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Why Americans Are Relocating To Mexico City For A Better Life

CNBC Make It・13 minutes read

Mexico City is a vibrant, bustling city known for its unique way of life and never-ending action, attracting many Americans, especially digital nomads. Economic disparities, language barriers, and housing issues pose challenges, but some, like Caitlin, find joy in immersing themselves in the local culture and embracing a more relaxed lifestyle with a higher quality of life, despite earning less.

Insights

  • Mexico City's population has grown exponentially over the last century, attracting a significant number of Americans due to the rise of remote work during the pandemic. However, challenges persist in terms of assimilation and integration into the local community, particularly regarding language learning and engagement with locals.
  • Caitlin, a former paralegal from North Carolina who relocated to Mexico City in 2011, underscores the importance of immersing oneself in the local culture to fully appreciate a new country. She values the relaxed lifestyle, lower living costs, and sense of community in Mexico City, prioritizing quality of life and time over wealth accumulation, showcasing a different perspective on life priorities.

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Recent questions

  • What is the population of Mexico City?

    22 million

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Summary

00:00

Mexico City: Vibrant, Growing, and Alluring

  • Mexico City is vibrant and bustling, often compared to a three-ring circus, with constant action, music, color, and noise.
  • The city is known for never sleeping, offering a unique way of life that many find liberating and fulfilling.
  • Over the last century, Mexico City's population has grown tenfold, making it the largest city in North America with over 9 million residents and a greater area population of about 22 million.
  • The rise of remote work during the pandemic has attracted many Americans to Mexico City, with more Americans visiting Mexico by air in 2022 than from any other country.
  • In 2022, over 30,000 Americans applied for or renewed residency visas in Mexico, nearly double the number from 2019, with many digital nomads residing in the city.
  • Despite the influx of Americans, assimilation and integration into the local community remain a challenge, with questions raised about language learning and local engagement.
  • Mexico City offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to the U.S., with lower living costs and a different work-leisure balance that many find appealing.
  • Economic disparities in Mexico City are significant, with the top 10% of earners making 13 times more than the bottom 10%, while the average salary in the city is around $20,000 annually.
  • The strength of the dollar against the peso benefits Americans living in Mexico City, allowing for a higher quality of life compared to the U.S.
  • Gentrification and short-term rentals in Mexico City have led to housing issues, with rising rents and displacement of locals, prompting concerns about the impact on the city's social fabric and community cohesion.

19:12

"Former paralegal finds happiness in Mexico"

  • Caitlin, a former paralegal from North Carolina, moved to Mexico City in 2011 with her Mexican husband and daughter. They earn their living in pesos and Caitlin works as a choreographer, embracing Mexico's collectivist culture.
  • Caitlin emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the local culture to truly experience and appreciate a new country. She highlights the benefits of learning Spanish, connecting with people, and embracing patience in Mexico.
  • Despite being deeply happy and grateful for her life in Mexico City, Caitlin has no plans to return to the United States, as she values the peace, equality, and sense of home she has found in Mexico. Her dream life revolves around having control over her time rather than accumulating wealth.
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