Finding My Place in the Sun: How I Left the U.S. for La Paz, Mexico
Why I Left North America in Search of a Better Life
For years, I followed the expected script—steady job, car upgrades, and vacations squeezed into the margins. On the surface, it looked like I was living “the good life” in Miami. Working with luxury brands and retailers meant it was easy to "look the part". But still, I felt restless. It was still living to work, not working to live. I had no freedom, and when at home, I felt more and more disconnected.
Rising healthcare costs, traffic, political polarization, and the constant rat race drained me. Even simple pleasures—like dining out or attending a concert—were becoming unaffordable luxuries. I kept asking myself: Is this really it?
That question planted the seed for a different kind of life.
Researching Life in Mexico: Residency, Lifestyle, and Possibilities
When I first started researching Mexico, I discovered it wasn’t just a retirement destination anymore. Remote workers, young families, and digital nomads were all moving south for a better quality of life.
Mexico Residency Options for Expats
Temporary Residency – Issued for 1 year (renewable up to 4 years). Requires proof of savings or income.
Permanent Residency– No renewals needed. Higher financial requirements, but full rights to stay in Mexico long term.
What encouraged me most was how many Americans and Canadians had successfully navigated the process. With some planning, it was entirely possible.
Interested in learning how to relocate to Mexico? FREE Mexico Relocation Kit
Narrowing Down the Map: Where to Live in Mexico
Mexico is vast and diverse. Choosing where to live is half the adventure.
San Miguel de Allende charmed me with art and architecture, but it’s inland.
Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen were tempting, but crowded and tourist-heavy.
Mexico City and Guadalajara offered culture, but I wanted the sea.
Then I discovered La Paz, Baja California Sur—a hidden gem that ticked every box.
Why La Paz Is So Desirable for Expats
La Paz is not as internationally famous as Cabo or Cancún, but that’s precisely its charm.
Cost of Living in La Paz vs. the U.S.
Housing: Ocean-view homes at a fraction of California or Florida prices.
Groceries: Fresh produce and seafood from local markets, often 50–70% cheaper than in the U.S.
Dining: Tacos al pastor for under $2, or a seafood feast for less than a casual dinner back home.
Healthcare: Quality doctors, dentists, and hospitals—at prices so low I sometimes thought they’d missed a zero.
Safety in La Paz
La Paz is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in Mexico. It’s family-oriented, walkable, and welcoming. Like anywhere, common sense applies, but compared to U.S. metro areas, I felt MUCH safer here walking at night.
Daily Life in La Paz
A typical day might look like this:
Morning coffee on the terrace overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
Grocery shopping at the mercado, chatting with vendors who remember my name.
A swim at Tecolote Beach or paddleboarding in the bay.
Evenings strolling the malecon, where locals and expats gather for sunsets that stop time.
Natural Beauty and Adventure
The Sea of Cortez is called “the world’s aquarium” for good reason. Whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and manta rays are regular neighbors. On weekends, I can be hiking in desert mountains or island-hopping in turquoise waters.
Buying Property in La Paz
Dreaming of a life abroad is easy. Buying a home in another country? That’s where reality can get complicated.
Foreigners can’t directly own property in the restricted coastal zone. Instead, you need a fideicomiso (bank trust). Add in Spanish contracts, notario oversight, and local regulations, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s why I turned to Dream Baja Realty.
What Stood Out About Dream Baja Realty
They didn’t just ask my budget—they asked about my lifestyle.
They explained residency and fideicomiso requirements in plain English - they even sent me a book (available on Amazon, and written by owner/broker Ian Wilson) that deeply explored the relocation process to Mexico.
They curated property tours tailored to me—modern condos, traditional casas, and hillside homes with breathtaking views.
They connected me with lawyers, banks, and notarios I could trust.
When I walked into the home I eventually bought—perched on a hillside with sweeping ocean views—I knew instantly. My agent simply said, “Imagine your mornings here.” That moment sealed the deal.
Step-by-Step: How Dream Baja Realty Helped Me Buy My Home
Consultation and Neighborhood tours – Learning about La Paz communities, from bustling Centro to tranquil hillside retreats.
Offer & Negotiation – Crafting a competitive, fair offer and handling counter-offers.
Due Diligence – Ensuring the title was clear and the property had no outstanding debts.
Setting up the Fideicomiso – Coordinating with a Mexican real estate attorney to establish my trust.
Closing with a Notario – The legal authority in Mexico who finalizes real estate transactions.
Post-purchase Support – Referrals to contractors, help with utilities, even advice on where to find the best tacos.
They didn’t just sell me a home—they walked with me through the entire journey.
Healthcare in La Paz: Affordable and Accessible
Healthcare was one of my biggest concerns before moving. What if something happened? Would I be covered?
Here’s what I found:
A routine doctor’s visit costs about $30 - $50 usd.
Dental care is high-quality and affordable.
Hospitals in La Paz are modern and staffed by well-trained professionals.
Many expats choose private health insurance or pay out-of-pocket, since costs are a fraction of the U.S.
Knowing that I could get excellent care without bankrupting myself was a huge relief.
Community and Culture in La Paz
La Paz has a vibrant cultural scene. Festivals, art walks, live music, and traditional celebrations fill the calendar.
As an expat, I’ve felt welcomed rather than segregated. Locals are warm, patient with my Spanish, and genuinely interested in sharing their city. The expat community is active too—meet-ups, book clubs, hiking groups, and volunteer opportunities abound.
Comparing My Life Before and After
Before La Paz:
Alarm clocks, traffic, deadlines.
Stress about bills and taxes.
Vacations that never felt long enough.
Neighbors I barely knew.
After La Paz:
Sunrise coffee overlooking the ocean.
Affordable, healthy meals every day.
Evenings on the malecón instead of stuck in traffic.
A sense of community that feels like home.
Why Dream Baja Realty Made All the Difference
Looking back, I realize I could have made mistakes if I tried to go it alone—misunderstood contracts, shady deals, or endless red tape. Working with professionals saved me an extraordinary amount of confusion, stress, and frustration. Dream Baja Realty spared me all of that.
They weren’t just agents—they were partners. They cared about me as a person, not just a transaction. They made sure I didn’t just buy property, but built a life.
A Life Rewritten in La Paz
Today, I don’t measure my life in commutes or paychecks. I measure it in sunsets, fresh fish tacos, and laughter on the malecón.
La Paz gave me the life I didn’t know I was missing.
Dream Baja Realty made it possible.
And if you’re where I once was—restless, overworked, wondering if there’s more—let me tell you: there is.
Living the baja dream,
G (and J) Miller :)
Looking to stick your toe in the water? Here are some homes/condos starting asking LESS than $300,000 USD:
Looking for Your Dream Home in Mexico? At Dream Baja Realty, we specialize in helping Americans and Canadians find the perfect property in Baja California Sur's most sought-after locations. With personalized service, expert local knowledge, and a seamless buying process, we make your real estate journey effortless. Explore our exclusive listings with our advanced search capabilities, take advantage of our resources page (always 100% complimentary to download) here, or contact us today for a free consultation. Ready to take the next step? Check out our FREE Mexico Relocation Kit.
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