BajaNomad - How many of you...

How many of you...

Bajagypsy - 4-3-2007 at 12:05 PM

How many of you Baja Nomads have said "enough is enough" packed up sold your house and moved to Baja?

For those of you who have, what do you do? Do you own a business, do you just live off money you saved? Do your spouses go back to the US/Canada to work for a few months.
Just wondering if this goes on!!!

sylens - 4-3-2007 at 02:30 PM

we cashed out of our condo in fresno in may 2004 and moved to ensenada. :tumble:

we had bought our home here in 2000 and vacationed here several times a year. :yes:

i'm retired and my better half telecommutes to his job in minneapolis. so we are in the best of all possible worlds, earning dollars and spending pesos. in a few years when he retires, we'll live off what we've saved. :bounce:

not a bad life.

Bajagypsy - 4-3-2007 at 02:43 PM

I was hoping to get a reply, It is something that we are considering, so I wanted to see how off base we were.

How Many of You...

Cameron - 4-3-2007 at 03:13 PM

I'd had enough of living in the US for a while, and was ready for a change, so I packed up and moved to BCS in late 2004. I'd been planning to move down at some point, but the opportunity presented itself a little earlier than I'd planned, and it seemed like a good idea at the time.

I had some $$$ saved up, but not enough to last me indefinitely, and I really didn't want to work if I could avoid it. Luckily, I'd bought a small parcel of land in Todos Santos in 2002, and I was able to subdivide it and sell of the smaller of the two resulting lots. It took me all of a week to find a buyer, and since I offered "owner financing", I found myself with a small "nest egg" and a modest monthly income.

Due to family obligations, I moved back to the US in early 2006, but I'm planning on moving back down for good in 5 years or so. In the meantime, I've decided to rent here in the US rather than buying a new home, and I'm using the savings (renting vs. buying) to buy more land down south while it's still relatively affordable.

If you're thinking of making the move, but not quite sure if it's where you want to be for the rest of your life, my advice would be to give it a shot. What's the worst that can happen? You decide it's not for you, or that the economics don't work out for you, and you move back. What you have to gain from the experience so far outweighs the potential negatives that it was a no-brainer for me. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I can't wait to be back in Baja forever!

Suerte!... Cameron

beachtsbcsX.jpg - 38kB

Osprey - 4-3-2007 at 04:00 PM

My wife and I both quit our jobs, cashed out our meager pension funds, bought a house on the beach here 12 years ago. We paid $25K for the house, lived on our pension til our SS kicked in (hours before we would have been busted) - (perfect timing?). No regrets - double happy cause our fellow employees (like millions of others in the U.S.) lost most of their savings in the stock market bust. We've not been back to the states except to visit family. The tropics are not for everybody but it is tailor made for us.

DianaT - 4-3-2007 at 04:25 PM

Sounds like you really want to try this---go for it. Do think about what are the worst possibilties, then go for it. For decision making, there is a little tool that in the past we taught called a PMI
First list the Positive reasons---then the Minus reasons---and then a list where every sentence begins with, It would be interesting if .........

When we moved to Central America, our friends were sure we had gone crazy---left two well paying jobs, and off we went. Securing the job in Honduras, moving there, etc., cost us more than we made that year, but I would not trade that experience for any thing---major highlight. Guatemala was a different story, but still a wonderful experience.

I sincerely wish I had done some of this before my children were grown. What an education for them!

We are now looking to maybe buy a place in Baja, but not yet ready for full time---that may come, however.

What if you move and it doesn't work out? New experiences are never a failure, just a learning opportunity. This is not a dress rehearsal for life---well maybe we will all be back. :tumble:

From all of your writings, IMHO, you have a VERY positive attitude, and that is so helpful.

