BajaNomad

Moving to Baja

AndreB - 4-27-2014 at 08:53 PM

We (2 adults (45/65) and 10 yrs old girl w/black lab) are looking for an opinions about moving from Chicago to Baja, preferably to the San Felipe area (close to US and easy to drive the car)...
We have the basic knowledge of the immigration requirements, but at the beginning we would like to rent something before any commitment.
We will have to live on the $2,500/month budget.

We know San Felipe and Cabos only as a vacation spots...

Obviously we have many questions but those are the most important at this moment:

1. Where can we find a school for our almost 10 yrs old daughter?

2. Where should we look for house for rent with electricity, water, sewer and internet access (we don't care about TV).

3. What is the total cost of living there?

4. And the most important - is it a good idea?

Any answer will be appreciated... :-)

Thanks!

Andre, Iwona & Kasia... :-)

willardguy - 4-27-2014 at 09:11 PM

go to the other side for the weather.

Mulegena - 4-27-2014 at 09:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
go to the other side for the weather.

It's true that the year-round climate of the northwest Baja peninsula is some of the finest.

The schools may be better in the Ensenada area, too.

It's an unfortunate fact here in Mexico that the level of education isn't uniform throughout the country or even within each state's school system. The quality of education varies according to locale. Consider carefully and research the options for your child's educational opportunities in the various pueblos and cities throughout the peninsula.

EnsenadaDr - 4-27-2014 at 10:13 PM

I grew up in the Northeast obviously Chicago has almost the same weather and weather was an important factor in getting out of the area. San Felipe gets extremely hot in the summers and Ensenada stays pretty temperate and enjoyable much the same all year round. Both my children attended Mexican schools and both are fluent in Spanish. Both are very different, one is a very serious student and the other is a social butterfly but I think being bilingual is a plus. However attending public schools in Mexico will cause your child to be seriously behind in English grammar and vocabulary (assuming they speak English at home) unless you order age appropriate teaching guides for homework via internet or in book form, and the private schools have a good program but they are pricey. It is very possible to live on that budget but you will have to adapt to a serious culture difference and learn some Spanish here and there. Your kids might have to deal with being the odd one out for a while but kids generally pick up languages fast.

AndreB - 4-27-2014 at 10:21 PM

Is there any private school in Ensenada with English? Language is very important for us. Our daughter is bilingual already - we speak Polish at home. She is obviously fluent in English as well but for us English is a second language...
Obviously we are open to learn Spanish as well...

EnsenadaDr - 4-27-2014 at 10:35 PM

Yes the best school is Colegio Grecia for her age and is very competitive not only for English but for other subjects. I would suggest putting her in a public school for a year to get her adjusted to speaking and writing Spanish but maybe the administrators of Grecia might work with you on this. Expect to pay $250 american dollars a month plus the same as a registration fee and about $400 USD for books twice a year and another $200 for uniforms yearly They use the AMCO system which is excellent and teach all their subjects in English half the day and the other half in Spanish. The natural progression is to go to CETYS in 10th grade which marks the beginning of high school in Mexico but CETYS runs about $500 USD a month if not more unless your child is super smart and gets a scholarship.

another option is Colegio Unifront which has a good english program and is cheaper than Grecia but most of these schools are demanding in Spanish as required by the Mexican government by law it may require a lot of work initially but after a while she will learn by immersion.





[Edited on 4-28-2014 by EnsenadaDr]

Whale-ista - 4-27-2014 at 10:40 PM

I have family in both cities (San Felipe/Ensenada) and I agree Ensenada would be a more comfortable place. The weather and scenery is much nicer.

It also has many universities so education is a priority for many of the residents.
Agree that CETYS is a good choice for preparatoria (hi school), and has a good reputation. (My daughter attended CETYS)

It is a more international city being on the coast with a large commercial and recreational port. Historically, it's a blend of many cultures and nationalities.

You are only about one hour from San Diego versus two were three which might matter for shopping, Emergency healthcare etc. And don't forget wine region!

