BajaNomad

Moving to Baja

Rustycage - 4-8-2008 at 01:34 PM

Hi everyone I am new of course and have some ?s for anyone willing to respond.
I am seriously considering a move to Baja I have a job opportunity selling real estate and also own a flooring business. I contract for mostly tile and stone. I have three kids 6,3,2 and I think it would be awesome for them to grow up on
the pacific coast.
I am in need of some advice as to where to live and cost of living also if there is any work to be had or if it is scarce. I am a bit concerned about the robberies and kidnappings but I am far from High profile or rich so not too worried??
I would like to learn as much as possible about the Real life from you guys and what to expect.

Can I have my kids in school in San Diego while living in Baja would be another point that would also play into the equation?
I have lots of questions but I want to throw this out and see if I am headed in the right direction.....

Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thank You

DENNIS - 4-8-2008 at 01:39 PM

Oh man, Rusty... You have come to the right place with your can of worms. Right now I have to go to Sharky's so I'll turn you over to someone who will fill you in. I'll be back. We have to talk.
A tile setter looking for work in Mexico? We have to talk.

Rustycage - 4-8-2008 at 01:47 PM

Thanks Dennis I am anxiously awaiting. Have a good time

ILikeMex - 4-8-2008 at 03:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
A tile setter looking for work in Mexico? We have to talk.


Yes, isn't that like a help desk technician going to work in India?

sylens - 4-8-2008 at 03:31 PM

carrying coals to newcastle.

that said, don't rule out anything. more responses will follow and it may be possible....

but enrolling children in san diego schools? why not find a good school down here and have your children grow up bilingual?

jmho.

ILikeMex - 4-8-2008 at 03:38 PM

Or selling real estate/time shares in Mexico - doh.

Rustycage - 4-8-2008 at 03:50 PM

Quote:
but enrolling children in san diego schools? why not find a good school down here and have your children grow up bilingual?

jmho.


I can see why that is concerning and a very good point.
The reason I asked if they could attend in San Diego is that the only Schools that I can find are Spanish to English and not English to Spanish. So I am asking for the reason of knowing rather than deciding. If I can find a good school in Mexico I am all for it:tumble:

Thanks for the responses and looking forward to hearing more.

schools

BajaDanD - 4-8-2008 at 03:55 PM

San Diego is not as close to Baja as you might think

DianaT - 4-8-2008 at 04:02 PM

There are a number of children who live in Mexico who attend California public schools. Done legally, it requires payment and I do not remember how the cost is calculated, but I think it is based on the ADA fees from the state.

That said, there are lots of children who cross over and do not pay the fees---often they have an address with a relative or a rented garage on this side of the border, and sometimes they do not. It is easier where the children can cross the border on foot. Also, there are private and religious schools on the US side who don't care where you live.

To me, the idea of crossing from Tijuana every day in a car is a nightmare. I do know one couple who moved back from Rosarito for that very reason. Lots of people do it, and maybe with the sentri pass it is more tenable.

Good luck with your dream----don't ever lose it.

Diane

mulegemichael - 4-8-2008 at 04:21 PM

Tile and stone work, hey?....you'll fit right in as that is probably the number one "skill level" job in all of mexico. Of ALL the jobs available, it is the most desirable in baja. All of the tile/stone workers that I know in our little town are working and actually turning down jobs because they are too busy...so...you'll have no problem finding work...but...can you live on $50 a day?...that's about the prevailing wage for a "skill" position, at least in southern baja...quite the change from what you're now making, i'm sure..and...not sure if you can LEGALLY work without tieing in to a mexican family/wife/etc....not sure your wife would approve..The cost of living in communities down here is much lower than up north as long as they havent been impacted by an influx of gringos; cabo san lucas,las barriles,loreto, etc, are prime examples....I lived in a little town called la ribera; isolated, few gringos, off the beaten track....just 15 miles away the town of las barriles was being pretty heavily impacted by an ever expanding gringo community....the difference in normal, everyday groceries was astounding!.....so....there ya go...my two cents..

DENNIS - 4-8-2008 at 07:54 PM

RC......

