BajaNomad - Newbie Considering Where To Locate In Baja

Newbie Considering Where To Locate In Baja

AlanDow - 1-24-2011 at 05:10 PM

Hi,
While I have lurked for a while, this is my first post to the forum – My wife and I are just starting to consider the possibility of looking for a part-time get-a-way in Baja, that could eventually become our full-time place upon retirement. Prior to the arrival of our twins, Baja was a favorite and frequent destination. And even though job opportunities moved us further away from Baja such that we have not been back since a trip to see the grey whales with the kids about 13 years ago, Baja has grown in appeal as a possible retirement location.

With the kids grown and off pursing their own dreams, we are ready to resume our Baja travels, with a focus on locating an area where we might like to live part-time/full-time. Based on our prior travels we had initially identified somewhere between Todos Santos and Mulege as our target area (including La Paz, the East Cape, and Loreto) however as a result of time already spent lurking on this site, we have added Bahia Asuncion as a place to also check out.

The near term plan during the next year or so, while we are both still working, is make a few one week trips to scout for places that we think warrant a further look, and in about a year I plan to leave my job allowing for my wife and I to take longer trips, and or for me to spend a few months at a time in a rental to get a better feel for the area, real estate market, etc.

My reason for posting now is that the first scouting trip has materialized. A friend who made the whale visit 13 years ago has agreed to return with me for a one week trip. We are arriving in Loreto this Saturday (January 29th) and will head north to Shari and Juan’s place to meet them and check out Bahia Asuncion.

We are also planning to spend a day or two in Loreto and or Mulege. This site has already provided a wealth of information on places to stay, things to do, and places to eat, etc; the only thing better would be the opportunity to meet some Nomads living in these communities. If anyone is interested I would really welcome the opportunity to meet for coffee or over a cerveza and visit with you about why you choose where you live in Baja, and or what you have found to be the pros and cons about living in your community, etc. The most likely dates we will be in each community on this trip are – Bahia Asuncion Jan 31 to Feb 2, Mulege Feb 3, Loreto Feb 4 & 5). Please U2U me if you would like to try to meet.

Many thanks to all you Nomads for providing such a great resource.

Bob and Susan - 1-24-2011 at 05:44 PM

i vote for mulege :saint:

DianaT - 1-24-2011 at 05:47 PM

Hi and welcome---and ENJOY your fact finding trip----

If you want to check out the services available in Bahia Asuncion before you head down, check out the Community Web site at http://bahiaasuncion.ORG

Most of the businesses in town are represented there---a few more will be added soon and one ex-pat business has chosen not to be included. But it will give you an idea of what is there and an opportunity to see many of great locals. Unfortunately, the reserve and history pages are still in the works.

Of course, things are changing with the completion of the pavement, but here are just a few differences from some of the areas you mention.

BA does have a year round climate---very windy usually in the spring, but does not have the heat found further south or on the Sea of Cortez side.

BA does not have the large stores, fancy restaurants, and large medical facilities available in other locations. It does have a small hospital and very friendly small places to eat ---- and a very friendly police dept.

It is over 70 miles to the closest ATM, but at least the drive is on pavement these days.

BA has a much smaller ex-pat community than the other places, but it is growing way to quickly --- :biggrin:

It makes such a difference as to what are your priorities----I would suggest you make a list of what is really important to you---

And if find that Bahia Asuncion is the place for you, and you think you might like a beach front home with room to build more, send us a U2U.

Diana y John

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by DianaT]

bajafreaks - 1-24-2011 at 05:48 PM

East Cape, just sayin'.

Meany - 1-24-2011 at 05:54 PM

Punta Chivato is my vote. There are some nice places for sale out there. :light:

longlegsinlapaz - 1-24-2011 at 06:31 PM

There are a lot of important issues you might want to consider which have been addressed in old posts in the archives here.....try these for starters:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=49111#pid5667...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=49602#pid5745...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=22774#pid2060...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=18415#pid1594...

IMO, there is no one-size-fits-all location, your destination needs to be geared towards your own personal must-have list....or you'll be disillusioned & miserable. Research, research, RESEARCH!!

Look forward realistically....the older we get, the more important proximity to things like medical care & shopping can become.

