Living is Mexico is Not Always Easy, But It IS Interesting!

It seems that each year, a larger number of Americans start living in Mexico. Canadians come too. Although the seasonal snowbird population accounts for a lot of the numbers around Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Mazatlan, and other places, many foreigners take up residence here. Of course, visiting family back home may pull them away at times, or perhaps the impulse to shop, but they become residents of Mexico.

Why do we come and stay here in Mexico? Few of us speak Spanish really well; complaining is a major pastime in expat communities; and we are baffled by the customs of the people in our new country of residence. So what is the draw?

Two aspects of life in Mexico are frequently mentioned as major draws: the climate and the cost of living. Of course, climate does vary around Mexico. The Lake Chapala area, at 5,000 feet elevation, is often described as having one of the best climates in the world: not too hot, not too cold, not too wet, not too dry. With about 34 inches of rain a year and temperatures that almost never dip as low as freezing, it’s mighty nice. Other Mexican cities popular with expats may have different climates, but you are not shoveling snow in any of them.

Cost of living is rather variable too, depending on the economic levels and personal tastes of the particular foreigners. Food, medical care, and other basics are quite reasonable. Many of us can afford gardeners and maids, since their wages are much lower here than back home. But in the popular expat colonies, rental costs and the prices of homes for sale are surprisingly comparable to those North of the Border, or as we say, NOB.

There’s another factor that is less often mentioned that might actually be even more important — it’s certainly at least as important as climate and costs. The Mexican people themselves are wonderfully courteous and welcoming to us. They are patient with our struggles to speak Spanish, and very helpful. One of the cultural differences that every expat has to get used to is that it is very hard indeed for Mexicans to say no to any request. They will very kindly give you inaccurate directions if you ask where a particular street is and they don’t happen to know.

You may say, “But of course they are kind and helpful. Expats are a huge help to their economy.” While that is undeniable, and many Mexicans I know are grateful for it, courtesy and enjoyment of life are a natural part of their culture. Just walk around anywhere and observe.

But there is no use trying to convey how different it is to live here. If you haven’t been to Mexico, and life here has an appealing ring to it, come down for a visit. Stay more than a week or two, and don’t buy a house on that first trip. Inform yourself. Living in Mexico is not for everyone, but for those who adapt, it offers many pleasures.

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