Moving to Mexico

"I would add only that those readers from the US need to realize that in Mexico what are very loosely called "realtors" are completely unlicensed and unregulated. It seems that everyone and their uncle is a realtor. Thus it is important to remain skeptical of anything a Mexican "realtor" alleges. As a result be sure to engage a real Mexican attorney (who are licensed and who will have a "Cedula"). Ask for a copy of their cedula number, as all true professionals in Mexico are indeed licensed. Not "realtors"," replied a member in Mexico.

"I suggest you begin by renting in the Versalles neighborhood--it is still affordable, well laid-out, and pleasant, and is central enough to give you good access to a variety of amenities and other neighborhoods. The deciding factor in choosing where to live will be whether or not you plan on owning a car. There are some gorgeous areas with spectacular views that you would probably not choose to live in without either your own transportation, a very nearby bus stop, or a willingness to use Ubers/taxis pretty much every time you go anywhere," commented one expat who made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

"Tijuana has 1,400,000 inhabitants, has few attractions and is a dirty, ugly border town. There are few job opportunities and most jobs pay about $20 (US)/day!!! If you are an American citizen, you can cross the border (fast crossing with Sentry or Global Entry cards) and work in the U.S. We HAD to move here, (long story) or I never would have left Puerto Vallarta. This should not be a destination for families with children. It's a last resort for those down and out, trying to save a bit of money, while working in the U.S," remarked one expat in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Barking dogs and the occasional loud party--often complete with Mariachi band--does make it difficult to find a completely quiet place to live. However, if your goal is TOTAL peace, might I suggest heading for the hills? There are plenty of houses located in isolated areas of Mexico. But you might give up security for the quietness. Personally, I have adjusted to the barking dogs by using a "white noise" machine at night. Otherwise they are now just background noise. The parties? Well...I just stay up until they over, generally around 2 a.m," said one expat in Rosarito.

"If possible come to the city before you move and spend a week focused on looking for a house or apartment. Puebla is a big city and neighborhoods vary. Ask the locals at Starbucks, the hip restaurants or at a local bar in the nice hotels for advice on the better/safer places to live. They are very well informed and friendly. The nicer places to live do require a lease, so come prepared with a proof of employment or job offer letter, a bank statement (you can get a Mexican account after you can present a lease), passport, visa and best of all if you have a local reference that is trusted above all. You will need a lease to begin internet, phone and electric service. Hot water and cooking gas comes in the form of gas. Yes GAS only! Your neighbors can help you with the number of the company that services your neighborhood," remarked one expat who made the move to Puebla.

"I live in a large furnished studio with good sized kitchen with pantry (full size appliances), true dining area (room for 6-8) living area with sofa, coffee table and 2 chairs and nice sized bedroom area. It has a yard with parking and outside dining and is fully air conditioned. It's actually the ground floor of a 2 story house so it's larger than most studios IME. Including my power, water, garbage, gas and WIFI, it's under $400 USD per month. Outside my front door is a park and 2 more parks are within 3 blocks in opposite directions. It's a great neighborhood away from downtown but still has every kind of business within a 5 minute walk. A really nice mall is 2.4 miles away and it's dog-friendly! I've lived in 3 different neighborhoods in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico including Centro and this is by far my favorite! FYI, my AC runs 24/7/365. It's clean, quite, walkable and has green spaces," replied a member in Merida.

"We had a company help us find housing. Only to find out that every place she took us was either her's or a friend. We moved 1 year later. We now live in an Apartment that is about 2500 sq foot. Great view, close to the shopping mal l, etc," commented one expat who made the move to Mexico City.

"Cost of living here is far less than the USA as are excellent restaurants, bars, clubs, etc," remarked one expat in Rosarito, Mexico.

"Merida is made up of the Centro area (downtown) and then many different neighborhoods which are called colonies and Fracc's. We were told by a realtor that many expats move to the North Merida area, which is nice and very safe with many stores and restaurants. He said anything above Calle 59 is good. We ended up finding a place in a small neighborhood called San Pedro Uxmal. I don't think there are many expats there, but the home had everything we wanted and the price was good. We are very happy there," said one expat in Merida.

"I asked around at work, drove around the neighborhoods by taxi and by chance while exploring a neighborhood on foot I saw a For Rent sign on a very appealing hacienda. I knocked on the door and the owner rented it to me on the spot," remarked one expat who made the move to Puebla.

