Additional Coverage:
- I’m an Air Force veteran who moved to Mexico after living in the US for 42 years. I made the right choice. (businessinsider.com)
After 42 Years in the US, a Veteran Finds a New Home and Better Life in Mexico City
Marcia Hylto never imagined she’d leave the United States, the country she served in the Air Force and proudly called home for over four decades. But after a long journey of hard work, health struggles, and personal loss, she found herself seeking a better quality of life south of the border in Mexico City.
Hylto’s American dream began in junior high when she moved from Jamaica to live with her father. She embraced his belief in hard work, served her country, and built a successful career, first as a computer programmer and college instructor, and later as a marketing manager and entrepreneur.
Yet, the relentless hustle took its toll. Following her father’s death in 2011, Hylto realized she was living to work, not working to live.
A turning point came in 2017 with the onset of a debilitating autoimmune condition. The diagnosis took seven grueling years, filled with countless specialist visits and mounting medical bills that drained her retirement savings.
The US healthcare system felt like an obstacle course, with long wait times and exorbitant costs. She needed a change.
Hylto found the solution in Mexico City. Now, a year later, she reflects on her decision with no regrets.
The affordable healthcare system has been a game-changer. Medications that cost a fortune in the US are a fraction of the price in Mexico, easing her financial burden and allowing her to focus on her health.
Beyond the practicalities, Hylto has found a welcoming community, from helpful Uber drivers to kind neighbors. She enjoys a vibrant social life and a lower cost of living, allowing her to savor fresh foods and comfortable accommodations without the constant stress of making ends meet.
While she misses certain American conveniences, Hylto emphasizes that the trade-offs are insignificant compared to the peace and improved quality of life she now enjoys. Though her condition limits her ability to work, she hopes to regain her strength and eventually return to a more active professional life. For now, she is content to embrace her new home and the unexpected joys it has brought her.