Episode 7

full
Published on:

13th Jun 2025

San Carlos Unveiled: Tim Walker’s Expat Journey in Mexico

Ready to escape to a sun-soaked paradise? Curious about a vibrant expat lifestyle? Would you love to live in a relaxed, welcoming community? Join host Robert DeForge on the Expat Experience as he chats with Tim Walker about thriving in San Carlos, Mexico! Discover a unique blend of desert, mountains, and sea that shapes a relaxed, community-driven lifestyle, from the festive, Mexican-friendly culture rich in celebration, food, and family, to the rapid growth fueling San Carlos’ popularity.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • (00:00) Introduction: Meet Tim Walker
  • (01:12) Tim shares his journey from Venezuela to San Carlos
  • (03:18) The friendly culture and landscape of San Carlos
  • (05:55) The Mexican culture features family-friendly festivities
  • (08:29) Tim comments on the population growth of San Carlos and the diverse entertainment options
  • (11:40) It is easy to find a short or long-term rental , and Tim talks about how everyday life is a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • San Carlos offers a harmonious blend of desert, mountains, and sea, creating a unique physical and cultural environment that fosters a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle distinct from more regulated North American settings.
  • The Mexican community in San Carlos is characterized by a love for celebration, food, family, and friendship, with frequent festivities showcasing a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Rapid construction and population growth reflect San Carlos' increasing popularity. Diverse activities like boating, hiking, and sports, alongside a welcoming expat and local community, make it an attractive destination for relocation.

RESOURCES:

Expat Experience - Podcast

Robert DeForge - LinkedIn

DeForge Realty Group-  Website

KEYWORDS: San Carlos, Mexico, Friendly Culture, Relaxed Welcoming Community, Mexico Living, Expat, Relocation, Community, Culture, Fiesta, Construction, Beach, Mountains, Desert, Freedom, Lifestyle, Food, Family, Friendship, Pickleball, Tennis, Economy, Happiness, Robert DeForge, Vive Real Estate, Paradise, desert, mountains, and sea, family-friendly festivities, rental properties, real estate, Move to Mexico, boating, hiking, sports, Traveling, Getaway, Vacation, real estate investing, moving to mexico, living in mexico

Transcript

Expat Experience Ep. 7: Tim Walker

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[00:00:28] This podcast is your compass to navigating the exciting journey to San Carlos, Mexico living. Get ready to turn your relocation dreams into sun soaked reality.

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[00:00:51] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: Thank you, Rob. You know, it's, uh, fun to do. Thanks for inviting me. So,

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[00:01:10] Tell us a little bit of your, your backstory, if you could.

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[00:01:42] But a colleague of mine had moved to San Carlos and started a bible school for the Mexican community. And so being from Canada. And my work location being in Venezuela, uh, my [00:02:00] colleague Howard facilitated in between here in San Carlos, uh, location where I could continue on working with the native people of Venezuela.

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[00:02:19] Robert DeForge - Host: probably seen lots of changes. What, what kinds of things have you seen. That have changed.

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[00:02:34] Robert DeForge - Host: Well, it is a beautiful place, you have to admit, I know you've traveled throughout Latin America and San Carlos is, is very special. Uh, we have the mountains and we have the ocean. Beautiful beaches here. I feel like it's a very unique place, uh, regarding the, you know, the state of Mexico. There's a lot of beautiful places, but this is a very special place [00:03:00] and I think you probably feel the same way too.

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[00:03:08] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: Well, I have nothing to compare it to really in Mexico 'cause we haven't really explored the other parts of Mexico. But I will say that it is very unique in that it is a harmony between desert. Mountains and sea, and that creates a incredible physical landscape backdrop.

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[00:03:52] Robert DeForge - Host: Yeah. I've met people from, well, Canada, we have a big Canadian presence here. Also a lot of people from the [00:04:00] United States, but I've noticed that there are a lot more, uh, Mexican people from throughout the country that.

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[00:04:27] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: Yeah, I mean, the Mexican culture is. Just full of, uh, Fiesta. Like they love to party. They love to have fun.

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[00:05:04] Families will be, um, sitting eating food and young people will be dancing and everybody has their little, uh, spot of music. And so there's. And somehow they don't compete with each other. You walk from one to another and that's the one you hear. So it was a really fun experience.