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by Whale-ista]

chippy - 4-28-2014 at 04:43 AM

I think it would be very hard to to have a kid in private school and live on that budget. Maybe you could if you don´t have a vehicle, don´t travel, don´t eat out and don´t drink.

tecatero - 4-28-2014 at 05:28 AM

Family of 3 on 2500 mo....= $833 per person per month..........good luck. It can be done, depending on where u rent. Going to be tuff in Cabo area,don't expect lobster and cold beer too often.

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 07:17 AM

Probably could get a house for $600 a month and an apartment for $300 USD. I suggest you put your daughter in a public school as I said for the first year just have her supplement her English with reading and online English activities. It's doable and if you need assistance looking around let me know.

mcfez - 4-28-2014 at 07:59 AM

In the summer it is so hot........in San Felipe. Though we have a place there....it's no place for the summer with a kid. The Pacific side has waves :light: and far more to do at night (nightlife). The Sea of Cortez side is great for outdoor sports.

San Felipe has all water and power in many communities......then not. Schooling.....cant say.

Seriously...dont drag your child to SF to live there...but make it your vacation destinations.

rotisserie.jpg - 29kB

shari - 4-28-2014 at 08:13 AM

I also cast my vote for Ensenada as it has many more school options, lots to do, a vibrant mixed culture and passable climate. I have friends who raised their kids there and the children are wonderful and got into sports and surfing and are now completely bilingual and bicultural too.

Genecag - 4-28-2014 at 08:55 AM

La Paz is another option that you should look at. $2500/mo will take you a long way here and has all the infrastructure that you need.

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 08:56 AM

I have a feeling McFez there is someone you would like to stick on a rotisserie in SF in the middle of the summer...
Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
In the summer it is so hot........in San Felipe. Though we have a place there....it's no place for the summer with a kid. The Pacific side has waves :light: and far more to do at night (nightlife). The Sea of Cortez side is great for outdoor sports.

San Felipe has all water and power in many communities......then not. Schooling.....cant say.

Seriously...dont drag your child to SF to live there...but make it your vacation destinations.

AndreB - 4-28-2014 at 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Probably could get a house for $600 a month and an apartment for $300 USD. I suggest you put your daughter in a public school as I said for the first year just have her supplement her English with reading and online English activities. It's doable and if you need assistance looking around let me know.



At the beginning we would like to try with the 6 month Visitor Permit and see if this will work. I'm not sure if she will be accepted in the public school?

I'm still trying to add all numbers - $600 house? - in what location, condition? - is it doable?
Someone else above said it is impossible with the $2,500 budget. We will have obviously separate money for a house or condo to buy if we decided to stay, but we can not used this to supplement monthly expenses....

AndreB - 4-28-2014 at 09:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tecatero
Family of 3 on 2500 mo....= $833 per person per month..........good luck. It can be done, depending on where u rent. Going to be tuff in Cabo area,don't expect lobster and cold beer too often.


Unfortunately, i know you are right... in Cabo, but I am realistic and i know Cabo - been there several times... :-). This is the reason we were thinking San Felipe and now Ensenada (never been there before...)

Visit first

bajaguy - 4-28-2014 at 09:07 AM

It may be difficult for you to travel, but the best way to find a place in your price range and location you want is to come down here and look around. I would also suggest you use that visit to check out the schools in the area and determine what their entrance requirements/costs are.

Some things are cheaper here and some things are more expensive. Depends on your lifestyle and how you can adapt.

Watch the airline sales (Southwest) and get a flight into San Diego and rent a car.....you will need about 5 days on the ground here

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by bajaguy]

BajaBlanca - 4-28-2014 at 09:08 AM

Dzien dobry! Moz muj jest z Polsky.

I think you will be fine on $2500 a month ...

