, so your ability to speak Spanish is essential. There are local Spanish schools in Oaxaca city and the larger towns. Online Spanish language training opportunities abound.

4. Festivals and parades in Oaxaca

Public events and celebrations are a constant in Oaxaca. There is everything from eight-day long mezcal festivals, to wine fiestas, corn god parades, and wedding celebrations.

The downside to the celebratory culture is the noise.  Many Mexican cities are noisy, but Oaxaca is especially boisterous. The one thing you can do to reduce the noise is either to join the celebration or purchase earplugs (tapones de oidos). Just be sure not to ask for tampons (you know what these are).

5. Fireworks in Oaxaca

With every party, event, or celebration there are fireworks. Expect fireworks as a normal and almost daily occurrence in Oaxaca. Locals also accompany fireworks with loud firecrackers. Be prepared to be woken in the early hours of the morning and late hours of the night to loud popping sounds. These are birthday, patron saints, or historical figure celebrations.

6. Travel to towns in Oaxaca

There is a wonderful world of food, culture, and landscapes to explore in Oaxaca.  In less than an hour to the north, there is a cooler climate with tall pine trees and spectacular views.  The mountains surrounding the city are home to authentic villages, old-style country living, and beautiful nature. Less than 2 hours to the east, is the dramatic stone waterfall, Hierve el Agua, the rugmakers of Teotitlán del Valle, and El Tule, the world’s widest tree.  A half an hour to the south, you can visit the wood carvers of Arrazola, who make the famous painted animals called “alebrijes”. You can also visit the potters of San Bártolo de Coyotepec, who make the famous black pottery.  If you’d like to take a longer trip, the beautiful beaches of Mazunte, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco can be reached in a half a day´s drive.

7. Look for housing and rentals on your own

When you search for short and long-term rentals in Oaxaca through traditional sources such as Airbnb and VRBO they tend to be more expensive. If you are willing to use your Spanish, you may find more affordable options. One example is Facebook groups like Renta de Casas y Departamentos and Casas en Renta y Venta Oaxaca. Another way to find good offers is through word of mouth from expats and local Mexicans. Locating rentals via a real estate agent or agency is always more expensive.

8. Internet Wifi speeds vary by neighborhood

People moving from Canada or the US will find similar internet access in Oaxaca. The difference, however, will be in the price (internet costs in Oaxaca are much cheaper) and the dependability of the signal.

Internet speeds in Oaxaca, like those in other Mexican cities, can vary by neighborhood and by service provider. Before you rent a home or apartment, be sure to ask the neighbors or property owners about what company they use and the average internet speeds.  If you work from home and require a consistently dependable internet speed; you might want to consider contracting two different internet service providers, so that if one goes out, you will always have the other to fall back on.

9. Oaxacans are friendly

The best way to connect with Oaxacans is to mirror their warmth. Start by greeting them on the street by looking into their eyes with a smile and saying hola or hola, buenos días. This simple gesture will open the door to everything from help with directions, discovering cultural riches, finding must try restaurants and street food, and identifying the best mezcal bars.

 10. History of uprisings and unrest in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has a rich tradition of political struggles. Teachers have been on the forefront of popular revolts over the last three decades. The biggest conflict occurred in May, 2006 when the local teachers´ trade union, Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO), members took over Oaxaca City. They demanded that the state and federal governments attend to a range of problems connected to their working conditions.

The culture of popular revolts and unrest is not limited to one event. Be aware that these types of uprisings can happen again. Pay close attention to the local news and happenings.