A February Life Update from Monterrey

February turned out to be a calm, grounding month in Monterrey, Mexico. It was not filled with dramatic international travel or big adventures. Instead, it was full of the smaller routines that actually make up everyday life when you live abroad long term.

Gym workouts, weekend hikes in the mountains, taco nights with friends, caring for pets, and working remotely from home all filled the month. It was the kind of steady month that quietly builds a life.

Not long after February ended, I had to unexpectedly fly back to Maryland for a family emergency. But before that happened, February gave me a reminder of what day to day expat life in Mexico really looks like.

If you are curious about what life is like as a semi nomadic remote worker living in Mexico, this month offers a good snapshot.

What Does Everyday Life Look Like Living in Monterrey, Mexico?

When people think about living abroad, they often imagine constant travel and adventure.

The reality is much more balanced.

Most months look surprisingly normal. Work still happens. Errands still happen. Routines form. Relationships grow.

Monterrey, located in the state of Nuevo León in northern Mexico, is surrounded by the dramatic limestone mountains of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Because of that geography, everyday life often includes outdoor adventures just minutes from the city.

At the same time, it is a modern city with gyms, restaurants, coworking spaces, and strong internet infrastructure that makes remote work possible.

That combination is what makes it such a comfortable place to live long term.

Getting Back Into Fitness After a Marathon

One of the biggest lifestyle shifts in February was getting back into regular workouts.

After running a marathon earlier in the winter, I had taken nearly two months off from structured exercise. February became the month to slowly rebuild that consistency.

Arturo and I joined a gym and committed to going twice a week.

For someone who has lived a semi nomadic lifestyle for years, signing a six month gym membership actually felt like a surprisingly big commitment.

Our workouts look a little different.

Arturo spends most of his time swimming and doing aqua aerobics.

I split my time between yoga, treadmill running, and weight training.

And honestly, the steam room might be the real highlight.

Having a simple routine like this has been one of the best ways to bring structure back into everyday life.

Weekend Adventures in the Mountains

Living in Monterrey means the mountains are always nearby.

Two of the highlights of February were hiking trips that reminded me just how wild northern Mexico can be.

Hiking Pico Horcones

Pico Horcones sits inside Parque La Huasteca, a massive canyon system just outside the city of Santa Catarina.

The hike is steep, rocky, and exposed in many places, but the reward is incredible views of the towering limestone cliffs that define the region.

It is one of those hikes where the landscape feels much larger and more dramatic than people expect from northern Mexico.

Snow Hiking at La Marta

Another weekend we headed toward La Marta, located near Arteaga, Coahuila.

Arteaga is often nicknamed the Switzerland of Mexico because of its cooler mountain climate.

On this particular hike, we ended up trekking through snow and ice.

That might sound normal if you live in colder climates, but Monterrey rarely sees temperatures anywhere close to that. Experiencing snow after a short drive into the mountains is always a fun surprise.

Building Community Through Small Local Traditions

One of the best parts of living somewhere long term is building small traditions with friends.

February had plenty of those moments.

We celebrated Toño’s birthday with coffee, hot springs, and tacos. That combination might be one of the most perfect birthday itineraries imaginable.

We also spent several Saturday nights hanging out at La Marranada, a taco stand project run by friends.

It has slowly turned into a little community gathering spot where people drop by, eat tacos, and catch up.

Those kinds of recurring social spaces make a big difference when you live abroad.

The Pets: Dogs, Cats, and the Dog Park Experiment

One of the biggest personal milestones of February actually involved the pets.

After five and a half years, I finally took the dogs to dog parks.

Twice.

It felt like a surprisingly big step because managing multiple pets always involves a bit of logistical juggling.

The result was slightly chaotic but extremely cute.

The dogs ran around off leash.

Meanwhile, the cats came along in their stroller and hung out in the shade nearby.

Yes, the cats now attend dog park outings.

It is exactly as ridiculous as it sounds.

February also included upgrades for the dogs, including orthopedic beds and toothbrushes. The next challenge is simply remembering to brush their teeth regularly.

Everyday Life in Mexico: The Small Moments

Beyond hikes and workouts, most of February was made up of small everyday moments.

These are often the things that quietly shape a life abroad.

Some highlights included:

• Sushi and scooter date nights
  
• A Brazilian steakhouse dinner with friends
  
• Tamales for Día de la Candelaria
  
• Sandra’s baby shower
  
• Adding solar lights to the porch
  
• Repotting plants
  
• Organizing storage bins
  
• Catching up on social media posts
  

None of these moments are dramatic enough for a travel video, but together they create a real sense of home.

Work, Creativity, and Long Term Projects

February was also surprisingly productive creatively.

I nearly finished editing one of my books, wrapped up several pending projects related to my Spanish teaching business, started making art again after a long break, and learned how to use my 360 camera.

And one of the biggest milestones of the month happened quietly in the background.

After four years of living in Mexico, I officially received my Mexican permanent residency.

That moment felt huge.

Permanent residency removes a lot of uncertainty and makes long term planning much easier.

Is Mexico a Good Place to Retire?

A friend recently asked whether Mexico might be a good place to retire.

The short answer is that for many people, it can be an excellent option.

Mexico offers a combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and often lower living costs compared to many areas in the United States.

However, the experience depends heavily on where you choose to live.

Some regions are known for beach lifestyles.

Others focus on mountain communities and outdoor activities.

Some towns have large expat populations, while others remain primarily local.

People who enjoy outdoor activities, warm weather, and community oriented living often find Mexico to be a very rewarding place to spend their retirement years.

There are also practical factors to consider.

These include visas, healthcare access, housing markets, and the benefits of learning at least some Spanish.

Each of those topics deserves a deeper discussion.

Why Steady Months Matter

February was not a dramatic month.

There were no international flights, no bucket list adventures, and no major travel stories.

But sometimes those quieter months are the most meaningful.

It was a month of routines.

Strengthening friendships.

Spending more time outdoors.

Taking care of small projects around the house.

Creating a life that feels balanced and sustainable.

And honestly, those months are often the ones that matter most.

FAQ: Living in Mexico as a Remote Worker

What is everyday life like for an expat in Mexico?

Most expat life looks surprisingly normal. People work remotely, exercise, run errands, spend time with friends, and explore nearby nature. Major travel happens occasionally, but daily routines form just like anywhere else.

Is Monterrey a good place to live in Mexico?

Monterrey offers a modern city environment with strong infrastructure, fast internet, and access to mountains and outdoor recreation. It is one of the best cities in Mexico for professionals and remote workers.

Is Mexico safe for expats?

Safety varies by region. Many expats live comfortably in cities like Monterrey, Mérida, and parts of Mexico City. As in any country, it is important to research neighborhoods and practice normal safety awareness.

Can you work remotely from Mexico?

Yes. Many remote workers and digital nomads live in Mexico because of strong internet infrastructure, relatively affordable living costs, and proximity to the United States.

Do you need to speak Spanish to live in Mexico?

While it is possible to live in some expat areas with limited Spanish, learning the language significantly improves daily life, cultural integration, and relationships with local communities.