BajaNomad - Retiring to Baja

Retiring to Baja

janinemc - 3-2-2014 at 02:11 PM

I am a hopeful ex-pat. I would love to retire to Mexico. My husband is not quite as adventurous as I am. To that end, some specific areas of interest are Rosarito Beach, Ensenada or Cabo San Lucas. Any ex-pats already having made the transition and willing to share experiences, feel free to contact me. Any info anyone can provide regarding cost of living, housing, utilities, food, medical care would be greatly appreciated. I would like to be able to provide my financial advisor with some solid numbers. Other issues I'm researching are banking, social security, etc. Comparisons of quality of life, costs, medical care are appreciated. Does anyone blog about their experiences? Replies here, messages, blog info all are welcome.

Thanks and have a great day!

DENNIS - 3-2-2014 at 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by janinemc
I am a hopeful ex-pat. I would love to retire to Mexico. My husband is not quite as adventurous as I am. To that end, some specific areas of interest are Rosarito Beach, Ensenada or Cabo San Lucas. Any ex-pats already having made the transition and willing to share experiences, feel free to contact me. Any info anyone can provide regarding cost of living, housing, utilities, food, medical care would be greatly appreciated. I would like to be able to provide my financial advisor with some solid numbers. Other issues I'm researching are banking, social security, etc. Comparisons of quality of life, costs, medical care are appreciated. Does anyone blog about their experiences? Replies here, messages, blog info all are welcome.

Thanks and have a great day!

Welcome to BajaNomad.

Looks as though you are requesting the full kit of info, but before we embark upon that magnitude of an education, do you know anything about Baja or Mexico? :?:

Perhaps you might lead us in slowly with specific questions.

Baja

bajaguy - 3-2-2014 at 02:32 PM

Where ever you go, or decide to live......suggest you rent first for a year so you get to know the area, and are not tied down with a house purchase in an area you decide you don't like

alacran - 3-2-2014 at 03:01 PM

It all depends on what are you looking for, and what you expect??????

LaTijereta - 3-2-2014 at 04:42 PM

Here are a few blogs to get you started on Mexico and one from the Loreto area...

http://yucalandia.com/answers-to-common-questions/new-rules-...

http://www.livingloreto.blogspot.mx/

It only gets better...

MitchMan - 3-2-2014 at 04:56 PM

janinemc,
How much time, if any, have you spent in Baja in the last 5 years?

DENNIS - 3-2-2014 at 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
janinemc,
How much time, if any, have you spent in Baja in the last 5 years?

Doncha just love it when people come on here with a loaded question, then go mute? Makes the red flags wave.

tiotomasbcs - 3-2-2014 at 05:15 PM

Good luck, Newbie. This topic has been discussed alot including all the things you ask about. Use the search and see what you find. Good advice re renting & travelling around first! Experience living in Baja? Speak spanish?? Income? I have been living retired in Baja for almost 15yrs on a small Teacher's pension. I also roamed the northern and southern areas for many years in my younger years. Things are still nice just changing! Suerte. :smug:

Tio

DENNIS - 3-2-2014 at 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tiotomasbcs
I have been living retired in Baja for almost 15yrs on a small Teacher's pension.

Do big teachers get paid more, Tio? :lol:

durrelllrobert - 3-2-2014 at 06:12 PM

Welcome aboard Janinemc. Just the opposite of you my EX wife fought me on moving to Mexico for years. After she left me I took what was left of my investments/ property and happily moved to Punta Banda and have been here for 8 years.

My house overlooks Bahia Todos Santos (Ensenada bay) with a view you couldn't touch for less than a million dollars any where in CaliforniaIt is less then 2 hours to the border and the wheather is perfect (never had a winter frost and never over 80 degrees in the summer. My new wife and I live on my SS and use the annual Mandatory Withdrawl from what's left of my investments for travel.

