What made us choose Valle de Bravo?

One of our facebook fans asked the other day why we chose Valle de Bravo as our home base.

We've been to all 32 states of Mexico. And we've been to all of the tourist hotspots... our first year in mainland Mexico back in 2008 we hit all of the popular beach spots like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Puerto Escondido, Mazatlan... even Acapulco.

But we quickly learned that we're not suited for extended stays at the beach. And so we explored inland. We liked inland better... it has so much more to offer than the beaches. 

We never had intentions at the time of settling down, however we often said to each other "could we live here?" as we toured the country. In fact, we still ask each other that question when we visit other places in other countries. 

The first time we came here with our motorhome Sherman in December 2010.

We also visited the popular expat hotspots of San Miguel de Allende and Ajijic. But for various reasons, neither of them impressed us as a place we would consider to live. And while we enjoy meeting other English speaking travelers and visitors to this area, we don't feel any need to be in a place where there is a large expat community. We just don't require that, and prefer to be more integrated with the locals.

We returned to Valle de Bravo many times over the years, including bringing two of our RV caravan groups here. Chago, the owner of the property has always been so welcoming towards us, and has become a good friend. And, we have become good friends with other Mexicans who either live here, or have a weekend spot here at the marina.

With our friends Paco and Oti.

The area itself has a lot to offer for outdoorsy type people like ourselves. The weather between November and April is pretty much perfect in our opinion. Highs around 25C (77F) and overnight lows around 10C (50F). Our house has no need for either heating or cooling systems. Summer will be more rain, but we have never experienced that yet. We hope to spend part of July and August here this year.

There is a nearby state park that offers lots of hiking and mountain biking trails. And a lot of things worth seeing within a one hour drive.

Hiking above the lake at Valle de Bravo.

Valle de Bravo is known as a bit of a playground for wealthy people from Toluca and Mexico City. Many people have weekend homes here. As such, the average prices for property buying or renting is a little higher than other parts. So when this house came up for rental, we though it would be unaffordable for our budget. But it wasn't!

Also, we're located an easy two hour bus ride away from Mexico City. And of course we can fly pretty much anywhere from Mexico City airport, and that was an important consideration for us.

All of these factors combined is what made us choose to set up a home base here. 

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