BajaNomad - Loreto or La Paz

Loreto or La Paz

RichBaja - 8-8-2011 at 01:46 PM

If you were gonna move to one of these cities which one would you choose and why? Also why would you not choose the other?

Bajatripper - 8-8-2011 at 01:59 PM

La Paz, because we enjoy the late-afternoon summer breezes known as the Coromuel, and Loreto doesn't have such a nicety.

But seriously, La Paz is a larger town, with the amenities that go with size, and--unlike Los Cabos--is still a Mexican town (about 70 percent of our tourism is national, Los Cabos is just the opposite).

For info on the price differential between the two, you might consider U2U'ing Mitchman. He recently made just such a choice between the two locations and is far better informed than I.

BajaBlanca - 8-8-2011 at 02:02 PM

ohhhhhhhhhhhhh what a hard question. both are so beautiful and fantastic. but if you twist my arm here is my input:

LA PAZ - big, more services. historical. near lots of cool places like todos santos, la ventana, cabo .... ferry to mainland. airport. more medical services.

LORETO - amazingly charming. small. good hotels and restaurants but still old style Mexico IMO. airport. near Mulege. near Bahia Concepcion. nearer to LA Bocana (couldn't resist that one !!!!)

Bajatripper - 8-8-2011 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
ohhhhhhhhhhhhh what a hard question. both are so beautiful and fantastic. but if you twist my arm here is my input:

LA PAZ - big, more services. historical. near lots of cool places like todos santos, la ventana, cabo .... ferry to mainland. airport. more medical services.

LORETO - amazingly charming. small. good hotels and restaurants but still old style Mexico IMO. airport. near Mulege. near Bahia Concepcion. nearer to LA Bocana (couldn't resist that one !!!!)

Nice summation, BajaBlanca.

RichBaja - 8-8-2011 at 02:13 PM

BajaBlanca, You have to vote. 8)

Mulegena - 8-8-2011 at 02:40 PM

If Cabo San Lucas is like Las Vegas,

then Todo Santos is like Santa Fe, New Mexico.

If San Ignacio is like Taos, New Mexico,

then La Paz can be reckoned to San Francisco.

Loreto... is Loreto.

I vote La Paz (or San Jose del Cabo)

sancho - 8-8-2011 at 03:42 PM

Comparing towns is such an individual decision, I tend
to like them all, besides Baja, someone had some not
so pleasant things to say about Mazatlan the other day,
Maz may not have the geographical beauty of some spots,
which I suppose puts some people off who don't appreciate
a Mexican town by itself.
But I prefer a Mexican town, one with which, if you strip away the
Tourist portion, that town will still be there. I worked with
a guy who said he spent 7 yrs. in GuerroNegro, obviously
my ? was, what did you do in GN for that long. He was
a manager at the Salt Mining area. He said you can find
beauty anywhere, GN might be a challenge, but I'll always
remember that line. My vote La Paz, one of my favorite cities in Mex

Bajahowodd - 8-8-2011 at 05:16 PM

I did not vote. Both Blanca and Sancho made very good points. So I'd have to flip a coin. Both places are great.

bajabass - 8-8-2011 at 06:03 PM

After 8 months in La Paz, :tumble:

there is only one place I'd like to try instead. That place is Loreto!! :light:

La Paz is great, the "feel" is right. I think for a smaller town, Loreto would be the obvious choice. It really would depend on your personal needs.

bajabass - 8-8-2011 at 06:05 PM

Oh, I voted La Paz, I think the fishing might be just a little better, year round.

Bajahowodd - 8-8-2011 at 06:18 PM

Methinks the isue is that whe living in Loreto, on occasion one may pine for the shopping available in La Paz. While when living in La Paz, one might pine for the tranquility of Loreto. Just sayin'.

Loretana - 8-8-2011 at 07:10 PM

The nice thing about Loreto is that La Paz is only 3 hours away.

The other great thing about Loreto is that no one ever gets murdered there. :yes:

Pescador - 8-8-2011 at 07:27 PM

They are both overgrown and crowded in my way of thinking for a place to live. They are fun to visit for a day or two, but holy cow, live there, I hope not.

Bajatripper - 8-9-2011 at 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
Comparing towns is such an individual decision, I tend
to like them all, besides Baja, someone had some not
so pleasant things to say about Mazatlan the other day,
Maz may not have the geographical beauty of some spots,
which I suppose puts some people off who don't appreciate
a Mexican town by itself.
But I prefer a Mexican town, one with which, if you strip away the
Tourist portion, that town will still be there. I worked with
a guy who said he spent 7 yrs. in GuerroNegro, obviously
my ? was, what did you do in GN for that long. He was
a manager at the Salt Mining area. He said you can find
beauty anywhere, GN might be a challenge, but I'll always
remember that line. My vote La Paz, one of my favorite cities in Mex

I absolutely love Mazatlan, particularly the way they've managed to keep the tourist district separated from Old Town. At the more recent megaresorts, often the Mexican population centers have developed from squattersville status and have little character. Mazatlan was a respectable town way before tourism became a significant factor of their economy.