Here is information on La Paz as we just arrived for a month vacation here a week ago:


http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=73372

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 09:16 AM

Yes with an American birth certificate she will be accepted and they don't ask for legal residency status. There are plenty of houses for rent, in decent condition and apartments in that price range. Don't worry be happy!! Cabo is a premier destination and expensive, but Ensenada is quite affordable. You are not going to have an infinity pool in your backyard for that price but if you don't mind mingling with the locals and adjusting to Mexican life, you will be fine.
Quote:
Originally posted by AndreB
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Probably could get a house for $600 a month and an apartment for $300 USD. I suggest you put your daughter in a public school as I said for the first year just have her supplement her English with reading and online English activities. It's doable and if you need assistance looking around let me know.



At the beginning we would like to try with the 6 month Visitor Permit and see if this will work. I'm not sure if she will be accepted in the public school?

I'm still trying to add all numbers - $600 house? - in what location, condition? - is it doable?
Someone else above said it is impossible with the $2,500 budget. We will have obviously separate money for a house or condo to buy if we decided to stay, but we can not used this to supplement monthly expenses....

willardguy - 4-28-2014 at 09:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AndreB
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Probably could get a house for $600 a month and an apartment for $300 USD. I suggest you put your daughter in a public school as I said for the first year just have her supplement her English with reading and online English activities. It's doable and if you need assistance looking around let me know.



At the beginning we would like to try with the 6 month Visitor Permit and see if this will work. I'm not sure if she will be accepted in the public school?

I'm still trying to add all numbers - $600 house? - in what location, condition? - is it doable?
Someone else above said it is impossible with the $2,500 budget. We will have obviously separate money for a house or condo to buy if we decided to stay, but we can not used this to supplement monthly expenses....
$600 house? listen, im living in a 3 bedroom 2 bath beautiful oceanfront home,600 bucks. just left a 2 bedroom 2 bath oceanfront that was $500. before that was a $600 brand new never been lived in 3 story home across the street from the beach. they're everywhere, don't let anyone tell you any different!:yes:

(all in the rosarito area)

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by willardguy]

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 10:09 AM

really ok then you find the house for them. I am giving them a price range that I am sure of in Ensenada. I know a guy in Rosarito Bob Yourell and he has a 3 bedroom TRAILER across from the buffet on the main street, and he pays $500 for a TRAILER. I paid $400 a month for a beach apartment with 2 bedrooms really small in Villas del Mar over 10 years ago. Of course all the recent crime in Rosarito might have driven the prices down.:yes::yes::yes:

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by EnsenadaDr]

willardguy - 4-28-2014 at 10:10 AM

hey Andre, being from chicago you'll appreciate the utilities over on the pacific side also. I just paid my electric bill for two months. 147 peso's or less than six bucks a month! the biggest expense is propane for cooking and hot water.:yes:

willardguy - 4-28-2014 at 10:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
really ok then you find the house for them. I am giving them a price range that I am sure of in Ensenada. I know a guy in Rosarito Bob Yourell and he has a 3 bedroom TRAILER across from the buffet on the main street, and he pays $500 for a TRAILER. I paid $400 a month for a beach apartment with 2 bedrooms really small in Villas del Mar over 10 years ago. Of course all the recent crime in Rosarito might have driven the prices down.
these homes are in baja malibu, plaza del mar and rancho santini.

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 10:13 AM

True the utilities are the best part. The question I have is how have you afforded Chicago? Certainly Baja is a heck of a lot cheaper than Chicago!!

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 10:16 AM

iOh I see. Baja Malibu is a good area, but the daughter will have to be driven to school to Rosarito proper. I paid $1200 a month for a condo in Plaza del Mar over 8 years ago, so I guess the price has gone way down since then. That place is at least a 30 minute drive to Rosarito and about the same to Ensenada as I don't think they have a school there. I haven't seen any of those condos going for $600 a month. Wasn't all that land of Santini's bulldozed years ago and made into a private area? What houses of Santini are you talking about?
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
really ok then you find the house for them. I am giving them a price range that I am sure of in Ensenada. I know a guy in Rosarito Bob Yourell and he has a 3 bedroom TRAILER across from the buffet on the main street, and he pays $500 for a TRAILER. I paid $400 a month for a beach apartment with 2 bedrooms really small in Villas del Mar over 10 years ago. Of course all the recent crime in Rosarito might have driven the prices down.
these homes are in baja malibu, plaza del mar and rancho santini.