Never an easy decision----but try the PMI

Good Luck, and see you in Baja
Diane

[Edited on 4-3-2007 by jdtrotter]

bajajudy - 4-3-2007 at 04:26 PM

My husband and I built our place 10 years ago. As we found ourselves down here more and more every year, we finally said...why are we paying taxes, mortgages, insurance that add to a substantial sum when we have a place paid for in Mexico. So we sold, made a very nice profit and traveled for 4 years. My husband was under a contract to write a travel guide to Los Cabos so we traveled extensively around BCS and my husband noticed that there was no one distributing books in English here so we started our book business. Being in business in Mexico is a challenge as things are done differently in almost every way but being in business has also allowed us to meet more local people and truly feel like a part of the community. I am so happy to be living here that I have not even thought about living in the states again.
Now if we can just get back to that traveling part I will truly be content.

jimgrms - 4-3-2007 at 05:53 PM

I don't live in baja and i have kicked myself in the butt over and over because if it if you guy have a income that will let you go for it,, if it don't work you are young enought to start over jim

[Edited on 4-4-2007 by jimgrms]

BirdDog - 4-3-2007 at 06:54 PM

I just bought a place in Asuncion and am going to move there full time in about 6 years. I plan to live off of savings because I don't need a lot of fancy things. From what I have found out if don't you require a lot you don't need alot. I agree with Cameron. What the hell you only live once and might as well enjoy it. Good Luck

jerry - 4-3-2007 at 07:24 PM

we wont be full time in baja but plan on spending 8 months or so a year there the rest in the us traveling around for a while im 55 and my family asks me what happens in another 10 or 15 years if i did that??i just told them id just be 65 or 70 weather i did it or not
but id be a lot happer
seldon do people regret what they do but often regret what they didnt do

Bajafun777 - 4-3-2007 at 08:09 PM

I hope to have my 5th wheel trailer in Baja by Ensenada by next August of 2008. I have a 37 foot 3 slides and a desire to live in a controlled entry and exit park. I have found just the one I have been looking for and I spent the last 3 years looking hard. My wife and I are so into living the stress of two jobs that just crush the life out of us at times by the constant demands these jobs place on us. We tease each other every morning lately about how many more days and then "No Hurry No Worry" gets to be our theme. We have missed a lot of great oppurtunies over the past 30 years since we have looked and talked about buying or renting and never did. We were always in too big a hurry to get back to the grid at work and boy were we fools as this same work will just eat up two more people when we leave it behind. Now, I noticed that Bajagypsy if from Canada where it snows and gets so so cold and if I lived there I surely would have left 3 years ago for Baja. Snow is best in pictures not living!!! We are sort of like you on holding back except that we now know where and the time it will start. Good luck in your decision and just writing this makes me think when is enough really enough and do I really need to work until next August. Bajafun777

Bajagypsy - 4-4-2007 at 06:57 AM

Thank you for all of your replies, it certain has helped. I was wondering about schooling for children? Can our kids go to school in Baja, or would they need to be home schooled?

Diver - 4-4-2007 at 07:04 AM

We have friends in La Ventana and Loreto with kids.
Some go to local schools - at least part time.
At first, they go to lower grades to learn spanish easier.
The ones from Washington State are also on an on-line state-sponsored school.
In some ways it is better than being there a it lets them progress at their own speed.
Lot's of good options.

.

Diver - 4-4-2007 at 07:12 AM

The on-line school is called the "Washington Virtual Academy".
From their website, it looks like they may offer their program to Canada residents as well.

http://www.washva.org/dg/index.html?se=Google&campaign=W...

.

[Edited on 4-4-2007 by Diver]

Paula - 4-4-2007 at 08:12 AM

Many people here in Loreto say the schools here aren't very good. This comes from both northerners and local people. I know one Mexican woman whose family has moved here from Mexico City who sends her 6 and 8 year old sons to public school, and supplements their learning by teaching them herself in the afternoon. There are private schools that are better than the public system.

