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pauldavidmena
Super Nomad
Posts: 1689
Registered: 5-23-2013
Location: Centerville, MA, USA
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I'm 58 and a few years away from retiring. About a year ago my wife and I found a house in El Pescadero that would have been perfect but we ultimately
couldn't pull the proverbial trigger.
Goat's admonition about buying within three hours of home is a wise one. Living over 3000 miles away meant that we'd only be able to make the trip
once or twice a year, and for only a week or two at a time. My wife owns her own business and is able to work remotely, but my job requires me in the
office most of the time. All of these limitations caused us to take a more cautious approach.
It seems that you've structured your work lives a bit differently and are able to take this step now instead of later. I would heed the advice about
renting before buying, even if it means a slight delay in your plans. I also agree that one needs to be very cautious purchasing property in Mexico as
a foreigner and should adjust one's expectations accordingly.
If we haven't scared you away yet, go for it - and enjoy the ride!
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2716
Registered: 5-10-2011
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You don't know whether you'll live there all year round or winters only.
You are "considering" places like P. Chivato before ever going there.
You think at 44 and healthy you don't need to be close to medical facilities - I wish you all the best. There are many sudden conditions that don't
ask how young you are.
If you have couple hundred grand to spare and itching to buy, - toss a coin.
I'm serious. You won't be able to make an informed decision that would hold up to the test of time 30 years down the road, and it doesn't look like
you're trying hard to make one now. Go there (wherever you think is good for you). Rent something. Review your plans in a year or two.
Edit-PS: one more thing. I suggest including your husband in the decision-making process. You'll be surprised how differently he might view these
things 
[Edited on 12-28-2017 by Alm]
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13165
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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boy oh boy, there is some excellent advice above.
Do you plan to homeschool? Or maybe put your child into a Mexican school? At his age he will be fluent in no time. I do recommend speaking only
English at home so that he doesn't forget it.
Please heed the advice to rent rather than buy now. Trust me, we have all been around the block and have seen folks buy and one month later want to
move on. You never ever really know a place until you have been there a while. I personally think 2 years isn't even enough. Rent. First. There
will always be properties at a good price! People's needs change and presto presto, a great deal comes on the market.
I also recommend trying out Bahia Asuncion - so many wonderful folks and a great mix of mex and amer If your child gets hurt, YOU WANT A MEDICAL
FACILITY and G Negro has it. Stay away from Santa Rosalia.
Where we live is fantastic but there are no American children, we are only 8 full timers and a handful of those who come a couple times a year.
However, we have a huge supermarket which even supplies odd things like xmas trees in December! I asked for pretzels 2 weeks ago, and bingo,
pretzels were on the shelf 3 days later. Priceless.
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2716
Registered: 5-10-2011
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I think both Sta Rosalia and GN have hospitals designated as "periferico". Which means - don't expect much  ...
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bezzell
Nomad
Posts: 329
Registered: 11-30-2014
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East Cape.
next
(too hot for 4 months?? omfg some folks have zero clue)
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bajabuddha
Banned
Posts: 4024
Registered: 4-12-2013
Location: Baja New Mexico
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Mood: Always cranky unless medicated
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I've had a few dealings with the Sta Rosalia medical community, including the army base Dr's, and it's good for small urgent/emergent care, but I
wouldn't wanna have anything serious to deal with there. Same goes with Loreto. Guerrero I dunno nuthin' about. If you're moving to Baja and have
serious issues to worry about, La Paz is the place to be nearer to... or Ensenada.
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3455
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
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Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  | | If you're moving to Baja and have serious issues to worry about, La Paz is the place to be nearer to... or Ensenada. |
If I had serious health issues I worried about, I'd be close to a US doctor and hospital. No problems with MX MD's. At least one MX hospital
in Cabo is suspect. A MX neurologist treated my pneumonia in Todos last Spring -- his treatment and care was outstanding.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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anapurna
Newbie
Posts: 12
Registered: 12-26-2017
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| Quote: Originally posted by Alm | You don't know whether you'll live there all year round or winters only.
You are "considering" places like P. Chivato before ever going there.
You think at 44 and healthy you don't need to be close to medical facilities - I wish you all the best. There are many sudden conditions that don't
ask how young you are.
If you have couple hundred grand to spare and itching to buy, - toss a coin.
I'm serious. You won't be able to make an informed decision that would hold up to the test of time 30 years down the road, and it doesn't look like
you're trying hard to make one now. Go there (wherever you think is good for you). Rent something. Review your plans in a year or two.
