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Meet Brandy, a California expat who decided to trade the hustle and bustle of the Golden State for the laid-back charm of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. In this video, she shares her journey and experiences living in this tropical paradise and why she moved to Mexico from the U.S.
“The biggest improvement for me is I’m much happier. I can’t stress that enough,” Brandy says. “There’s a certain amount of pressure and intensity that I felt in the US that I don’t feel here… it just feels different.”
The Decision to Move
“I left California because the grind was hard and expensive, and wasn’t as enjoyable anymore,” Brandy explains. “I considered Malaysia and Portugal, but Mexico was a no-brainer. Close to family and familiar. Plus, you can’t beat the sun and the aquamarine water.”
Cultural Melting Pot
Playa del Carmen, according to Brandy, is a melting pot of foreigners. “I can hear people speak four different languages at any given time,” she says, emphasizing the diversity that enriches her daily life.
Welcoming Community
“One of the things I love the most about my new life here is that I feel very welcomed,” Brandy shares. “Everyone is your friend… and I didn’t feel that in California. In fact, the last house I rented for four years, I hardly knew my neighbors. In Playa del Carmen, everyone says hi.”
Affordable Living
Living in Playa del Carmen isn’t all roses, but Brandy highlights the significant cost differences. She bought a house in a gated community for about 90% less than a comparable one in California. Property taxes are low, and she details the flexibility in lifestyle spending.
- Housing: Brandy emphasizes that the cost of living depends on personal choices. She bought a house for about 90% less than the houses in her area of California.
- Food: She gives a perfect example, mentioning $1.75 tacos or a $20 meal – it all depends on one’s lifestyle.
- Personal Services: Brandy’s quality of life has soared as she now enjoys the luxury of a personal chef and housecleaner six days a week – something she could never afford in California. This enables her to focus on growing her online business.
A Happier Life
“The biggest improvement for me is I’m much happier. I can’t stress that enough,” Brandy says. “There’s a certain amount of pressure and intensity that I felt in the US that I don’t feel here… it just feels different.”
Brandy, along with her husband and service dog, made the leap to Playa del Carmen, finding not just an affordable living arrangement but a happier and more relaxed way of life. Learn more about her journey in our latest video.
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