I left the U.S. for Trinidad and Tobago: My family of 4 has never been happier

Before we got married, my husband invited me to visit his home country. Even though I would have followed him anywhere, he wanted me to decide for myself whether I could imagine building a life here.

Trinidad felt very family-oriented. I remember seeing children as young as six riding maxi taxis — minibuses that pick passengers up on a set route — to school on their own.

To me, it reflected a level of independence and community trust I wasn’t used to seeing. The kids greeted adults with “Good morning, miss” or “Hello, sir.” There was warmth and respect in everyday interactions.

When my husband and I got married, we chose Tobago for our destination wedding. Known for its beaches and scenic landscapes, it gave us everything we wanted, without the hefty price tag of a big, traditional U.S. wedding.

We had 18 guests and spent, to the best of my memory, less than $4,000. Instead of expensive flowers, I carried a bouquet my mother made. She used bougainvillea that my husband picked that morning from a bush across the road. It was simple, beautiful and exactly what I wanted.

In Trinidad and Tobago, I don’t feel the same pressure to keep up with the lifestyle expectations I felt in America.

In Atlanta, I drove a Mercedes-Benz. Today, I drive a Chevrolet truck that costs about $400 a month, including insurance. We spend about $20 a month on electricity. Our phone and internet bill is about $75 a month.

I once paid $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta. We bought a three-bedroom home in 2018 and now have a mortgage payment of $500 each month. We live 12 minutes from the beach.

Living here has changed how I measure success. Now, it looks like watching my son and daughter climb the fruit trees in our yard from the window of my home office.

We spend about $3,000 a month for my family of four. I feel like I can afford to dream here. I can also afford to get sick. Healthcare is more accessible and that’s made a real difference for our family. One medication that would cost $500 without insurance in the U.S. costs $10 at my local pharmacy in Trinidad.

As a mom who homeschools her kids, I love that everyday life here gives my children a unique education. Trips to the local market double as lessons in mental math, budgeting, negotiation and conversation.

Our children are currently involved in eight extracurricular activities, including music and sports, for about $477 total a month.

I am also learning every day, especially when it comes to preparing local cuisine. Because groceries are more affordable for us here, I can experiment with local dishes and still keep our grocery bill at around $400 a month.

Moving to Trinidad and Tobago didn’t make life perfect.

I had to adjust to living in a different culture, being far from my immediate family, and going without some of the conveniences I was used to in the U.S. There have also been two crime-related states of emergency since I moved here.

I miss parts of American life, like catching a train to go sightseeing in Washington, D.C. or New York. Shopping for clothes has also taken some getting used to. I usually upgrade my wardrobe twice a year now, instead of shopping every other weekend like I used to.

But when I look at what my family has gained — a lower cost of living, access to nature, a broader worldview and the flexibility to homeschool — I know we made the right decision for us.