Where are you now and why are you considering Mexico as your new home? Are you just in need of a change or are you trying to rid yourself of a nasty environment?
I used to think that a US education was superior to that which is offered in Mexico but, the quality of public education in the US has deteriorated to a dismal point and the student's assurance of preparation has been seriously diminished. That said, education in Mexico, other than exclusive, expensive silver-spoon institutes, is worse. Higher education graduates, when going to the US to practice their profession, will have to supliment their expertise with additional schooling just to meet minimum requirments.
Design your children's future wisely and forget about having them commute across the line for school Those days are over.

As for your future, you're bringing dirt to the farm. [Lili:tumble:] Unless you practice your trade [ art ] in a wealthy community here, you will be competeing with locals in an environment where most customers are satisfied with "mediocre." You'll have problems getting business. Mexicans won't hire you and the expats, for some reason, will prefer to hire the local as a gesture to assimilation. Work quality won't be considered. To add insult to injury, you'll have to pay a pile of money to legalize yourself just for the right to be unemployed.

Somebody up there mentioned "your dream." Pursue it, yes. Do that but, don't pursue a nightmare. Baja is no place for a foreigner to start from scratch. Even Mexicans have a tough time doing that.

Rustycage - 4-8-2008 at 07:54 PM

Thank you Diane I really appreciate that.

mulegemichael

I really don't know if I can live on 50 a day w/3 kids but I was hoping you guys could fill me in on that.....
I guess I need to do some more research on whether or not I can work there also.

Is there a "Best Place To Live" for a Gringo family ? I see a lot of people like Rosarito but that's too much party and noise, Playjas De Tijuana?(sp) I have heard is a maybe..All I am looking for is a safe and beautiful place w/lots of friendly easy going people, low crime and lots of sun..I dream about Surfing which by the way I have never done, Eating fish tacos and occasional margaritas or whatnot. If I can actually make this happen it will be my dream come true and I believe my children would benefit abunduntly .

On another note
Can you actually look at people there w/out being glared at or thought of as a wierdO? Ya know just people watch or say hi to someone at the gas station w/out someone thinking your crazy?

DENNIS - 4-8-2008 at 08:13 PM

We're posting all over each other. Seems as though you still have interest so, look into Tecate. Laid back, friendly, cross border school possibilities, just a nice little town without surf.

No way I would consider Playas or Rosarito...period.

[Edited on 4-9-2008 by DENNIS]

Rustycage - 4-8-2008 at 08:13 PM

Dennis
I guess I read your first post wrong I thought you were gonna have good news ;)
I live in Boise and I am looking for a new life I guess I have lived here a long time and it still doesnt fit. I am looking at Baja because of the opportunities and lifestyles there.
I wish I could afford to live in San Diego but that opportunity has not presented itself.
The truth is I have an opportunity to move to where some call paradise and I am very interested. If there is no education for my kids than I guess I am burnt, but it all fits to well w/what my dreams are so I don't think it would present itself had it not been feasible...........Who knows I am just trying to get a real life feel and try and really make the right decision

Rustycage - 4-8-2008 at 08:16 PM

Tecate? ok I will check it out right now

[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]

DENNIS - 4-8-2008 at 08:35 PM

Tecate is a tidal wave of beer. That's where the brewery of that name is located, thirty miles inland on the border. I considered living there in the past and it still crosses my mind occasionally.
Kids line up on the California side to catch the AM San Diego bus to school and crossing the border to work would be a viable option for you as well. Lots of high class construction going on within twenty miles.
There's an author, an American living in Tecate, who has recently penned a couple of bathroom books about the town, his name escapes me...Rivelas - Riveras - Risomething--- I'll look it up so you can read his stuff. It'll give you an intro to the place.
Tecate would be a decent choice.

Daniel Reveles

[Edited on 4-9-2008 by DENNIS]

Rustycage - 4-8-2008 at 08:46 PM

I ordered Baja 4 U by Roberta Geisha hoping to see it tomorrow.... Thanks for your help Dennis I really appreciate it.

Tequila, lemon and salt and Enchiladas, rice and beans

[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]

[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]

DENNIS - 4-9-2008 at 06:20 AM

Keep us posted.

bajaguy - 4-9-2008 at 06:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Rustycage
I ordered Baja 4 U by Roberta Geisha hoping to see it tomorrow.... Thanks for your help Dennis I really appreciate it.

