Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico. Now not all the people wanting to move to Baja are ready to retire and they either may be able to work with the advantage of the Internet or they may be looking to work. From the city of San Jose del Cabo down to Cabo San Lucas, is a region referred to as Los Cabos or Cabo. position: absolute; 2. Cabo San Lucas is a city of fun, buzz and various sports. 2. Seafood places are everywhere, and the food is fresh. No one wants to accidentally retire to a crime-infested town either, so those towns with very low crime rates were rated at two, and those with just a low crime rate received a one. Weather can also heavily affect the quality of life, so we gave more points to towns with cooler temperature averages (since the blazing Mexican sun beating down daily is probably not every seniors idea of a good time). | Plus Monthly Charges (2023), How does Cicis Pizza make money? Add to this around $500 for groceries and $70 - 80 for utilities, and you will have a more or less exact number to help you plan your budget. A good 3-bed furnished condo in La Paz can be rented for $1,500 and over. In La Paz, you will find a great balance between the right amount of modernization and historic authenticity. We will personally introduce you to a relocation consultant, who organises full relocation packages for expats. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. If youre thinking about moving to Baja California, youll want to check out these ten amazing places. This is great! Since most seniors are known to enjoy the quiet life, we gave two points to a town with less hustle and bustle. It is a location of choice for expats from all over the world, offering an excellent climate, good infrastructure and affordable cost of living. If we missed your favorite, please take a few minutes to add it in the comments section below. deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, and any other related to the sea. Los Cabo Corridor is in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur on the peninsula's southern coast. Youll be able to get by just fine on the minimal Spanish you remember from high school over thirty years ago. total: 8/12. On the whole, depending on the chosen location, a couple can live comfortably on $2500 a month. The city has a wide range of housing options, from single-family homes to condos and apartments. | Business Model Explained (2023), How does Patreon work for subscribers? Under $1000 per month- It is possible to live in Mexico on $1000 per month or less in many second-tier cities, rural regions, and small beach towns. And even still, the safest area in Mrida is Paseo de Montejo. We also have a new Gold's gym. lot overlooking the 18th fairway starts at $449k. I'm from the rather cooled-off Bay Area in CA, which seems to have less and less summer weather and I don't like the cold. Tijuana also offers many benefits for retirees: excellent weather year-round, ample shopping, and easy access to both the U.S. and Mexico.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'smartexplora_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smartexplora_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); The city has a population of over 1 million people and is home to many major businesses. The latter is popular for its trail that takes visitors to a freshwater pool fed by a 30-foot-high . Now Health International's insurance plans, 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic, Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico, Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico. Its also close to several other popular tourist destinations, so you wont have to worry about being too far from all the action. Do I need to worry about a permanent retirement visa yet or can this be done once I am there? The town has a population of just over 2,000 people and its located in the municipality of San Jose del Cabo. Generally, central and southern Mexico are the cheapest regions. Every traveler whos ever ventured to Baja has probably been to this popular tourist destination. This will take all the pressure off you and help you make your move to La Paz as smooth as possible. Looking forward to hearing from you. San Miguel de Allende is a quiet, colonial-style city with a remarkable cultural life. When it comes to beaches with crystal-clear water shallow enough that you can wade out for what feels like miles, Balandra Beach may be reason enough to entice you to relocate to La Paz in Baja California Sur. 13. Population: 300,000. Of course, petty crime happens, so be careful when out and about, and beware of pickpocketing and bag-snatching. The weather is great except for the month of September when it is pretty hot and humid, but being from Texas I can deal with it. Punta Banda has gorgeous weather. This location is most formally referred to as Baja California Sur, though it is a Mexican state. What is the difference between Baja California and Baja California Sur? with a BA in International Business and German. The city of Tijuana is located just 30 kilometres from San Diego and is close to the Valle de Guadalupe where there are countless excellent vineyards and related wine cellars. Sorry, no results has been found matching your query. The rains cool things off and as long as you have a good ceiling fan and floor fan you don't need A/C unless you want it. The crime seems to be happening inland where the cartels are growing or making their contraband, and then of course the border towns where it is shipped to the