[Edited on 4-28-2014 by EnsenadaDr]

DENNIS - 4-28-2014 at 10:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
hey Andre, being from chicago you'll appreciate the utilities over on the pacific side also. I just paid my electric bill for two months. 147 peso's or less than six bucks a month! the biggest expense is propane for cooking and hot water.:yes:


You must read in the dark. :lol:

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 10:20 AM

DENNIS no one has a state of the art Gorilla penthouse like you do. With all the heating you spend keeping him in a tropical climate, it's no wonder your utility bill is higher. Oh yes the banana trees need artificial heat and light as well.

sancho - 4-28-2014 at 10:28 AM

I'm not sure I would call SF a resort area, at least not
in the same class as the Cape. As posted, mid June to
mid Sept., temps 105+, pop 12,000 perm?, the number of Gringos during
that time is far less than Winter. Ensenada is a large city,
just a guess pop 300,000 +,with all the advantages, would not say the scenery is
nicer than SF though. Ensenada climate much the same as So Calif.,
have heard of Gringo children going to school in SF, good ?
though as to your needed Immigration status to enroll them. Rentals
in SF not nearly in the # as Ensenada. There was a site
a couple yrs. back, of a younger family with children living
in SF, can't remember the name though. Living in Mex
sounds appealing and romantic to some, it sounds like
you have some research to do. I'm of the belief that you can
live in the US for what you could in Baja , at least close, there
are US places where rentals are in the $400 area. I'm guessing out of x number of US Gringos who are in your
position, w/kids, as opposed to a retired couple, I not sure
many more than a few would be in Mex for a long period, if
you have nothing
holding you in the US, give it a try, but I would go down
with the idea one can always come back

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by sancho]

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 10:31 AM

Punta Banda has spectacular scenery some of the best I have seen especially from Dennis' gorilla house certainly neck and neck with SF, which is more desert to be sure.
Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
I'm not sure I would call SF a resort area, at least not
in the same class as the Cape. As posted, mid June to
mid Sept., temps 105+, pop 12,000 perm?, the number of Gringos during
that time is far less than Winter. Ensenada is a large city,
just a guess pop 300,000 +,with all the advantages, would not say the scenery is
nicer than SF though. Ensenada climate much the same as So Calif.,
have heard of Gringo children going to school in SF, good ?
though as to your needed Immigration status to enroll them. Rentals
in SF not nearly in the # as Ensenada. There was a site
a couple yrs. back, of a younger family with children living
in SF, can't remember the name though. Living in Mex
sounds appealing and romantic to some, it sounds like
you have some research to do

durrelllrobert - 4-28-2014 at 11:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Punta Banda has spectacular scenery some of the best I have seen especially from Dennis' gorilla house certainly neck and neck with SF, which is more desert to be sure.
Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
I'm not sure I would call SF a resort area, at least not
in the same class as the Cape. As posted, mid June to
mid Sept., temps 105+, pop 12,000 perm?, the number of Gringos during
that time is far less than Winter. Ensenada is a large city,
just a guess pop 300,000 +,with all the advantages, would not say the scenery is
nicer than SF though. Ensenada climate much the same as So Calif.,
have heard of Gringo children going to school in SF, good ?
though as to your needed Immigration status to enroll them. Rentals
in SF not nearly in the # as Ensenada. There was a site
a couple yrs. back, of a younger family with children living
in SF, can't remember the name though. Living in Mex
sounds appealing and romantic to some, it sounds like
you have some research to do

Lomas Del Mar in Punta Banda has 2 br casitas for around $300/mo and the elementary school is less then a mile from there.
[url=www.lomasdelmar.com.mx/‎]www.lomasdelmar.com.mx url]

My wife and I live there comfortably on $2200/mo

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by durrelllrobert]

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 12:18 PM

Hey Bob great idea but from what I have heard about Lomas is they do a background check, credit check and want all kinds of documentation and legal immigration status to rent there.

