Most places in Mexico are generally safe. There are well known areas to just stay away from and you probably wouldn't want to live there anyway. Crime and especially violent crime doesn't just happen in random places like in the US where everywhere you go you could easily get shot or robbed. The most you have to worry about are crimes of opportunity or pickpockets in tourist areas. Don't leave your car or bike unlocked, leave the fancy jewelry at home and don't flash your cash around. People have this idea that the cartels are out to get them, in reality they're not at all interested in the average person going about their daily life. As long as you aren't honing in on their business interests or a member of a rival cartel you have nothing to worry about. Honestly, if it was as bad as some people say don't you think it would be loudly broadcast on Faux news on a daily basis? I have camped and surfed on remote beaches throughout mostly Baja since the early eighties and never had any problems, so I moved here. Come down and visit and I guarantee you'll be very pleasantly surprised. Everywhere I've visited the people are more than friendly and helpful. BTW-I'm a blond haired, hazel eyed most definitely a gringo still with limited Spanish. Buena suerte!