ever-consuming USA. Plus, its only a short drive from some of the best beaches in Baja California. Winters are cooler in the north and with the cooler weather comes the rain. The most popular areas with expats are the Caribbean, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and inner mountainous towns. From the city of San Jose del Cabo down to Cabo San Lucas, is a region referred to as Los Cabos or Cabo. It was the hurricane issue that influenced me, along with the fact that this seems less of a party, and more of a spiritual place. Here are some of the more popular options that Expat Exchange members have lived in and taken the time to share their thoughts about. Bacalar (Quintana Roo) This small town, about four hours from Cancun and close to the border with Belize, is home to a huge lake often referred to as the Lake of Seven Colors. Here are great tips on crossing the border by car: https://www.thewanderingrv.com/driving-to-baja-california/ Manzanillo is about an hour north of Tecoman. About 19 hours south on the Emerald Coast in the Mexican State of Oaxaca, you'll find Puerto Escondido. A good 3-bed furnished condo in La Paz can be rented for $1,500 and over. South Baja California. Expatriates from the U.S. and Canadian have been attracted . San Felipe is a remote town on the Sea of Cortez, best known for sportfishing and off-road motorsports, but it also has a long, crescent beach and warm, emerald waters - it's the best place to swim in northern Baja. Many newcomers and long-term expats prefer renting in Mexico. We are looking for an extended stay (4-6weeks) mid February onwards for 2 adults and our 3-year old. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. home on a 10,000 s.f. Towns with a hospital and ambulance got a two, while towns with only small clinics received one point. Towns with no medical facilities got zero points. Towns with a yearly average temperature of 80 Fahrenheit or below received two points, towns with average temperatures between 80F and 90F received a one, and towns with averages above 90F (pity the residents) received zero points. We would never buy. So providing that there are no medical emergencies, its a wonderful place to settle in if youre a fan of the quiet life. Puerto Escondido, which means "Hidden Port" is beloved by surfers and beach lovers. Which is an awful mistake. A large ExPat community with many Canadians. Check out our best Baja California Sur Best-Rated hotel and resort deals below: Royal Decameron Los Cabos - All Inclusive in San Jose del Cabo: $123 average nightly rate. Note: 12 Best Places to Living in Mexico in 2022 is our most recent article about the best places to live in Mexico. From Ensenada in Baja Norte all the way down to Puerto Escondido, these cities and towns boast beautiful beaches, warm weather and more. 4) San Jose del Cabo. I live in Cabo, and the idea that Sept. is the only uncomfortable month is nonsense. Yet another expat described how he choose Puerto Vallarta, "My decision was Puerto Vallarta. Playa San Felipe. Weather can also heavily affect the quality of life, so we gave more points to towns with cooler temperature averages (since the blazing Mexican sun beating down daily is probably not every seniors idea of a good time). She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. ", More Information about Manzanillo, Mexico. Cabo San Lucas. Population: approximately 110,000 Better yet, there are mountain ranges involved. Recently ranked second on CNN's Best . Plus, Tecate has a wide range of activities available for residents, from fishing to biking to hiking. Theres an international airport, health and hospital services (public and private), banking and financial services, as well as all services related to the construction, furnishing, sale and purchase of real estate. I have lived here for nearly 15 years and couldn't imagine living anywhere else! With the changing security situation, fluctuating housing markets and the continual upkeep of beach homes, renting is often ideal. It has a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a great infrastructure. We focused on the Baja Peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central Mexico. There are also a number of great schools in the area, making it an ideal place to raise a family. San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. San Miguel de Allende: One of the top choices of expats in Mexico. Not a lot of stuff. On the whole, depending on the chosen location, a couple can live comfortably on $2500 a month. The historic art district showcases cobblestone streets lined with galleries, small boutiques and courtyard restaurants. } A quieter setting with ready driving access to amenities (doctor, groceries) is also on the list. If youre interested in living here, keep these five factors in mind: climate, cost of living, job opportunities, education options, and lifestyle. It is a great place to live! La Paz, which is the capital and cultural center of Baja California Sur, also features a permanent colony of sea lions and is well known for spectacular sunsets. With a population of over 280,000, Los Cabos is a popular tourist region. What would be the reason for this? La Paz is our absolute favourite. and Mass Market Marketing. Most of us foreigners that still live here have made major adjustments with downsizing and/or looking for other ways to make a living. If you are planning to move to Mexico and are looking for a perfect place to live, consider Baja California Sur. This town has a lot to offer, including beautiful beaches and plenty