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Why We Moved to Mexico — and the One List That Matters Most
Moving to Mexico | Part 1 of 10 · An honest series by Dudy, creator of My Puerto Vallarta Daily
Over the next ten articles, Dudy shares his family’s personal journey of moving to Mexico — the good, the challenging, the unexpected, and everything in between. ..My hope is that these posts help anyone asking themselves: should I move to Mexico? Whether that’s next month or years from now, start here.
Should you move to Mexico? There’s no one reason
Over the past year, I’ve met dozens of expats here in Puerto Vallarta, and one thing became very clear: there isn’t one reason people move to Mexico. Some come for retirement, others for love, adventure, a lower cost of living, better weather, or simply a fresh start. There is no right or wrong reason.
This was my third move to a different country and culture, and each one taught me something new.
Moving toward something, not running away
Personally, I try to make sure I’m not moving because I’m running away from something, but because I’m moving toward the life I want to build.
Of course, it’s rarely that simple. Most of us start thinking about moving because something no longer fits our lives. Maybe it’s our lifestyle, our priorities, our work, or just a feeling that we’ve outgrown where we are. So in a way, every move is about leaving something behind. But choosing where to move should be intentional. At least for me, it wasn’t about finding a perfect place. It was about finding a place that matched the life I wanted to create.
Don’t underestimate what you’re leaving behind
The biggest lesson I learned came after we arrived. Even after more than a year in Mexico, there are things I still miss. Some of those gaps have been filled with amazing new experiences, friendships, and a slower, happier lifestyle. Others are still there, and that’s okay.
Before making a life-changing move, don’t only think about everything you hope to gain. Spend just as much time thinking about what you’re willing to leave behind.
That list might end up being the most important one.
Next in the series: Part 2 Affordable Comes With a Price: The Truth About the Cost of Living→
About this series
Originally shared on My Around the World Daily. Adapted with permission. Dudy spent a year living in Puerto Vallarta, photographing it daily for thousands of followers — read his farewell interview with I Heart Vallarta CLICK HERE.
Planning the move yourself?
I Heart Vallarta is the local community waiting for you on the other side — vetted local businesses, honest recommendations, and the people who make this city home. Join at the founding rate and land connected.
I'm Dudy (my nickname for David), a passionate architect, designer, photographer, and lifelong traveler whose career has spanned more than 25 years and four continents. I have a deep love for storytelling through photography. Over three decades of travel, living and working in different countries, and taking more than 100,000 photographs have shaped my perspective, inspiring me to capture not just destinations, but the people, history, architecture, food, more food (!), and everyday moments that give places their soul. I’m always searching for the beauty hidden in ordinary moments and believe that every corner has a story worth telling.
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