DENNIS - 4-28-2014 at 12:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Lomas Del Mar in Punta Banda has 2 br casitas for around $300/mo and the elementary school is less then a mile from there.
[url=www.lomasdelmar.com.mx/‎]www.lomasdelmar.com.mx url]



That school wouldn't even pass the babysitter test. It's a "Rural" school and it's only reason for existence is to satisfy the constitutional requirement of an education for the kids. It's a good day when some of the teachers show up for work.

DENNIS - 4-28-2014 at 12:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Hey Bob great idea but from what I have heard about Lomas is they do a background check, credit check and want all kinds of documentation and legal immigration status to rent there.


They couldn't care less about immigration status. They do however ask for a SS number to do a credit check.

durrelllrobert - 4-28-2014 at 01:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Lomas Del Mar in Punta Banda has 2 br casitas for around $300/mo and the elementary school is less then a mile from there.
[url=www.lomasdelmar.com.mx/‎]www.lomasdelmar.com.mx url]



That school wouldn't even pass the babysitter test. It's a "Rural" school and it's only reason for existence is to satisfy the constitutional requirement of an education for the kids. It's a good day when some of the teachers show up for work.


Butch and Liz's nephew went there for 2 years and became fluent in reading, writing and speaking Spanish.

EnsenadaDr - 4-28-2014 at 01:05 PM

I think the school near Lomas would be ok I checked it out before and the main purpose for the little girl would be to get her at least functional in Spanish so she could later go to a private school if desired. The family will have to make a commitment to supplement their child but all Mexican schools have federal grade level mandates to meet and it might be a poor school but the staff are competent, however the public school level of English is sorely lacking.

SlyOnce - 4-28-2014 at 02:47 PM

I live in Playas. My apartment is on the hill overlooking the beach. $350/month. There are schools everywhere in Playas, including private schools in English. My novia works for CECTYS BC the prepartoria high school. There is one in Playas. All kids wear school uniforms. There are 2 sessions per day 0700 - 1400 and 1400 - 2000. You will be in one or the other. There is high demand for school and MX public school cannot accept everyone.

Depending on how much or how little you drive, we could live well on a budget of $1000 / month in Playas ($350 for rent, $100 per week for food, the rest for gas, entertainment, and clothing etc.).

One thing different between US and MX, in MX there is public transportation available EVERWHERE from busses, to collectivos, to taxis.

Clothing is more expensive in MX.

Oh and first run movies with subtitles are $MX 40 pesos.

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by SlyOnce]

BajaBlanca - 4-28-2014 at 05:28 PM

Sure wish you luck. Big decisions to be made! The most important thing mentioned is that you can always go back and no matter what school, your daughter will become fluent in Spanish way before you adults do.

She can be the new English teacher...the kids will love her.

absinvestor - 4-28-2014 at 10:00 PM

Personally I think it is a bad idea. We love Mexico and have lived there permanently two different times for a couple of years each time.(Once on the Pacific side and once on the Sea of Cortez.) Even though we love Mexico living there full time is much different than vacationing there. You will not have a choice to push 1 for English and unless you're fluent in Spanish you'll find exploring housing and schools quite difficult. I just don't believe the move is good for a 10 year old. At 10 she will want to spend time with grandma, cousins etc and participate in school activities. Our experience is that Mexico is not any cheaper than many small towns in the US and in general the early year education system is inferior. (I agree that some things are less expensive but in many cases they are less expensive for a reason.) You mention renting and trying it out for 6 months. That is a good idea but in my opinion you will need way more than a week to explore the areas before deciding on the best location for you (and your dog) with a satisfactory school for your daughter. Good luck.

