Why I Moved to Mexico (And What It's Really Like)

Running a relocation business means I get asked the same question almost every day:

Why Mexico?”

It’s a fair question—and one I didn’t take lightly when I made the move eight years ago. I’d been traveling here for decades, getting to know the place bit by bit, before I finally said: “Alright, I’m in.”

People move to Mexico for all sorts of reasons—some looking for adventure, some for affordability, some just for a change of pace. But along with the curiosity come concerns—about safety, money, culture, connection. Some are valid, some... a little off the mark.

Here’s my honest take on the most common questions I hear.

1. Cost of Living

Yes, things are cheaper here—but not across the board, and not in every city.

I moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to San Miguel de Allende, which is on the pricier side by Mexico standards. Even so, I live comfortably on about $1,500 USD per month. Check out my blog post - Cost Of Living In Mexico. That includes housing, food, healthcare, and the occasional great meal out in one of the 5-star restaurants.

That said, the cost of living depends on your lifestyle. If you’re shopping at high-end boutiques, eating out a lot, and expecting U.S.-style everything, you’ll spend more. But if you’re willing to adapt, your money stretches in ways it just doesn’t up north.

2. Politics (or Lack Thereof)

I left the U.S. the day after the 2016 election—not in protest, exactly, but more like emotional exhaustion.

Living in Mexico doesn’t mean politics disappear (this country has its own complex issues), but I’ve found a different rhythm here. The conversations are less heated. People are less glued to the news cycle. And frankly, not having every meal spiral into a political debate has been good for my digestion.

3. The Weather

If I had to rank reasons I stayed, weather would be top three.

San Miguel de Allende has this amazing high-desert climate: sunny days, cool evenings, and a long growing season. Some locals call it primavera eterna—eternal spring.

That said, the seasons do exist. Rainy season is real (and can be glorious), and some mornings in winter you’ll want a sweater. Still, coming from Northern California where the weather is generally nothing to complain about, San Miguel feels like an upgrade.

4. Safety

This is the question I get the most—and probably the hardest to answer in a way that satisfies everyone.

I feel very safe here, much safer than in most places in the US. So do most expats I know. San Miguel, in particular, is calm and community-focused. Guns are outlawed, violent crime is relatively low, and most of the violence that does occur is typically between rival cartels—rarely involving expats or tourists

That said, common sense goes a long way. Don’t wander into unfamiliar areas at night. Don’t get involved in anything sketchy. Basically: use the same instincts you’d use anywhere else in the world.

5. Culture

Mexico isn’t just “cultural”—it’s alive with tradition, art, music, and color.

Every region has its own vibe. Beach towns lean towards chill and casual. Cities buzz with energy. San Miguel is like a creative retreat disguised as a colonial town—painters, writers, musicians everywhere. I might be the only person in town who isn’t an artist, but I’m a great audience.

You don’t have to know everything to appreciate it. Just show up curious and open. People will meet you there.

6. Food

Forget everything you think you know about Mexican food. Seriously.

This country’s culinary scene is wildly diverse—rich regional flavors, street food that rivals fine dining, family recipes passed down for generations. San Miguel has also become a bit of a hotspot, so yes, you can get fancy tasting menus. But I still have a soft spot for tacos at a corner stand.

The food here isn’t just delicious—it’s a way in. Sharing a meal is one of the best ways to connect.

7. Community

I worried about being lonely when I moved here. Turns out, that didn’t last long.

Mexicans are famously warm and generous, especially if you make an effort to speak Spanish (even badly). The expat community in San Miguel is equally welcoming—diverse, curious, and often downright fascinating.

It’s not all kumbaya—no place is. But I can’t walk down the street without bumping into someone I know, and what used to be errands now regularly turn into coffee dates or long conversations on a bench.

8. Making a Living

Most people here are retired, but not all of us.

I’ve run businesses my whole life, and now I run Expat Pathway Mexico, helping others make the move. I also work online, which gives me flexibility. Some folks open cafés or B&Bs. Others teach or freelance. There are opportunities—but they require effort, respect for the culture, and usually a bit of paperwork.

Working in Mexico isn’t a shortcut. But it is possible—especially if you're creative and willing to adapt.

9. Adventure

This is one of the quieter perks: life here just feels more… alive.

Maybe it’s the unfamiliar language and culture, the markets full of unfamiliar fruit, the feeling of discovering something new every day. Or maybe it’s the shared understanding among expats that we all took a leap.

Mexico is a big, varied country. Beaches, mountains, jungles, pyramids. I rent out my house in the winter and hit the road—and every time, I come back with a great adventure story.

10. Proximity to the U.S.

It’s easy to get back.

From San Miguel, it’s a short shuttle to the airport and a quick flight to the States. I’ve had lunch in Mexico and dinner with friends in California. That kind of access makes a big difference when you’re staying connected to one place while building a life in another.

11. Staying Connected

Before I left, I worried about losing touch. I sold almost everything I owned—except for two suitcases and my golf clubs—and wondered if I was saying goodbye to more than just stuff.

But tech makes it easy. I Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp. I stay in touch through group chats with friends back home, and it helps me feel connected. Sure, it’s different than being there in person—but it works.

And every time they visit? They get it a little more.

The Bottom Line

Moving to Mexico isn’t a fantasy. It’s real life—sometimes messy, often beautiful, occasionally frustrating, and full of surprises.

It’s not about escaping. It’s about reshaping what life looks like. Slower mornings. Simpler routines. More connection. Less mental noise.

If that sounds like what you’re craving, it might be worth exploring.
And if not? That’s okay too.

Next blog post, I’ll dig into the logistics—visas, healthcare, housing, and the not-so-glamorous side of relocation. Stay tuned.