On selling and moving down here, is it possible for you to keep your home up there for a while? Maybe rent it out and have some income while you live down here until you know this is where you want to be. It will be a big adjustment, and it may go better if you know you can go back to your former life. But then if you just make the leap, you'll have to make it work for you :tumble:

Another thought

DianaT - 4-4-2007 at 08:34 AM

Anyone who set out to drive almost non-stop from Saskatoon to Cabo San Lucas without a clue as to what they were doing, and make it a great experience, probably has what it takes to pick up and move to Baja. :yes:

IMHO, I think the dual approach to education is wise---something like the one Diver suggested or home schooling along with Mexican public schooling.

It is amazing how quickly children learn a new language and to give them an education in two cultures is a real gift.

Good Luck
Diane

Cypress - 4-4-2007 at 08:43 AM

Boxing stuff up right now.

Taking it one step at a time. :bounce:

Retired and ready for some fishing and sunshine. :bounce:

Paulina - 4-4-2007 at 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajagypsy
Thank you for all of your replies, it certain has helped. I was wondering about schooling for children? Can our kids go to school in Baja, or would they need to be home schooled?

Speaking only from my experience, here it is...

When we moved to the Punta Banda area I asked about schooling and was told to look into a Collegio, or private school. Instead I thought that I would try the local rural school, as I hoped that our daughter would establish some friendships with the local kids. She was enrolled, but it only lasted a short time. The children have to take their own toilet paper and soap, and hers would turn up missing more often than not. She was picked on relentlessly by a few of the boys, we didn't see any homework, and there were issues that we could not work out with a few of the teachers and the principal as well.

So, taking our Mexican friend's advice we looked into the private sector. We met a couple at a Christmas party who just happened to run a private school in Chapultepec. We enrolled our daughter with them and she had a wonderful year. The teachers were very accepting of an "Americano" in their classrooms, the children and their parents were welcoming as well. All of her studies were in Spanish, and during the class period when English was studied, she worked on her Spanish. They even offered Saturday morning classes for children who needed the extra work, where Cody had one on one time with a teacher. We hired a young lady from camp to come to the house twice a week to work with her as well.

At the same time we also homeschooled through Oak Meadow School. I wanted to keep her up on her American studies. Homeschooling worked for us in that we could work at our own pace, get ahead if we wanted, or take it on the road when we traveled. It was also much more fun to write out the times tables in the sand then to sit at a desk in a classroom.

There were moments when I had issues with homeschooling her at times in regards to seperating mom from teacher, but having the real teacher back in the States waiting for her work to be sent in usually nipped the procrastinator in Cody in the bud.

When we returned to the States Cody tested mid grade level upon entry.

We would be back living there now if we could, but have a few issues that still need to be resolved. You both have children from other partners, so you'll have to be sure to get the proper paperwork/permission before you make the move. Right now we love the elementary school that she is enrolled in here. We'll see how middle school life goes...If we have to wait till Cody's 18, then the count down is on.... Only 2126 more days to go!

All in all, it was worth every moment. Cody had a great experience living in Baja and we wouldn't trade it for the world.

P<*)))><

Capt. George - 4-4-2007 at 11:59 AM

Five + years ago Deborah and I first visited Baja. Bought a lot in Loreto at that time....

moved up to Punta Abreojos and Deborah built a casa in town and I a garage/trailer etc out on La Beliza (since sold)

Building a house just outside La Paz will we will live for the foreseeable future...Deborah has kept her casita in Ojos so visits to Abreojos in the summer months and get away trips throughout the year...

I'm a retired NYC Firefighter and have a pension from that, in November I turn 62, add S.S. we are also selling the florida digs which will build our home in La Paz and leave a bit over for investment...I will be home in mid-May and feel fortunate and blessed to be doing so.

The states, for us, is just no longer what it was, nor is it home. cap'd g y d

Iflyfish - 4-5-2007 at 08:53 AM

The quality of schools differ from community to community. Some better than others and some not worth the powder to blow them up.