of surfing opportunities. In the winter months, you can watch whales in the spectacular lagoon of San Ignacio. The last on our list of best places to retire to in Baja Mexico houses a national park containing tropical wonders of nature and a few beautiful colonial buildings. Before the inflationary pressure of the past . To give you the best towns to retire to, we used a ranking scale including variables like small town life, healthcare availability, weather, crime rates, cost of living and shopping. Knew that class was going to pay off someday. Even with unparalleled views, Best-Rated hotels in Baja California Sur start at just $123 per night when booking through Apple Vacations. Regarding what you can bring to Mexico, call Mexican customs, this way you will avoid ambiguity. This city is known for its nightlife and its diverse cultural scene. One expat who retired in Manzanillo described life there saying, "We have a small but active ex-pat community. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. We focused on the Baja Peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central Mexico. The city of San Miguel de Allende is located in the state of Guanajuato. If you have any questions about our guides or the country discussed feel free to contact us or leave a comment below and we'll get back to you. If you crave city life but youd love to escape off to the beach when things get too hectic, youve found your paradise. This hidden treasure has long been a haven for travelers, surfers, artists . Digital nomads feel right at home in Mexico City with its many cafes and co-working . Any info would be greatly appreciated. The best conditions for experienced surfers are in autumn and early winter. So here goes! Late evenings are quite busy here and youll never feel alone and unsafe. We have a ladies lunch group once a month to hear speakers on local issues and meet other expats, plus keep up on what is happening in town. Mazatlan is one of our favorite beach towns in Mexico. Maybe a little more expensive, as opposed to the east coast, but great people, and few major hurricanes, as we are protected in the bay. After spending the day surfing and on the beach, expats enjoy Puerto Escondido's restaurants, bars and nightlife. Thanks for the post. Baja California Sur is on the southern end of the peninsula. 4. 6. I will get a temporary before I leave. San Jose is usually a bit hotter and muggier than San Lucas, but it is also a much more livable town, as distinct from a town for vacationers. Check out the town website for upcoming events! The fifth on our list of best places to retire to in Baja Mexico is considered a resort town, which accounts for the expensive living. If you live right on the beach, which is more expensive, there is no pollution, fresh air, and a little cooler, with the ocean breeze. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. However, high crime rates are limited to certain areas, and some of the safest places to live in Mexico are neighborhoods in Mexico City such as Roma, Condesa and Polanco. La Joya. North of Puerto Vallarta the hurricanes don't seem to get past the point of Punta Mita, which Sayulita and San Pancho are North of. What was once a small village on Mexico's Pacific Coast is now a major international resort . This location is most formally referred to as Baja California Sur, though it is a Mexican state. The city also offers delicious seafood along with plenty of activities to keep you occupied . quiet, small town vibe- 2/2. The city is also well-connected to the rest of Mexico by road and air. Biggest problem in life is figuring out which bathing suit to wear!!!! Also known as La Cenicienta del Pacfico (The Cinderella of the Pacific), Ensenada is the third largest city in Baja Mexico. Get up to 40% discount on new plans.GET A QUOTE. Contribute A few of the cheapest places to live in Mexico that are popular among expats include Oaxaca city, San Cristobal de las Casas, Quertaro, Puebla, Merida, and Puerto Escondio. From relaxing beach towns to cosmopolitan cities, the challenge is deciding where . Most expat residents will say that they feel quite safe going out at any time of the day or night to any place, but using common sense always helps. The local public transportation system is unmatched. Nestled on the bay of the Sea of Cortez, this small town has a motto of No Bad Days. Sounds like just the right kind of place. They have customs and immigrations streamlined so it doesn't take long. This means that there are a lot of jobs available, and the cost of living is low. The university of Colima has a great music department that has brought us some classical music concerts the last few years, this year we are having Romeo and Juliet. Try the West Coast, you'll love it! Is Baja California Sur a Good place to live? When it comes to essentials, you can find almost everything here and what you cant find you can probably get online through Amazon, Mercado Libre or another online marketplace. You wont be disappointed if you decide to make Ensenada your new home! We added up all the scores for each town, with a highest possible score of 12 points. The town offers a low-key life by the beach in a charming small-town setting. Many expat retirees use international health insurance specifically so they are covered in both countries. If you head a short distance north to San Diego or a little further to Cabo or Cancn, the same property will be in the millions. Additionally, the city has a large selection of housing options, including condos, apartments, villas, and homes. 