Best, Closest Mexican City to Visit from Houston

Hi Everyone

I need to get away but I don't want to fly. Im willing to drive to MX, but I,ve never done so. Can someone please let me know which city is safe and I can still enjoy the beauty the city has to offer.

Any intel is appreciated.

Thanks
TW71
Ned_Filanderer's Avatar
IMO, there are no drivable, safe cities in Mexico. I am sure someone will say I’m ignorant, but generally speaking the close, northern cities are not the safest. I’d spend the $250 and fly to Mexico City. I’ve been there twice in the last 3 months (and probably headed back in two weeks) and it was great. In addition to the good restaurants and tourist type activities, there are some good escort services there that you can connect with that will really take care of you.
Oralist's Avatar
The border towns are no longer safe, since the Drug Cartels moved in. Innocent people disappear on a regular basis now. The safest places are the Resort cities. Tourism is big business, so they are well protected by the government. Driving in Mexico has become dangerous, too.

They cancelled all school in Mexico City yesterday, due to air pollution because it was unsafe to be outdoors. Great city with lots to do, but air pollution is bad there. Flew into Mexico City from Mazatlan for a connecting flight to Houston. The air was yellow and you couldn’t see the terminal from the runway.
Babe, no city is safe in Mexico.
The only city that’s I can say would be the “safest” is Reynosa. I always go through there when I visit my grandparents. Matamoros is close to the beach, but lots of cartel drug trafficking.

People can easily tell if you’re coming from the “other side” how they call it, and will treat you different. Obviously there will be people out there who WILL try to take advantage just for the simple fact that you’re coming from the US. Trust me, I’ve been through that.
Be very careful and stay safe!! I wish you the best
The only safe city anywhere on earth is one without people. Back to reality now. I drive in Mexico 5 or 6 times a year to Monterrey, San Luis Potosi, Tampico and other places and I have never seen a problem. Driving there just like any place else requires common sense. I only drive on the highways during daylight hours and drive on toll roads if at all possible. If I'm going to Monterrey first I always take the Laredo-Monterrey toll road as it is always packed with cars and trucks, unlike Reynosa-Monterrey which you can be the only car for miles and it feels weird. Border cities are supposed to be rough, but again I have never seen any problems. It also helps if you not drive a "look at me" vehicle or any model that are stolen on a regular bases like pickups or Suburban/Tahoe and the like full size SUVs. Happy trails.
Part deux:
It goes to show how looking at which media will change your perspective, people in Monterrey are always telling me no to Reynosa as it is the worst and I will die instantly, jet lalapink says it is the safest. Again, I have never seen any problems in Reynosa or Laredo, but I'm sure thing happen just like in any other location. It reminds me of when people make comments about not going to Chicago as you are sure to get shot the minute you get off the plane.
USAsoldier's Avatar
If you are not directly involved with the drug cartels, whatever is left of them, then you have nothing to worry about. They don't want the attention that a kidnapping or killing of an American will bring them. The less American law enforcement attention on them the better.
I did a year and some tour with the Counter Drug unit in the TX National Guard in 2011 and then 8 months in 2017. Trust me when I tell you the RGV of Texas has the lowest crime rate in all of Texas.
The Mexican border cities, Progresso, Reynosa, Matamoros are getting better with more federal law enforcement and Mexican Military patrolling.
Anyways per your question why don't you drive to Tampico Tamaulipas and have a great time at one of the beach side resorts.
Super Head 713's Avatar
I’ve played in El Paso before, and there were also a few other working ladies
Hi Everyone

I need to get away but I don't want to fly. Im willing to drive to MX, but I,ve never done so. Can someone please let me know which city is safe and I can still enjoy the beauty the city has to offer.

Any intel is appreciated.

Thanks
TW71 Originally Posted by thewaters71
No Fly = No Safe. Even then. What is "safe"?

The safest places are the Resort cities. Originally Posted by Oralist
Drive USA for your "safe" strange.
LexusLover's Avatar
I need to get away but I don't want to fly. Im willing to drive to MX, but I,ve never done so. Can someone please let me know which city is safe and I can still enjoy the beauty the city has to offer.

Any intel is appreciated.

Thanks
TW71 Originally Posted by thewaters71
San Antonio. The River Walk has always been relaxing.
LexusLover's Avatar
I’ve played in El Paso before, and there were also a few other working ladies Originally Posted by Super Head 713
He wants to go to Mexico, but ...

San Antonio is closer than El Paso.

https://www.eccie.net/forumdisplay.php?f=1849
Nuevo Progreso is a safe town
From somebody in the know the operating Cartel is Cartel del Gulfo, which is a homegrown cartel based out of Montemoros NOT Los Zetas

They want Americans to have a nice time and come back so tourists are 'protected' in a way. The girls in the clubs are protected too any forced stuff is a stupid idea.

Of course stupid people get stupid prizes. Competing with the Cartel in their main business is deadly.

The town is 100% based on tourism.

The tourist area are two blocks on either side of the main road from the bridge going 6 or 8 blocks
Go to the Nuevo Progreso section to learn more
BTW you need a Passport or Passport Card to get back
I have a map available showing the ' hot ' spots only available via Pm and your E mail address. get a throwawy Email address if you have to.
Rosenberg would be the closest, mate.

Cheers
Channelview or Cloverleaf.