Tequila, lemon and salt and Enchiladas, rice and beans

[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]

[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]





Take that book with a few grains of salt. I have found more than one instance of mis-information or outdated information.

805gregg - 4-9-2008 at 04:06 PM

Just a dumb question, have you ever been to Baja?

lingililingili - 4-9-2008 at 04:36 PM

We have a house in Boise, this sure beats shoveling snow!!!

Pescador - 4-10-2008 at 07:32 AM

Great dream but not too realistic. First of all it will be next to impossible to get a work permit for tile/masonry because you are taking jobs and employment away from Mexican people. If you could even manage to get a permit then you are going to be very unpopular in the community because you will be in direct competition with the local workers. I know of a dual citizen family (U.S. and Mexico) who has serious issues in a small town because he does fantastic work and even hires a few locals to help but jealousy runs rampant. So you would not be helping the economy but in fact might be harming a small part.
Secondly, the schools in most of baja are of very low quality. Imagine having a requirement of a high school diploma to become a teacher and you can start to see a part of the problem. While there are some real quality teachers in the system, for the most part public schools are terribly underfunded and woefully substandard.
Third, to totally commit to occupation and living in Baja with a family I would think that you would want to be fluent not only in the language but in the culture as well.
Finally, the United States has one of the best medical delivery systems in the entire world and I would expect that is exactly where you would head if any of the children were to get sick. I have a good friend who is the head of the Childrens Hospital in Tijuana who tells me of the differences between their hospital and the one across the border in San Diego.
I love Mexico and have been coming since 1957 or 58 and have retired in a small village, away from Gringolandia, so I can appreciate your dream but would hate to see your dream turn into a nightmare. Do you suppose there is a reason people are risking their lives to cross the border going north to find a job which will let them take care of their family and once they crossed why so many stayed there.

susanna - 4-10-2008 at 08:32 AM

I recommend you go to see Baja and maybe rent so your wife and kids can also have a choice if they want to live there. They don't have all the facilities we have here. I thought i also wanted to live in Baja but have changed my mind .

DianaT - 4-10-2008 at 08:33 AM

Just a thought

If you are looking for an adventure for you and your family, great. Are you open to other places?

We moved to Honduras without having ever visited, BUT we had jobs to go to and the same for when we went to Guatemala.

Search the net for foreign job opportunities---probably, however, will not be in tile setting. Then in lots of places there are bilingual schools---not just the very expensive ones, but some that are small and reasonable.

Years ago some friends moved their family to Todos Santos in Baja---back when it was still a very small town. They had the money to stay there for a year and their girls went to public school for that year. It was a great experience for all.

But the laws and school might have changed---don't know.

When I said before, keep the dream, I was sincere---but I also agree that the dream needs some good planning. But you are started in a good direction---asking questions.

Diane

bajaguy - 4-10-2008 at 08:38 AM

My suggestion, if you can afford it, would be to pick a place in Baja that you are interested in and try and find a house or apartment for a month or two during the summer (when your kids are out of school).

Live among the locals and see if that is what you want to experience. I think a month or two would probably be the deciding factor for you.

Continue to do your research.

Have you ever been to Baja before???

wilderone - 4-10-2008 at 08:47 AM

There are macadamia nut and fruit orchards in Pahoa Town, Big Island, Ha. that would probably fit your fantasy.

Rustycage - 4-10-2008 at 10:08 AM

lingililingili
We sure shoveled a lot of snow this year as a matter of fact it snowed yesterday....The most snow we have had in 15 or 16 yrs go figure:)

Pescador
Thanks for the input I appreciate your perspective and will take it into consideration.
My plan was too buy and sell Real estate and use tile as a back up or not at all.
I would actually rather live in San Diego or around there but a guy would almost have to inherit a home and have a good job opportunity there to even start. I am going to try and buy some property in Baja even if moving there is out of the question as I believe it is a grand investment and would make for stellar vacations. I think that I have a lot of my questions answered and next I need to go spend some time this summer and really get the whole picture together.
The more I think and here about it the less inviting it becomes I would really like to enjoy the world down there mostly because of affordability. I also would love to take my son to a Padre's game and see the Chargers whenever possible.. Sea World and the Zoo are quite a big factor in this equation also oh and Disney land would be a lot more feasible from there than here. Learning to surf,scuba,snorkel,explore and whatever else just to walk the beach,too much to ask ? If my former 32 years are a factor then yes it is too much too ask but impossible no stinkin way !