Now, Guerrero Negro--that would take me some major adjustment to.

scouter - 8-9-2011 at 10:26 AM

having spent time in both years back they both have so much to offer but I have a soft spot for Loreto, it seams to have some mystic that holds my heart..
I hope you enjoy what ever path you take....

MitchMan - 8-9-2011 at 12:38 PM

I started coming to the baja and fishing it in the late 80s. Then in late 90s decided to buy property and set up a base in the baja. But, since I had not seen much else in the baja, I took a 30 day trip to all the coastal towns in the baja and several on the pacific mainland coast. After all considerations, I decided that Loreto was the best, all things considered and in my view the most beautiful. Take a look at sunrise over Isla Carmen. Plus, Loreto was the most lay back and serene in my opinion.

There are many things to consider when looking for a place in the baja. I am cost effecient in general and since I visit the baja 8 to 10 times a year, I needed certain criterion. Availability of flights and cost. Need to live next close to the airport so that I do not have to pay an arm and a leg to get from the airport to the house or take buses on extended trips - inconvenient and time consuming and costly - adds to the cost of each trip. Also, Loreto was a great fishing town. The fishing grounds were one mile straight out from the beach.

Now, things have changed. Hardly any flights going to Loreto, and they are very expensive, and none available from So Cal to Loreto via Volaris (very lost cost airlines). Have heard that the fishing is not nearly as good as it once was, but I think that goes for most fishing spots these days. Noticed since I have been in La Paz the convenience of having all the services and administrative offices and many, the medical facilities and services, many accountants and lawyers. Loreto has one accountant (or at least used to have only one) and the service was terrible. Got ripped off by one of the few attorneys there too. Nothing like competition to keep professionals in line.

Both Loreto and La Paz are reachable from the border, that is a necessity to me. One big thing that really got me about Loreto since 1999, real estate is 2 to 5 times more expensive in Loreto than in La Paz and there is no economical or business reason for it. Loreto continues to shoot itself in the foot. Plus, two years ago, the property tax doubled, I heard that it had something to do with mayoral corruption.

Cannot, absolutely, cannot tell you how great it is to be in La Paz with regard to access to professional services, big stores, governmental administrative offices, plenty of construction and maintenance talent available as well as hardware stores, an actuall down town area, and plenty of food and food variety as well as all kinds of restaurants. You know you can get Sonoran beef at WalMart. How can one help but feel good about having a Home Depot, Sams Club, big movie theater, and hospitals!

So, the conveniences and services that wll be all important from time to are to be found in La Paz. That has alot of value, alot. But, I will admit I like Loreto better for the beauty and serenity hands down over La Paz. But,again, for a commuter like me, the flights are cost prohibitive alone, and the cost of real estate is to high to make any logical sense.

I hope I did not offend anyone. I have a very soft spot in my heart for Loreto. If I were to live in Baja full time and not have to commute back and forth to California, I think that I would opt for Loreto, but I would also keep my place in La Paz, .... just in case.

danaeb - 8-9-2011 at 12:49 PM

I had to make that Loreto/La Paz decision a few years ago, but for me it was probably easier. I grew up in San Diego c.1949. La Paz has that same feeling. Not big time, but not that far from the village. I lived in a neighborhood of Portuguese fisherman in Point Loma.

I think La Paz has a great vibe.

BajaBlanca - 8-9-2011 at 05:38 PM

oh danaeb - I lived in Pt Loma/OB for ever 20 years and I taught (at least I tried to) English to the Portuguese wives of those very fishermen..... at the Portuguese church.

Ok, I have to choose, right ? then my choice would be loreto. smaller which is what I love. gorgeous beach to look at, which is what I love. Fresh fish to eat, which is what I love. Little crime, which is safer.
really really hot is a big issue. why not choose some place on the pacific to live and fish on the sea of cortez when you want to ?????

I'm thinking along the same lines

danaeb - 8-9-2011 at 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
oh danaeb - I lived in Pt Loma/OB for ever 20 years and I taught (at least I tried to) English to the Portuguese wives of those very fishermen..... at the Portuguese church.