Edit-PS: one more thing. I suggest including your husband in the decision-making process. You'll be surprised how differently he might view these
things
[Edited on 12-28-2017 by Alm] |
Wow...did you even read my post in its entirety or just get the itch to be rude? I did ask about the factor of medical facilities, I HAVE been to
Punta Chivato but just don't know the community well there re:kids. I work in an ER as a nurse and a nurse practitioner and have worked in refugee
camps in Africa and in the bush in Alaska and as a climbing guide all voer the world involved in medical evacuations so am very well aware of "sudden
conditions" at any age (sorry if I didn't send my CV to you). If I made all my decisions based purely on if I was near a medical facility I wouldn't
have filled two passports in 20 years. It is one of many important issues to consider. I said I would not know what I wanted 30 years from now but you
seemed to have skipped that part too. I never said I was not going to rent or that I have not spent considerable time in Bahia Concepcion where I was
considering (I had guided there for years with Outward Bound). I was asking for advice on other people's experiences, not for some guy to tell me to
consult my husband. I will be paying for this land myself and we have discussed here but I didn't think to mention that I consulted my husband on a
forum based in America.
If you have some actual support to give to someone who loves baja and wants to spend more time here and thought this would be a great place to ask for
advice, I'll read your next post. Otherwise I'll skip it.
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4x4abc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4171
Registered: 4-24-2009
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: happy - always
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wow - some advice with life experience is rude?
Bottom line is that you can't make up your mind. We can't do that for you, but throw in a few words of wisdom. I know, that was probably rude as well.
With that in mind, try Todos Santos. Plenty of shrinks around.
Harald Pietschmann
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2716
Registered: 5-10-2011
Member Is Offline
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Priorities are in disarray, requirements are unclear. Random decision will probably be made. Can't be helped, IMO.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 17346
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: Originally posted by anapurna | | Quote: Originally posted by Alm | You don't know whether you'll live there all year round or winters only.
You are "considering" places like P. Chivato before ever going there.
You think at 44 and healthy you don't need to be close to medical facilities - I wish you all the best. There are many sudden conditions that don't
ask how young you are.
If you have couple hundred grand to spare and itching to buy, - toss a coin.
I'm serious. You won't be able to make an informed decision that would hold up to the test of time 30 years down the road, and it doesn't look like
you're trying hard to make one now. Go there (wherever you think is good for you). Rent something. Review your plans in a year or two.
Edit-PS: one more thing. I suggest including your husband in the decision-making process. You'll be surprised how differently he might view these
things
[Edited on 12-28-2017 by Alm] |
Wow...did you even read my post in its entirety or just get the itch to be rude? I did ask about the factor of medical facilities, I HAVE been to
Punta Chivato but just don't know the community well there re:kids. I work in an ER as a nurse and a nurse practitioner and have worked in refugee
camps in Africa and in the bush in Alaska and as a climbing guide all voer the world involved in medical evacuations so am very well aware of "sudden
conditions" at any age (sorry if I didn't send my CV to you). If I made all my decisions based purely on if I was near a medical facility I wouldn't
have filled two passports in 20 years. It is one of many important issues to consider. I said I would not know what I wanted 30 years from now but you
seemed to have skipped that part too. I never said I was not going to rent or that I have not spent considerable time in Bahia Concepcion where I was
considering (I had guided there for years with Outward Bound). I was asking for advice on other people's experiences, not for some guy to tell me to
consult my husband. I will be paying for this land myself and we have discussed here but I didn't think to mention that I consulted my husband on a
forum based in America.
If you have some actual support to give to someone who loves baja and wants to spend more time here and thought this would be a great place to ask for
advice, I'll read your next post. Otherwise I'll skip it. |
take a chill pill! Crikey! You want hand-holding-advice and a support group, we’ll, just say so, perhaps someone can refer you to such a website.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2716
Registered: 5-10-2011
Member Is Offline
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People can't read your mind. No need to yell, this doesn't usually help.
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pauldavidmena
Super Nomad
Posts: 1689
Registered: 5-23-2013
Location: Centerville, MA, USA
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I don't think the OP is indecisive as much as in need of more information. Nomads who have made the move can fill in the gaps with their own
experience, but ultimately she is going to have to gather the most pertinent data by being in Baja and experiencing it in multiple places and in all
seasons.
I do think that Todos Santos strikes a balance between Mexican authenticity and the things that make American expats comfortable. That's not to say
that the balance won't shift over time, which often seems to be the case.
