Brighton West stumbled upon his move to Mexico almost by accident. Tired of the rainy weather in Oregon, the 51-year-old American decided to spend winters in California. However, after realizing the high cost of housing in the area, he and his wife looked into other options. In 2019, they took a weekend trip to La Paz, Mexico, and were amazed at the affordable real estate prices. They ended up purchasing a beachfront home for $160,000, a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S.
With the increasing trend of remote work, many Americans, like the Wests, made the move to Mexico between 2019 and 2022. However, the strong Mexican currency has recently impacted their purchasing power. Despite this, Brighton West shares his experience and insights through his YouTube channel, “Almost Retiring in Mexico,” attracting thousands of views and offering consultancy services to aspiring expats.
The currency’s strength has led to a record increase in Americans receiving residence permits in Mexico, but experts predict a potential shift as the peso continues to appreciate. While some delay their plans, others embrace the adventure of living in Mexico regardless of economic fluctuations.