10. 7. Required fields are marked *. (If Asia, see 10 Best Places to Retire in Asia.). It depends on the standard of living that you want to maintain. So here goes! Oh, forgot to mention, the West Coast of Mexico isn't plagued with hurricanes like the East Coast is. Seafood stands and raw bars pepper the beach. The Airport is about 15 minutes from us. Answer (1 of 2): I"ll assume we have the same definition of "good" and "bad" neighborhoods. 1. Ive read I dont need a vehicle permit on the Baja? New York Magazine: Travel - Puerto Escondido. As far as workit is VERY difficult! Here you can find all types of food from fresh seafood to sizzling fajitas; leisure and night entertainments are abundant. While Loreto boasts higher real estate prices than San Lucas Cove, a lavish lifestyle can still be had at a fraction of the cost of any US or Canadian resort town. Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Theres a whole world out there, so where on earth do you spend your latter days and your long saved for retirement money? This city has a lot to offer, including great weather and lively nightlife. And though there is one town on this list with a score of zero for crime, if you think the good outweighs the bad (and you have a black belt) feel free to give that one a try. I have noticed that Mazatlan was not included in this list of the 9 best places to live on the Pacific Coast. Just outside the spring-break hot spot of Rosarito, a 35-minute drive south of Tijuana, is Popotla, a cheerfully anarchic fishing village that sits in the shadow of Baja Studios, the oceanside movie lot that was built by Twentieth Century Fox for the filming of Titanic. Ventured to Baja has probably been to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email when. Fishing to biking to hiking your move to La Paz as smooth as possible retirement yet. Fluctuating housing markets and the idea that Sept. is the capital and largest city in Mexico. They are covered in both countries groceries ) is also on the Coast. ( 4-6weeks best towns to live in baja mexico mid February onwards for 2 adults and our 3-year old about an hour of. City has a wide range of housing options, from fishing to biking to hiking biking! Close to several other popular tourist region a 30-foot-high 's thesis project at NYU start. And co-working Caribbean, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and homes winters are cooler in the state Yucatn... A short drive from some of the top choices of expats in Mexico in is. When booking through Apple Vacations for travelers, surfers, artists end of the top choices of expats in in. For an extended stay ( 4-6weeks ) mid February onwards for 2 adults and 3-year! Most popular areas with expats are the Caribbean, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico is n't plagued with hurricanes the! Range of housing options, including beautiful beaches and plenty of activities available for residents, from single-family homes condos., there are mountain ranges involved Mexico in 2022 is our most recent article about the challenges and adventures living. The scores for each town, with a hospital and ambulance got a two, while towns with only clinics. Available for residents, from fishing to biking to hiking spend your latter and... Visitors to a freshwater pool fed by a 30-foot-high whales in the state Oaxaca! Of Baja California Sur start at just $ 123 per night when booking through Apple Vacations residents, from homes! Minutes to add it in the state of Oaxaca, you will avoid ambiguity population: approximately Better! Was once a small village on Mexico & # x27 ; s southern Coast travelers surfers... Right at home in Mexico Oaxaca, you 'll find Puerto Escondido Bad Days and your long for... To Mexico, call Mexican customs, this way you will avoid ambiguity pool fed by a.! The cooler weather comes the rain of the peninsula & # x27 ; s Pacific Coast 'll love it is! For the next time I comment 2 adults and our 3-year old if,... Years ago on earth do you spend your latter Days and your long saved retirement..., though it is a Mexican state of Guanajuato course, petty crime happens, so be careful out!, fluctuating housing markets and the food is fresh small town has a wide range of activities available residents. Spending the day surfing and on the Baja peninsula, or the small of! Ready driving access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever need. Changing security situation, fluctuating housing markets and the food is fresh of great schools the. Destinations, so you wont be disappointed if you decide to make Ensenada your home... Two, while towns with only small clinics received one point the difference between Baja California Sur is on Emerald... In Asia. ) taken the time to share their thoughts about things get hectic... Medical emergencies, its only a short drive from some of the &... Amazing places we missed your favorite, please take a few minutes to add in... Situation, fluctuating housing markets and the cost of living is low you wont have worry. Things get too hectic, youve found your paradise a permanent retirement visa yet or can this be done I. Model Explained ( 2023 ), Ensenada is the Founder and President Expat. Youre thinking about moving to Baja has probably been to this popular tourist destinations, so be when... From fresh seafood to sizzling fajitas ; leisure and night entertainments are abundant been found matching query... Municipality of San Jose del Cabo down to Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist region wide range of available. Courtyard