What is it really like living in Mexico beyond the vacation experience? In this episode of Live by Design -  Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Alex Krotkov, a long-time expat in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, to share honest insights on adapting to a new culture and building a meaningful life abroad.

Alex explains what surprises most foreigners when they move to Mexico - from adjusting to a slower pace and different infrastructure to understanding healthcare options and daily life realities. They discuss the importance of open-mindedness, flexibility, and choosing the right community when relocating, whether you’re considering a beach town like Puerto Escondido or a cultural hub like Oaxaca.

If you’re planning on moving to Mexico, researching Mexico expat life, or wondering how to successfully adjust and thrive long term, this episode offers practical advice, real stories, and grounded expectations to help you design a fulfilling life under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments: 

05:31 Adjusting to a slower lifestyle

08:19 Adjusting to different environments

11:21 Choosing the right neighborhood

16:38 Exploring hobbies and big decisions

18:03 Embracing curiosity and life changes

20:44 Connecting with others and gratitude

How to contact Alex Krotkov : 

Website Alex Krotkov.com

Email:  [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.krotkov.photographer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.krotkov/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krotkov.weddings/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What happens when life forces you to start over - with almost nothing? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Alex Krotkov, a Russian expat who arrived in southern Mexico with just $300 and built a completely new life in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

Alex shares how he navigated uncertainty, adapted to a new culture, learned Spanish, and found opportunity in unexpected places - from the small beach town of Zipolite to the growing expat community in Puerto Escondido. His story highlights the realities of living in Mexico as an expat, including integration, community support, and the mindset required to rebuild from scratch.

This episode goes beyond typical retirement conversations - it’s about resilience, adaptability, and designing a life on your own terms. Whether you’re exploring Mexico expat life, considering a move for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation offers real stories, honest perspective, and powerful lessons on creating a new beginning in Mexico.

Key Moments: 

04:34 Oaxaca: Mexico’s Cultural Treasure

08:18 "Embracing Change and New Paths"

10:05 "Finding Clay, Kilns, Community"

13:51 "Turning Life Around: Perseverance"

17:13 "Growing Town, Limited Infrastructure"

19:59 "Puerto Vallarta's New Highway"

How to contact Alex Krotkov : 

Website Alex Krotkov.com

Email:  [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.krotkov.photographer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.krotkov/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krotkov.weddings/

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Are you a Gen X or Baby Boomer in the United States or Canada feeling burned out, stressed, and wondering if life could feel different?

In this video, Taniel Chemsian, founder of Taniel Chemsian Properties in Puerto Vallarta, shares an honest conversation about something many people quietly ask themselves: is there a better way to live?

If you’ve ever considered moving to Mexico, retiring in Puerto Vallarta, or buying a condo in Mexico, this video helps separate fear, media noise, and common myths from the reality of life here.

Many Americans and Canadians are discovering that Puerto Vallarta offers a different pace of life, a strong expat community, beautiful oceanfront living, and a lower cost of living. It’s not about escaping life; it’s about intentionally designing a life that feels better.

If you’re researching Puerto Vallarta condos for sale, buying property in Mexico as a foreigner, retiring in Mexico from the U.S. or Canada, or living in Puerto Vallarta full-time, this video is for you.

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

In this episode of Retirement in Mexico  - Live by Design, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with expat entrepreneur Adam Race to explore what it’s really like to move abroad and build a new life in Mexico City.

After leaving his career as a federal employee in Denver, Adam set out on an adventure that took him from Ohio to Lima, Peru - and eventually to Mexico’s dynamic capital. In this conversation, he shares honest insights about navigating expat life, embracing minimalism, and creating meaningful community while living abroad.

In this episode you’ll learn:

Adam also shares details about his growing community and resource hub, “Into Mexico We Go,” where he helps others navigate the journey of moving and thriving in Mexico.

Whether you’re dreaming about retiring abroad, considering a move to Mexico, or simply curious about life as an expat, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you design a life you truly enjoy.

How to contact Adam Race : 

Website : https://www.intomexicowego.com/

Email: [email protected]

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@intomexicowego

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intomexicowego

Grab free e-guides: https://intomexicowego.com/

Weekly Update - one email, once a week: https://www.intomexicowego.com/newsletter

Mexico Residency Visa Guide: https://www.intomexicowego.com/visa-eligibility-tool

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/intomexicowego 

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Thinking about moving to Mexico and wondering how residency actually works? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with immigration expert Sofía Rodríguez Espinosa to break down everything you need to know about Mexican residency, work visas, and citizenship options.

They explain the difference between temporary and permanent residency, how to meet economic solvency requirements, common mistakes at Mexican consulates, and what retirees and families should prepare before applying. You’ll also learn why getting a Mexican tax ID, opening a local bank account, and securing a residency card are critical first steps to living in Mexico legally and smoothly.

Whether you’re researching the Mexico retirement visa, applying for a work permit in Mexico, or exploring a long-term path toward Mexican citizenship, this episode provides practical guidance and expert insight to help you avoid delays and confidently start your life under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments: 

00:00 Foreign Worker Hiring Process

04:07 Mexican Residency vs. Tax Codes

08:53 Printed Documents Are Still Necessary

12:38 "Residency Card Process Simplified"

15:27 "Bank Statements and Visa Processes"

17:42 Fraud Checks Ensure Document Validity

22:32 Mexico Citizenship Requirements Explained

How to contact Sofia Rodríguez Espinosa : 

Website : https://immigrationpros.com.mx/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/immigrationprosmx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImmigrationProsMexico

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

After a recent incident, many people have reached out with questions and concerns, and that reaction is completely understandable.