As others have said, there are both private and public schools. The public schools are in a lock step program where each day all children in Mexico are on the same page. SEP Secetary of Public Education is what this is called. Remember that Mexico is a Catholic country that has a tradition of pedantic education, lecture, memorize, regurgitate. Notice the level of education of local Mexicans, notice the level of their vocabulary, notice the level of their knowledge base, notice the religious, cultural biases of the local people, many of the teachers will be from the same context.

There are some excellent private schools in Mexico that rival any found in the states.

As you explore this I would encourage you to think about where you would want to move and then start contacting local Nomads about schooling. Locals may say that the most expensive school is the best, or the one where their child is matriculating is best because their children are happy there. Happiness, though important, is not the best criteria to use in assessing a school. Educators are better at assessing schools than lay people are.

It is likely that they will not receive as varied and diverse of an education in the Mexican system. They will not have much of an exposure to English in either public or private schools.

Studies are showing that home schooled children do very well if they are using a good home school program.

The thing to watch out for in home schooling is that many have a religious and social bias built in and that people with a religious and social bias are often not very well educated so consequently the curriculum materials for the parents to work with their children have been dumbed down so the parents can understand the materials.

My brother is a Superintendant of a bilingual bicultural school on the mainland and he says that many homeschooled children who want to enter his school are not prepared to enter because they have been exposed to one of these dumbed down programs.

There are only nine American Schools in all of Mexico, none on the Baja.

See if you can find a homeschool program that is accredited by an Association of Colleges and Schools i.e. Southern Association of Colleges of Schools, Northwester Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Colleges and Schools. These are Associations of Private and Public Schools that have standards that must be met by members.

Iflyfish

Paulina - 4-5-2007 at 09:07 AM

Bajagypsy,

I taught in the private school sector in Los Angeles for 22 years prior to moving to Baja. We chose Oak Meadow School and were very pleased with the results.

www.oakmeadow.com

Oak Meadow is accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation CITA. In addition, Oak Meadow is fully accredited in grades K - 8 by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (a commission of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools) and in grades 9 - 12 by the Commission on Secondary and Middle Schools (a commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).

Good luck, and feel free to U2U me if I can be of any help.

Paulina<*)))><

longlegsinlapaz - 4-5-2007 at 10:58 AM

I liquidated all my assets, packed up & moved full-time to La Paz in Nov. 1999 and haven't regretted it for a moment!! My now 89-year-old mother came down with me, and we lived off her $800 Social Security for two years until my early retirement kicked in. The proceeds of the sale of my home in the states build my first beachfront casa. My mother decided after 2 years that she missed her friends & the heat was too much for her and opted to move back to Oregon (there IS a God!). :lol:

Living under the same roof as my mother after 35+ years on my own was.....Uhhhh....'errrr.....stressful, to put it mildly!

Once housing was covered, I've lived on $800-$1,000 a month for 7 years, two of those years were two persons & two dogs. And I've lived well & eaten well! I'm currently renting & it's costing me more to live until my "FINAL" Resting Place :lol:

is built because of rent, but I absolutely love it here & wouldn't move back to the states for love nor money!! It is a huge lifestyle & cultural change, but if you've all loved it vacationing here, then you'll love it full-time. Depending on the age & temperament of your kids, it might be a harder adjustment on them (missing friends, fast food, faster-paced life style, etc.), but if the entire family is for it...I'd go for it! I'd say you need to be sure that the area you decide to live has or is near all the individual needs of the entire family.

'Tis better to have loved & lost, than never to have loved at all! My personal philosophy is that it's better to regret the choices you made if need be, than it is to regret opportunities not taken! Research the hell out of it & GO FOR IT!!!!! :bounce:

windgrrl - 4-5-2007 at 03:53 PM

Thanks for asking this question and to those who have shared their experieinces. I imagine doing this everday! We are now getting serious. I imagine this is like planning for an expedition. I have a sticky note in my wallet that says "will I need this in Baja?" We have a chart whereby we are marking off the days. I'm selling uneeded stuff on ebay, consolidating document and photo files. I've printed off the Baja Nomad essentials lists. We are paring our windsurfing gear down to the perfect quiver for Baja.