My house has 2 BR, 2 baths and a large living room/ dining room + another 2 BR and bath in my guest house. Even though my electric bill is much higher then any of my neighbors It is till less than 1/3 of what it was in California. Ditto for the gas (propane) and water (delivered to my 1500 gallon underground storage tank.
My property tax bill in CA was around $6,000 / year and now I only pay $1500/year lease on the land my house sits on.

The people here are great (and mostly Americans and Canadians and the Costco, WalMart, Home Depot and major shopping in Enseadais only 1/2 hour away. The gated community I live in is called Lomas Del Marwww.youtube.com/watch?v=AMVCsHPLFK4‎
and there are several 2 BR bungalows for rent there for less than $300/ month while you decide if and where you want to live in Baja.

Udo - 3-2-2014 at 06:14 PM

Let me give you MY take, janinemc:

I have been looking for over 8 years...And I recommend you do the same.
Everyone will have a different idea of what their ideal retirement spot is.
I started with a 45' bus, and 8 years later I ended up in Bahia Asunción with a house on the beach...go figger!

My two questions:
How's your medicals?
If not too good, stick with Ensenada, Cabo, La Paz. Better medical care.
If you want to mingle with Mexican locals, head for SOME parts of the East Cape, and some fishing villages (where I settled...Bahia Asunción).
If safety in numbers is your thing, stick with Ex-Pat walled-in enclaves. There are numerous of them all over Baja.
But, if you are moving to a different country, assimilate their culture...as opposed to trying to bring YOUR HOME culture to the different country.

DENNIS - 3-2-2014 at 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
there are several 2 BR bungalows for rent there for less than $300/ month while you decide if and where you want to live in Baja.

FYI for everybody.....Bob has fallen behind on available inventory, as well as specifics, such as house sizes and prices, but there are still a few units available.

Marc - 3-2-2014 at 06:50 PM

Don't buy. Just rent. When the REAL owner shows up you can walk.

mex & baja

captkw - 3-2-2014 at 07:28 PM

I would suggest exploring the mainland and Baja for 1 or maybe 2 years !! mexico is a BIG place !! and there is so much to love and also places not to be !! IMO there is not a easy answer !! depends on YOU and what you want and find !!! You Will not regret time in mexico & Baja !!! many folks are leaving the USA in Droves !!...if I can give you one tip...manuana does not mean tomorrow !!..simply put...means just NOT today !! Enjoy !! excuse my bad spelling..not the most big thing in my life !! K&T :cool:

janinemc - 3-3-2014 at 09:20 AM

Thank you everyone for the replies. I was "MIA" because I was waiting for an e-mail alert telling me replies to my post were received. I never got one, but fortunately someone who posts here as well as the Ex-pat forum alerted me to the replies.

To all of you who asked questions, here is my story. I have never been to Baja. At this point, all my interest come from research online. In a nutshell, we are ready to retire. Our investments are not. We are too young to get social security. We cannot retire in the US, but I believe we can in a place like Mexico where the cost of living is far less. I have dreamed of living at/near the beach for my entire life. I will never afford it in the US. I have a shot in Mexico. I am the kind of person who is willing to do what it takes to make my dream come true. My husband is not quite as adventurous as I am. That is why I am leaning toward Ensenada and Rosarito Beach. I believe they would be more "Americanized" for him, and be close to the border to give him some comfort. I do not believe I would have any problem assimilating in another culture. My expectations are not to live as I do in the US. In addition, I am "frugal". I can't see paying $300K for a 1000 sq. ft.house in the US if I can purchase the same somewhere else for $150K. The more research I do, I believe Ensenada would offer opportunities for more activities than Rosarito. I believe we would meet the requirements to become permanent residents of Mexico. I believe that the area would meet many important criteria-cost of living, climate, beach, activities as well as a more laid back, quiet lifestyle. We are both comfortable and happy with the simple things and I believe with all my heart, sight unseen, that this area would be a good fit for us in retirement-sooner rather than later. To that end, we are hoping to make our first trip either late this year or early next-as soon as we save enough to go. We are having work done on our house right now. As far as all the numbers I have requested, it is so that I can gather accurate amounts to present to our financial advisor so he can assist us in making a good decision and ensure that we retire without financial fear. Again, all your input is greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to reading the blogs. I am hoping to perhaps meet some of you when we visit. All input is greatly appreciated. I hope to join you in Mexico in the future. I dare to dream....and I have achieved many of my dreams throughout my life. This is my bucket list one. May it also come true. Cheers all!