I won't go into taking jobs away from locals or ruining an economy I don't think it's right but we are victims of it ourselves and not in a small way!

susanna
Thank you!

Diane
I was looking into Baja for relative cost of living and proximity to San Diego.
Thank you for your comments

bajaguy
I think that sounds good

wilderone
What does that mean?

Oh and by the way I have never visited Baja just trying to get a feel for direction.....................................

[Edited on 4-10-2008 by Rustycage]

bajaguy - 4-10-2008 at 11:23 AM

Rustycage:

In the upper right corner of the Nomads forum pages (this one) you will have a U2U message. Click on that message/link

vandenberg - 4-10-2008 at 11:35 AM

Rustycage,

I think you have a severe case of "Wanderlust", an affliction I'm very familiar with.
In your case, consideration for your kids should come first.
Like stated, education here in Baja is at the very least dismal. And ,even if you could get around all the paperwork and are able to work, your reward is nowhere near what you're accustomed to.
Now, if I were you, I would seriously considering northern California's or the Oregon coast. Beautiful country, decent schools and, although no Disneyland or the Zoo, a great place to do all the things you mentioned.
Baja is a great place but not one to raise a family accustomed to US ways.
Just my 2 cents worth.
But wish you succes in anything you decide.

wilderone - 4-10-2008 at 02:49 PM

You mentioned you just wanted plenty of sun, friendly people, low crime, etc. Hawaii is a nice place to live, and Pahoa can be relatively inexpensive. If you wanted to get by super-cheap, you can work on the macadamia nut farms for board/labor. Just an idea. Your flooring skills would also be an asset there. Also, if you check out the condo prices in Santee and Spring Valley, CA, you will find an affordable place to live. Beaches, Padres, Chargers, close to Mexico.

David K - 4-10-2008 at 03:19 PM

Wow, I think the man wants to know if this is even a possibilty for him... and the answer really is no... Sorry, but true it is....

Wilderone has a good idea... The Big Island is a great place for a new beginning, it is in America still, English (with some local words) is the language, and there are hospitals where you can find more than bandages and rubbing alcohol to treat injuries.

Why not move to Baja (at this time in your life)?

Well, your children for one main reason... the most important reason for that matter. You read above that the schools are sub-standard* and unlike here, bi-lingual teachers are not hired there to instruct kids from other countries. Serious injury or illness could be tragic without air-evac to a U.S. hospital.

Employment: Unlike here, Mexico actually protects its people from foreign workers who would take away their means of living. As a tourist, you cannot work in Mexico (even volunteer work) legally. You would need to obtain an FM-3 visa with a work permit... and you would have to prove you can provide a skill NOT FOUND in the area, perhaps have an employer sponsor you. The pay for unskilled labor is about $10 US a day not an hour, more $$ for skilled workers... but not what you get in Boise... ever!

Before you do anything, go to Baja... take some time to check things out... talk to others who have kids in Baja... Home schooling via the Internet is an option, but do you or your wife have the patience or time? The FM-3 visa to live in Mexico part time or more will take some effort to obtain (search Nomad for tons on this)

Look at the replies here over the following weeks...

I love Baja like crazy, and I would love to live there so I could explore and enjoy it more frequently. But, my kids had to be grown/ moved on and I would have to be financially well off to not need a job in Mexico or find one in my trade I could work legally and that the other men in the area would not be displaced.

Don't want to ruin your dream... just don't want you to have a nightmare!

Welcome to Baja Nomad, by-the-way!

* edit to add that schools in California are also sub-standard, specifically 6-8 grade, having had 2 kids go through that mess... Not at all like it was 30-40 years ago when California had some of the best schools in the nation.

[Edited on 4-11-2008 by David K]

baitcast - 4-10-2008 at 03:53 PM

Why not just move to San Diego,much warmer,great town,the beach and the border is close by.
Rob

Heather - 4-11-2008 at 08:25 AM

A couple of things I'd like to add here. I lived in TJ (Playas) for about 3 years while we waited for my husband to get a visa. It was OK, and the closest house to the beach that I've ever lived in, rent was cheap compared to San Diego, but there were a lot of things about the US that I missed. Playas would be the only place in TJ where I would consider living, because it still had a sort of small town feel. Lots of crime though, and the infrastructure needed some improvement.
I didn't work there but crossed the border everyday to work in SD, and that was the worst part!

