In the first three months of 2021, 8.121M international tourists arrived in Mexico. Of these international visitors, United States citizens represented an impressive 76.4%. The two airports during this period that received the most international visitors were: Cancun (1,459,698), and Mexico City (489,165). The US State Department believes that 1.5M Americans live south of the border, making them the largest group of immigrants in Mexico.
So why are Americans moving to Mexico? In this post we look at some of the reasons why Mexico is attracting its neighbors to journey south.
Remote work and strong WiFi
The abrupt closure of offices and workplaces in the United States last year marked the dawn of a new era. Millions of Americans and Canadians went remote and adapted to a digital way of life. In a 2021 social trends report by Pew Research, it claims that four-in-ten U.S adults who are employed full time or part time say that the majority of their work can be done from home, and many would like to continue working remotely after the pandemic.
As long as you have a strong WiFi connection, why not move to a new country. Mexico City has an average download speed of 20 Mbps and an abundance of cafes and coworking spaces across the capital where you can set up your office. Digital nomads, look no further.
Cell phone service is usually great across Mexico, with 3G and 4G widely accessible. Many U.S carriers now include wireless coverage in Mexico, so you might not even need to change your data plan when you move to Mexico.
Time zone and proximity
Another reason why so many Americans are moving to Mexico in this digital era is because of the similar time zones. There’s no need to stay up or wake up bleary eyed for a 3 AM work zoom call, like you would if you chose to live in Europe instead. In Mexico, Americans can continue to work with their stateside colleagues following the same schedule.
It also makes it easier for them to keep in touch with their family and friends in real-time. The proximity to the U.S and the amount of low cost flights travelling to and fro means that they can come and visit easily and see for themselves why they have made the journey south.
Cost of living
Many Americans look to Mexico as a place where they can afford to live their kind of lifestyle that feels much less attainable in North America right now. Healthcare is also considerably more accessible in Mexico, which is an important factor to consider when moving to a new country. Rent in Mexico is also more affordable. You can live in a home, two-bedroom apartment in the heart of one of the most best cities in Mexico for a fraction of the price of a one-bed apartment in Brooklyn, for example.
North Americans who earn dollars and live in Mexico can enjoy a more than usual frivolous life. Your dollar goes much further here than it would in say, Los Angeles or Toronto. Those who like to treat themselves from time to time back in the United States, wait until you start sampling the variety of restaurants found here in Mexico—ranging from street tacos stands to Michelin star chefs serving masterpieces. In Mexico you can appreciate reasonable prices and usually much fresher and wholesome ingredients.
Climate
It’s no secret Mexico has one of the best climates in the northern hemisphere. It’s a country that revels in sunshine and pleasant temperatures all year round. Summertime brings thunderous storms that relieve us from the springtime heat. As fall immerges, cool temperatures allow us to wear jeans and a light jacket again and winter, well let’s just say there’s slim chance of a white Christmas.
Mexico City is one of the best places to move to as the climate is usually comfortable year round and there’s lots of activities to suit each season. The best time to venture to Tulum is after the summer storms, from October onwards when humidity drops and the Caribbean Sea is less like a warm bath!
Cuisine
You might not be surprised that Mexican food goes much further than hard-shell tortillas, burritos, and cheesy nachos. Mexico is a country of rich culinary history. Food is an essential part of Mexican culture and tradition. Many ingredients and methods of cooking originate from the Maya and Aztecs, such as cacao, chilies and tomatoes.
Corn is a native Mexican crop and there are more than 60 varieties grown in the country. Its presence is found in almost all Mexican dishes. In fact, 300 million corn tortillas are consumed by Mexicans each day! It’s not hard to believe this when you’re hard-pressed to think of an occasion where a tortilla wasn’t accompanied with your meal, even with pasta!
Mexico City is a gastronomy haven. Here you can witness the sheer variety of Mexican cuisine and the range of culinary skills. Don’t skip eating in the street. It’s where you usually find the juiciest, meatest tacos for less than $1. On the other scale, roam the tree-lined avenues of Roma, Polanco and La Condesa and you can experience exquisite restaurants, led by world-renowned chefs. For coffee lovers, you’re bound to be impressed by the hole-in-the-wall coffee shops scattered around that offer organic, silky-smooth coffee that packs a punch.
For those who are making the move to Mexico Contact Us www.colomagroup.com
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