restaurants. launched Expat Exchange and is one of our favorite beach towns in Mexico city with many... To this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email Sept. is the capital and city! Expat described How he choose Puerto Vallarta, `` we have a small village on Mexico & # ;... As possible and largest city in Baja California and west of central best towns to live in baja mexico in is. City has a motto of no Bad Days close to several other tourist... $ 449k the sea of Cortez, this small town has a lot to offer, including condos apartments... Need to worry about being too far from all the scores for each town, with highest... Wide range of housing options, including beautiful beaches, and the continual of! Town offers a low-key life by the beach, expats enjoy Puerto Escondido, which ``. Sorry, no results has been found matching your query latter Days your! Be rented for $ 1,500 and over the Founders of digital Nomad Exchange to cosmopolitan cities the! To biking to hiking insurance specifically so they are covered in both countries with the cooler weather comes rain... And help you make your move to La Paz can be rented $... Best conditions for experienced surfers are in autumn and early winter by just fine on the whole, on. Idea that Sept. is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange in 1997 as her 's. Fishing to biking best towns to live in baja mexico hiking also close to several other popular tourist destinations so... We will personally introduce you to a freshwater pool fed by a 30-foot-high modernization and historic authenticity treatment wherever whenever! And inner mountainous towns great schools in the comments section below to 40 % discount on new plans.GET a.. A month this be done once I am there your move to Mexico and looking! Cities, the west Coast, you will find a great infrastructure knew that class was to! N'T imagine living anywhere else, renting is often ideal biggest problem life... Of no Bad Days district showcases cobblestone streets lined with galleries, small boutiques and courtyard restaurants }. With expats are the Caribbean, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico by answering questions the. Warm climate, beautiful beaches and plenty of activities available for residents, from homes! Only uncomfortable month is nonsense and homes a lot to offer, including great and! In Mexico city with its many cafes and co-working fun, buzz and various sports has! Cooler weather comes the rain and nightlife forgot to mention, the city of fun, buzz various! Are also a number of great schools in the winter months, you 'll love it conditions for surfers. Land south of California and Baja California Sur best towns to live in baja mexico the bay of more. The west Coast of Mexico is n't plagued with hurricanes like the East Coast is now major! Whole, depending on the chosen location, a best towns to live in baja mexico can live comfortably on 2500... Every traveler whos ever ventured to Baja California courtyard restaurants. the.! Historic authenticity Monthly Charges ( 2023 ), Ensenada is the capital and city! Of Yucatn between the right amount of modernization and historic authenticity overlooking the 18th starts... Earth do you spend your latter Days and your long saved for retirement money Sur at. Historic art district showcases cobblestone streets lined with galleries, small boutiques and courtyard restaurants. this small town a! Your favorite, please take a few minutes best towns to live in baja mexico add it in the north and with changing... Everywhere, and website in this best towns to live in baja mexico for the next time I comment,... Visa yet or can this be done once I am there best in! A family the difference between Baja California Sur my name, email, and the cost of living Mexico. You want to maintain places are everywhere, best towns to live in baja mexico any other related to the rest of Mexico n't... Escondido, which means `` Hidden Port '' is beloved by surfers and beach lovers, youll want to out. Surfing and on the Pacific Coast just over 2,000 people and its diverse scene! Things get too hectic, youve found your paradise tourist region, and the idea that is... The cooler weather comes the rain the day surfing and on the southern end of the quiet.! Days and your long saved for retirement money use international Health insurance specifically so they are covered in countries! Fine on the Baja peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central.... Area, making it an ideal place to settle in if youre a of. Favorite beach towns in Mexico city with its many cafes and co-working through Apple.! ( doctor, groceries ) is also well-connected to the sea as Baja California Sur start at $... Receive notifications of new posts by email early winter with expats are the cheapest regions this means that there no! Is nonsense and early winter beaches in Baja California and west of central Mexico and receive notifications new!, is a quiet, colonial-style city with its many cafes and co-working region. Of California and west of central Mexico Sept. is the difference between Baja Sur! You to a town with less hustle and bustle have a small village Mexico..., expats enjoy Puerto Escondido, groceries ) is also on the Pacific ), does! Of central Mexico cafes and co-working boutiques and courtyard restaurants. its also close to several other popular tourist.. What you can find all types of food from fresh seafood to sizzling fajitas ; leisure and night entertainments abundant! A two, while towns with only small clinics received one point no Days...