E.D.R.Rick - 1-24-2011 at 06:42 PM

Hey!!what about San Felipe?You can get great deals in El Dorado Ranch

desertcpl - 1-24-2011 at 06:56 PM

my 2 cents,,, i think you are spending way to short of time in
the locations you mentioned, and to meet a Nomad just to get a feel of why they like this location over others,,
like was said earlier, one size does not fit every body.
you and your wife need to spend more time in Baja,
and I agree with some of the above posts, as i am getting older , I think now i want to be closer to Medical and shopping, just closer not in the middle of a big city

Loretana - 1-24-2011 at 07:05 PM

Hola AlanDow,
And bienvenidos a Baja Nomad.

You might consider a few of these points:

What do you and your wife like to do as far as hobbies? Fish? Dive? Golf?Cook? (etc, etc.)

Will family members come to visit often? (Proximity to airports)

Are you ready to spend a lot of time together on a daily basis? (clubs, neighbors, shopping, ease apart time, and boredom)

Do you want to build your place or are you looking for a home to purchase?

Your plan will dictate where you end up.

I won't be in Loreto until the end of March, so I can't invite you over for drinks, but maybe next time.

And your plan to take week trips and do some renting are excellent ideas.

Buena suerte!

mcfez - 1-24-2011 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by E.D.R.Rick
Hey!!what about San Felipe?You can get great deals in El Dorado Ranch

True!!! There are plenty of hot deals in San Felipe.
To live there is only a few hours away from San Diego-Calixico. To live there also gives you access the some of the best Sea of Cortez offerings, with the highway being paved :

Bahia de los Angeles
Gonzaga Bay
laguna diablo
Puertecito
Valle la Trinidad
San Quintin

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by mcfez]

bajacalifornian - 1-24-2011 at 09:10 PM

Perfect!! A brave one steps forward. . .

I'll sit with you

any day.

Loreto & or Lopez,

And welcome. Jeff Petersen

DavidE - 1-24-2011 at 09:47 PM

Spend a goodly amount of time in your prospective locations in the off season.

Upper Pacific coast in December, January or February, and on the gulf side in August or September.

It does little good to try out "ideal" locations in the time window in which the weather is "best". If you can't stand the weather, then figure out how many months of the year you will be "banned" from enjoying your purchase.

From there start adding all the "X's" and Subtracting the "O's" and see where you end up.

La Paz is gorgeous in February

San Quintin is gorgeous in September

Now switch the two months around.

Jeckyl & Hyde

shari - 1-24-2011 at 09:49 PM

welcome to Baja Nomad Alan...one of the more important things to consider when wanted to actually live in baja is year round climate...many many places are fantastic and beautiful but extremely hot in the summer...so it is important to go to these places in the summer to see how you feel there. We have several people here who have relocated from hotter climates...see ya soon and enjoy the forum!!!

Bajaboy - 1-24-2011 at 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
Hi and welcome---and ENJOY your fact finding trip----

If you want to check out the services available in Bahia Asuncion before you head down, check out the Community Web site at www.bahiaasuncion.ORG

Most of the businesses in town are represented there---a few more will be added soon and one ex-pat business has chosen not to be included. But it will give you an idea of what is there and an opportunity to see many of great locals. Unfortunately, the reserve and history pages are still in the works.

Of course, things are changing with the completion of the pavement, but here are just a few differences from some of the areas you mention.

BA does have a year round climate---very windy usually in the spring, but does not have the heat found further south or on the Sea of Cortez side.

BA does not have the large stores, fancy restaurants, and large medical facilities available in other locations. It does have a small hospital and very friendly small places to eat ---- and a very friendly police dept.

It is over 70 miles to the closest ATM, but at least the drive is on pavement these days.

BA has a much smaller ex-pat community than the other places, but it is growing way to quickly --- :biggrin:

Here's the correct link:
http://bahiaasuncion.org/

DianaT - 1-24-2011 at 10:11 PM

Thanks Bajaboy---I will go back and edit the first post. Not sure why the first one comes up blank---interesting, but the change has been made.