SFandH - 3-3-2014 at 09:41 AM

IMHO,

The advice to rent before you buy is excellent advice. Take a tour of baja either in a RV or a car and hotels, and then decide where to rent. Buying a house in baja can be a can or worms. There are not the consumer protection laws/processes there like there are in the US. I would hire a Mexican lawyer that knows the area to represent your interests and talk to all the gringos you can find before buying real estate. It's a MUCH different, hazardous process.

Ensenada is a good choice, I like it there but location is highly personal. I prefer Mulege but the summers are brutally hot. Ensenada has a good year round climate.

[Edited on 3-3-2014 by SFandH]

vandenberg - 3-3-2014 at 10:01 AM

Yo're making a statement of talking to your financial advisor about retirement. That implies a certain amount of stability/wealth.
Then you mention saving for a Baja trip later in the year or even next year, which kind of implies lack of ready funds
You can't have it both ways, so which is the correct one?
Also, like many folks, you can research the issue to death and never come to a decision.

We've been here in Loreto for 25 years and never had a moment of regret.

Grab the bull by the horns and make the move. You can always move back to the land of opportunity and of milk and honey. :biggrin:

janinemc - 3-3-2014 at 10:19 AM

@Vandenberg: If I use some of my investments to travel to Mexico, that means I have less to hopefully retire on. My financial advisor told me to NEVER spend your investments. We pay as we go and leave our investments intact. But I love your advice to grab the bull by the horns! I would do it in a heartbeat! As you said, if it isn't right, you can always move-provided we follow the advice of rent before you buy. Which I believe we would as it is very sound advice.

bajajudy - 3-3-2014 at 10:31 AM

Good luck to you!
You mentioned Cabo San Lucas.....look at San Jose del Cabo first.
We have lived here 15 years and love it.

willardguy - 3-3-2014 at 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by janinemc
@Vandenberg: If I use some of my investments to travel to Mexico, that means I have less to hopefully retire on. My financial advisor told me to NEVER spend your investments. We pay as we go and leave our investments intact. But I love your advice to grab the bull by the horns! I would do it in a heartbeat! As you said, if it isn't right, you can always move-provided we follow the advice of rent before you buy. Which I believe we would as it is very sound advice.

no question its sound advice to rent, but many believe the real estate market is going to heat up this year in northern baja(mainly the TJ/Ensenada corridor). it certainly wouldn't hurt to keep your eyes open, the beachhouse of your dreams might just be out there at price you may never see again!

DENNIS - 3-3-2014 at 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by janinemc
We cannot retire in the US, but I believe we can in a place like Mexico where the cost of living is far less.

"Far less" is an ancient myth. Renting for a while here will be an eye-opener for you. I'll spare you the details at this time.

Quote:

As far as all the numbers I have requested, it is so that I can gather accurate amounts to present to our financial advisor so he can assist us in making a good decision and ensure that we retire without financial fear.

I can only assume, from your confidence in his decision, that
he has intimate knowledge of the economy here. This is no longer "Mexico on 5 Dollars a day" country and it's good that you're looking into it.

DENNIS - 3-3-2014 at 10:37 AM

Quote:

This expenditure will be an investment in your future comfort. Never skimp on research. You may regret it in the future.

motoged - 3-3-2014 at 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by janinemc
Thank you everyone for the replies. I was "MIA" because I was waiting for an e-mail alert telling me replies to my post were received. I never got one, but fortunately someone who posts here as well as the Ex-pat forum alerted me to the replies.

