Things I Wish I Knew When I Moved to Mexico
Moving to Mexico is a huge leap, and for many, it’s one of the most transformative experiences of their lives (it certainly was for me).
After traveling in Mexico for 40 years, I thought I was well-prepared for my full-time move to San Miguel de Allende eight years ago. It turns out that I was delusional about this assumption.
What I didn't realize at the time was just how different life here would be compared to the U.S.—in ways I never expected. It’s a journey full of surprises, challenges, and rewards, and if you're ready for the adventure, it's worth every moment.
If you’re considering making Mexico your home — part-time or full-time — here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I made the leap.
HOUSING
When I first arrived, I rented a beautiful apartment in a great neighborhood of San Miguel. After a week, I noticed a persistent, moldy smell. The landlord moved me to a different unit in the complex, which helped with the mold, but not with the incessant barking of the giant dog next door. This was my first lesson in the art of choosing a place to live.
Lesson 1: Before renting or buying, don’t just check out the apartment—explore the neighborhood. Ask about potential nuisances (I knew a couple that moved into a nice place only to discover that the guy across the street would on a nightly basis sit out front, start drinking and playing loud music until the wee hours of the morning). Don’t be afraid to knock on doors and ask the locals for their opinion of the area.
Lesson 2: Visit a few times, at different hours of the day. Look for signs of nearby chaos: Is there a car wash next door? A mani/pedi shop releasing toxic fumes daily? Are there persistent barking dogs? Or maybe a rug-cleaning business that will make you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a permanent construction zone.
I once heard about a couple who bought a beautiful home near the bullring. They thought, “They only have bullfights 2-3 times a year.” Well, the city soon approved large concerts every weekend, and they ended up selling the house—probably at a significant loss. Check for dilapidated properties or empty lots nearby. You might be in for 1-2 years of construction noise as they build the next monstrosity. I have experienced this.
NOISE
There’s a saying in Mexico: "Americans are noisy people looking for peace and quiet in Mexico, while Mexicans are quiet people who love their noise." True, true, and true. My current earplug addiction began 47 years ago on my first visit to Mexico, and it hasn’t let up since.
Here in San Miguel, there are 317 celebrations a year, each one accompanied by at least one of the following: rockets that sound like bombs (called cohetes), fireworks, honking horns, parades, or loud bands blaring through speakers. Mexico’s devotion to its traditions is fierce, and don’t fool yourself into thinking that will change just because you’ve arrived.
The good news? I’ve learned to embrace it. The noise is part of the culture, and now, I smile (often through gritted teeth) as I dive deeper into the heart and soul of Mexico.
MEXICAN BUREAUCRACY
Ah, Mexican bureaucracy. If you thought dealing with paperwork in your home country was challenging, wait until you try navigating the labyrinth processes here. Whether it’s buying a car, handling immigration paperwork, paying utility bills, or dealing with a dishonest landlord, be prepared for red tape that will make you pull your hair out (if you still have any left).
Take it from me: Don’t try to figure it out on your own. You’ll end up frustrated, confused, and probably looking like I do now (check out my "About" photo on my website). It’s worth every peso to hire someone who knows the ropes and can guide you.
In the End…
Making Mexico your home is an exciting, sometimes overwhelming, but ultimately enriching experience. From the cultural quirks to the challenges of bureaucracy and housing, it’s a journey that requires patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
But in the end, it’s the people and the vibrant way of life that make it all worthwhile. Trust me—if you dive in with an open heart and mind, you’ll find it’s a place you’ll never want to leave. This quote has become so true for me: “Once the dust of Mexico settles on your heart, you can never go home again.”
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