Again, Thanks

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by DianaT]

nbacc - 1-24-2011 at 10:16 PM

Hummmmm...I would go for San Felipe. And then again if you want to go to the movies it is not the place for you.

bkbend - 1-24-2011 at 10:17 PM

As you scout, make sure you look at things from a living point of view not a visiting point of view. All Baja places are a nice place to visit, but many, depending on your requirements, you wouldn't want to live in. Your outline sounds a lot like my plan was so I'd say you're off to a good start.

mcfez - 1-25-2011 at 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bkbend
As you scout, make sure you look at things from a living point of view not a visiting point of view. All Baja places are a nice place to visit, but many, depending on your requirements, you wouldn't want to live in. Your outline sounds a lot like my plan was so I'd say you're off to a good start.

Let me add this to your excellent point:

Make sure that your family members and freinds will not be missed. Most say "oh yeah Baby...we'll visit all the time".

Oh....okay :no:

bajafam - 1-25-2011 at 08:38 AM

and to them we say Hasta Luego!!

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by bajafam]

captkw - 1-25-2011 at 08:51 AM

two comments, #1 we were warned last month to stay clear of loreto since the big water project caved in on itself and tthe 600 laborers from the MAINLAND are stuck their with no money and work,lots of crime ,so im told!!!!! #2did I read that right? 1 week,why bother,,,,for me a month would be the min..but I always come down for 3 to 5 months,just saying

mulegemichael - 1-25-2011 at 09:09 AM

mulege gets my vote...stop by and visit when you're there...#54 in the oasis

captkw - 1-25-2011 at 09:15 AM

speaking of mulege,what happend to the airplane that was stolen at gunpoint?,was it recoved?

jadams - 1-25-2011 at 09:15 AM

San Felipe has a lot to offer and its close to the states in an emergency

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by BajaNomad]

gnukid - 1-25-2011 at 09:19 AM

Why not make a chart,

first take a map of Baja and divide it into at least 4 regions north south east and west.

second make a chart with your interests, desires and goals, if you have any:

sports? Do you like to walk, run, sail, surf or fish etc? Does this require you be near the water, the mountains, near a bay? remote or near a city?

Do you have a weather preference? do you like hot weather or cold weather? North is much colder than the south, east is warmer than west.

Do you like people? Do you enjoying being in an insulated private community environment with poorly educated egotistical self-centered Americans or do you prefer poorly educated insular self-centered Canadians? Or would you prefer to be in a mixed community or would you like to live in Mexico with heart-warming people?

Do you plan on working, do you need to be near customers?

Do you have a hobby or skill that requires materials and supplies that must be easily available?

Do you need to be near an airport? There are very few airports in baja for commercial flights, TJ, Loreto, LAP, or SJD. Only TJ and SJD are convenient, while Loreto and La Paz are more expensive and require more connections and longer flights.

Would you prefer a rental to visit once or twice a year, or do you expect to be here full time, if your not here full time it's quite costly to maintain a vacation property in your absence.

Would you prefer a yacht that you can move or something like a charter or timeshare?

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by gnukid]

captkw - 1-25-2011 at 09:26 AM

gnukud,, well said!! :lol:

gnukid - 1-25-2011 at 09:54 AM

To achieve your goals and aid decision making you may use a visualization technique:

1) picture yourself inside a chain linked barbwire fenced in campground, where you pay to be inside. Each morning you wake up inside your dusty camper and you walk to the communal coffee area and there you meet the regular group of obese narrow minded gringo friends, well lets just call them jerks, and there you argue about things, for example you yell at the coffee host for scalding the coffee, then you argue about whether the pressure gradients at the four corners 1500 miles away affects the weather in Baja, finish off the morning by blaming the conservatives for all the worldwide woes and worse the liberals for being, well, liberal.

2) picture yourself inside a gated community called Caleta Palmilla where you pass 5 gates and an empty golf course to enter your personal gate, inside the gated mansion you manage a staff of 10 employees to "not scald the coffee beans and over time you learn to speak spanish well enough to ask them if they think the pressure gradients at the four corners 1500 miles away affects the weather in Baja?"

