BajaNomad

Downtown La Paz

Anonymous - 11-28-2004 at 06:20 PM

My esposa and I recently visited BCS* for the first time, which impressed us greatly with the kind and cheerful inhabitants as well as the many scenic attractions. We spent half our vacation in downtown La Paz (near the plaza and cathedral) and found it really appealing, full of energy and receptive to visitors, yet keeping it's own distinctive character as a fairly self-contained, mid-sized Mexican city. Although retirement is a ways off for both of us (~10 yrs.?), we wondered what it would be like to live there. Any feedback/thoughts from the many helpful nomads on this bb would be appreciated.

*(from as far north as Mulege down south to TS)

Bruce R Leech - 11-28-2004 at 07:25 PM

you cant beat it the people are the best part the adventure is the rest . so many things to do , and so many places to go.

Anonymous - 11-29-2004 at 08:35 AM

Thank you, Bruce, couldn't agree more. Seemed like there was a wealth of things to do, too. In browsing LP real estate web sites, it looks like homes in the distrito centro come on the market pretty frequently, and there might be more to choose from when it comes time to purchase or lease long term.

La Paz is my favorite Baja city

BajaVida - 11-29-2004 at 07:31 PM

lots to do, tourists are still the minority

lots of food variety

mercado is nice, walks along the malecon are pleasant

and some of the most beautiful people I have ever seen;D

bajalera - 11-29-2004 at 09:46 PM

Unlike the resorts to the south--and despite its huge increase in population in recent years--La Paz has somehow managed to retain the spirit it used to have as a small town. For example, people entering my dentist's office still say "Buenos dias/tardes" to those in the waiting room, and strangers meeting on the street often make eye contact, smile and exchange similar greetings.

bajalera

Anonymous - 11-29-2004 at 11:18 PM

Bajalera and Bajavida, "gracias para el consejo" (there, I probably just exhausted my 35 year-old high school Spanish). It's really gratifying to hear that our delightful experience might not have been a fluke or related to our status as "touristas." Right now, our sights are set on a modest house downtown (long term rental or maybe even a purchase). In the meantime, we'll do our best to learn more about the city's customs, holidays, and history, and hope to sign up for evening Spanish classes at a nearby comm. college. Gracias para todos - Estuarte'