In this episode of Dream Retirement in Mexico, host Risa Morimoto interviews Vanessa Jacquemin, a New York native with Haitian roots, about her relocation journey to Querétaro, Mexico. Vanessa discusses her motivation to move, driven by a friend's recommendation and a scouting trip in January 2021. She relocated in June 2021 with her daughter, who attends Lycee Francaise and speaks three languages: English, French, and Spanish. Vanessa highlights the multicultural environment benefiting her daughter's upbringing.

The episode details Querétaro's appealing factors for expats, including affordable living, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming community. Housing options range from townhouses to luxury homes, with rents starting at 15,000 pesos. Currency fluctuations impact costs, comparing Querétaro with pricier Mexico City. Vanessa shares her living experience in Zakkia, a gated community, and praises the city's mix of colonial heritage and modern amenities.

Vanessa is launching "Maverick in Mexico," a blog and business offering relocation resources and consultations. She talks about her personal adjustments, the supportive Mexican culture, and maintaining her dual identity between the US and Mexico. The episode closes with insights on adapting to local legalities, conveniences, and the family-oriented lifestyle in Mexico.

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Key Moments:

00:10 Querétaro : Accessible, temperate, affordable, cultural, and growing.

09:28 Querétaro : Big, vibrant city balancing tradition and growth.

10:24 Industry-driven development started in 1950s Querétaro

17:40 Life in Mexico: Similar to US, but better.

22:30 Community diversity enriches daughter's upbringing.

25:46 Rent increased significantly over three years due to currency fluctuation.

28:36 Merida has beautifully renovated colonial homes; Querétaro lacks.

31:24 Maverick in Mexico: Your Querétaro relocation resource.

About the Guest :

Vanessa Jacquemin's journey is a tale of passion, resilience, and dedication. She initially moved to France and spent eight enriching years there before returning to New York, where she secured a dream job at LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Vanessa felt a profound connection to her heritage and relocated to Haiti in 2012, eager to contribute to the country's recovery. She lived there for seven years, deeply immersing herself in efforts to aid the community. However, by 2019, the increasingly challenging situation in Haiti compelled her to seek a new path for herself and her young daughter, leading them to start a new chapter in Mexico.

Inspired by the city's vibrancy and growing international appeal, Vanessa began laying the groundwork for Maverick In Mexico, a lifestyle blog and YouTube channel designed to serve as a bridge for aspiring expatriates and international newcomers seeking to move to, live in and thrive in Querétaro.

Set to launch in October 2024, Maverick In Mexico will offer comprehensive relocation planning, personalized scouting experiences and curated events, blending Vanessa’s strategic acumen with her passion for cross-cultural living. This venture is a reflection of her evolution, infused with her entrepreneurial expertise, love for international experiences, and commitment to fostering meaningful connections between cultures.