To all of you who asked questions, here is my story. I have never been to Baja. At this point, all my interest come from research online. In a nutshell, we are ready to retire. Our investments are not. .....

A couple of thoughts.....:
1) Don't wait for an e-mail reply if you really want something. Go looking and don't wait for it all to come to you;

2) Do your own looking....the suggestions here are relevant and generally on the mark.....but you are asking for a ton of info and you haven't even stepped across the border (keyboard dreamers....:?

;

3) If your husband doesn't like the idea of "retiring in Mexico" and you really do.... (a) get a divorce, (b) get a new husband, or (c) spend a month driving throughout Baja together.

When all that is done, repeat a, b, and c. :biggrin:

[Edited on 3-3-2014 by motoged]

pauldavidmena - 3-3-2014 at 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

Originally posted by janinemc

To all of you who asked questions, here is my story. I have never been to Baja. At this point, all my interest come from research online. In a nutshell, we are ready to retire. Our investments are not. .....

3) If your husband doesn't like the idea of "retiring in Mexico" and you really do.... (a) get a divorce, (b) get a new husband, or (c) spend a month driving throughout Baja together.

When all that is done, repeat a, b, and c. :biggrin:

[Edited on 3-3-2014 by motoged]

While I'd stop short of divorcing your husband over not being as adventurous as you (and yes, I know motoged was being facetious), it's definitely important to be on the same page with regard to where to spend your retirement years. After all, you won't have your work to distract you, and will need to rely upon one another to navigate this new experience.

I think it was Dennis who suggested dipping into your savings to do some deep research on Baja, and to do it sooner than later. Spending some quality time in some well-vetted locations could make your husband a believer.

Good luck!

gnukid - 3-3-2014 at 03:08 PM

Quote:

Some people imagine Baja as a place where people live in the dirt and wash clothes in a river or where seniors live in RV parks, and while that might be true, there are also cosmopolitan areas, professionals, night life, theater, culture, art, music, beautiful architecture, high fashion, population centers, gated communities, sports and multiple international airports to fly in and out as you choose.

Whatever you want, you will find it, choose wisely, plan accordingly and enjoy the beauty and healthy lifestyle of Baja.

motoged - 3-3-2014 at 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pauldavidmena
[......(and yes, I know motoged was being facetious)....

Thanks....sometimes I just can't help myself.....maybe it's a form of Tourette's

As a therapist, I once had a retired couple who had sold their house and bought an RV and joined the Grey Panther movement. After a winter in Arizona, the wife was angry that her husband "was an alcoholic".

After a few questions, the following became apparent:

He was a traveling salesman for 25 years and was only home on weekends.

She raised several kids in their Cape Cod style house in Ontario and was used to running the show by herself...and all that entailed....on his income (which was clearly above "adequate").

Up to that time, their marriage was a good one.

Once confined to the 380 square feet of living space 24-7, and exposed to the Grey Panther lifestyle of : ...."Up at 6:00 to walk the dog, gossip with neighbours until noon, start drinking by that time for most folks, bocci ball or horseshoes at 3:00, c-cktails by 4:00 (review getting up at 6:00 to walk the dog and maybe open a can or bottle of something), supper by 5-6:00 and in bed by 8:00"....

The wife was surprised to see that her husband (who was not a large consumer of alcohol) would have two Caesar's in late afternoon with the huddle of Panthers....would crack a few corny jokes she had heard for 30 years....and would then retire to the RV for his siesta....often sleeping through her dinner time.

THIS, she maintained was evidence of his alcoholism

!!!

She just wasn't used to being around the poor guy who spent 25 years on the road having two drinks to help him fall asleep in the hotel room five days a week.

An alcoholic? Not really by many definitions.....

Her issues were more of what needed to be discussed, as were those of their expectations of retired life.

She missed the big house, her garden, and the adult children close by.....

He was just relaxing and enjoying his hard-earned two Caesars.