Ok, I have to choose, right ? then my choice would be loreto. smaller which is what I love. gorgeous beach to look at, which is what I love. Fresh fish to eat, which is what I love. Little crime, which is safer.
really really hot is a big issue. why not choose some place on the pacific to live and fish on the sea of cortez when you want to ?????

The Asuncionistas almost have me convinced to make a summer camp on their side. :yes:

Leo - 8-9-2011 at 08:56 PM

Loreto is not a city, so the comparisson is not right.
Do you like city-life, the answer is LAP.
Also what time of year you plan to ber there.
Loreto is a lot colder in Jan, - Feb.

baron - 8-9-2011 at 09:45 PM

I lived in lapah for 12 years.....one of the reasons for leaving was noise and air quality. You don't realize it until you go out the the islands and come back in past the Pemex and into el central.

MitchMan - 8-10-2011 at 01:23 PM

Speaking of air quality. For the last year or so flying down to La Paz, seems like the air is really, really dirty. I could swear that only three or four years ago, that was not the case t all. Did something really change lately or do I simply have a selective memory?

I've noticed that too....

danaeb - 8-10-2011 at 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
Speaking of air quality. For the last year or so flying down to La Paz, seems like the air is really, really dirty. I could swear that only three or four years ago, that was not the case t all. Did something really change lately or do I simply have a selective memory?

I fly down often and have wondered what's causing it. My casita is across the bay in Centenario and I can see the emissions from the power plant on the back road to Tecolote, but from the air, it looks more widespread.

Lee - 8-10-2011 at 06:32 PM

Neither. Visit, yes, have fun, then leave. LP is a city. Who the heck wants to live in a city -- esp. in Baja? Although if I had to pick living near a city it would be San Jose.

The LP malecon is fun and relaxing, the town has great restaurants and that's about it. Why are you in Baja? LP has great weather in the Winter but in the Summer it sucks. Traffic and smog: I like to get in and out of LP.

Loreto is nice, I like staying there, lay by a pool, walk the malecon, and some nice restaurants. I'd give it a week. Nice place to visit, but living? Shopping in Ciudad? Don't think so.

Try Todos, Pescadero, or San Jose. Convenience and location.
Pacific has better weather and cooler than the Cape.

danaeb - 8-10-2011 at 06:45 PM

San Jose? Not a city? You are aware of the six-lane corridor between Cabo and San Jose, right? Costco...? Home Depot....? C'mon.... Get real.

Maybe RichBaja is looking for a city.

Lee - 8-11-2011 at 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by danaeb
San Jose? Not a city? You are aware of the six-lane corridor between Cabo and San Jose, right? Costco...? Home Depot....? C'mon.... Get real.

Maybe RichBaja is looking for a city.

Obviously a problem with reading comprehension.

I wrote if I were to live ''near'' a city, it would be San Jose.

Who needs a city in Baja? Why would anyone live in a city in Baja?

elizabeth - 8-11-2011 at 07:11 AM

Quote:

Who needs a city in Baja? Why would anyone live in a city in Baja?

Grocery stores, building supplies, restaurants, cultural events, medical and dental professionals, dive shop, friends and neighbors nearby.

SFandH - 8-11-2011 at 07:32 AM

La Paz - better boat ramps (I imagine, don't know). :spingrin:

Seriously, La Paz is better for me because I'm a city boy. Rural areas are nice to visit.

Norm - 8-12-2011 at 06:15 AM

]LA PAZ !!!!!!

rhintransit - 8-12-2011 at 06:45 AM

every year I ask myself the same question. I live in Loreto. I long for La Paz when I think of all the amenities, art, cultural events, festivals, night life...as minor as walking the malecon, etc. then I look at the Sea of Cortez out of my window and think of the upheaval of moving and making new friends. I'd only go to La Paz if I could live right downtown and walk most everywhere I wanted. I'll take sleepy Loreto where I can know everything I need to know/get anything that's available by driving a small area bounded by two main streets, the highway, and the malecon in a matter of five minutes or so. okay, I can and do walk it in 20 but it's too hot/humid right now. same for La Paz.

Lee - 8-12-2011 at 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by elizabeth

Grocery stores, building supplies, restaurants, cultural events, medical and dental professionals, dive shop, friends and neighbors nearby.

Funny. I have all those things and don't live in a city.

Must be noise, pollution and crowds that attract people. Guess defining ''pura vida'' is subjective.

RichBaja - 8-12-2011 at 04:17 PM

I put zero trust in the poll because I am quite sure some would vote the opposite just to sway people away. The commentaries on the other hand, I have gleaned a lot from these. That settles it, I am moving to Mexico City or Tijuana! :spingrin:

bajalinda - 8-12-2011 at 04:20 PM

I have to agree with bajablanca - live on the pacific side and go over to La Paz or Loreto when you need to for groceries, errands, fishing, etc.... especially if you plan to live here year round (you didn't mention whether that was the case or not RichBaja).

