BajaNomad - Need solid advice here.

Need solid advice here.

udaman - 5-28-2009 at 05:46 PM

My wife and I have spent many years in baja and had hoped for a retirement party down there one day. We have been very concerned with all the violence that seems to be happening there everyday it seems. We had looked at homes in the Mulege/Loreto area but have decided that Panama seems to be a sure bet as the land is much more safe in terms of crime and a
real estate market that is predictable. Can you tell us why Baja is a sure bet compared to Panama and why should we move to Baja compared to Panama,It seems that violence is all over Naja and folks should be careful .

What do you sat

[Edited on 5-29-2009 by udaman]

woody with a view - 5-28-2009 at 05:47 PM

the only for sure is the sun coming up tomorrow. you should now this by now....

fishbuck - 5-28-2009 at 05:51 PM

My guess is that there is crime in Panama too. And if Panama was right next to the US like Baja you would hear more about it.
The Baja crime thing seems way over hyped.
But Panama does look very cool. Probably very good fishing there.
If you need to come back to the US for any reason it's a long flight and an even longer drive.

[Edited on 5-29-2009 by fishbuck]

comitan - 5-28-2009 at 05:58 PM

Here's a blog from someone in Panama, If you go into his archives you can find out about all the crime down there and the real estate scams. :bounce:

http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/

rhintransit - 5-28-2009 at 05:59 PM

I say that no one can make that call for you. I don't mean to sound harsh or unwelcoming to a newbie, but read, read, read and make your own decision. if you've been visiting Baja for years, and if you have been monitoring the forums here, you should have a pretty good idea of what Baja is about, the current 'climate' of violence, which depends entirely on where you are, and the pitfalls of buying property here. I suggest you rent or, if you decide to buy in, you follow the age old be prepared to walk away from your 'investment' at any time adage. that's in Baja Mexico OR Panama.

DENNIS - 5-28-2009 at 06:02 PM

Nobody can influence your decision, a choice between Baja and Panama. It's up to you to do your evaluation of each area. I know there's good and bad about Baja and I'm sure the same qualities distinguish Panama.
I don't understand the question, at all. You must have some affirmative reason for even considering Panama. Why would you even be so unsure of yourself to pose a question, which would influence your life, to an internet site which is specific in it's scope?
Perhaps you should put off relocation until you can make big decisions based on your own research and desires. Go where you want to go because you understand why, not because others persuade you for their reasons.
Wherever you go, have a good trip.

rts551 - 5-28-2009 at 06:03 PM

My guess is your mind is made up.. and you are just trolling. have a good retirement in Panama. Operative word was "have decided"

Quote:

Originally posted by udaman
My wife and I have spent many years in baja and had hoped for a retirement party down there one day. We have been very concerned with all the violence that seems to be happening there everyday it seems. We had looked at homes in the Mulege/Loreto area but have decided that Panama seems to be a sure bet as the land is much more safe in terms of crime and a
real estate market that is predictable. Can you tell us why Baja is a sure bet compared to Panama and why should we move to Baja compared to Panama,It seems that violence is prevelany.
and folks should be careful .

What do you sat

shari - 5-28-2009 at 06:10 PM

I have lived in baja sur, costa rica, ecuador and panama and of all the countries Panama was the worst. What people like about baja is the people but the panamanians have a different character...they are much more "gruff" and not nearly as friendly and the crime was horrible...plus its so far away that not many amigos can visit you. But I do have a friend who moved there and is into real estate and he loves it so....whatever.

gnukid - 5-28-2009 at 06:13 PM

Try renting in both spots and see how you like it.

DENNIS - 5-28-2009 at 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Try renting in both spots and see how you like it.

There ya go. You won't get any better advice than that.

norte - 5-28-2009 at 06:20 PM

Right next to DENNIS. That way you can get the true Baja experience.... and if he won't do... try Woosh just down the street!!!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Try renting in both spots and see how you like it.

There ya go. You won't get any better advice than that.

[Edited on 5-29-2009 by norte]

k-rico - 5-28-2009 at 06:25 PM

You're worried about crime in Mulege and Loreto?

You worry too much.

I live in TJ and am not worried about the crime spree. In case you haven't noticed, if you're not a drug dealer or a cop, there's really not too much to worry about.

805gregg - 5-28-2009 at 06:28 PM

Check out Ecuador, very cheap beachfront property. Rent first is the best advice anywhere. In Baja or Mexico I would only rent.

[Edited on 5-29-2009 by 805gregg]

Bob H - 5-28-2009 at 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Check out Ecuador, very cheap beachfront property. Rent first is the best advice anywhere. In Baja or Mexico I would only rent.

[Edited on 5-29-2009 by 805gregg]

Costa Rica also! And, they have outstanding fishing down there.

Bob H

[Edited on 5-29-2009 by Bob H]

udaman - 5-28-2009 at 06:38 PM

Thank you for your quick and informative answers to most of you. The rest of you seem jaded and with your answers have answered my questions about who I would want to meet and hang out with there. I see even this board is not immune to jaded and self centered people taking it over.
Thanks again.

dtbushpilot - 5-28-2009 at 06:53 PM

You're right uda, there are a few jerks here.....there are more good folks though. Don't give up on us yet.....dt

DENNIS - 5-28-2009 at 06:56 PM

I thought we were all on pretty good behavior. I know it can get worse.

