I know I am going to get some caca for this.......... but people need to hear the other or real side about Queretaro. I lived there for 6 years - escaped 8 months ago to Mexico's secret hidden oasis...

Queretaro is the cradle of Mexico politics, hense the underground tunnel system between most churches in Queretaro city and San Juan del Rio - shuffling the politicans, gold and priests to keep them from getting killed. Not to mention the excessive rules and laws, plus a fairly high cost of utilities.

Queretaro is trying to become the aviation industry headquarters of Mexico, which will bring tons more people and more pollution to the valley. I must admit they do have some pretty good doctors and hospitals (alot of specialists come through town on a regular basis). There is alot more that could be said, from personal experience... but information can be dangerous.

Let me just say... the only healthy place left in Queretaro is Tequisquiapan (about 25 minutes from Queretaro city), land of the opal mines, thermal waters and a nice peaceful European feel. The gringo enclaves of Jurica y Juriquilla on the highway to San Miguel de Allende are a really lonely feeling place - no views, but high prices, and in downtown a crumbling wall divides the Country Club crowd from the locals that have lived there, their entire lives - very sad - segregation.

Try Morelia or Michoacan... or if you don't mind the heat, an active volcano and earthquakes, come visit Colima!