Why Are They Leaving?

Escaping America for a Better Life

After the recent presidential election, many Americans are considering leaving the U.S. to escape the potential turbulence of Trump 2.0. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how things will unfold, Trump’s campaign promises and his previous administration suggest the country may face challenging times. And that is an understatement.

When COVID hit in 2020, Sherrie and I began seriously considering a move from Tucson, where we’d each lived for over two decades. The increasingly polarized political climate in the U.S. was certainly a factor in our decision, along with the desire for a lower cost of living, a moderate climate, a creative and diverse community, and a lively place culturally to start our next chapter.

After exploring our options, we decided on Mexico. Sherrie had visited many times and encouraged me to join her to experience it firsthand. From the moment we arrived in her favorite city, Guanajuato, a charming town in the Central Highlands about five hours north of Mexico City, I felt an immediate connection. By the second day of our visit, I told her, “I don’t want to go back to the U.S.”

Guanajuato, Mexico

We’ve now been here two and a half years and couldn’t be happier. We love the climate, culture, history, and especially the people, who are warm and welcoming. The cost of living is roughly half of what it is in the U.S., although that varies depending on where you live in Mexico. But for us, the bottom line is, it’s refreshing to live somewhere without a constant sense of doom hanging in the air.

We’re part of a community of both Mexicans and expats. Like any place, every community has its own vibe. Guanajuato is arts and education focused, with a vibrant scene of visual artists and musicians of all genres, and a large university. Never a dull moment here, especially during the Day of the Dead celebrations and Cervantino, one of Latin America’s most renowned cultural festivals.

When Americans think about relocating, they often weigh certain factors to make sure the transition will be smooth and satisfying.

Cost is typically a big factor. People want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle with a lower income. Although Mexico’s prices have adjusted for inflation, electronics carry a 10-15% import tariff. Cars that aren’t made in Mexico, also cost more.

Healthcare is a major consideration, especially for retirees. I’d been warned that healthcare in Mexico might not match U.S. standards, but I’ve found it to be just as good, if not better. Compassion is often missing from U.S. healthcare, while in Mexico, my first doctor’s visit lasted nearly ninety minutes as we discussed not only my health but all aspects of my life.  The health insurance companies in the US wouldn’t allow that.

Safety and stability are of course, crucial. While there’s some petty crime in Guanajuato, it’s generally safe as long as you avoid specific neighborhoods. Cartels operate mostly in the surrounding state, and while they may demand protection money, they usually leave uninvolved people alone. Like the Mafia in New York.

Relocating is much smoother when the local culture aligns with your values. Language plays a significant role; for instance, while Guanajuato is home to a university, most locals primarily speak Spanish. This has been a great motivator for me to improve my language skills. Although I studied Spanish in high school and used it occasionally in New York, I underestimated how much time and effort it would take to become fluent. The perfect phrase for this journey is poco a poco—little by little. After all, there’s only so much your brain can absorb at once.

Climate is another important factor. Some people prefer cities, others the beach, and some—like me—the mountains. Guanajuato’s highland climate is temperate, never too hot or cold. Although it lacks nearby beaches or lakes, we visit coastal areas and lakes, a few times a year.

For those planning to work abroad, factors like job markets, work visas, and economic stability are crucial. There’s a significant disparity in earnings between Mexico and the U.S. For instance, carpenters and home craftsmen in the U.S. would see their income drastically reduced if they relocated here. However, there are plenty of resources available to help navigate the career transition.

As someone who works online, I have the flexibility to live anywhere, and many others here do the same, benefiting from the strong value of U.S. dollars in Mexico. I also know people living comfortably here on their savings and social security income.

For those wanting regular visits to family, proximity and ease of travel can be important. That’s why many Americans choose countries like Canada or Mexico, where they can fly home quickly.

A Mexican friend told me that gringos move here for three main reasons. (I’m not fond of the term “gringo,” but it isn’t always negative.) First is the lower cost of living, second is the appeal of maintaining an American lifestyle here, and lastly, a genuine interest in the country and culture, which includes learning the language and integrating with the community.

Many older Americans move here because it’s financially sustainable. If you avoid luxury lifestyles, you can live comfortably. Some, however, bring their American lifestyle here, never learning Spanish or interacting with locals beyond service workers. They often settle in gated communities and socialize only with fellow Americans.

About an hour from Guanajuato is San Miguel de Allende, which epitomizes this expat lifestyle. It’s more upscale, but still cost effective for Americans. However, financial gentrification has driven up living costs, making it unaffordable for many locals. I’m not particularly fond of San Miguel, but I have friends who enjoy it—it simply has a different vibe than Guanajuato. I could never live in a gated community.

For someone with a political consciousness that makes living in exile feel essential, as I feel here in Mexico, leaving the “land of the free” raises new questions about identity and belonging. I’m an American immigrant in Mexico, a self-imposed exile, yet still connected to my roots through a digital lifeline to friends, family, and work back in the U.S. Though I live in Mexico, I consider myself a citizen of the world.

I’m doing the same work here as I would in the States, working with AI video and writing my blog. But life here is less stressful than in most places, especially the U.S. At seventy-five, I seek less noise and, above all, a community that is anchored in compassion and mutual care.

The deep polarization found in America is absent in Mexico. Here, the importance of family creates a culture where people genuinely care for and support one another. This sense of connection comes naturally, as it is deeply ingrained in daily life and cultural values.

If things were different, would I consider moving back to the US, no.  A big no.

Of course what’s happening in the land of my birth is upsetting. Although I’m not present at the scene of the crime, thanks to the web, it still right in front of me. What I do know is that it’s just something we’re all going to have to endure in some way, no matter where we live on this planet. For how long is anybody’s guess, but its safe to say, at least four years.

If you’re seriously considering becoming an expat or a digital nomad, I recommend exploring countries beyond Mexico where you might find happiness. I know people who have successfully relocated Lisbon, Portugal; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Quito, Ecuador; and, Taipei, Taiwan, all of whom are leading fulfilling lives. Starting a new life abroad is entirely possible, but the ideal destination varies greatly depending on individual preferences and needs.