South Central Mexico. Born and raised on a farm in Illinois, lived near a University town of about 200,000. Couldn't stand the Winters (especially February) and in my 28-years there I never really fit in with anyone.
I met my wife then girlfriend in 2016. She's Mexican and asked me to come visit. I'd never left the U.S. or gone anywhere international where English wasn't the primary language. But by 2016, I was ready for a change.
Positives:
- City I live in is a garden city with tropical plants which stay green yearround
- The best food (not just Mexico...there are German, Belgian, Italian, French, Korean and Japanese immigrants)...all have local business and restaurants with affordable imports
- Economy. Almost every consumer electronic or product is more afforable here. Everything in the economy reminds me of how U.S. economy was in the 50's (based on those I know who lived it)
- People are very friendly to foreigners and tend to treat you like family almost instantly
- Less crime than where I grew up in Illinois. We're near the Gulf and the crime rings of cartels work the Pacific coast which is far off from me.
- My wife and I have a home I could have only dreamed of in Illinois
Too many positives but things I dislike (not going to say hate)
- You can pretty much drive without a license. This should come as no surprise that most taught themselves to drive. Drivers are homocidal maniacs. Never take an Uber, city bus or taxi unless you want to take a gurney as your last vehicle
- I said less crime but not zero crime. Petty theft and grand theft are pretty big. People will steal anything...even a doormat. Beef up your home security
- I can't stand really any Mexican music. Just, no. Everything song is the same three chords or melody. Grew up on Euro-Prog rock and Jazz...
- Pollution. It's not super bad here like in Mexico city but no one make a small effort to try buying vehicles made prior to 1990 that are burning oil. You'll have that one neighbor who buys 3 junkers and does no maintenance.
Other than that, we're okay.
I do miss the quiteness of the countryside where I grew up sometimes. We're at a 7 million + population here but the ranches here are nice. Just too remote and no fiber optic internet providers on the outskirts
having said that, there is never any trouble. Bottom half of the street looks after the top half, mostly pensioners. Do their gardens, for nothing, sort em out some smoke for their tea in the afternoon. It's weird, and strangely endearing in a way. 
