Why Mexico

[Beachbum]

The other day I was asked why I was considering moving to Mexico. I heard the same old stories about the danger, the lack of American goods, the same things I had heard about living in Japan. I explained it by handing over a newspaper. The following are the headlines from Saturday:

"Slain girl was random target, police say"

"Suspect in slaying testifies as victim of infidelity"

"Three teenage girls charged in assault"

"City candidate in court over rally"

"Victim, 17, was known as good friend to many"

And I live in one of the smaller metro areas on the west coast.

As if that wasnt enough, I explained that the Oregon tax code is about the worst in the US and there were no signs of coming improvement. Now, I know money isnt a reason to move, but all this taken together convinces me that my thinking is moving in the right direction.

[brink]

There are good reasons and bad reasons for anything. Like marriage, moving to Mexico should not be done on the basis of superficial attraction (e.g., great food). Crime varies more within Oregon (and within Mexico) than it varies between the two. Rents vary greatly here.

The right reason to move here (or anywhere) is compatibility: what you want equals what Mexico offers.

Mexico is the WRONG place to move if you want a crime free, low tax, gated community of English speakers. There are more appropriate places in Florida.

Mexico is the RIGHT place to move if you love the people and culture.

Hint: find the right spot in Mexico for you. There is more variation of climate and life style between Acapulco and Toluca than there is between Oregon and Florida.

[Beachbum]

Having moved 19 times in the last 36 years, I've seen so many variations in lifestyles, weather, food and god knows what else that none of those reasons is prompting my move. Its a compilation of everything. Besides, I enjoy moving around. And you're right, the bottom line is the people and the culture.

[Rolly]

I moved to Mexico 6 years ago because I was bored in my retirement and wanted a new adventure. It's been great! Check out my website to see just how great it is.

[solis]

That is a great collection of photos and thoughts.

[darlene]

I live in BC Canada...go on the net to bctv news.com...its the same killing , rapes, murders, etc...anywhere , anyhow , I hate to say its all over the world, but then again..I live in a town of maybe 25 thousand..I can cross tha street and bang ...be killed...its the same all over the world..as for the violence...such as it is in Vanouver at areas I watch my ***..(excuse the lingo) and Im sure its for everwhere, however when in Mexico I have only had one mishap.... drunk man sat on my knee on the bus and then proceeded to pee his pants when on the floor..and thats it for me..hahahamy daughter thought it was a hoot after and the bus driver was so kind to us and felt sooooo bad...other then that I love mexico

[darlene]

I live in BC Canada...go on the net to bctv news.com...its the same killing , rapes, murders, etc...anywhere , anyhow , I hate to say its all over the world, but then again..I live in a town of maybe 25 thousand..I can cross tha street and bang ...be killed...its the same all over the world..as for the violence...such as it is in Vanouver at areas I watch my ***..(excuse the lingo) and Im sure its for everwhere, however when in Mexico I have only had one mishap.... drunk man sat on my knee on the bus and then proceeded to pee his pants when on the floor..and thats it for me..haha. and my daughter thought it was a hoot after and the bus driver was so kind to us and felt sooooo bad...other then that I love mexico...ever since my daughter was 4 she said when we go to mexico.....I feel like home Mom..then we shall go she is now 14 and still says it

[BajaGringo]

Great set of pictures and story. It really gave me a sense of you and your life there in Lerdo. I congratulate you - you are truly a blessed man...

Quote from beachbum: "Now, I know money isn't a reason to move."

On the contrary, I believe it is the No. 1 reason to move to Mexico.

[BajaGringo]

Money was way down my list of reasons. In fact it has cost me more money to live in Mexico in some ways as my income potential is less and I pay higher taxes on what I do earn here. I suppose if I was retired and living on a fixed, foreign sourced income it wouldn't be as bad but still wouldn't be my number one reason. I love the culture, people, landscape and lifestyle of living in Mexico. That is what brought me here...