3) picture yourself on a remote cliff inside a lean to shelter, the wind whipping through the cracks in the paper thin walls, tired because you can not sleep for fear of coyotes, hungry without supplies and thirsty without water-paradise!@#$%

Now, go pack your bags and move to Baja and pursue your dreams!

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by gnukid]

E.D.R.Rick - 1-25-2011 at 09:56 AM

Thats 4 for San Felipe!!

baitcast - 1-25-2011 at 10:51 AM

Things to consider,whaT are your main interests,are you into fishing,surfing,boats,water,mountains,beachs,warm or cold water?

Many things to consider cost of living,doctors handy? are you going to rough it alittle or spend a bit more,are you the type that needs a Costco or Walmart handy.

If it were me anything Mulege or south of there,but thats just me.
Rob

MitchMan - 1-25-2011 at 12:20 PM

I fished Loreto from the mid 80s to 1999. Love Loreto. In 1999 I decided to get a baja casita as my vacation fishing base. Bought some land there and wanted to build a casita. Loreto was booming. Couldn't find anybody to build a home for me. The contractors were only interested in building 2,000 sq ft plus luxury homes at USA prices. I gave up. Went to La Paz and found a great casita on 9300 sq ft of land where the building was built recently, two miles from the airport, in an authentic Mexican neighborhood 4.5 miles from the La Paz malecon and downtown and 2 miles from the airport, WalMart and Home Depot. The casita is only 1/4 mile from the water. Plenty of great fishing and the price of the casita was easilly half to 1/4 the price of anything similar in Loreto.

Bought the place in La Paz and never looked back. Loreto is absolutely beautiful and tranquil and quaint and I still wish that I could have gotten my house built there instead of having to buy in La Paz. Also, Loreto is only an hour and a half drive to the fantastic town and fishing of Mulege.

But here's the point. After having my central vacation base in La Paz for the past 3 years, I have come to appreciate the perks of being in a big town. Loreto population approx 14,000, La Paz is about 240,000.

La Paz has tons of services: all legal government agency offices including the Mexican IRS (Hacienda), numerous notarios and law and architectural and accountancy firms, plenty of skilled labor (plumbers, electricians, metal workers and welders, construction workers and abanils at competitive prices), tons of giant food supermarkets everywhere, a WalMart, a Home Depot, a massively large movie theater, chain stores, plenty of quality medical facilities, sushi bars, tons of great restaurants from ma and pa places to haute cuisine of different countries, stationery stores and copy centers, a performing arts theater, a large downtown area and large department stores with plenty of all kinds of shopping basically next to the Bay of La Paz and the best malecon in all of Mexico (even better and bigger and nicer than the one in Puerto Vallarta), a great marina, and as I mentioned earlier, the international airport is 2 miles from downtown.

La Paz is not a tourist town, believe it or not, and that appeals to me. It is not like Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, or even Acapulco where 20 and 30 somethings are pounding down beers like the world is about to end and the environment is absolutely configured to tourist trade alone. La Paz isn't nearly as dependent on tourism as those towns just mentioned.

La Paz suits me and has everything one could possibly need... and that's important. Before buying in La Paz, I had to deal with services in Loreto for the ownership of property there. The only accountant in town had me hostage to his inexpertise and monumental laziness and dereliction and creeping prices. At the time, there was only one bank there, pain in the neck trying to get anything done. The contractors there were smug and outrageously over priced, and I do mean Outrageous. Land in Loreto goes for about 3 times more than similar land in La Paz. In La Paz, you can find lots all day long for $23USD/sq mt, some with concrete fences already in place and no more than 4 to six miles from the marina, the malecon and downtown La Paz. How long does it take to drive 4 miles? About 10 minutes.

Your style is all important when choosing a place to live in Baja. Do you need services? City underground plumbed sewer and water supply, above ground electricity and telephone supply, truly professional Medical and dental services and facilities and fully operating and equiped hospitals, a fire department and other emergency services, competitive availability of house maintenance supplies and repair professionals, entertainment, restaurant choices, furniture and household appliance variety and availability and repair, clothing variety, food shopping availability and variety, materials and parts, availability of competitive legal or accounting services, engineering services, architects, etc., etc., etc.

You have to think about ALL your needs and requirements for the short term AND the long term. Don't make a mistake here.