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[00:05:33] It people show up from everywhere, selling goods and lots of food, different types of food. It's, it's really something to, uh, to see. Now I live in a g gated community here, and the people, they've come and rent homes in here, they have their own private parties, you know, within the community. So it, it becomes quite boisterous, but it, it's, uh, [00:06:00] with the Mexican culture, holidays and celebration are.

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[00:06:30] It seems like, you know, they're, they're everybody. Exactly. Everybody stops and enjoys life. And, uh, you know, it's a wonderful thing and it's one of the things that drew me to it's there, it's the sense of being present in your life and not delaying enjoying your life until you have that two week vacation or, or whatever's coming up in the future.

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[00:07:01] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: you, I'll tell you, coming from other Latin American cultures, that the Mexican culture, so what we're talking about is really an expression of the Mexican heart, which is another term for culture. And they are such a happy people, generally speaking.

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[00:07:42] Robert DeForge - Host: And the food, food is very important.

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[00:07:47] Robert DeForge - Host: Yeah. That's a, that's a central, uh, component. Tim, you and I have a mutual friend, Jorge, and when he gives us an invite to [00:08:00] come to his home, we know it's gonna be special, don't we?

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[00:08:10] It's right up at the top and yeah, you see that, you experience that.

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[00:08:29] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: 12 years? As far as changes? Um, well, the population has increased.

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[00:09:07] There's always a box full of surprise. It's not just one, but there's just a box full of new, uh, things that, that you connect with. Um, I love the fact that you can do so many things, whether, whether it's boating and fishing or beach life. Or, uh, nature or hiking or mountains? Uh, the estuary is incredible.

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[00:09:54] I mean, we didn't pick this place. We came here, like I said, because my colleague was here and it [00:10:00] provided a facility. But having lived here, we've grown to really appreciate all that it has to offer.

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[00:10:10] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: Well, you're asking the wrong person because I'm, uh, um, a loyal tennis player and, oh, what's that?

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[00:10:46] And so. So you're more of a tennis player

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[00:10:51] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: Yep. I play tennis, yes.

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[00:10:59] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: a, [00:11:00] there's a court at the athletic club. There's a nice court out at the Condominios. Bilad and there are a few other private courts. Um, in San Carlos is enough for somebody like me to be playing tennis pretty much as often as I can.

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[00:11:40] Now, would you visit, how, how many months a year are you here, Tim? Typically five. Okay. The other part of the year. Where are you?

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[00:12:02] We have a home in Canada. I'm Canadian born. Okay. Yeah.

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[00:12:15] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: Yeah, you can always find a place to rent, but as you, as you rent, uh, you obviously you have preferences and so the closer you get at finding something within your budget that suits your needs, then you just book it in advance and you hold onto it.

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[00:12:33] Robert DeForge - Host: noticed that rents have been increasing primarily with the waterfront, uh, homes and condominiums. But it seems like if you get away from the beach a block or so, the prices are still very reasonable. You mentioned, uh, living down here being like, uh, it's like going back to the good old days when you have more personal freedoms to do things and there are a lot of differences between north of the [00:13:00] border, Canada, the United States, and down here.

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[00:13:07] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: We enjoy the fact that it is a little bit more organic and old fashioned. And so those things are things that we overlook for the reward of just having that kind of freedom of life. Right.

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[00:13:26] 'cause I travel to the states quite a bit and it feels. Very sanitized and yeah, sort of prepackaged, uh, to try to attain, I don't know, some sort of perfection or an ideal of perfection, you know, perfect manicured everything, everywhere you go. And, and that's not Mexico. You can have, for instance, there's a house across the street that's a million dollar house and you know, then you have.

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[00:14:19] You know, just all of those traffic monitoring and things like that. It's, it's, it's a much different lifestyle. I had a phone call yesterday from a gentleman in Austin, Texas, and you're. Probably familiar with what happened there. Post COVID, that city exploded, and he called me, he's about 50 years old, and he said, I'm, I'm just tired of all the, everything.

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[00:15:08] That's one of the big things that drew me here is that the constant increase in government oversight and regulation. Yeah. And it just, people don't realize it. There's different descriptions of freedom. And it feels to me that north of the border, it's been a consistent creeping of taxation and permitting and et cetera, et cetera, and it just keeps growing and growing.