I teach at a public high school in San Diego and I disagree with some of the comments about the schools in MX. Some of my best students did primary school in MX and then came here for middle and high school. They have very good work habits and discipline in terms of school work, which I see lacking in many of my American students. We do get a few that have very little education when they get here for high school, but in general I look forward to students educated in Mx. because they are prepared and despite learning a new language have great skills to help them do so.

My step-sons live in Pescadero and have received a pretty good education even in that small town. One thing I like is that they take science in more then one year i.e. 3 years of Biology, 2-3 years of Physics and Chemistry, here it's one year of each. gotta run, the kids are here. Heather

Bob H - 4-12-2008 at 08:13 AM

You really need to spend a month or two during the summer anywhere near where you are thinking of living before you make a decision to move to Baja.
Bob H

DianaT - 4-12-2008 at 09:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Wow, I think the man wants to know if this is even a possibilty for him... and the answer really is no... Sorry, but true it is....


While it may not be practical, easy, reasonable, etc., IT IS A POSSIBILITY. Keep dreamin, and fine tune the dream.

We were told we could never live on $500.00 a month in the backwaters of Honduras and that we were crazy to quit good careers and spend our own money to get there to live like that. It was one of the best years of our lives.

Keep doing the research. What will work for you is not maybe not what will work for someone else.

Diane

oxxo - 4-12-2008 at 09:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Rustycage
I have a job opportunity selling real estate and also own a flooring business. I contract for mostly tile and stone.


Every Tom, Dick, and Harry is selling either real estate or time shares. 95% of them can't make it in that business. If you need a dependable wage to support 3 children, this is not the profession for you in Mexico.

You will not be able to get a work permit for setting tile. By Mexican law, you cannot take work away from a Mexican. And there are tons of Mexicans in the tile setting business, all of them looking for work.
Quote:
I am in need of some advice as to where to live and cost of living also if there is any work to be had or if it is scarce. I am a bit concerned about the robberies and kidnappings


We live in the Los Cabos area. Our cost of living is about 10% less than a comparable location in California. Other areas in Baja may be less but so will the amenities.

If you want to avoid the high crime areas, then you should live generally somewhere south of El Rosario (not to be confused with Rosarito).
Quote:
Can I have my kids in school in San Diego while living in Baja would be another point that would also play into the equation?


By the way, the cost of a private bilingual elementary school in Baja is between US$ 6000 to $12000 per year per student. Do not even think about sending to a Mexican public school.

DianaT - 4-12-2008 at 09:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Heather


I teach at a public high school in San Diego and I disagree with some of the comments about the schools in MX. Some of my best students did primary school in MX and then came here for middle and high school. They have very good work habits and discipline in terms of school work, which I see lacking in many of my American students. We do get a few that have very little education when they get here for high school, but in general I look forward to students educated in Mx. because they are prepared and despite learning a new language have great skills to help them do so.
Heather


Having taught high school in Calexico, we totally agree with Heather. Most of these students began their US education in middle school without speaking a word of English and they were among the very best students with the best work habits. We both had some who passed the AP U.S. History and AP Human Geography tests in 10th and 11th grade. Many of them went on to successfully attend major universities. Just to be clear, these students had been a part of the public school system in Mexico---they were not from private schools.

John and Diane

Choices

The Gull - 4-13-2008 at 08:53 AM

Don't waste your time and money on Baja.

Too much Americanization going on and not for the better.

Go to Costa Rica.

Baja is safer than CR

Lee - 4-13-2008 at 09:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Quote:
Originally posted by The Gull
Don't waste your time and money on Baja.

Too much Americanization going on and not for the better.

Go to Costa Rica.
Which is of course not at all Americanized. :lol:


CR is Europeanized. Has been for a long time and whereas you'll meet Canucks in Baja, you'll meet Germans, French and English in CR.

Paulina - 4-29-2008 at 08:31 AM

Just moving this thread to the front for "Cain", a new Nomad who wants to make the move with his family.


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