Hermosillo, Mexico Report of what it's like to live there - 09/22/22
Personal Experiences from Hermosillo, Mexico
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Europe, South America, Central America and Mexico.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Certain flights are seasonal so at times it's easier to travel to the US (Jan-Jun) than the other half of the year.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is great. The housing is located close to the old and new consulate. The houses are in gated communities and most of them come with a pool. The houses are a mix of modern and older. They are very spacious.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fantastic. There is a plethora of options Costco (where your membership works in the U.S. too), Sams Club, Walmart, Taste, Soriana, etc. There is also a store called Jung Real Food that provides healthy food options including some vegan and gluten- free products. Groceries are very affordable along with a myriad of cheap restaurants throughout the city.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing to ship instead, I just purchase certain items when I travel to AZ such as gluten free products or some specialty favorites that are not readily available in Mexico. The drive to Tucson is very easy.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are tons of good and affordable restaurants here. If you're looking for something nicer/fancy, there are plenty of good steak houses. Rappi and uber eats are readily available here.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the logistics center in Brownsville and then they deliver the items to post a couple days a week. Mail can be a little slow at time taking a week or more to arrive but in general it works well.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There are plenty of good housekeepers ready to help or nannies. Just ask around in the community.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are yoga studios here, Club Los Lagos de Golf is a nice country club that has golf, racket sports, a gym, a pool etc. There are also other more affordable gym options throughout the city.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes. I use the ATM at the consulate to be on the safe side.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It's definitely helpful to know Spanish, though if you don't you can find a tutor. A lot of people here speak English and there is a small expat community of native English speakers in Kino, San Carlos and even in Hermosillo.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Potentially yes, there are not a lot of sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Follow the advice given in the RSO briefing. Taxis, trains, buses etc are generally off-limits. I've used Uber a few times and I have been fine, but I would recommend having and using your own car.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Any car is fine, however, given that when it rains a lot the roads flood a lot and the number of pot holes, an SUV for clearance can be a nice choice.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Housing does a good job already having your internet installed in your home before you arrive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Keep US provider or use Google fi.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Lots of consulate members have pets and they seem pretty happy.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plenty, some people volunteer with their churches, some with the local hospitals; ask the Community Liaison Office (CLO) for more information.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Generally people tend to dress on the more casual side, primarily due to the heat.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
While there is violence throughout Mexico and even in the state of Sonora, Hermosillo is relatively safe in comparison to the rest of the state and other cities in Mexico. We do not have any off limit areas in the city. We can drive from here to the US border in three hours. We can also go to the beaches Kino and San Carlos. There are Cartel members in Hermosillo and maybe even some in your neighborhood, however, like many posts, it's important to follow the security guidance given to you by RSO during your briefing upon your arrival.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good medical care, there is a local doctor at the consulate. Good dental care as well and some good specialists.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air can be humid at times and dry other times of the year. Many officers have a air purifier or humidifier in their home to help with the air.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
The air can be a bit dusty at times.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No, Hermosillo is very hot. While there is a "winter/cooler" season here, it's a pretty sunny place to live.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely hot for half of the year, and perfect for the other half.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Only diplomatic community here. There are a few expats, mainly retirees but they keep more to themselves. Ford Motor company is here however, I have yet to meet anyone who works there.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's a great post for couples and families. For singles, it can be a bit more challenging since the consulate community is really small and mainly full of families or couples with no kids. However, your time here is what you make of it. If you want to have a good time you can, you might just have to work a little harder as a single. Surprisingly there are a good number of activities at Post. There are groups that go hiking, play basketball, and soccer.
3. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It can be hard a first to break into the local scene here however, a good place to start is with the local staff. The local staff is very friendly and outgoing and they can introduce you to other people as you get to know them. I've had a great time going to events and having a good time with the local staff at Post.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, this city is very LGBTQIA friendly. I've seen the flag outside of several businesses around town. In addition, I've seen several LGBTQIA Mexicans in Hermosillo. Same sex marriage is legal in Sonora and in 28 of the 32 states in all of Mexico. I've lived in another area of Mexico and Sonora is definitely a lot friendlier to the LGBTQIA community.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I've enjoyed hiking, going to the beach and the proximity to Arizona and the hiking options there as well.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hiking, going to the beach, going to the outdoor movie theater, eating good steak.
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
This city is a lot safer than many other cities in Mexico.
Words of Wisdom:
1. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen and rainboots. It does rain a lot during the monsoon season.
2. Do you have any other comments?
Like all posts in the Foreign Service, it is what you make of it.
