After years of searching for the perfect place to call home, I have finally found it in Mexico City. My journey has taken me from rural Mexico to Chicago, Italy, and South Korea, allowing me to experience a variety of cultures and form a clear vision of what I wanted in a city: vibrant, cosmopolitan, affordable, and full of green spaces, with easy access to nature and a major airport for travel.
Initially, I doubted that such a place existed. However, Mexico City surprisingly meets almost all my criteria. While I can easily point out my frustrations with the city, such as traffic and pollution, I have come to realize that no city is perfect, just like no romantic partner is without flaws.
My name is Rocio, and I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants. I was born in a small village in Durango and moved to the Chicagoland area at age 11 in search of better opportunities. As the youngest of four, I assimilated quickly and left home at 18 to attend college in Chicago. My quest for creativity and freedom led me to study abroad in Italy and later move to South Korea to teach English.
Initially, I thought freelance writing would allow me to achieve my dream lifestyle, but I struggled to fully commit. Instead, I focused on my full-time job while pursuing creative projects on the side. The pandemic changed everything, granting me the opportunity to work remotely.
In late 2020, as global travel remained limited, I traveled to Playa del Carmen, embarking on a digital nomad journey. After several months, I explored various parts of Mexico before arriving in Mexico City in fall 2021. I felt an instant connection to CDMX, providing the calm assurance I had been seeking as an overthinker.
Returning to Mexico was not initially part of my plans, but earning in dollars while living here allowed me to create a lifestyle that would be difficult in the U.S. More importantly, I moved to Mexico to heal from a deep depression I had experienced during the pandemic. Through therapy, holistic practices, and the vibrant energy of the city, I found happiness again.
The warmth and joy of the people in Mexico offer a stark contrast to my experiences in the U.S. Here, I feel more grounded, and the sounds of Spanish around me deepen my connection to my roots. I take pride in living in the country my parents left, experiencing the beauty of Mexico that they never could due to financial constraints. Their sacrifices have paved the way for a richer life for me.
When I told my parents about my move to Mexico City, they expressed concern, particularly about crime. Thankfully, they accepted my decision, despite their worries. It’s ironic that I now reside in the capital of the country they left to secure a better life for us—one that has allowed me to return to my origins.
Since the pandemic, many children of Mexican immigrants have made similar choices to leave the U.S. for Mexico, seeking better lives and reconnections with their heritage. In the “My American Dream is in Mexico” series, we will explore the stories of Mexican-Americans returning to Mexico, their experiences, and how their families are adapting to this new chapter of the American Dream.
Located in Mexico City, I also run a newsletter called CDMX iykyk, which provides valuable information for expats, digital nomads, and the Mexican diaspora. For those who wish to share their stories for this series, please leave your email in the comments, and I will reach out.