Also, how frequently are you going to be going back and forth to USA over the year(s)? How frequently do you want to have family and friends visit you at your baja abode? Those determinations may involve convenience and cost to and from an airport from your casita. I can tell you the frequency of visits from them to you will have everything to do with where you locate your casita in addition to the accomodations of your casita itself.

Lastly, your style could be one where you want to be in a cultural enclave that mirrors your USA environment or it could be that you prefer an authentic Mexican environment in a real Mexican neighborhood instead of a gringo enclave. That will be your first must-make determination as that will influence the cost to buy a place in Baja and where it will be.

BTW, it gets hot in Baja California Sur. Here's the complete remedy. Make sure you provide your casita with 1 ton of minisplit airconditioning for every 125 sq ft of living space and you will be fine. Make sure that your minisplit also operates as a heater. It is a marginal cost to the overall cost of a casita. Also, make sure your vehicle has a good airconditioner.

bajacalifornian - 1-25-2011 at 01:43 PM

Mitch. Jeff Petersen here . . . perfectly said. In the beginning, it was at the Hotel Los Arcos, Baja took flight. I picked my favorite, happened to be Loreto. As time passed and my desire for a movie, shopping or the need for medical and dental came around, La Paz offers more consumer services. I find balance in staying very close to the tranquilo lifestyle.

In time, create a favorite satellite. I balance climate, fishing & the mangroves in Lopez along with Loreto, & stay with my sons studying in La Paz Universities.

Sometimes even a blind hog, gets a grain of corn.

mtgoat666 - 1-25-2011 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Why not make a chart,

first take a map of Baja and divide it into at least 4 regions north south east and west.

second make a chart with your interests, desires and goals, if you have any:

sports? Do you like to walk, run, sail, surf or fish etc? Does this require you be near the water, the mountains, near a bay? remote or near a city?

Do you have a weather preference? do you like hot weather or cold weather? North is much colder than the south, east is warmer than west.

Do you like people? Do you enjoying being in an insulated private community environment with poorly educated egotistical self-centered Americans or do you prefer poorly educated insular self-centered Canadians? Or would you prefer to be in a mixed community or would you like to live in Mexico with heart-warming people?

Do you plan on working, do you need to be near customers?

Do you have a hobby or skill that requires materials and supplies that must be easily available?

Do you need to be near an airport? There are very few airports in baja for commercial flights, TJ, Loreto, LAP, or SJD. Only TJ and SJD are convenient, while Loreto and La Paz are more expensive and require more connections and longer flights.

Would you prefer a rental to visit once or twice a year, or do you expect to be here full time, if your not here full time it's quite costly to maintain a vacation property in your absence.

Would you prefer a yacht that you can move or something like a charter or timeshare?

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
To achieve your goals and aid decision making you may use a visualization technique:

1) picture yourself inside a chain linked barbwire fenced in campground, where you pay to be inside. Each morning you wake up inside your dusty camper and you walk to the communal coffee area and there you meet the regular group of obese narrow minded gringo friends, well lets just call them jerks, and there you argue about things, for example you yell at the coffee host for scalding the coffee, then you argue about whether the pressure gradients at the four corners 1500 miles away affects the weather in Baja, finish off the morning by blaming the conservatives for all the worldwide woes and worse the liberals for being, well, liberal.

2) picture yourself inside a gated community called Caleta Palmilla where you pass 5 gates and an empty golf course to enter your personal gate, inside the gated mansion you manage a staff of 10 employees to "not scald the coffee beans and over time you learn to speak spanish well enough to ask them if they think the pressure gradients at the four corners 1500 miles away affects the weather in Baja?"

3) picture yourself on a remote cliff inside a lean to shelter, the wind whipping through the cracks in the paper thin walls, tired because you can not sleep for fear of coyotes, hungry without supplies and thirsty without water-paradise!@#$%

Now, go pack your bags and move to Baja and pursue your dreams! [Edited on 1-25-2011 by gnukid]

Newkid:
Sometimes you are a friggin' riot. (and sometimes you are a libertarian paranoid conspiracy theorist; while other times you appear to live in a delusional utopian fantasy.)

gnukid - 1-25-2011 at 02:11 PM

Goat,

Thank you, it's important to know yourself to know your world and that can only happen through discovery, discourse, perhaps over coffee. When you see others as insane and delusional one can ask, am I insane or is everyone else insane? What do you see when you look into peoples eyes as they walk down the street where you live? Who would lead masses to war except for the insane? These are questions Jung discussed as well as many others throughout time. We can ask how is it possible that so many are apparently so delusional about their role, so insular, so egotistical and ungiving... complicit?

