Hermosillo, Mexico Report of what it's like to live there - 09/10/24
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?
Hermosillo is my first post. I was an expat in Brazil and Argentina.
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?
Miami, Florida. All the major Mexican airlines fly there (Volaris, Viva AeroBus, AeroMexico) with a layover. The trip takes all day. It's the same as flying from California to New York with a layover.
3. What years did you live here?
2022 - present (2024).
4. How long have you lived here?
Since 2022.
5. 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 fantastic and a huge plus at post. We all live in modern, spacious homes with outdoor space. There are no apartments or small homes in the housing pool.
The homes are located in gated neighborhoods that have amenities such as a community swimming pool, gym, play ground, and outdoor space. I have a "small" house. It's two stories and has three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. My commute is roughly a 15 minute drive, to include traffic. There is no expat community in Hermosillo. The US Consulate is the only diplomatic mission in town. There are American and Canadian companies in Hermosillo (mining and auto industry) but I have yet to meet any expats who work there.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Availability is excellent for both grocery stores and household supplies. Hermosillo has great grocery stores, to include Sam's Club and Costco. Surprisingly, the cost of groceries is comparable to the U.S. The same Driscoll strawberries you see at Costco in the U.S. are also at Costco in Hermosillo.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None. Hermosillo has everything you need. If you forgot something that can't go in the mail you can always drive to Arizona and buy it.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Cuisines in Hermosillo consist of American, Mexican (Sonoran), Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai. The State of Sonora is the meat capital of Mexico. Beef is excellent quality and is plentiful in most dishes here. Food delivery/takeout options are also plentiful. People typically use UberEats, Rappi, and DiDi. All of them are reliable.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not that I've experienced so far. Hermosillo's climate and terrain are similar to Arizona (Tucson and Phoenix) so any typical problems that exist there probably exist here too.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Consulate mail comes from Texas. Mail is very quick and comes every week or two. I don't use local postal facilities.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I have a housekeeper come once a week and pay her $500 MXN for the day. Families typically have babysitters and nannies but I don't know the cost. Many housekeepers are also willing to do light cooking and laundry.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, with a caveat. Hermosillo is a safe city. However, there is no bike lane and the sidewalks are not in great shape (they randomly end, are uneven, etc.). If you're clumsy like me you're bound to trip or fall. Like Arizona, Hermosillo has many mountains that are popular for hiking. I see people biking outside but don't know specifically what the routes/tracks are. The local public university (UNISON) has a great outdoor space for exercising. It has workout areas with machines, swimming pool, and a large track for running. It's very easy (it's free!) and safe to access UNISON and to go hiking in Hermosillo.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Anything you can think of most likely exists in Hermosillo. There are gyms, women only gyms, pilates, yoga, CrossFit, spinning, hiit workout studios, etc. I go to a huge gym and it costs $800 MXN a month. I've also seen dance studios for adults and kids.
5. 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 to all of the above. All are safe. It's the same as using a credit card or ATM in the US.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
None that I know of. San Carlos is a lovely beach community that snow birds go to (Americans and Canadians). I've seen English language church services advertised.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to know Spanish to survive in Hermosillo. You cannot expect people to speak to you in English. Post has a free language program for Spanish. People at post have also hired private tutors. I don't know the cost but I'm guessing it's affordable because several people have gone down this route.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I'd say so. As I mentioned before the sidewalks are not in great shape. However, all the parking lots have handicap spaces. Most of the buildings probably don't meet ADA requirements.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We are not allowed to use public transportation. However, we can use Uber. It's affordable and reliable but wait times can be up to 20 minutes. That's rare though.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I would refrain from bringing an electric car. I haven't seen a gas station that can accommodate an electric car and if you were to have car problems I don't know how the car would be fixed/charged. That being said, someone at post had a Tesla and did just fine.
