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Malahki Thorn, a 52-year-old former resident of Northern California, vividly recalls the terrifying moment when flames began to surround his home during the notorious Saddle fire in 2015. This fire ravaged approximately 1,500 acres in Hyampom, a quaint town situated about six hours north of San Francisco. Over the course of nearly three decades, Thorn had witnessed the frequency and destructiveness of wildfires increase dramatically, with smoke from these blazes polluting the air for extended periods.

During the emergency response, the local sheriffs issued a stark warning to Thorn: evacuate immediately or, in a grim precautionary measure, write his Social Security number on his arm to aid in identification should the worst occur. This dire situation prompted a wave of emotions for Thorn. "I just remember thinking, 'I'm not ready to start over,'" he recounted, reflecting on the upheaval he had already faced after a recent separation from his partner of 17 years. The weight of uncertainty loomed large as he contemplated leaving his home, especially with his three dogs and three cats in tow, along with his trusty Toyota Tacoma.

Surviving such a harrowing experience underscored the risks of living in Hyampom. Thorn struggled with the additional stress of finding affordable home insurance, and he began to realize that his idyllic life in California was no longer sustainable. "I couldn't figure out how I was going to have an enjoyable retirement," he added, hinting at the looming challenges that lay ahead.

In 2023, Thorn made the significant decision to sell his house in Northern California and relocate permanently to Puerto Vallarta, a picturesque coastal city on Mexico's Pacific coast where he had vacationed for many years. He now identifies as a "climate mover," someone who has fled the escalating wildfire dangers of California. His journey resonates with a broader trend, as many Americans are seeking to relocate to areas with a lower cost of living. Thorn's transition allowed him to find more affordable housing, groceries, and utilities, effectively enabling him to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.

In an interview with Business Insider, Thorn shared insights into his experience of searching for a new home, starting a business as an expatriate, and cultivating social connections in Puerto Vallarta.

Before finally making the move, Thorn devoted a couple of years traveling back and forth between California and Puerto Vallarta to establish networks within the local real estate market. He successfully connected with a real estate agent who facilitated several online interior design projects, including work on oceanfront condos. Building on this foundation, Thorn co-founded the RavenThorn Group, which encompasses his interior design business, a carpentry studio specializing in custom furniture, as well as construction and property management services.

The real estate market in Puerto Vallarta is currently experiencing a significant boom. According to local realtors and finance professionals from TheLatinvestor, the inventory of one- and two-bedroom condos surged by an astonishing 105% between 2023 and 2024. Similarly, luxury gated communities have witnessed rising property values, while the short-term rental market enjoyed a 5% increase in bookings over the same period.

Thorn noted, "A lot of buyers also undertake renovations because the price of property in Puerto Vallarta is less expensive than in America. You can't find oceanfront anything in America for $600,000. So people have some money to spend. It's like a gold rush here with the construction and all the people moving here." His observations paint a vivid picture of a rapidly evolving market fueled by an influx of new residents seeking affordable coastal living.

Realizing the importance of integrating into his new community, Thorn hired a local immigration attorney to guide him through the process of legally residing and working in Mexico. He applied for temporary residency and work visas, as well as a unique tax identification number and a local bank account, ensuring that he was fully compliant with local regulations.

In a strategic move, Thorn chose to purchase a home away from the main tourist hotspots of Puerto Vallarta. He aimed to cultivate friendships with local residents and connect with working professionals rather than solely mingling with fellow expatriates. Reflecting on this decision, he expressed contentment, despite acknowledging the necessity of being more vigilant about safety in his chosen area. "I think it's possible to come here and live a very insulated lifestyle inside a gated community or condominium. I chose to live differently. I didn't want all my friends to be retired Americans," he emphasized.

Looking back, Thorn admitted he never anticipated leaving California. Now, however, he feels a deep sense of gratitude for having made the leap before the wildfire threats became even more severe. His story resonates with many who are contemplating their futures in the face of climate change, suggesting that environmental factors may increasingly influence people's choices about where to call home.

"It hasn't been completely easy," Thorn confessed, reflecting on his journey. "But I feel grateful I had the courage to come. If I had waited until my house burned, I might not have had these options."

If you have a personal story about relocating, the reporter invites you to share your experiences by contacting her at cboudreau@businessinsider.com.