Brings to mind some questions, what is spirit? What is spirituality?

Why do people come to Baja?

p.s. here's a photo taken near where Mitchman lives, it's a special place in a narrow region of baja, a few miles to the SOC and a few miles to the pacific, full of fresh water and farms.

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by gnukid]

bajacalifornian - 1-25-2011 at 02:20 PM

(Quote) captkw "The big water project caved in on itself ". . . are you talking about the reversal of the tide we see . . . .??? Based on your reading & hearing, shall I lock my house or take the keys out of my cars and truck?

desertcpl - 1-25-2011 at 02:21 PM

I think they have decided to move and retire in Arizona

bajacalifornian - 1-25-2011 at 02:51 PM

wanna say, "pussy s!, but won't.

AlanDow - 1-25-2011 at 04:32 PM

Wow, I am overwhelmed with your responses - great suggestions, links, thought provoking ideas, encouragement, and … I don’t quite know how to describe gnukid’s post that starts out “picture yourself inside a chain linked barbwire fenced in campground…” (I am gonna have to have a few cervezas and reread that one – maybe more than once? ).

Regarding some of your questions on the specifics we are seeking - the easy stuff is that we like to fish, boat, snorkel, hike and explore (were talking Baja right). The harder part is considering city versus small community, or Pacific versus Sea of Cortez. Like so much in life everything seems to be a compromise - While we like some things the city offers (culture, services, and convenience) the traffic and congestion is usually too much for our taste. My guess is if we were to consider La Paz it would most likely be a nearby community versus living in the city. We have really enjoyed living in some small communities (3,000 to 15,000 population).

When we travel we prefer to stay in areas where we can mingle with the locals versus in the tourist/resort areas, so the prospect of living in a mixed community (among locals as well as other expats) is more attractive, than living in a gated enclave. There is just so much we love about both the Pacific coast and the Sea of Cortez. Again it seems to be the grand compromise - Yes the summers are blistering hot on the Sea of Cortez side, but initially we are talking a part-time home so we would likely spend summers away.

The most important feature for my wife is a view of the water (Pacific or Sea of Cortez both work) and when we live there full-time, she wants to be able to raise some chickens (shouldn’t be difficult in Baja). Our current bias leans toward a mixed community between the size of Mulege and Loreto, but that could change the more we spend time checking out and experiencing different options.

Again thank you for your posts and suggestions – this site and its members are truly a great resource.

Cypress - 1-25-2011 at 04:42 PM

Spend at least 6 months in the area you decide on before you commit yourself to any long-term location. Rent for a while. Don't rush into anything. You've got the rest of your lives.

gnukid - 1-25-2011 at 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AlanDow
Wow, I am overwhelmed with your responses - great suggestions, links, thought provoking ideas, encouragement, and … I don’t quite know how to describe gnukid’s post that starts out “picture yourself inside a chain linked barbwire fenced in campground…” (I am gonna have to have a few cervezas and reread that one – maybe more than once? ).

The reason I mention fenced campgrounds is that is the majority of gringo people come to baja for adventure and end up camping for long periods inside campgrounds that are fenced in and they pay to be there, they end up staying in there and almost never leaving, there is comfort and a sense of community but it lacks the true benefits of what Baja has to offer.

Point is you need to visualize what you want and make it happen, or you will fall into the traps of artificial gringafied communities that are created for you. You have to decide what you want or someone will decide for you.

Seems like a trip to the observatory created by a Nomad would be a great trip to see what is possible if you follow your dream.