Unless you thrive on heat and humidity, the summer months on the Sea of Cortez side are immensely uncomfortable - at least they're just too much for me.

vandenberg - 8-12-2011 at 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalinda

Unless you thrive on heat and humidity, the summer months on the Sea of Cortez side are immensely uncomfortable - at least they're just too much for me.

Loreto
according to Weatherunderground temp right now 95 degrees, humidity 69%, feels like 124.
Absolutely delightful. :biggrin:

UnoMas - 8-12-2011 at 05:16 PM

For some reason Loreto just didn't do it for me, spent a few days there and seen all there was to see and only over night there now. You can run out of things to do there quickly.
La Paz has a lot more going for it in my mind if you like to get out and about and enjoy life other than sitting on a bar stool talking about doing it :lol:

[Edited on 8-13-2011 by UnoMas]

baron - 8-12-2011 at 07:49 PM

Dudes I say it again.......but then I live in the mountains where air quality = life quality. I LOVE la pah. I am tired of the chitty air and noise.

elizabeth - 8-13-2011 at 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by elizabeth

Grocery stores, building supplies, restaurants, cultural events, medical and dental professionals, dive shop, friends and neighbors nearby.

Funny. I have all those things and don't live in a city.

Must be noise, pollution and crowds that attract people. Guess defining ''pura vida'' is subjective.

Funny, I don't find noise, pollution, and crowds in Loreto, and in fact, calling it a city is pushing it. Well, noise sometimes, weekend evenings on the malecon...fortunately I like the music. The other place that I still live in California has a permanent population of 750, and besides a small grocery store has next to nothing in the way of amenities for residents and requires a 25 to 30 minute trip in a car over a mountain for a bank, a good sized grocery store, a gas station, etc., so I like the fact that I can walk to pretty much any place in Loreto and that I have the ability to shop at the Sunday morning market for great produce. I like the fact that traffic isn't a problem, that people are small town friendly, and I find lots to do here. I enjoy an occasional trip to La Paz, but find it too big city for me. On the other hand, I have a friend who lives there who says that if he lived in Loreto for more than a week he'd shoot himself out of boredom.

Lee - 8-13-2011 at 12:30 PM

Loreto has a lot going for it and think it's a place to unwind -- like at the Coco Cabanas. http://www.cococasitasloreto.com/ Lay by the pool, drink tequila, surf the net, read my Kindle, tranquil and peaceful place. Sunrise on the malecon is spiritual. I'm good for one week max.

Deal breaker is no waves or surf. Bigger problem is no sunsets -- unless you consider the sun setting behind the mountains a sunset. And it sets earlier because of Loreto's proximity to the mountains.

Lots of people with boats like fishing here.

Really?

Bajahowodd - 8-13-2011 at 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by elizabeth

Grocery stores, building supplies, restaurants, cultural events, medical and dental professionals, dive shop, friends and neighbors nearby.

Funny. I have all those things and don't live in a city.

Must be noise, pollution and crowds that attract people. Guess defining ''pura vida'' is subjective.

Just wondering if your tranquilty in Pescadero includes driving to La Paz or Cabo for the amenities of which you speak.

Not sure about the progress on the highway headed South, and what that might do to travel times from Todos/ Pescadero to either La Paz or Cabo for that big box shopping experience.

But you certainly speak the truth about the weather. Loreto. La Paz. Chilling winds and sweater weather in the winter, and hellish heat in the summer.

Todos/ Pescadero has a much more moderate climate year round. Just no Home Depot, Costco, WalMart, Soriana, Etc.

Lee - 8-14-2011 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Just wondering if your tranquilty in Pescadero includes driving to La Paz or Cabo for the amenities of which you speak.

Not sure about the progress on the highway headed South,
Todos/ Pescadero has a much more moderate climate year round. Just no Home Depot, Costco, WalMart, Soriana, Etc.

The autobahn from Todos to LP is worry free and very tranquil. South to Cabo from Pescadero is another story: lots of dust and construction but so what? In a hurry is a problem otherwise it's scenic and beautiful.

I love Cabo/San Jose so commuting couple times a month is something to look forward to. The stores above don't represent leisurely living. They're both accessible.

Cabo has pollution from time to time -- LP seems to have it more.

RichBaja - 8-14-2011 at 01:51 PM

Which has better fishing. (Yes, I know one person already gave their opinion. Looking for others).