"We have a large home, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, jacuzzi, sauna, washer dryer fridge stove and completely furnished. Mexican style home with 12 foot ceilings and a huge yars. It is typical of this area. It is much better than what we had in Canada and less expensive. $600 a month," remarked one expat in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"Expat homes and apartments in Mexico are typically spacious, with large outdoor patios or terraces. Many expat homes are located in gated communities, offering amenities like swimming pools, tennis courts and security guards. Most apartments in Mexico come unfurnished, but they do usually have basic appliances like gas stoves, ovens, and fridges. Many apartments also feature balconies with views of the surrounding neighborhood or city. Mexico also offers plenty of options for expats who prefer luxury living, including beachfront condos, high-end apartment complexes and private villas," said one expat in Mexico.

"I don't believe there is a "typical" home or apartment in Manzanillo. Choices are varied. Houses in the hills offer spectacular views, cool breezes and a variety of architectural plans. The tradeoff with the nice views is the multiple floors (steps). Flat areas close to or on the beaches offer one-level living, but you give up views and sometimes there's flooding in the rainy seasons, depending on location. Condominiums on or near beaches are varied, from "tired" to well maintained. HOA fees are not reasonable (i.e. Vida del Mar for a 2 bedroom averages $400+ per month). Living in a home on the beaches although beautiful, one should consider privacy and security - all beaches are open to the public. Areas around the resorts and hotels are noisy during holidays and weekends (loud music until wee hours of the morning). The variety of choices makes Manzanillo unique - there's something for everyone, just need to explore for a right fit," remarked one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"What is the average price in the country you’re from? In the US it varies greatly! Mexico is a big country and prices will vary depending on where you are, the size of the house and property, and amenities (pool, gated, security, golf course, etc), as well as being higher in the beach and heavy tourist areas. Due a google search on cities you’re interested in and check out COL (including housing costs) on numbeo.com," explained one expat living in Mexico.

"We live in a large home one town over from where my husband works. I think the type of housing one chooses depends on the expat. Some are single and would rather live modestly and pocket the excess money from the monthly stipend they are given towards housing. Others have families and need/want more elaborate housing. I don't know any expats living here who aren't working for a U.S. company. This isn't the type of area people move to on a whim. They are sent here for work," said one expat in Comalcalco.

"We are paying $12,000 pesos/month, which is about $625 USD which is less than we paid in a mobile home community in Florida. Our TV/Internet/Home phone is approx. $70/mo. We have not gotten the electric or water bills yet, but we have been told that electric is about the same as the US and water is cheap. Trash pickup is about $3/mo," said one expat in Merida.

"The costs are a little less to about the same as the U.S. (to rent). The locals have realized they can get more for their properties because they are dealing with petroleum companies who are willing to pay. And, I think there was a housing shortage for a while. The house is nice though. We pay about usd $1800.00 for about 3000 sq.ft. You can rent cheaper places but you will generally end up with problems (leaking roof, older appliances)," remarked one expat who made the move to Comalcalco.

"The average 3 bedroom condo on the beach is under 200,000.00 USD at this time. There are houses in gated communities from 140,000.00 USD to 2.5 million, depending on your taste," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"My husband found a two bedroom one bath house in Pensiones neighborhood in Merida Yucatan for about $35,000 USD. It needs another $10k in upgrades or remodeling but it is a cute home and would be great. The rents here are all over the place. But a huge home with a lot of amenities unfurnished in my neighborhood (4 bedrooms or 5 with three bathrooms and so on? Goes for $14,000 Mexican pesos a month. About $675 or $700 USD give or take," said one expat in Mexico.

"Much lower. We pay our property taxes and water yearly. Our taxes are $699 MX and water is $1000 MX per year. Electricity is expensive in Mexico but still less than the US and is paid every other month. We have our propane tank filled on the off month and runs about $1600 MX for 2 months. Phone and internet is $600 MX per month and that is with unlimited long distanse. We have satelite which comes out of Canada. They have grocery stores that carry US products but it is imported and therefore expensive. Produce, eggs, meat, chicken and fish is amazing and reasonable. You can pay as much as you want or as little as you have for a house and find something to fit your needs," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"We bought a condo that we lived in for 9 years, then sold it and built our house. I is a very easy process, as long as you have a good realtor," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"Buying a home in Mexico can be a great opportunity to acquire a property in a country where you will undoubtedly find a vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. However, as with any purchase, it is essential to consider a variety of factors before committing to a home. Renting a home in Mexico is also a good option because you can try out an area before making a large investment. Additionally, you may be able to benefit from cost savings associated with renting a home, as the maintenance costs and property taxes are the responsibility of the homeowner. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference, budget, and lifestyle," said one expat in Mexico.