In this episode, real estate broker Taniel Chemsian of Taniel Chemsian Properties shares the day-to-day reality of living in Puerto Vallarta from the perspective of someone who has called this city home for nearly 23 years, including what it actually felt like on the ground that day.

This isn’t about headlines or sales.

It’s about context, perspective, and helping you make informed decisions about your future.

If you have questions or would like an updated, local perspective from Puerto Vallarta, we’re always here as a resource.

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Thinking about retiring in Mexico or living abroad long term? Understanding Mexico residency requirements is one of the most important first steps. In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with immigration specialist Sofia Rodríguez Espinosa to break down how temporary and permanent residency really work - and why the rules have become stricter in recent years.

They cover the different legal paths available, including financial solvency requirements, family-based options, work visas, and humanitarian routes. You’ll learn what retirees need to show financially, how consulate applications differ from in-country processes, and common mistakes expats make when applying.

If you’re researching the Mexico retirement visa, wondering whether permanent residency is still achievable, or planning to retire in Mexico from the USA or Canada, this episode delivers practical guidance, real-life insight, and up-to-date clarity to help you move forward confidently and legally.

Key Moments: 

03:24 "Passion for Supporting Immigration Journeys"

09:13 Document Errors and Oversights

12:16 Permanent Residency Requirements Update

15:44 Mexico Visa to Residency Process

17:46 Remote Work Income Documentation

21:40 Government, Economy, and Immigration Challenges

How to contact Sofia Rodríguez Espinosa : 

Website : https://immigrationpros.com.mx/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/immigrationprosmx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImmigrationProsMexico

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Thinking about retiring in Mexico and buying a home? Before you sign anything, this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition gives you the real story. Host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Marc and Paulette, a couple who relocated from Sacramento to San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to share what they learned while navigating Mexico real estate as American retirees.

From working with agents and notarios to understanding closing costs, property taxes, and the true cost of living in Mexico, they walk through the practical steps every retiree should consider. You’ll also hear how choosing the right neighborhood, adjusting expectations, and embracing a slower lifestyle helped them build a secure and comfortable retirement.

If you’re researching buying property in Mexico, wondering whether it’s safe, or planning to retire in Mexico from the USA, this episode offers honest insights, realistic expectations, and firsthand experience to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key Moments: 

00:00 Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Differences

03:17 Home Search Challenges Explained

06:55 Neighborhood Life and Unexpected Risks

11:17 Approval and Purchase Process Explained

13:29 Property Closing Process Vallarta

18:40 Lower Living Costs Abroad

How to contact Paulette and Marc: 

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoTravelersInMexico

EMAIL: [email protected]

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What is it really like to retire in a Mexican city most expats overlook? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian talks with Paulette and Marc, a couple who left Sacramento, California to begin their retirement in San Luis Potosí, Mexico - a culturally rich, affordable, and quietly comfortable city far from the usual expat hotspots.

They share how they evaluated different countries and cities, addressed family fears, downsized their lives, and worked together as a couple to make the move possible. The conversation covers cost of living in Mexico, access to healthcare for expats, safety realities versus media myths, and what daily life actually feels like in San Luis Potosí.

If you’re considering retiring in Mexico from the USA, exploring alternatives to beach towns, or simply looking for a more authentic and affordable expat lifestyle, this episode offers real stories, practical lessons, and honest insight to help you decide whether a city like San Luis Potosí could be the right place to design your next chapter.

Key Moments: 

04:56 "Food Tastes Bland in LA"

09:16 Preparing to Move Abroad

10:23 "Falling for Puerto Vallarta"

15:36 Faster Medical Care in Mexico

19:20 Affordable Surgery Abroad Insight

How to contact Paulette and Marc: Marc and Paulette 

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoTravelersInMexico

EMAIL: [email protected]

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here : 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What does it really cost to live, build, and raise a family in Mexico? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down again with Benjamin Sessions, a builder and expat living in San Miguel de Allende, to share firsthand insight into the realities of creating a life in Mexico - from construction and rentals to healthcare and daily expenses.

Benjamin breaks down what retirees and families need to know before building or renovating a home in Mexico, including red flags when hiring contractors, understanding permits and contracts, and budgeting realistically. They also discuss the true cost of living in Mexico, covering groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing for larger households, along with how community and local relationships play a critical role in long-term success.

Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring San Miguel de Allende real estate, or considering a move with your family, this episode delivers practical guidance, honest stories, and real-world advice to help you make informed decisions and design a life of freedom and stability under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments: 

05:41 Bilateral Contracts for Assurance

06:38 Starting a Business: U.S. vs. Mexico

11:29 Debating Multi-Family Build Plan

16:11 Healthcare Costs and Services Overview

19:22 Switching Costco for Local Butchers

21:15 "Embracing Change and Community"

How to connect Benjamin Sessions : 

WEBSITE: https://texsignature.com/

EMAIL: [email protected]

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSignature.mx

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/texassignature.mx/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Texassignature

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893