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[00:15:57] And I said, no, [00:16:00] that's in the United States. And I dealt with that. When I would, I would have my boat in front of my house and my neighbors would come out, you know, what, what are you doing? You know, and Mexicans are, are. Live and let live sometimes to the extreme. But overall, I think people are, are pretty courteous and, and, you know, respect people.

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[00:16:49] And he said, I don't know. And the, and the guy opened the hood and he figured out what it was, and they got the car back to the gentleman's house and he fixed a car. And then his wife [00:17:00] took everybody in the car inside. Fed them and he said that they were there for three and a half hours enjoying a meal with this family.

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[00:17:21] Tim Walker - San Carlos Expat: So it's a, and again, it's uh, you know, to the point of the Mexican culture, very high values in food and family and friendship.

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[00:17:56] Fantastic people. I love it. That's what I love. Yeah. One of the [00:18:00] things I love about Mexico.

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[00:18:03] Robert DeForge - Host: Well, Tim, is there anything else that you'd like to share? I don't wanna take up too much of your time.

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[00:18:18] I'm glad to, like I got all the time you need.

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[00:18:37] Narrator: We appreciate you joining us. Visit expat Experience podcast.com for more practical tips and insights on making your move to paradise. We are here to help navigate the process of relocating to San Carlos every step of the way. Start your journey toward living the dream in [00:19:00] Mexico.

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About the Podcast

The Expat Experience
San Carlos, Mexico Edition
Dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and a fresh start in paradise? Welcome to The Expat Experience: San Carlos, Mexico Edition, the podcast that takes you through every step of relocating, living, and thriving in Mexico’s coastal paradise, San Carlos. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a new chapter abroad or actively planning your move, this podcast is your essential guide to understanding expat life in one of Mexico’s most picturesque towns.

Hosted by Robert DeForge, a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of experience in the real estate market, this podcast offers firsthand knowledge and practical insights. Robert's journey from a real estate and construction expert to becoming a passionate San Carlos resident gives him a unique perspective on the process—and now he’s here to share his expertise with you.

"The Expat Experience: Mexico Edition" goes beyond a simple how-to guide. If you're planning to retire, work remotely, or invest in your dream vacation home, this podcast is packed with valuable insights tailored for anyone interested in making the move. You’ll learn how to navigate Mexico’s unique real estate landscape with tips on purchasing property, understanding legal requirements like fideicomisos (trusts), and working with local agents. Whether you’re looking at luxury beachfront homes or affordable neighborhoods, Robert walks you through every detail to ensure a smooth buying process.

We’ll also dive into the daily realities of expat life in San Carlos, exploring the cost of living, essential services, and the beauty of coastal living. Robert will guide you through the legal and financial essentials of moving to Mexico, covering topics like visas, residency permits, taxes, and navigating the Mexican legal system, so you can make informed decisions about your future. Moving to a new country comes with challenges, and this podcast is here to make the transition easier by providing practical solutions for overcoming obstacles such as cultural adaptation, homesickness, bureaucracy, and language barriers.

Building a community is essential for any expat, and Robert shares his tips on how to meet other expats, join local clubs, and get involved in San Carlos' vibrant social scene. For families, we’ll offer advice on educational options for children, family-friendly activities, and healthcare services. You’ll also learn how to balance work and family life abroad, especially if you’re working remotely.

Beyond the practicalities, we’ll explore the adventures San Carlos has to offer. Whether it's boating, fishing, diving, hiking, or enjoying local festivals and cultural attractions, Robert provides insider tips to make the most of your new surroundings.

Every episode of "The Expat Experience: Mexico Edition" is packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and stories from people just like you who’ve taken the leap to start a new life in Mexico. Hosted by Robert Deforge, this show is your trusted guide to making the dream of living in San Carlos a reality. Tune in and let Robert help you every step of the way as you embark on this exciting new chapter in paradise.
Subscribe now and start your journey toward living the dream in Mexico. Your new life awaits!

About the Host:
With over 30 years of experience in all areas of real estate, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role as a Realtor in San Carlos, Mexico. My journey began with owning and operating a construction firm, where I built houses and developed a deep understanding of the construction process. I also owned an insurance adjusting firm specializing in real estate, further broadening my skill set and knowledge of the real estate industry.

My passion for beach living and all things related to the water has led me to make San Carlos my home. I am an avid enthusiast of hiking, fishing, boating, and diving, and I relish the vibrant coastal lifestyle that this beautiful town offers.

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