DENNIS - 5-28-2009 at 07:01 PM

Why is it that my early warning troll detector keeps going off lately? I'm gonna have to have it serviced.

woody with a view - 5-28-2009 at 07:03 PM

i'm a jerk.... i don't need others to pick my retirement location, or where will i lay my head tonight?

Jeez, that is loud, Dennis.

toneart - 5-28-2009 at 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Why is it that my early warning troll detector keeps going off lately? I'm gonna have to have it serviced.

I can hear it way over here. Oops, sorry. That was mine I was hearing.

Udo - 5-28-2009 at 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Check out Ecuador, very cheap beachfront property. Rent first is the best advice anywhere. In Baja or Mexico I would only rent.

[Edited on 5-29-2009 by 805gregg]

My sister, who was born in Venezuela, and lives in the U.S. will be retiring in Ecuador next year.
Everything is about 1/3 the price of Mexico, especially Baja. So she says.

rpleger - 5-28-2009 at 08:14 PM

If your worried about crime in Mulegé....move to Panama...PLEASE

Bajahowodd - 5-28-2009 at 11:19 PM

Panama has a few things in its favor. They use the dollar as currency, have a strong banking system, as well as a great healthcare system. You can choose between oceanfront living or inland upcountry tropical rainforests. On the other hand, it is hot and muggy all year round, and has been increasingly imperiled by the FARC druggies from Columbia. So, we all know what the drug thing is currently in Mexico. But, there are ominous signs that Panama is on the cusp of seeing the same problem there.

All that being said, Maybe I should have listened to Dennis and not wasted my time.

udaman - 5-29-2009 at 07:29 AM

Perhaps some background is needed here to ward off these nasty comments.
My wife Sherry and I spent the better part of April in Baja looking at homes in Loreto at the Loreto Bay and at Mulege along the river. We were leaning towards the homes at the Orchard development as they were all priced way below what they were two years ago and although we only looked in one home, found them very solid and beautiful. My sister inlaw had bought a home in Panama last year after looking at Baja and wants us to visit her there before making up our minds on the move. We are from LA. and have lived there for over thirty years although we have traveled to Baja every year by car. We have been told about the US dollar being used and that the homes there are fee simple in title as opposed to the bank trust which is required in Baja.
We are hoping that maybe more info would stop the snide remarks and perhaps open up a meaningful debate on our options.

Doug and Sherry Bates

DENNIS - 5-29-2009 at 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by udaman

Perhaps some background is needed here

the homes there are fee simple in title as opposed to the bank trust which is required in Baja.

Perhaps so. This background would have been helpful to us in offering advice which you requested.
All that aside, you came to the right place for information about your real estate misinformation. Any purchase of property by a foreigner, without a bank trust is money down the crapper.
I'm not the most qualified person here to go through this with you so I'll leave it to those who are to guide you through it safely.
Welcome to BajaNomad.

By the way....Is that Los Angeles or Louisiana?

wilderone - 5-29-2009 at 08:24 AM

Panama does not have a desperate police force looking for bribes, with all the mayors in cahoots with the drug lords, with drug cartels competing for turf, resulting in decapitations and murdering the police force. Drug money was laundered and built Panama City, but doesn't involve the local citizen or tourist. Panama City is the worst city I've ever driven in - it's everymanforhimself, especially during rush hour and after work. Got a ticket once and tried to offer to pay the "fine", but he wouldn't take it. But just outside of town - just a couple miles - you're driving along the coast and it's relaxed. A lot of exploration in the jungles, islands, rivers, snorkling, fishing, great seafood at restaurants - lots of French restaurants, casino - so both big city amenities and small town ambiance, and plenty of frontier to explore. There is the rainy season and it can be humid, but you adjust. The rain puts a damper on your activities, but if you like the rain and have a garden and no leaky roof, you just wait it out. Baja is hot is the summer and occasional hurricanes to experience and unrelenting wind on occasion as well. I think Panama is a bit more advanced as far as electrical and water - no water problem in Panama. I guess it would depend on what your interests are and how comfortable you are with getting to know your neighbors and how you plan to spend your days. If you want rural property, I don't think there are land title/ejido land/lease snafus in Panama. You should rent in both places for about 3 months. Jungle or desert - pretty diverse.

oldjack - 5-29-2009 at 08:57 AM

U...

Consider that there are many different Baja's... your choices vary from Norte o Sud; playa or pueblo; metro areas(TJ, Ensenada,LaPaz, Cabo(s); small non-tourist pueblos(literally hundreds); tourist places(list all beach developments here); live in the mountains or in the lowlands... how important is airline service to you(that may solve a lot of questions); crap happens everywhere even in paradise(to be defined); your attitude and tolerance is everything when things go mexican; but when you know you are playing with a snake you shouldn't get bit(probably); there is a great big safety net call friends(some Nomads) that can make a world of difference in your lifestyle... having made a decision to retire outside of the U.S. was the first decision... now take some time to evaluate(make a list) of what is truly important to you AND YOUR SPOUSE... take several months and experience as many locales as possible before committing a dime... if the grass is greener in Baja... then wait the sun will bake it brown... but it is a nice brown...

Baja

noproblemo2 - 5-29-2009 at 05:00 PM

My two cents, we retired here 4 yrs ago, between Rosarito & Ensenada, would not trade it for ANYTHING. WE LOVE IT HERE...