Why We Moved to Mexico (And Our Biggest Regret About Coming Back)
Whenever people hear our story, they think we're nuts. Moving to Mexico from the U.S.? Crazy.
Moving back after three years? Even crazier. But hey, “crazy” teaches you a lot. From leaving our “dream life” in Arizona to embracing the beachside charm of Mexico — and beyond, here's what we learned.
Spoiler alert: It wasn’t all tacos and sunsets, but it came close.
Why We Left Our Dream Home in Arizona
We had the dream house. Brand-new, sprawling, pool, hot tub — the works. But here’s the thing: location, location, location. Dream homes don’t mean much when your neighborhood’s vibe screams “prison town.”
Florence, Arizona, is home to several correctional facilities. Our neighbors were a mix of law enforcement and… uh… let’s say folks who weren’t on vacation.
As a mixed-race couple, it wasn’t exactly the warmest welcome. Deciding to move wasn’t easy, mainly because leaving your comfort zone never is — but we knew we needed a fresh start.
Why We Chose Mexico

When it came to picking a new country, proximity mattered. Mexico hit all the marks — it’s close to the U.S., affordable, and offered a chance to step into expat life without diving into the deep end. Other contenders? Portugal, Spain… (yep, we were really dreaming big). But Mexico had that balance we were craving. Want to know what it's like to live there? Here's our detailed guide to living in Ensenada, Mexico.
Also, keeping ties to the States was non-negotiable for us, partly because of our daughter’s medical care — though funny story, we didn’t end up needing U.S. doctors after all.
Selling Everything to Start Fresh

If you’re imagining us hauling U-Hauls, think again. We sold practically everything we owned. What was left? Nine totes in the back of a van — yup, that was it. Dramatic, right? But with those sales giving us a bit of a cash cushion, we were ready for the adventure ahead.

The biggest prep tip? Learn at least the basics of Spanish and the local money system before you go. Even a little know-how can save you so much stress! Here’s another reality check: moving costs more than you think. That extra cushion? Lifesaver.
Starting Our Mexico Life in an Airbnb

We kicked off our stay in an Airbnb right in downtown Ensenada (pro tip: don’t lock into a long-term place without testing the waters first). It was a great intro to Mexican life, but also a bit of a wake-up. The Airbnb cost triple what our U.S. rent was. Reality, meet expectations. Still, it gave us time to research where we really wanted to settle.
Check out our thoughts on easing into expat life with Moving to Mexico Week 1: Adjustments.
The Mar azul House: Living That Beach Dream

Then came the Marsul House. Painted in bold, colorful tones, it was like a postcard come to life, right on the beach. At night, you could hear the waves crashing, and in the mornings? Dolphins — yes, dolphins — were visible from the kitchen window. The place was pure magic.
That didn’t mean life was all sunshine and margaritas. The community was mainly expats from the U.S., and let’s just say… not all of them were our people. When your neighbors are sporting divisive messages literally on their hats, you know it’s time to reevaluate.
Choosing a Local Mexican Neighborhood

We finally left the cushy expat bubble for a more local community. This spot? Tucked mountainside, with stunning views — a perfect blend of peace and culture. The whole experience felt more like what we had in mind when we made the move. If you’re reluctant about stepping outside the bubble, trust us, it’s worth it.
Looking to blend in more authentically? Start with 11 Things Americans Should Stop Doing Before Moving to Mexico.
Challenges in Mexico: The Real Talk

Life abroad isn’t all adventure and wanderlust. For one, the roads were their own beast — potholes galore and dirt streets. If it rained? Good luck.

Then there were street dogs. Heartbreaking doesn’t even begin to describe it. We tried our best by feeding and caring for as many as we could, but the sheer volume was overwhelming. Two of those pups — Daisy and Zoro — are now part of our family.
Oh, and we can’t not mention the roosters. Constant crowing, combined with fiestas that go until 4 a.m. The sensory overload is just… part of the charm, but it takes getting used to.
Want more tips to navigate these quirks? Our post on settling into Ensenada on a budget might be helpful.
Why We Moved Back to the U.S.
Here’s where it gets complicated. We moved back for Sapphire, our daughter, who missed some U.S. conveniences. Shortly after we made the leap? She realized she missed Mexico more. Teenagers, am I right?

There’s also the hustle factor. Living in Mexico can feel like… retirement. It’s hard to work when the ocean’s calling your name and tacos are the answer to all life’s problems. We just couldn’t kickstart the grind we needed, so we came back to find new motivation.
And let’s not forget paperwork. Buying land in Mexico as U.S. citizens? That’s a headache we weren’t ready to tackle.
Settling in Yuma, Arizona

Yuma’s been a surprisingly cozy transition spot. It’s close to the Mexico border (just a short hop to Mexicali) but with U.S. conveniences. Plus, you’re only a 2.5-hour drive to San Diego — total win for weekend getaways.
What really sold us on Yuma? That fusion of U.S. and Mexican cultures. At the local donut shop, you're as likely to hear Spanglish as you are English. It’s nice to feel like we’re carrying some of Mexico’s vibe with us.
Encouragement If You’re Considering a Move

So, you're thinking about making the leap? Don’t let doubts hold you back. Sure, moving to Mexico seemed wild to everyone we knew, but it gave us three of the most fulfilling years of our lives. The lessons? Priceless.
Plan wisely, save up, learn the basics — and pack lightly. Life as an expat isn’t for everyone, but if you’re dreaming about it… maybe it’s your time to take the jump.
Also, follow our journey (and plenty more stories like this!) on our YouTube channel and keep things exciting!
And remember: the most “crazy” ideas are the ones that’ll change your life forever.
Go explore, amigos!