I think I have bought the last of the shirts and suits needed to get me through the last 2 years of work ahead. There's no need to buy housewares for the house after 30+ years of collecting. I am having a hard time imagining actually selling the house, but then with the planet going down the tubes, it will propbably be an advantage to be mobile.

Happy Easter!
w

Marie-Rose - 4-6-2007 at 07:25 AM

Wow Bajagypsy, I sense "you have it bad"!!
I sympathize. I fell in love the first vacation in 1997 but was in trouble after spending 3 months in 2004. After that trip my husband did not know what to do with me as my answer to all problems was "let's sell the house and get out of here". I had a terrible time re-adjusting to life at "home". I still get panic attacks when I think of leaving here this time but know that now that we have taken the leap with ownership, I will be back.
I am envious of all the nomads that have known Baja in the earlier years but, in a way, am grateful that I have not had to wait too many years to make the move.
I think longlegsinlapaz said it elegantly, "Research the hell out of it..." If you have the opportunity of an extended stay in the area you have chosen, I would highly recommend it.
I know that here in TS there are a group of families that have hired a teacher privately. Sometimes the class size ranges from 5 to 14. Both Mexican and gringo children. I could get a contact for you to discuss this further if you u2u me. I have met some of these children and am amazed at how well adjusted they seem. My husband is a middle school educator and the thing that struck him the most was watching them "play". They were making up a game...apprently not seen much on the school grounds anymore.
Good luck with your soul searching. I know that this board was a lifeline for me for a few years...just brought me back for awhile!!!

Don't limit your options

Lee - 4-6-2007 at 09:33 AM

There are different levels of living in Baja for different age groups. For about the past 20 years, Colorado has been home base but my time has been spent between other places including Hawaii, California and Baja. Though I'm preparing to build in Baja, the question of where I'll spend my time has had little to do with building. Baja can't touch the Colorado Rocky Mountains in the Summer. Colorado can't touch BCS in the Winter. I don't think living in Baja has to be at the exclusion of El Norte unless nothing is working up there. Summer in BCS doesn't bother some people. I'd no more be there in the Summer as I would in Florida or the East Coast in the Summer.

Lifestyle, too, is an issue, along with culture and language down here. I think when people move down here, they should have spent time down here and know the up and down side to being down here. I'd recommend renting somewhere and seeing if it works. This might take years. As a retirement area, Baja is affordable.

Like anywhere, there's a price to pay. Keep your options open.

:cool:

jack - 4-6-2007 at 01:24 PM

"Lifestyle, too, is an issue, along with culture and language down here. I think when people move down here, they should have spent time down here and know the up and down side to being down here. I'd recommend renting somewhere and seeing if it works. This might take years."

In my Baja experience (coming down since 1986) this is the best advice thats been posted so far.

Bajagypsy - 4-8-2007 at 08:16 AM

Wow I didn't expect so many wonderful pieces of information!!! Thank you all. We are currently tring to figure out if it will be feisable in the near future, as my spouse has children with an ex, that we need to see if she will alow to move there. The weather here is warming up, so I don't feel such urgency to move down (at the moment!!).

Thank you all for your information! Oh yeah and Hoppy Easter!!

shari - 4-9-2007 at 08:16 AM

Hey gypsy amiga...oh yeah, you've got the baja bug like I had 20 years ago.I struggled for years with that sickness and finally succumbed to it when my daughter convinced me...she WANTED to go to school, I was homeschooling her...the schools do differ but they are very good and healthy and teach the kids to adapt and speak spanish and supplemented with homeschooling would be perfect. I have never regretted our move here and you won't either!

jorgie - 4-9-2007 at 10:36 AM

Hola Gypsy;
U2U Shari, she'll give you my thoughts . The biggest thing is leasehold and the process needed to achieve it.
jorgie