Jus tsaw this article

durrelllrobert - 4-29-2014 at 08:11 AM

The Baja Times Newspaper:

Travel Baja California
with Steve Dryden
Ensenada: Mexico’s Rising Star

Ensenada is by far the most desirable and enchanting city south of San Diego, particularly for those who love the finer things in life to include: fresh seafood, gourmet Mexican cuisine, high quality regional wine, culture, entertainment and good people. Historically, this quaint seaside port town has been called the “Cinderella of the Pacific” but according to longtime community leader, business owner and resident, Jean - Loup Bitterlin, it should really have been named the “Sleeping Beauty of the Pacific.” Ensenada’s time has arrived, in a fashion much like a young Mexican woman’s quinceañera celebration. This blossoming and vibrant town has matured, awakened and is being presented to the world thus beginning the process of courtship, discovery, exploration and relationship. The best kept secret in the region is now being exposed and this community is ready and waiting with passion and commitment to prove their point. Life in Ensenada is great and getting better everyday.

Good things in a community just don’t happen by chance, it takes vision, leadership, faith, cooperation, determination, integrity and ethics. Two of the many dynamic leaders in the Ensenada region are Jean - Loup Bitterlin and Natalia Badan. These unique residents have taken leadership roles in creating a culture of awareness, appreciation, education, safety, security, economic opportunity and hope for the future for all its people. Both Natalia and Jean-Loup walk upon a solid foundation built on family traditions of hospitality, creativity, social responsibility, independence, and direct action. So, it’s no surprise that Ensenada shines so brightly with many stars illuminating the way to a bright and better day.

Jean - Loup is the owner of El Rey Sol, a local restaurant with a global reputation for quality gourmet culinary delights and five star service supported by traditional Baja California hospitality, ambiance and romance. He and his mother, Doña Pepita, developed the formula for success in the food, lodging and hospitality business allowing Jean-Loup an opportunity to apply this winning formula into creating that success on a community level. Today, he is president of the tourism board and holds several other important community leadership positions. In a recent conversation I asked Jean-Loup what he loves most about Ensenada and why he is so determined to guide its future. “It’s a well balanced town with a unique geological location. We’re just seventy miles form the US border and a world away from the border issues and problems. We have so much to offer with an abundance of fresh seafood, high quality regional wine, diversity in the culinary arts, museums, cultural centers and the highest number of Ph.D. degree residents in Latin America. And, we’re blessed with perfect weather, a fabulous harbor, a pristine coastline and over ten institutions of higher learning.”

Jean-Loup understands that in order to be successful and competitive you must sometimes reinvent and refresh your business and community. For sixty-one years his family has managed to provide some of the best culinary delights in the region. El Rey Sol has been serving French, international and Mexican culinary art since 1947. Today, the restaurant is being invigorated and uplifted with the addition of a new Chef, Juan Manuel Lugo, formerly of Portofino Restaurant at Hotel Festival Plaza in Rosarito Beach. Chef Lugo states, “I’m here to take a great product and make it better with the use of fresh ideas and new ingredients along with matching our gourmet cuisine with the abundant high quality regional wines.” To prove their point Jean-Loup and Chef Juan Lugo presented an amazing culinary work of art to include calamari steak with nopales, cilantro, tomato, garlic and olive oil - elegantly married to 2005 Chardonnay from Roganto winery of Ensenada

JZ - 4-29-2014 at 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AndreB
We (2 adults (45/65) and 10 yrs old girl w/black lab) are looking for an opinions about moving from Chicago to Baja, preferably to the San Felipe area (close to US and easy to drive the car)...
We have the basic knowledge of the immigration requirements, but at the beginning we would like to rent something before any commitment.
We will have to live on the $2,500/month budget.

We know San Felipe and Cabos only as a vacation spots...

