If you’ve been considering a life abroad, whether as an expat, immigrant, or traveler – Mexico is one country you’ll want to add to your list. Here are 10 reasons to help you make the leap into new experiences, a different culture, and likely a higher quality of life.

10. Proximity to the US/Canada

Mexico is close enough for a quick trip ‘home’, yet diverse and far enough to appeal to that wanderer inside of you. Taking trips to the US or Canada are affordable and quick. If you live close enough to the northern border of Mexico (Tijuana), you can literally cross the CBX Bridge into San Diego. Another perk of proximity is the ability to stock up on items in the US/Canada that may not be readily available in Mexico.

9. Easy Entry Permit

Mexico is the holder of one of the most generous tourist permits in the world, allowing visitors from various countries to stay up to 180 days visa-free. Those six months are plenty of time to explore and determine if Mexico is right for you.

8. Smooth Transition

Mexico is one of the easiest places to land when exploring life abroad. It’s the #1 country Americans move to when abroad (over 1.5 million and counting). English is widely spoken in many tourist destinations and there are several helpful “expat” groups filled with resources to make your landing as uncomplicated as possible. Besides the proximity to the states and Canada, there are a lot of entities here that won’t be foreign to you. Familiar brands of big box stores, restaurants, and businesses are some of what you’ll find in the big cities.

7. Cost of Living

Mexico is a great country to move to if cost of living is important to you and your budget. Moving where the cost of living is lower than where you’re coming from allows you to really stretch your currency (geoarbitrage). The beauty of living in Mexico is you don’t have to sacrifice quality or comfort (neither with healthcare or lifestyles). Many from the United States enjoy living on a fraction of what they did in the States. As a result, there is much more that you could afford that might be considered a luxury such as a nanny, cleaner, gardener, and the occasional cook.

6. Real Estate & Rentals

It’s relatively easy to buy property in Mexico with the assistance of a lawyer. Renting in Mexico is even easier. Even if you plan to buy, it’s best to rent for a while first before committing to an investment such as real estate. Mexico doesn’t have an MLS system, instead, searching for rentals is best on local websites like vivanuncios.com.mx, inmuebles24.com, Homie.mx, and even Facebook Marketplace. The rental process usually requires a deposit, a couple of months’ rent, bank statements, references, and an Aval or Fiador (a Mexican national who can vouch for you). Overall, cash rules. If you don’t have someone that can vouch for you, owners accept payment of an extra couple of months in advance in exchange. Negotiation is a part of the process.

5. Rich Culture

Mexico is a melting pot of communities and cultures. Although Mexico’s official language is Spanish, the government recognizes 68 indigenous languages reflective of the communities whose history is weaved in this land. Culture permeates architecture too! While you’ll typically see a lot of Spanish colonial architecture, pueblos big and small mix old world and new world.

4. Topography

Mexico’s landscape is varied and beautiful. There truly is something for everyone. Take your pick from flatlands, mountains, deserts, beaches, and forests.

3. Climate

Mexico has a variety of climates for anyone. Mix your preference of climate and topography and you might just find your perfect combination. Mexico’s weather carries a wide range: hot, dry, humid, Mediterranean, and subtropical. It’s more than dessert (Baja) and it’s more than the tropical beach …even with 5,800 miles of coastlines.

2. Food

Tacos, tortillas, and tortas … Oh My! Mexico’s various regions are known for their food specialties and globally, Mexican food is widely considered world-renowned cuisine. Mexico’s food regions are comprised of Norteño, Baja Califoriano, Oaxaqueño, Chiapas, Jaliscense, Yucateco, Veracruzano, and Poblano. Diving into this country’s food scene is a must!

1. People

The list couldn’t end without mentioning the heart of Mexico – the people. Mexican people are some of the most welcoming throughout our travels, as well as friendly, prideful, hospitable, and overall great ambassadors of their country. The people truly make the place and Mexico wouldn’t be as magical without its citizens.