Generally speaking, there are unmarked speed bumps and potholes throughout Mexico. I'd recommend a car with high clearance that you don't mind getting dinged up. Leave behind your dream car and/or ostentatious car in the U.S. I also don't recommend a black SUV with tinted windows. All of the major car brands (Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Honda, Mercedes, BMW, Ford, Chevrolet, GM, Cadillac, etc.) have dealerships in Hermosillo.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes and it's great. I pay $25 USD a month. My house came with the internet already installed.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Post gives you a phone with a Mexican number. I have GoogleFi for my US phone because I want to maintain my US number. GoogleFi is okay but randomly drops service.
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?
I don't have a pet so can't speak personally about this. People at post have been happy with the vet care and kennel service. When I got to post pets did not need to be quarantined but that may have changed. I can't think of any pet considerations in Hermosillo. The quality, care, and services are excellent. If anything major happens you can always drive to Arizona.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There's no expat community. EFMs either telework, don't work, or work at the consulate. I don't know their salaries. Historically speaking EFM jobs at US missions abroad don't pay well.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
I don't know but that's a good question for the CLO or local staff.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work dress code is business casual, and I emphasize casual. Formal dress can be required for events or when visitors are in town.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
While Hermosillo is a safe city (the whole city is a green zone), Sonora is a hot bed for trafficking and cartel activity. For those reasons, we are heavily restricted on where we can go and are only allowed to drive to/from select locations within Sonora during daylight hours. Check out travel.state.gov to read more about travel in Sonora.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The sun is very strong here so make sure to use ample sunscreen daily. Medical care in Hermosillo is excellent. People from the consulate community have had emergency and planned surgeries in Hermosillo. The doctor at post is also fantastic. Although medical care is good, for anything very serious you would probably want to medevac (at least this is my personal perception, no matter where I am in the world). Remember, for anything major you can always drive to Arizona.
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?
Air quality is excellent. We can go outside and engage in outdoor activities whenever we want. I am not aware of seasonal air quality issues but people complain about dust and allergies related to that. Air quality has little to no impact on health.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
The summers are hot in Hermosillo (same climate as Phoenix and Tucson) so people complain that it's too hot outside. For food allergies you can find gluten free products locally but they are often quite expensive. Being a vegetarian is hard but doable in Hermosillo. You just have to be creative and patient when you're explaining to the waiter why you don't want meat in the enchiladas.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No winter blues because winter doesn't exist. I have struggled with feeling isolated in Hermosillo, but my situation is a little unique. I'm single and from a minority religion that has no presence nor institution within the entire state of Sonora. Celebrating my religion entails a flight to Mexico City (2.5 hours) or driving to Arizona (roughly a 5 hour drive). As a result, I've had to miss out on many, many holidays which has left me feeling isolated. While post has been very accommodating (giving me time off whenever I ask and being flexible), there is simply not enough time or money for me to travel to practice my religion regularly.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
I personally love the weather. Every day is warm, sunny, with a big bright blue sky. There's also zero humidity year round. November - May the weather is in the 80s. From June - October the weather hovers in the 100s, with some days reaching 120 degrees. The climate is similar to Phoenix and Tucson. It rarely rains in Hermosillo. You can count on sunny warm days 365 days a year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There is no international school, which has been a turnoff for USDH families. However, there are a handful of bilingual schools in Hermosillo. IMARC is a bilingual school that also has the American Space. There's also HighPoint International School, run by the Tecnologico de Monterrey (an elite university in Mexico) and Irish International School. I don't have kids so cannot personally comment on the quality of the bilingual schools.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are preschools and day care. There's a Montessori school that's popular. I don't know the cost of preschool or day care but I'm assuming it is significantly less than the US. The Los Lagos Country Club has many activities for kids of all ages and might even have a day care as well. I don't have kids so cannot personally comment.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, many. The Los Lagos Country Club has many activities for kids of all ages. I've seen many activities for kids (dance studios, arcades, art, swimming, etc.) around Hermosillo. Anything your kids do in the US you can probably find in Hermosillo.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is no expat community in Hermosillo. The expat community is the US consulate. Morale at post is excellent. People are very happy working at the consulate and living in Hermosillo.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The consulate community is very active and constantly has activities (book club, movie night, karaoke, hiking, beach days, etc.). We also frequently engage with the local staff at post and the community is very close. I personally don't make an effort to socialize outside of the consulate community. I don't want to risk associating myself with the wrong people due to presence of narcos (actual narcos or people with ties to them).
