Job Discussion Forums

[cleicht]

Hi everyone,

I have a very lucrative esl job offer with a great school called colegio irlandes in Monterrey, Mexico. The problem is, I hear Monterrey is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico right now. Even some of my Mexican friends have cautioned me.

Is there anyone currently living ir who has lived in Monterrey that could give me some perspective? Or who has some advice, even if you dont live there?I want to know if it is just to dangerous to live there right now.

Thanks!

[tagastelum]

I lived in Monterrey for five years, then moved to Mexico City in 2009. From what my friends there have told me, MUCH has changed in that short period of time. People are afraid now and most avoid going out at night.

However, keep this in mind:

1. Most of the violence stemming from organized crime elements is playing out outside of the core where you'll work (and probably live). San Nicolas, Guadalupe, Juarez, Santa Catalina, Garcia and the Carretera Nacional leading to Santiago have been the most violent areas in Monterrey area.

2. The toll road linking Monterrey to the Texas border has become a no-go route due to blockades, robberies, shootouts and kidnappings. Some of the villages along the route have become "infested" with narcos and the law-abiding citizens have left in fear. (Don't go to Los Ramones!) The weekend jaunts to McAllen and Laredo for big box shopping are now history.

2. San Pedro Garza Garcia has remained MUCH safer because the mayor has openly negotiated with organized crime bosses. Say what you will, it has kept the city safe. (Although, there still have been shootouts and bodies dumped in Valle Oriente, just down the road from Colegio Irland�s).

3. "Narcos" live throughout the city and metropolitan area, meaning that something can happen, any time, anywhere. There has been violence in what used to be safe, middle-class colonias in Monterrey, including Contry, Cumbres and San Jer�nimo.

4. Cadavers have been strung up from bridges on some of the busiest avenues in the heart of the city, including Avenida Revoluci�n (not far from Home Depot) and Gonzalitos (not far from Galer�as Monterrey).

5. "Narco blockades" have appeared along major expressways and avenues with chilling frequency. This happens when organized crime elements hijack trailer trucks and use them to block roads. Apparently, this is done to stymie police efforts to catch the bad guys. It also causes monumental traffic jams.

At the same time, the urban area has 4 million residents and sprawls over quite a large area. Would you be able to live there and be safe? Probably. However, locals are very afraid because a wave of violence of this scale has never happened before. Apparently, the vibe of the city is not what it used to be.

I could go on, but I just wanted to pass along what I've heard. Although I never really enjoyed living in Monterrey (I stayed for a great job and great friends), it's truly sad to see the nadir that it's plunged to. The Regios I met were good people and they don't deserve what's happened to their city.

One last thing: keep in mind that violence is only part of Monterrey's problem. The terrible heat for half the year and the lack of good food and interesting culture can be tough. Monterrey is good for backyard barbecues and drinking beer (TKT). If you like shopping malls, movies and bowling alleys, you're set. If you desire more from life in Mexico, think again.

Hope these comments have been helpful. Whether you eventually decide to accept the job or not, you should DEFINITELY COME TO MEXICO! There are many amazing places in this wonderful country. Find the best place for you and you'll have a great time!