Poor bugger.... :light:

janinemc - 3-3-2014 at 04:31 PM

Again thanks to all the good info and comments. My husband is not against the idea, just not as adventurous as I am. We do plan on visiting in the coming year as a start to see what we think of the area, possibly meet some of you and decide whether or not we could see ourselves living there. We already know that even if we downsize, we need a place big enough for us each to have our space.

bajaguy - 3-3-2014 at 05:11 PM

And this would be a problem because...?????.....sounds like the perfect Baja lifestyle, except maybe trade gossiping with neighbors, bocci ball and horseshoes for a day on the water fishing.......with the dog

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

...."Up at 6:00 to walk the dog, gossip with neighbours until noon, start drinking by that time for most folks, bocci ball or horseshoes at 3:00, c-cktails by 4:00 (review getting up at 6:00 to walk the dog and maybe open a can or bottle of something), supper by 5-6:00 and in bed by 8:00"....

motoged - 3-3-2014 at 05:42 PM

BG,
It all sounds good to me :biggrin:

I would add....maybe some gardening, probably lots of motorcycling "outback", learning about fishing, and maybe some improving on my taco-preparation skills ('cuz I am already good at eating them)....lots to do...

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
And this would be a problem because...?????.....sounds like the perfect Baja lifestyle, except maybe trade gossiping with neighbors, bocci ball and horseshoes for a day on the water fishing.......with the dog

Quote:

MitchMan - 3-3-2014 at 07:46 PM

When you make your final decision on where to retire, you and your husband must and should be on the same page.

Islandbuilder - 3-3-2014 at 08:06 PM

Welcome!

The advice to travel Mexico, pick a place you THINK you like and rent for a year is very sound.

My criteria is to be somewhere on the west side of the peninsula for weather and surf. To be within a long days drive of the border (or near an airport with regular service to the north), and on a dirt road that puts me more than 5 miles and less than 20 miles from the highway.

I too don't have much money to spend, so gated ex-pat communities are out. Plus, I'm a bit too scruffy for the golf course crowd. I want a beach to walk, a point to surf, and a bay to launch a panga into.

What are your hobbies? Unless your vision of retirement is to sit in the shade and watch the days go by you'll want to be able to DO SOMETHING! Photography, bird watching, fishing, sailing, hiking, surfing, kite surfing, ATV riding...............Gardening?

All of those things and many more are available to you in Baja, but using your proposed retirement activities as a search criteria will help you narrow the hunt.

I live in the northwest corner of Washington, but can be in San Diego in three longish days and Cabo 3 days after that. How much time and money do you think it will require for your first trip down?!

10 days is enough to drive to Cabo and back, and spend one night in most of the regions of Baja. That first trip will do a lot to help you and your husband see what is available. Try and stop in Ensenada, San Quintin, Bahia Asuncion/La Bocana, Mulege, Loreto, La Paz, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo. Look at La Ventana and Cabo Pulmo as you go by. That leaves time to stay in a place that intrigues you for an additional night so you can explore a bit.

On your second trip, you'll know where you can focus your attention.

Tell us a bit more about your interests and we can offer some more specific advice.

[Edited on 3-4-2014 by Islandbuilder]

[Edited on 3-4-2014 by Islandbuilder]

ViajeraGal - 3-4-2014 at 04:00 PM

Well, I can cover a lot of your questions, but not here:

we have owned our casa in Rosarito since 1982; rented it out a lot in the early "go-go" years and since we took early retirement from San Diego area TWENTY years ago (1994) and moved to Baja Sur north of San Jose' del Cabo, it has sat empty and we just come up periodically and use it, as it costs little per annum.
Down south, we have just over an acre on the beach and our property taxes are about $50-60USD/annum at both of our houses. (Rosarito is a small 2-bedroom, not right on the water.)
I retired as a Financial Planner and of course the plan has gone quite different than laid out, and since we stopped working early, our SS is lower than the max.
Definitely you should rent first; down south there are a LOT of homes for sale at great prices, from Cabo San Lucas up to La Paz.
Definitely agree with taking some trips here, including maybe driving down the peninsula (where you could visit and talk with me?) altho I am in Rosarito at present for a couple weeks.
We have also travelled the mainland a fair bit and I truly love it MUCHO MEJOR (much better) over there in the Colonial cities north of Mexico City and also love MC, but would not live there.

