Gabriella and Vernon Lindsay moved their family from the U.S. to Mexico in 2016, and they have never been happier. Gabriella detailed her family’s journey for CNBC and shared how they changed their lives.
The Lindsays had a great life in Chicago, but they were tired of the daily grind and had always dreamed of living near the beach and having their own business. After her mother passed away in 2016, the couple realized that life is too short and they took action.
Gabriella and Vernon sold their cars, home and quit their jobs. They fit what they could into 10 suitcases and 8 carry-ons, and the couple and their three children moved to Mazatlán, a beautiful Mexican city on the Pacific ocean.
The couple lived in Mazatlán for two years on around $1500 per month. Their rent for a four-bedroom house was only $475 per month. They spent another $425 monthly for their children’s private school, $300 for groceries and around $200 for activities and transportation.
“Living abroad gives you a different perspective — one that encourages growth, compassion, self-awareness and a deeper understanding of other cultures,” said Gabriella.
Gabriella worked on starting her copywriting business, and her husband worked on his construction company. When Vernon was offered a professorship in Antigua, the family moved to Caribbean West Indies.
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Antigua is more expensive than Mexico, but the family is still living in paradise and life is easier and less expensive than living in Chicago. The family lives in a four-bedroom house and the median rent is $1200 in their neighborhood on the island. The family spends $600 per month on groceries. Internet is $120 per month, tuition is $600 monthly for three kids. A bag of six mangos costs $3.75 and movie tickets are $5.00.
The Lindsays’ children are all bilingual and have friends from all over the globe. Another attraction to the island for the Lindsays was that the population in Antigua is primarily Black.
