There is a variety of reasons people choose to relocate to Mexico. Some want better weather, and some have fallen in love with the culture here. That’s just a small list of reasons but regardless, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before making the big move.
Safety
Safety is usually one of the first things brought up when people hear you are thinking of heading South of the border. Ask people who live there full time whether they feel safe. There is violence in Mexico, as there is elsewhere, and the US State Department's Mexico travel advisory sets out its advice state by state. Its advisory issued 29 May 2026 lists Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas as Level 4: Do Not Travel.
Healthcare
For short-term medical coverage, you can purchase travel medical insurance. IMG's Patriot plans exclude pre-existing conditions, so check the plan terms to see what yours covers. One thing that is important to do is review the doctor’s credentials. Make sure the doctor you are seeing is credentialed in what you need help with.
Culture Shock – You’re not in Kansas Anymore
Living in Mexico is an exercise in patience. If you are the type of person that expects things to happen immediately, you are not going to be happy. If you are a me-me-me kind of person, this is not the place for you. There is a joke here about the word “manana” which means tomorrow in Spanish. When someone tells you “manana,” it doesn’t necessarily mean tomorrow, just not today. Be prepared for things to take longer and to learn to go with the flow.
Mexico has a strong and proud culture, family oriented and proud of its heritage.
Is Mexico Right for Me?
It’s a hard question to answer as everyone is different but you need to experience Mexico for more than a vacation to decide it. Try spending two weeks in Mexico and learn the town. See how you would feel on a day to day basis when it doesn’t just feel like a vacation. If you do make the choice to go, start brushing up on your Spanish so you can have basic conversations when you are out and about.
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