ViajeraGal

janinemc - 3-4-2014 at 08:38 PM

@Islandbuilder: If I lived near a beach, I would be there every day-walking, sitting, watching the waves and dolphins. I love to read. I volunteered with hospice for seven years when I lived back east. I will definitely volunteer when I retire-and if I were close to the ocean and had the opportunity, it would possibly be on whale watches, or something to do with marine biology. If that were not possible, other causes dear to my heart are animals....so perhaps foster, work at a rescue something of that nature. My husband likes to garden. He also likes woodworking and bike riding.

@Viajeragal: I am thinking our first trip will be restricted to the Rosarito/Ensenada area as we wouldn't be able to get enough time off work to explore both there and Baja Sur. Should we come your way, I would definitely be interested in speaking with you! We were just in San Diego and looked at the areas of the county as a possible place to retire. If we work for many more years, we might be able to afford it there, but if we can go sooner in Mexico, I'm game!

Udo - 3-5-2014 at 08:52 AM

My two centavos:

My wife and I traveled the length of the peninsula many times in search for the perfect retirement spot.
Stayed at many houses, hotels, condos, and B&Bs. Drove it in many cars, 4X4s, RV of different lengths, campers, 5th wheels, motorcycle, VW Westfalia. This is over a span of 15 years.
My wife never accompanied me in the vehicle assortments, only in some cars and some 4X4s.
Within the last five years we narrowed it down to two places, plus a third possibility nearer the US border.

Oggie - 3-5-2014 at 01:55 PM

janinemc , Check your U2U Message

Udo - 3-5-2014 at 02:56 PM

When you fill out your profile information, there is a checkmark you fill in to opt in when you want to be notified if someone answers a post of yours.
I checked mine only when I receive a U2U.

Quote:

805gregg - 3-5-2014 at 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Where ever you go, or decide to live......suggest you rent first for a year so you get to know the area, and are not tied down with a house purchase in an area you decide you don't like

Listen to this, if you are smart just renting is a great option, not tied down to 1 area, and near instant ability to move on

Osprey - 3-5-2014 at 07:42 PM

How many expats, now living in Baja took all this good advice about renting? Just how many of you rented for a year or two, here or there, before you made a decision? I found paradise on my first try --- vacationed here, up and down the Sea of Cortez side of the lower peninsula until I was convinced this little village was where I wanted to be. Saw a nice little house, bought it for cash the same day and I've never looked back.

SoCal57 - 3-5-2014 at 08:38 PM

Janine,

I've had somewhat the same idea of retiring to Mexico for many years. I've lurked here for many years and have traveled Mexico a lot, both Baja and the mainland. We've thought we wanted to retire to Puerta Vallarta, La Paz, Todos Santos, Loreto, Los Barriles, rosarito, San Jose del Cabo, Sayulita.... Bottom line is you really need to visit each area and then spend more than a vacation week before you'll ever be ready.

We made the jump and moved from San Diego last June, ending up in La Paz in October and rented for 4 months. We decided to keep looking and are now in Guanajuato after a month on the mainland and are returning to Los Barriles next week. Currently a fishing boat and an RV are in the plans - but who knows?

As far as your investment $$$'s - you might want to consider thinking of investing it into your future retirement research (travel, see, know). It's your money tho - do want you want.

gnukid - 3-5-2014 at 08:59 PM

Many people waste money on lawyers and business deals when $5000 can last a whole year in Baja if you manage right. Sometimes its worth slowing down and simply enjoy the ride.

janinemc - 3-5-2014 at 09:22 PM

The plan is to visit either the end of this year/beginning of next. Will start out slowly-near the border.