Why did we leave the States and move to Mexico?
What about safety? Schooling? Medical care? Politics? The water? Cows in the road?
We are often asked these questions, mainly with intrigue and curiosity, other times with confusion and skepticism.
What about The American Dream?
Why did we relocate our family to Mexico, uproot ourselves from our country of birth, to begin our lives anew?
The answers are varied but all end up at the same place.
Our children holding new life in their hands in San Pancho, Nayarit
A Better Life
We wanted a better life…for our family, our children, our marriage, our dog, our individual and collective physical and emotional health.
We wanted to cultivate abundance and longevity and enjoy the precious, never-to-be-had-again-moments within our days—to get out of the rat race, slow down, smell the flowers, disconnect and reconnect.
To be present to and in the moment.
Community Service, Lindero de La Petaca
Baja or Mainland?
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.
Our Baja Home in Bahia de Los Angeles
At one point in our relocation research, BOLA was a serious contender for us—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 mainland México—the connection we feel with her and all that she has to offer our family (and we her!)—that was calling to our hearts.
Now, 6 years later, we do not have any regrets about our decision to raise our family south of the border. The adventure continues to evolve and reveal itself in the magic and gifts of each day.
We are eternally grateful that we have found our place and our purpose here in our Querido México.
~Katie
*For more on our immigration to Mexico, please visit my article “American Dream” as seen featured on The Huffington Post.
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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
I do consulting work where I am able to answer your other questions at length if this is of interest to you.
Cheers,
Katie 🙂