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by gnukid]

DENNIS - 1-25-2011 at 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
The reason I mention fenced campgrounds is that is the majority of gringo people come to baja for adventure and end up camping for long periods inside campgrounds that are fenced in and they pay to be there, they end up staying in there and almost never leaving, there is comfort and a sense of community but it lacks the true benefits of what Baja has to offer.

Security is an issue here as it is everywhere. It is the wise person who doesn't lose site of this in the name of cultural interchange.

bajalera - 1-25-2011 at 05:36 PM

I'm not gonna vote, but have to say that you've written one of the most detailed and informative "what-should-we-do" posts I've ever seen on this forum. Good job!

How to Relocate

Gypsy Jan - 1-25-2011 at 06:00 PM

Are you open to new language and customs or do you want familiarity in a different place?

You can find both in Baja, in many locations, but this is a thousand-mile long piece of real estate.

BajaGringo - 1-25-2011 at 06:11 PM

Until you come down and spend some serious time here (not as a tourist) you will never know exactly which spot of this long peninsula (if any) is right for you. What is perfect weather for one guy is too hot for some and too cold for others. ¨Getting away from it all¨ means different things to different people and the culture shock of living in a foreign country takes time to settle in, especially if you are not fluent in the local language.

I suggest you take the time to travel to many different points along Baja California - north and south - and then once you find what you ¨think¨ is the perfect place, rent for at least 6 months before even thinking about buying anything.

That added time will also give you the opportunity to do some research into the property around you and look for any potential problems. You probably won´t hear about some of those ¨problems¨ from a real estate agent.

Just my two cents and good luck!

mcfez - 1-25-2011 at 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Until you come down and spend some serious time here (not as a tourist) you will never know exactly which spot of this long peninsula (if any) is right for you. What is perfect weather for one guy is too hot for some and too cold for others. ¨Getting away from it all¨ means different things to different people and the culture shock of living in a foreign country takes time to settle in, especially if you are not fluent in the local language.

I suggest you take the time to travel to many different points along Baja California - north and south - and then once you find what you ¨think¨ is the perfect place, rent for at least 6 months before even thinking about buying anything.

That added time will also give you the opportunity to do some research into the property around you and look for any potential problems. You probably won´t hear about some of those ¨problems¨ from a real estate agent.

Just my two cents and good luck!

Words of a wise man!

BTW: whatever site/town/city you decide on.........ASK EVERY RESIDENT LIVING THERE questions about the joint!!!!!! And dont be shy of the questions...be point blank.

Marc - 1-25-2011 at 07:50 PM

Quote:

Picture the REAL owner of "your" property knocking at you door and and telling you to get out. :?:

Marc - 1-25-2011 at 07:54 PM

In Mulege. All yours for $29,500 USD.

mulegemichael - 1-25-2011 at 09:49 PM

i believe that's in the orchard and the price is for the house AND the lot....a GREAT price...anywhere!!!!

toneart - 1-25-2011 at 10:01 PM

It is in The Orchard and it sold.

805gregg - 1-28-2011 at 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
In Mulege. All yours for $29,500 USD.

And underwater in every local hurricane.

805gregg - 1-28-2011 at 06:57 PM

Just rent at first, you my find you are uncomfortable with the lack of honest police, the lack of capture and conviction of criminals and the fact you are guility untill proven innocent in Mex

BajaRat - 1-28-2011 at 07:53 PM

Wow! 13 years. So much has changed and yet my favorite things have not. Great people, beautiful places and nature still reigns supreme. Have fun, travel safely and I'm confident this group will give you more than an ear full.
Hasta, Lionel :cool:

BajaB00mer - 1-29-2011 at 07:15 PM

RENT! after living in a big city, we rented in Baja Norte for a winter to see if we could: a) share a car, b) handle a non-winterized/heated home, & c) handle the isolation from movie theaters, ethnic restaurants, Trader Joes, etc. At the end of the winter, we bought a gorgeous oceanfront home. It feels like an endless vacation--but with maintenance responsibilities-- in a community that's like a ghost town in winter & over-populated with renters in the summer. The never-ending maintenance, ties us down more than we'd anticipated. So again, I'd say rent--for a LONG time, befoe you commit to a property that could tie you down.

hey, Boomer

bajaguy - 1-29-2011 at 07:21 PM

Where are ya????