Is Expat Life In Mexico All It Seems To Be

These days, migrating to Mexico isn’t just for American citizens disenchanted by the way things are going in the US of A, as the country is becoming increasingly popular with retirees from Europe.

The reasons why emigrants settle on Mexico aren’t much different than the priorities given for moves to popular expat destinations in Europe and Southeast Asia – great weather and a far lower cost of living. Digging deeper, one recent survey examined other convincing reasons as to why Mexico is now attracting expatriates from all over rather than just snowbirds from the USA looking to avoid harsh winters.

Apart from the obvious reasons as stated, the most popular motivations were more about aspirations than the reality of living full- or part-time in an unfamiliar land. Some respondents quoted ‘a more exotic, romantic or adventurous life’, with others wanting a ‘less materialistic and more meaningful existence’, and many simply needed far less stress in their lives.

These replies may have represented an idealistic rather than practical view of the urge to get up and go, even although better weather and more disposable income certainly reduces stress. For example, materialism isn’t much fun if you don’t have the hard cash to support it. Moving to a cheaper country is a practical idea, but getting rid of the need to spend, spend, spend is easier if you don’t have to worry about being in the red by the end of the month.

One US expat formerly living in California said USA prices of everything were far too high and the present political climate sucks. People in America, she added, have forgotten how to live, be grateful for what they have and be happy. When asked abut their fears of moving to Mexico, the main issue was language, with older expats concerned they wouldn’t be able to communicate with locals. Healthcare came in at a strong second, with women less concerned than their male counterparts.

Older people, including those from non-USA locations had fewer fears than younger expats. It seems friends and families in the home country were far more concerned about the risks of emigrating than were the expat migrants themselves. Finally, all those who’d taken the plunge amd relocate to Mexico were more than happy with their decisions.