Patzcuaro, Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Sep 24, 2021

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees discuss what it is like to live in Patzcuaro, Mexico: Cost of living, Finding a home, Meeting People and more.

What do I need to know about living in Patzcuaro?

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When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Patzcuaro, they said:

"Learn basic phrases in Spanish, be patient and kind. Remember Mexico is a foreign country and nothing like the United States. If you are an arts and crafts person and are retired or have your own income, I think you would like it here," said another expat in Patzcuaro.

How do I meet people in Patzcuaro?

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When we asked people living in Patzcuaro about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"It depends on who you want to meet. There is an English library inside the restaurant, Lupita's, a few steps from the Bascilica on Arciga Street. A volunteer group has their meetings there. English is spoken. They would welcome volunteers. If you want to meet Indigenous Purepecha, Mulle (dock) San Pedrito is run by them and it is a beautiful park next to the lake. Also they sell their art on the street and in the mercado in Centro ( open every day-even Christmas.) They also sell fruits and vegetables, clothes, shoes, socks, anything you need. To become friends with local people, it is necessary to speak Spanish and they are friendly. There are usually English speakers sitting outdoors at a cafe on Plaza Grande. One can take Spanish lessons as well," said another expat in Patzcuaro.

"Just talk to people in Spanish anywhere you happen to be. I'm not a club person or organized. Haven't met any other americans here," remarked another in Patzcuaro.

Will I be able to find a job in Patzcuaro?

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When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Patzcuaro, they reponded:

"Most likely in Morelia, the state capital. This is a small town with a high unemployment rate. I have not seen Americans except as tourists or at the library. People grow crops. Wood carving and all the arts and crafts made in Patzcuaro and surrounding pueblos are sold here. Perhaps if one had a job in Morelia, they could live here and commute. There are buses and taxis. Many people own cars. It takes an hour one way," said another expat in Patzcuaro.

"I'm retired, but if you can do manual labor, and are good, perhaps. This is a small town. If people are looking for jobs, Morelia, the state capital that is an hour away, is best," added another person living in Patzcuaro.

What is life like in Patzcuaro?

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When we asked people living in Patzcuaro what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"People here, like other cities, love fiestas of which their are many. Family and socializing are the priorities for my friends. Men are macho and kind to women and children. People sit outdoors and love to talk. Of course, they must make a living. Couples marry young here and the young women and their beautiful children are often the only ones on the little buses during the day. People like to follow soccer on t.v," remarked another expat in Patzcuaro.

"This is Purepecha country. Of course, people's lives revolve around their families, taking care of their farm animals, and socializing in centro's 2 plazas. Growing and selling vegetables and fruit is a priority," explained one expat living in Patzcuaro.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Patzcuaro accepting of differences?

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"I would think that most people are Catholic. I haven't seen any other churches and the children attend Catholic schools. As anywhere the wealthy are interested in making more money. Mexicans are very polite here and would rather lie than hurt your feelings. So it is difficult to know," said another expat in Patzcuaro.

"They accept me. This is a Catholic country. This is michoacan, so we're all poor. Tourists pay a small fortune for a hotel," added another person living in Patzcuaro.