“Pick up after your dog” sign in Mazatlán

“Pick up after your dog” sign in Bellingham, WA (with bags provided)

I’ve heard stories of a number of people who moved to Mexico and decided to move back to the US before their first year was up. Some are firsthand stories of people known to our friends and family. The stories were told to us in a loving but cautionary way by people who were worried the same thing would happen to us. They didn’t want to see us disillusioned or hurt, either emotionally or financially.

We’ve been here almost a year now, and I can truly say that we are both very happy with our decision to move. We love the community, the house, the neighborhood, and the weather. I could go on and on – and I have, actually, as this blog is witness.

Without going into details, I have heard lately of a number of people who have moved back or are planning on moving back to the US. It’s made me think about why we were successful and try to figure out what we might have done differently than they did.

• We had traveled in Mexico extensively
• My son and his wife live in Mexico and were a great source of information and ideas
• We made a really solid “must have” list for our new community
• We worked through our control issues with regard to litter, barking dogs, etc
• We have taken it slow, not joining every organization just to fill time
• We really like spending time with each other
• We are committed to learning the language
• We had thought about the challenges facing us ahead of time (vegetarian food/the language)
• We helped each other get through bad patches instead of escalating frustration

That’s a few of the things I think we did right. Here are some observations about some things unsatisfied folks maybe could have done better:

• Think ahead about how you will deal with aggravations like barking dogs, litter and no-show repairmen. Have strategies ready. You need to be honest with yourself to do this.
• Settle in a home that fits your lifestyle. If you like to walk, make it easy on yourself, don’t buy on the top of a hill.
• Surround yourself with people who bring out the good in you, and who make you feel positive.
• Think about whether your move is all about one thing (i.e. you can live here for less money)
• Think about whether you are you open minded? Accepting? Positive? Flexible?
• Think about whether you want to adapt to the culture. Will you be unhappy if you can’t find a store open during siesta or your favorite food item?
• Do you like to settle disputes with a lawsuit? Probably Mexico isn’t a good fit for you.

We’re here for the long haul. Are you? Or no? I’d love to hear why.