[Edited on 12-29-2017 by pauldavidmena]
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8knots
Junior Nomad
Posts: 85
Registered: 1-8-2016
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It was an interesting discussion until the sanctimonious, all knowing trogs blessed us with their biting wisdom. It is just a discussion....no need to
eviscerate a light hearted discussion. Achieves nothing.
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LancairDriver
Super Nomad
Posts: 1587
Registered: 2-22-2008
Location: On the Road
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by 8knots | | It was an interesting discussion until the sanctimonious, all knowing trogs blessed us with their biting wisdom. It is just a discussion....no need to
eviscerate a light hearted discussion. Achieves nothing. |
Well said. It is impossible to estimate how many future contributors have been turned off to this forum by the same few who always turn an honest
request for information into sarcastic blathering. Good for those who share their experience in a helpful, courteous manner.
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Special Ed
Newbie
Posts: 15
Registered: 9-20-2017
Member Is Offline
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^^^
this
baja gatekeeping
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bajaric
Senior Nomad
Posts: 605
Registered: 2-2-2015
Member Is Offline
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Regarding the best place to live, my experience with Baja Sur is limited. A loooong time ago spent a few days in a little rustic beach house near La
Paz, in August. The snorkeling was amazing, dorado were cavorting just offshore, and the air temperature and the water temperature were both around
90 degrees F. Even laying on a cot outside with no sheets it was too hot to sleep; after a couple days the only thing we were interested in was air
conditioning. Same trip stayed at Cabo, temp was better, camped on beach back when you could do that.
Regarding the rest its not clear if you intend to move there now and live there full time, or continue to work in the US. If you are thinking to buy
now and retire later I don't really see any rush. Real estate is usually a much better investment if you acquire property during the depths of a
recession rather than the tail end of a long economic expansion. Wait for the next crash while you are staring at snow drifts and dreaming of warm
sand between your toes, if you can stand it, and maybe get a lot more for your money when the cycle turns. To maintain a vacant property that is
several thousand miles away from where you live and work is problematic. You may find yourself dealing with the increasingly popular summer tradition
of "stealing the solar system from the vacant rich gringo house". best of luck in whatever you decide.
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BigBearRider
Super Nomad
Posts: 1299
Registered: 4-30-2015
Location: Big Bear, Punta Chivato, and Cabo
Member Is Offline
Mood:
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| Quote: Originally posted by bajaric | Regarding the best place to live, my experience with Baja Sur is limited. A loooong time ago spent a few days in a little rustic beach house near La
Paz, in August. The snorkeling was amazing, dorado were cavorting just offshore, and the air temperature and the water temperature were both around
90 degrees F. Even laying on a cot outside with no sheets it was too hot to sleep; after a couple days the only thing we were interested in was air
conditioning. Same trip stayed at Cabo, temp was better, camped on beach back when you could do that.
Regarding the rest its not clear if you intend to move there now and live there full time, or continue to work in the US. If you are thinking to buy
now and retire later I don't really see any rush. Real estate is usually a much better investment if you acquire property during the depths of a
recession rather than the tail end of a long economic expansion. Wait for the next crash while you are staring at snow drifts and dreaming of warm
sand between your toes, if you can stand it, and maybe get a lot more for your money when the cycle turns. To maintain a vacant property that is
several thousand miles away from where you live and work is problematic. You may find yourself dealing with the increasingly popular summer tradition
of "stealing the solar system from the vacant rich gringo house". best of luck in whatever you decide. |
Excellent point about buying during crashes.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13033
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Lots of diverse advice here for you to peruse. Each person has their own vision of paradise & tolerance level for heat and dudes...hahaha.
I knew I wanted to live in latin america and looked in many countries and many parts of Mexico.
Really hard to decide but like you, I had my list of priorities which included livable year round climate, work possibilities, school for my toddler
daughter, safety, pristine beaches, affordable place on the water. I found countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama were too far away for people to
visit so Mexico was a better choice.
I camped all over Mexico and lived in Guerrero Negro for 9 years as I had a job there. When a friend brought me out to Bahia Asuncion, I KNEW I found
my paradise in the first 2 minutes I set foot on the rock at the blowhole....where I now live!
I just knew it was right...and it is. So my best advice is cover alot of ground, stay places for weeks at a time, talk to people, take your time and
your paradise will reveal itself to you!
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surabi
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3162
Registered: 5-6-2016
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Anapurna- yes, there seem to be a lot of bored, snarky old men on this forum who think they are clever and funny- just ignore them.
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