People often ask us about our immigration to Mexico, understandably curious to know why we uprooted ourselves from our country of birth to begin our lives anew South of The Border. Most questions are posed with polite intrigue and interest (to perhaps follow suit)–other times–and usually only via the veil of “social media anonymity“–bewilderment and skepticism (i.e. fear and close mindedness):
Some of the more frequently asked questions we receive are:
- Why did we leave the States to Move to Mexico?
- Is Mexico Safe?
- Are the Schools good?
- How is the Medical Care?
- Is the Water safe to drink?
- How are the Roads, Driving Conditions & Other “Norms”?
- Aren’t you cheating your children out of The American Dream?
Our answers are varied but all end up at the same place.
A Better Life
We wanted a better life for our family. A life in which abundance, joy, adventure and longevity could be cultivated and sustainable. We wanted to savor the precious, never-to-be-had-again-moments, get out of the rat race, slow down, smell the flowers, disconnect and reconnect.
Discovery
Prior to our move to mainland Mexico in 2012, we spent many years exploring the Baja Peninsula, including leasing a 30 by 60 piece of sand in the slow-paced fishing village of Bahia de Los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez.
At one point during our relocation research, BOLA was a serious contender—as was La Paz México, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, even North Carolina!
But at the end of the day, we knew in our heart of hearts that it was México—the connection we have with her and all that she has to offer our family (and we, her!)—that was calling us.
Even now, at the nearly ten year mark into this life-reinvention in Mexico, we have zero regrets about our decision to raise our family in this magnificent country. It is not for everyone, and that is okay too.
The adventures, evolutions and life journeys just continue to evolve and reveal themselves in the magic and gifts of each day. Oh the stories our children will tell!
We are eternally grateful to our Querido México.
~Katie
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Hi James!
Welcome to Los O’Gradys in Mexico! Glad you found us!
You are correct, many people ask us about “the water”…. both the swimming kind and the drinking kind.
I did write one piece about our experience with ocean water quality in a small town that we lived in prior to moving to Central Mexico, but I have not done a post on drinking water.
Suffice to say that we don’t drink out of the taps, but do freely shower, brush our teeth with it, wash dishes, etc.
All of our house water also goes through a carbon filter system so we have that added comfort.
As for drinking water, we buy it out of garrafons which are big 5 gallon bottles of purified drinking water. There is actually a door-to-door truck that stops buy about once a week to change out our empties for full ones and they cost about 18 cents each.
Hope this somewhat answers your questions.
Cheers,
Katie 🙂
Love the blog!!
What’s the tuition like at the kids’ school, and how long can they continue there? How’s the commute to school in the morning? What are their friends like?
Do you think you’ll stay in SMA permanently?
Thanks 🙂
Mary
Thank you Mary.
The tuition is reasonable and the program goes up to high school.
The commute is about 5 minutes and they absolutely love their school community/family.
We have at least a 5 year plan here…
Cheers,
Katie 🙂
Hi,
I discovered your blog a few days ago and quickly read through a number of your inspiring posts. I appreciate the positive outlook you bring to your experiences and the information is priceless. My wife and I and our 8 year old daughter are strongly contemplating a move from the West coast of Canada to Mexico. I visited San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato for 3 weeks last fall and am strongly attracted to both cities. We have travelled extensively along the Pacific coast (Mazatlan, PV, Ixtapa, and points between) as well as the gulf. Although we love the ocean, the cultural authenticity of the interior highland cities is a big draw. If we can muster the required courage, we may sell our home this fall and take the plunge early next year. One question I have, among many, is the usefulness of a vehicle overall. I understand that in Guanajuato and SMA a vehicle is perhaps a nice convenience for travelling to surrounding areas but unnecessary for day to day living. You seems to have given considerable thought and planning to your move…what factors caused you to drive into Mexico? Has the vehicle proven indispensable? Why tow a boat? We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a T@B teardrop trailer….I am wondering if we should drive in or if the vehicle would prove more of a burden? Of course living in Canada, we would not be making multiple trips home to truck our belongings into Mexico….it would be a one shot effort. I have subscribed and look forward to following your continuing Mexican adventures.
Hi Sheldon and Family,
Welcome to Los O’Gradys in Mexico!
As to your question regarding a car, our family absolutely needs a vehicle. Between commuting to school, local and more distant outings, grocery shopping, etc., it is far more convenient for us than foot or public transport.
We like and need the independence and ease of getting up and going.
For a colonial town like San Miguel de Allende, yes, for everyday living, getting around by foot is absolutely doable, but also limiting.
As to your other questions, feel free to contact me via losogradysinmexico@gmail.com.
I do consulting work where I am able to answer your other questions at length if this is of interest to you.
Cheers,
Katie 🙂