Obviously we have many questions but those are the most important at this moment:

1. Where can we find a school for our almost 10 yrs old daughter?

2. Where should we look for house for rent with electricity, water, sewer and internet access (we don't care about TV).

3. What is the total cost of living there?

4. And the most important - is it a good idea?

Any answer will be appreciated... :-)

Thanks!

Andre, Iwona & Kasia... :-)


I'd never move to San Felipe. Give San Carlos on the mainland a hard look. Tons of Americans. Private schools, etc. A lot safer and more beautiful than Ensenada.

EnsenadaDr - 4-29-2014 at 09:01 AM

Jean-Loup has also teamed up with Dr. Hino of Ensenada Health and Wellness Center to offer accommodations (El Rey Hotel and Restaurant) for Dr. Hino's out of town patients. Ensenada Health and Wellness cultivates and reinjects stem cells in a patient. Injected stem cells cultivated from skin cells in the bloodstream don't automatically go to a site and start reproducing highly specialized tissue such cartilage in a knee or dopamine in a brain of a Parkinson's patient. I asked Dr. Hino and another stem cell advocate in Ensenada to explain the procedure in more detail but they declined.

absinvestor - 4-29-2014 at 09:07 AM

JZ may have a point. San Carlos is a little too Americanized for me but would be much easier for the daughter. I have recently spent time in both San Carlos and in Baja Sur and overall the cost of living (especially housing) is much more expensive in San Carlos.

EnsenadaDr - 4-29-2014 at 09:17 AM

However the summers are very hot aren't they?

JZ - 4-29-2014 at 10:46 AM

San Carlos: 4-5hrs from Tucson, 7-8hrs from Phoenix, 1.5hr from Hermosillo, 15mins from Guaymas.



















[Edited on 4-29-2014 by JZ]

[Edited on 4-29-2014 by JZ]

absinvestor - 4-29-2014 at 11:45 AM

Re summers in San Carlos- I have a good friend that has lived there for several years. He says the summer temps are about 8 degrees cooler than Phoenix- so yes hot but not like the beaches around Mulege. I did live on the beach in Punta Banda (Ensenada)- loved the summer but winters were somewhat chilly for me. All a matter of what one likes.

SlyOnce - 4-29-2014 at 11:57 AM

My novia works for the MX government at CECETYS the high school. I discussed your plans, as she works in admissions. It is possible for a US citizen to attend MX school. Here in TJ you would go to the central government and present all your school records and birth certificate. Your child would be issued a MX government number and be placed into an appropriate grade level. Then, based on where you live, she could apply at the local school. There is a fee, and uniforms and books have to be bought by the student. HOWEVER if she can't speak Spanish she would not be admitted. The teachers in TJ public school are not bi lingual (only the English teachers). Your student would be hopelessly lost.

Here in Playas, where we live, there are at least 2, large, private schools with primary through high school in English. This is what you would need. Public or private, you have to go to the government center FIRST with all your records to get the number and be admitted into the system. I'm not sure of the rules here concerning posting URLs but I will U2U the info to you should you decide on Playas.

You might want to look into homeschooling, something like the Calvert School.

absinvestor - 4-29-2014 at 03:08 PM

SlyOnce- good info that should be helpful. I don't think homeschooling a 10 yr old in a foreign country is going to create a positive experience for the little girl.

baconjr - 4-29-2014 at 07:35 PM

Ensenada has one of the highest ratios of educator to citizen of any metropolitan area in the world. Many Schools. It is a little chilly and damp in the winter but the other 9 months are very pleasant. It is a very simpatico place with the ocean, vineyards and farmland. An other place worth looking at is Oaxaca. Great and cheap.

Where to stay, Where to go

AndreB - 7-11-2014 at 11:34 AM

Finally, the opportunity arrived... :-)
As we described this before we (2 adults ands 10 yrs old daughter) have a plans to move to Ensenada for at least 6 month...
We will visit Ensenada from July 17 til 23th. It seems to me that this is a peak vacation time and everything is sold out.... :-(. We will have to be there anyway so we have some practical questions...
1. Where to stay without ruining our budget?
2. Where to go to see houses for rent?
3. Where is the best school for our 10 yrs old daughter?