"You should bring clothing and accessories that are suitable for Mexico's warm climate, such as light and breathable fabrics and sunglasses. Make sure to bring any necessary documents, such as passports and visas, to present at the Mexico border. It is also wise to include some items for basic living in your new home, such as bed linen, kitchenware, towels, and cleaning supplies. Don't forget to pack important medicines and toiletries. Consider bringing some books, music, and other items that remind you of home to help you feel more comfortable and at ease in the new environment. Lastly, be sure to check local laws and customs in order to pack appropriately and avoid any surprises," remarked one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"Because we are on the beach, things of silver or other metals rust. Also art work, if you want to have it for other generations, is difficult to preserve. There are not many things that are not available here, but electronics are expensive, so I would bring computers.(Also they are in the language of your choice)," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"I lived in San Francisco, California area for 50 years, moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2009, then to Tijuana in 2012. I moved to PV with nothing but collected quite a bit of stuff while living there. We rented a moving truck and carted it all to Tijuana. I can get everything I need by crossing the border to the U.S. Take what is important to you (treasured things). If you can afford to buy new/used furniture when you arrive, leave as much as you can in the U.S. Customs is a pain," said one expat in Tijuana.

"I wish I brought: -high quality linens bedding, sheets, towels, etc. -a set of good quality pots and pans, basic set of kitchen gadgets -a TV and DVD player wish I left at home: You can find anything in this modern city, however the prices are much higher and the quality is not what we are used to in the USA. Don't weigh yourself down with anything but the essentials or the over the weight limit fees at the airport can be expensive. Don't even think of paying to move your belongings by truck unless your job will cover it. There is still a big risk that it will be stolen, so I left my items in storage in the USA where they remain today," said one expat who made the move to Puebla.

"In response to the comment about the absence of quality cosmetics in Mexico, I suggest looking for No. 7 products. I have seen them in the pharmacy in old town and I believe La Comer carries the product as well," explained one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"Yes. I was speaking with a bi-lingual Mexican man and I told him that I was very happy because people here must think I am Mexican. He asked me why I felt that way. I said "Well..everyone freely and openly just start speaking to me in Spanish, so they must think I'm Mexican". He looked at me with a smile and said "That's because they don't know how to speak English" Oh boy, did I feel silly....we had a really good laugh at that one," commented one expat who made the move to Tequisquiapan.

"A fellow once told me that if a guy addresses a man's wife as "tú" rather than "usted," it could start a fight. He told me that no matter how long and how well you know a couple, the wife is "usted" to you," remarked one expat in Mexico.

"Oh, my, where do I start? This is my 4th country and I am here to stay! Merida has surpassed my expectations- it is a large city, with many different neighborhoods to choose from, each with their own separate, distinct vibe. Activities are everywhere- every night a park holds a free event. Centro is hopping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The shopping is first class, many very nice new malls, and restaurants are everywhere, for every price range. Most of all for me is the culture- there are so many fine museums and homes to tour that I have made a list so that I don't forget any. And then there's the cenotes to swim or dive in, found nowhere else but the Yucatan, and the Mayan ruins nearby," wrote one expat living in Merida.

"Although I have met people having care for serious conditions, my experience has only been dental. People I know who had the same procedure done just across the border in San Diego had side effects I did not experience with my Mexican dentist," said one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Medical services in Mexico vary depending on the region. Generally, the country has a wide range of medical facilities, including public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. Many of these facilities offer quality care and modern medical technology. In addition, Mexico has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions. Mexico also has a number of medical tourism destinations, where people from other countries can receive medical care at a lower cost than in their home countries," commented one expat who moved to Mexico.

"I avoid cut-and-drug as much as possible and take responsibility for the key aspects of health: eating wisely and exercising. If I don't do those things, what can anyone do for me? What I do no t like about the government health program that I joined is that doctors have the same reliance on drugs as in the US. I have not had hospital care, but friends who have report excellent care. I would like to start a movement to ban Coca Cola and other diabetes-inducing "foods." And I would like to see more attention paid to use of traditional medicinal plants, which are widely available in Mexico," said one expat.