Moving From Chicago to Querétaro

Moving to Mexico can be a transformative experience filled with challenges and rewards.

For Judy, relocating from Chicago to Mexico was a long-held dream. In our latest video, Judy shares her journey, exploring her motivations, the adjustments she faced, the cities in Mexico she has lived in and how they compare to Queretaro and the new lifestyle she now embraces.

We’ll also provide a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in her new home.

A Dream Realized: The Move to Mexico

Judy’s love for Mexico began when she was a teenager.

As a foreign exchange student in Mexico City, she fell in love with the country’s vibrant culture and warm-hearted people.

“I fell in love with the country and the people,” she recalls.

“My goal had always been that once I retired, I would move to Mexico either part-time or full-time.”

In 2018, Judy and her family made the leap to Puerto Morelos, a small town on the Caribbean coast. The decision was influenced by her husband’s and daughter’s preference for a beachside lifestyle.

“Interestingly enough, Puerto Morelos was not my first choice. My husband and daughter wanted to live on the Caribbean side, but I didn’t care about the beach at all,” Judy explains.

“I fell in love with the country and the people.”

Discovering the Right Fit

While Puerto Morelos offered beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, Judy found that the lifestyle there didn’t quite suit her. The beach bars and leisure activities were not what she had envisioned.

“Life was pretty slow and casual in Puerto Morelos, but that wasn’t a lifestyle I was accustomed to or desired,” she admits.

Additionally, the humid climate posed health challenges for her daughter, who has a respiratory illness.

Seeking a drier climate and a more urban environment, Judy explored several cities, including San Miguel de Allende. Ultimately, the family chose Querétaro, a city known for its pleasant climate and cultural richness.

“Querétaro was a good-sized city compared to Puerto Morelos and Cancun,” she says.

The family made multiple trips throughout the year to ensure it was the right fit, considering the different seasons and overall feel of the area.

Embracing Culture and Language

Transitioning to life in Querétaro brought its own set of challenges, particularly with language. Moving from a tourist-heavy area like Puerto Morelos to a more traditional Mexican city required Judy to adapt quickly.

“Living in Querétaro without knowing Spanish is more difficult than living in an area with a lot of tourists or snowbirds,” Judy notes.

Despite her daily Spanish studies over the past six years, she often relies on tools like Google Translate to communicate.

However, Judy has found the local community to be incredibly welcoming. “People seem to want to help you if you make an effort,” she shares. This willingness to connect has helped Judy feel more integrated into her new environment.

“Living in Querétaro without knowing Spanish is more difficult than living in an area with a lot of tourists or snowbirds.”

Cost of Living: A Pleasant Surprise

One of the most striking differences Judy observed after moving to Querétaro was the cost of living. Having lived in both Chicago and Puerto Morelos, she found Querétaro to be surprisingly affordable. Here’s a breakdown of her typical expenses, along with their USD equivalents:

• Rent: $18,500 pesos/month (~$961 USD/month) 3 Bed 3 Bath Home
• Electricity: $600 pesos/every 2 months (~$31 USD/every 2 months)
• Gas: $1,600 pesos/every 2 months (~$83 USD/every 2 months)
• Water: $500 pesos/month (~$26 USD/month)
• Drinking Water: $200 pesos/month (~$10 USD/month)
• Groceries: $600-700 USD/month

Total Monthly Expenses: Approximately 32,000 pesos (~$1,662 USD/month) using a $19.25 USD= $1 MXN exchange rate.

“Querétaro is definitely not as expensive as living in either Chicago or Puerto Morelos,” Judy observes.

She appreciates the financial relief provided by the lower cost of living, which allows her family to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain they experienced in their previous locations.

A Slower Pace of Life

Beyond the financial benefits, Judy enjoys the slower pace of life in Querétaro.

“Since living in Mexico, I have been able to slow down,” she reflects. In the U.S., she worked long, stressful hours. But in Querétaro, she has more time for leisure and self-care.

“Here, I get to walk a lot, my husband rides a bike, and we both enjoy a less stressful lifestyle,” she notes.

The friendliness of the locals, who always greet each other warmly, adds to the sense of community and belonging.

“Since living in Mexico, I have been able to slow down.”

Advice for Prospective Expats

Judy offers invaluable advice to those considering a move to Mexico. She emphasizes the importance of thorough research and preparation.

“Research, research, research,” she advises.

Understanding the local culture, climate, and logistics is crucial for a smooth transition. She also suggests renting a home before committing to a purchase to experience different areas and lifestyles.

Another key piece of advice is to embrace the local culture and respect the differences. “You have to appreciate that it’s a different lifestyle and culture,” Judy says.

“If you wanted what you had back home, then you should have stayed back home.” She encourages newcomers to be open-minded and adaptable to truly enjoy the Mexican experience.

Navigating the Move with Mexico Relocation Guide

One resource that proved invaluable during Judy’s relocation process was our site and YouTube channel– Mexico Relocation Guide.

“Mexico Relocation Guide is an amazing resource because they’re going to help you find the people and the places that are right for you,” Judy emphasizes.

“They’re going to help you learn about the culture, the important places to live, where you can and have to speak Spanish, and places where you can live because it’s the right climate for what you’re looking for.”

Judy emphasizes the importance of finding the right contacts and resources when moving to a new country. “Going on a relocation tour was incredibly helpful,” she shares.

“It allowed us to see different neighborhoods, understand the local amenities, and meet professionals who could assist with various aspects of the move, like setting up utilities and finding reliable contractors. Having those connections made the transition so much smoother and less stressful.”

Learn more about getting instant access to our directory of contacts in our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide. We give you the steps for moving to Mexico and access to our vetted contacts, such as private relocation tours, immigration facilitators, realtors, real estate lawyers, private drivers, and more.

“Going on a {Queretaro} relocation tour was incredibly helpful.”

A Fulfilling New Chapter

Judy’s move to Querétaro has been a deeply fulfilling experience. While there have been challenges, she has found joy in the slower pace of life, the affordability, and the rich cultural experiences. Her journey is a testament to the rewards of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new adventures.

As Judy reflects on her experience, she says, “I hope my experiences help others in their journey.”

For anyone considering a similar move, Judy’s insights and advice offer a valuable guide to navigating life in a new country.

Moving to a new country is never easy, but as Judy’s story demonstrates, it can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. For those contemplating such a move, her experiences provide a roadmap to making the most of a new adventure in Mexico.