We will have a car so a little travel is no problem.
Any answer and any other practical information will be appreciated..

805gregg - 7-11-2014 at 05:50 PM

La Paz is much nicer than San Felipe in Baja, but for a new person to Mexico I would consider the mainland like Puerto Vallarta, or San Carlos, but be sure to rent for a while first to see if it's for you

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by 805gregg]

Whale-ista - 7-11-2014 at 06:05 PM

Try this for rental Information:

http://tijuana.en.craigslist.com.mx

Or

Http://www.bakersbajarealty.com

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by Whale-ista]

willardguy - 7-11-2014 at 06:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
La Paz is much nicer than San Felipe in Baja, but for a new person to Mexico I would consider the mainland like Puerto Vallarta, or San Carlos, but be sure to rent for a while first to see if it's for you

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by 805gregg]


what else do you need to know about ensenada? :lol:

AndreB - 7-11-2014 at 07:07 PM

Thanks guys...

Craigslist has mainly Cabo San Lucas area but second link is interesting...
La Paz (and Cabo!) is way too far from US border just in case we change our minds or emergency...
Baja to me is more than just destination... I don't know... has a spirit!...;D

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by AndreB]

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by AndreB]

Udo - 7-11-2014 at 07:12 PM

Now, that's the spirit!
Quote:
Originally posted by AndreB

Baja to me is more than just destination... I don't know... has a spirit!...;D

AndreB - 7-11-2014 at 07:18 PM

;)

Whale-ista - 7-11-2014 at 07:27 PM

Specify Ensenada in your search terms on craigslist. Also try San Miguel. North of town but a nice ocean view.
Quote:
Originally posted by AndreB
Thanks guys...

Craigslist has mainly Cabo San Lucas area but second link is interesting...
La Paz (and Cabo!) is way to far from US border just in case we change our minds or emergency...
Baja to me is more than just destination... I don't know... has a spirit!...;D

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by AndreB]

BajaBlanca - 7-13-2014 at 09:15 AM

whale-ista, I like the Steinbeck quote - did not pan out, thankfully.


Andre- La Paz has flights out often, don't forget it in your decision. Really, rent a place for a month or so, just to get a feel before you commit. Summer time when your daughter is on vacation might be excellent for this.

Ensenada is fun and seems a really good place to start your trial stay!

Best of luck and come and visit us in La Bocana (Baja California Sur) once you are settled, we will offer you piwo!

EnsenadaDr - 7-13-2014 at 09:52 AM

Blanca I think he needs to contact you when YOU are settled!! Last time I looked you were roaming the streets of Taxco on the quest for the best Mexican cuisine in the Republic!! Where to next?
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
whale-ista, I like the Steinbeck quote - did not pan out, thankfully.


Andre- La Paz has flights out often, don't forget it in your decision. Really, rent a place for a month or so, just to get a feel before you commit. Summer time when your daughter is on vacation might be excellent for this.

Ensenada is fun and seems a really good place to start your trial stay!

Best of luck and come and visit us in La Bocana (Baja California Sur) once you are settled, we will offer you piwo!


[Edited on 7-13-2014 by EnsenadaDr]

AndreB - 7-13-2014 at 11:43 AM

BajaBlanca, Thanks - we will remember, just make sure "zeby bylo zimne!" ;).
La Paz is a little too far at this moment - we would like to drive not to fly...
Talking Steinbeck, we are at this point:
"It’s a hard thing to leave any deeply routine life, even if you hate it." - John Steinbeck - East of Eden....
To tell you the truth the biggest obstacle is our 10 yrs old daughter...
our 24 yrs old son is leaving us tomorrow for Africa for at least a year so we are almost free... :-)

[Edited on 7-13-2014 by AndreB]

[Edited on 7-13-2014 by AndreB]