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For single people: it depends. There are singles at post and it's a tight community. Some people date locals. However, Hermosillo is not an urban party town.
For couples: yes, there are plenty of great places for date night. Hermosillo has a good restaurant scene.
For families: yes. In my opinion Hermosillo is best for families. There are so many activities for kids here. It's a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I haven't tried to make friends with locals due to narco concerns. The local staff at the consulate are phenomenal and very friendly. Regarding prejudices and racism in Hermosillo, I can't pinpoint a specific incident/trend but unfortunately there is bias and prejudice everywhere.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. The PRIDE parade is well attended. I see rainbow flags around the city. I heard there are drag shows and drag brunches but haven't been.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Unfortunately racism exists everywhere but I can't think of anything specific in Hermosillo. Hermosillo, like much of Latin America, has a machista culture. You may come across people with the mindset that the role of the man is to dominate, work, and make money and the role of the woman is to please the man, cook, clean, and take care of the kids.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Mexico has a rich culture and a diverse topography. It's been truly a joy traveling around the country. Mexico City, La Paz, and Queretaro have been my favorite places so far.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
San Carlos is a beach town that's an hour and a half drive from Hermosillo. It is gorgeous and one of the my favorite beaches in Mexico, nicer than the Yucatan Peninsula in my opinion. Kino is also a beach town close to Hermosillo, an hour and 15 minute drive. It's not as developed as San Carlos.
Hermosillo also affords easy access to Arizona. We frequently drive to Tucson over a three day weekend for shopping. Phoenix, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon are also within driving distance for a fun weekend getaway. There's a direct flight on Volaris from Hermosillo to Tijuana (one hour flight). The CBX border crossing in the Tijuana airport makes San Diego and Southern California in general very accessible. Within Hermosillo there is entertainment but it's not at your fingertips like in big urban cities. Parque La Ruina is an outdoor food truck park that also has live music. There are several theaters that have concerts and plays. The bar, restaurant, and craft brewery scene in Hermosillo is good. Parque Madero has cute cafes and restaurants, particularly for brunch.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
No. Everything you could need or want you can find in Hermosillo or Arizona.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The weather is fantastic. Warm weather with sunny, big blue clear skies every day. It's easy, comfortable, and stress free suburban living. You can get anywhere in the city within 20 minutes; traffic does not factor into daily life in Hermosillo.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The airport is not well-connected. It's an international airport because it has one flight to Phoenix daily. That's it! Traveling around Mexico usually takes the whole day because it entails a layover in Mexico City (AeroMexico), Tijuana (Volaris), or Monterrey (Viva AeroBus). The lack of religious diversity for the aforementioned reasons has been a disappointment for me.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. Morale at post is excellent. The managers and local staff are patient, eager to train you, and are willing to invest their time and energy to truly develop you into a knowledgable and wellrounded FSO/LNA. The lifestyle is easy going, suburbia, fun in the sun. The beaches (particularly San Carlos) are drop dead gorgeous and are Mexico's best kept secret.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
sunscreen.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Hermosillo (and Sonora in general) has a deep relationship with Arizona. Read about this region to learn about the history, terrain, places to visit, etc.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Hermosillo is considered a scary and undesirable post that most people don't want to go to. These misconceptions are simply untrue and unjust. I'd encourage people, particularly families, to consider ranking Hermosillo high on the bid list. I'm confident it will be much better than anticipated and you will have a great tour both for professional and personal reasons.
