Moving from one city to another can be a complex and difficult path if you don’t have much experience in the process… Now, Imagine going to a completely new country with a culture and lifestyle different from what you have always known. This is the situation faced by thousands of people, or expats, who have decided to seek new experiences in countries with great development potential around the world. Discover below some of the best places to live in Mexico as a foreigner and read the best recommendations to find the home of your dreams quickly and safely.
What are expats or expatriates?
In simple terms, expatriates, also known as expats, are people who live outside their home country. While they can be of any nationality, the most common profiles of expats are often employed by multinational companies or have decided to live abroad for personal reasons. “Expats” is an abbreviation meaning “outside their country of origin.”
There are several reasons why people choose to become expats, such as job opportunities, the desire to experience a new culture or to be closer to family and friends, even to improve their quality of life. For these individuals, living abroad can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Expats often face challenges such as adapting to a new culture, learning a new language and finding the ideal home. However, they also have the opportunity to learn about new cultures, make new friends and experience new adventures.
Main challenges and challenges for foreigners when migrating to Mexico
- Culture shock: Culture shock is a sense of disorientation that can occur when someone moves to a community with different social nuances and customs.
- Loneliness: Expats can often experience loneliness, especially in the initial stages of their move. This is because they are far away from their family and friends, and most likely have not yet established a strong social network in their new country, despite having the support of their company or native acquaintances.
- Language barriers: One of the main challenges may be the language and the way business or relationships are conducted in this new destination, including moving from one place to another.
- Finding a home: Expats may have difficulty finding the ideal home in their new country, especially if they do not know the market prices and options in case they are looking to buy or rent a property.
- Adapting to a new educational system: Expats are not just lone adventurers, many of them decide to emigrate with their families. In this context, the challenge is also for the children of expats who must adapt to a new educational system in their new country.
Despite these challenges, living abroad has many benefits. Expats have the opportunity to learn about new cultures, make new friends and live experiences they would otherwise never have contact with. They may also have the possibility of earning a higher wage or access to better quality in an economy with exchange rates lower than the currency in which they earn money.
Become an expat ready and find the ideal destination to live in Mexico as a foreigner.
Finding your dream home abroad can be a fairly simple and rewarding process if you put into practice the following tips for investing in a high quality apartment or house.
- Research: Do you currently need a house or apartment? Are your activities 100% remote or do you have the need to meet with clients and coworkers on a constant basis? Do you prefer cold, hot or a balance between the two? All of these variables are what you should keep in mind before choosing your dream home. For example, in Mexico City the cultural and recreational offer is superior compared to the rest of the country, but housing prices and travel times from one place to another tend to be higher compared to destinations on the coast. On the other hand, Mexico’s beaches offer a privileged climate and incredible real estate projects with high quality materials and avant-garde designs are currently available.
- Learn the language: Learning the language as an expatriate living in Mexico should be one of your main projects. Mexico is a very diverse country in terms of culture and traditions. The styles of social relations are not the same in the center compared to the north and south. That is why mastering as much Spanish as possible can help you to understand social and cultural nuances, and thus better relate to your surroundings, as well as to find better housing opportunities.
- Build relationships: Getting closer with other expats is a great idea to avoid feeling the loneliness of the beginning, and besides, building friendships with Mexicans is a great idea to get to know in depth which are the best areas to live in.You will also be able to understand other factors that you may not have considered yet, such as distances, services available in your area, typical food, among others.
- Reach out to real estate experts in your area.While there is a wide range of real estate companies that can help you find an ideal destination to live, at nolab we have bilingual specialists, which can be more comfortable for your needs. Our catalog extends throughout the country and we work with verified developers and owners, so you will always have security in any of your transactions.
Top 7 places to live in Mexico as a foreigner
Living in Mexico as an expatriate is possible, from renting a property or even buying it for future returns. Mexico is a diverse and welcoming country that offers a wide variety of destinations ideal for expats who want to live new experiences, meet warm people and taste one of the best cuisines in the world. Here are some of the best destinations in Mexico so you can find the perfect place to establish your new home:
Polanco
The Polanco neighborhood in Mexico City is one of the most desirable destinations to live in because of its quality of life, safety, added value, cultural offerings, proximity to financial centers and the number of expats who have decided to live here in recent decades.
Investing and living in Polanco means improving your quality of life in every way, in the area you can find important destinations just a few steps away, such as the Museo Soumaya, Sala de Arte Público Proyecto Siqueiros, Galería Oscar Román, Antara, Teatro Telcel, Palacio de Hierro, Galerías Polanco, etc. and much more.
Roma and Condesa
The area comprising the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods in CDMX is one of the most desirable areas to live in due to its bohemian lifestyle, cultural offerings and high adoption of foreigners.
The colonies Rome y Condesa are a reference of habitability, lifestyle and real estate investment in Mexico City. For several decades it has become a highly desirable area to live in for foreigners and nationals looking for a place to grow in all aspects. The area is multifaceted and offers options for all ages, from playgrounds to bars and nightclubs.
Some of the most attractive destinations in the area are Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Parque España, Plaza Romita, Fuente de las Cibeles, Museo Histórico Judío y del Holocausto, Casa del Poeta, among others.
Tulum
With incredible pristine beaches, paradisiacal landscapes, tranquil lifestyle and quality real estate projects, Tulum is an ideal destination for expats from all over the world. The warm climate, vibrant nightlife and rich gastronomic offerings make this place an attractive option for those seeking a coastal living experience.
Buy an apartment in Tulum means living a high quality of life and accessing a capital gain of up to 9%. In addition, the Mexican government sees in this destination a unique opportunity to detonate foreign investment, which is why it has invested in developing its own airport.
Zihuatanejo
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Zihuatanejo is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, warm climate and welcoming community. Zihuatanejo is located 225 km from the port of Acapulco and 482 km from Mexico City, which makes it a relatively close destination to the country’s capital. As a year-round or part-year-round destination, this place is popular because it offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as swimming in its crystal-clear beaches, practicing water sports and enjoying the delicious local cuisine.
Investment in the Zihuatanejo real estate market is very attractive due to the relatively lower prices compared to other Mexican tourist destinations in Cancun, for example. In recent years the capital gains on some properties in Zihutanejo have experienced increases of up to 17%, so buying and selling a property, or leasing it through a third party is a great option for profit.
Merida
The capital of the state of Yucatán is known for its colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage and friendly atmosphere. Merida offers a great quality of life, with a low cost of living, a thriving gastronomic scene and a strategic location near beautiful beaches and Mayan archaeological sites. In addition, the city has a wealth of services and amenities for expats.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is known for its rich culture, history and traditions, offering expatriates an authentic and enriching experience. The city of Oaxaca has a charming historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with beautiful colonial churches, plazas and cobblestone streets.
On the other hand, the cost of living in Oaxaca is generally lower compared to large cities such as Mexico City or Guadalajara. This makes it more affordable for expatriates to buy a property and enjoy a good quality of life.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city located in the state of Jalisco, known for its natural beauty and year-round warm weather. This city has a privileged location and a warm climate during most of the year.
The city has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It also offers a wide variety of restaurants, stores and entertainment options, both in the historic center and in the Romantic Zone.
These are just a few examples of the best destinations to buy a home in Mexico as an expat. Each has its own charm and offers different advantages and amenities. When choosing a destination, it is important to consider your personal preferences, lifestyle and specific needs.Becoming an expat in Mexico can be an exciting and enriching experience. The country offers a wide range of attractive destinations to buy a home, each with its own character and charm. Discover more property options on our website and live in the place of your dreams.
