BajaNomad - Where do you live and why

Where do you live and why

Far North - 8-4-2015 at 03:51 PM

Hi, I've been reading this forum for a short time and just finally registered. If you don't mind sharing I'm interested in what each of you like in the area you live and why you chose there, to help me narrow my search for a place to spend my winters. I have visited baja several times but have never made it north of la Paz. Any input is appreciated, thanks.

Loreto:

Howard - 8-4-2015 at 04:17 PM

International airport minutes from town

Small marina, no beach launch needed

You can get a $1 taco or a $30 lobster

Prices much less than Cabo

"Only" 710 driving miles from the border

Water calmer and flatter

Hospital (Not so sure how well staffed it is, wouldn't want to go with anything serious)

Fishing does suck compared to down South though

Friendly people

Hi-Speed Internet and satellite TV

And last but not least,

Free appetizers at Augies

Alm - 8-4-2015 at 06:39 PM

Like, the best places not overpriced and over-crowded yet?
You won't get anything from me, copper.

Seriously though (not to say that all of the above was not serious), it would help - a lot - if YOU would tell us first what YOU are interested in. Since you have visited Baja "several times", you probably have an idea of what you are looking for.

[Edited on 8-5-2015 by Alm]

DENNIS - 8-4-2015 at 06:55 PM

What are you looking for?

Far North - 8-4-2015 at 07:00 PM

I don't know what I'm looking for exactly, that's why I'm interested in what others feel is important. For example, I hadn't considered proximity to a hospital until Howard's post.

I know what I like, being near water, fish tacos, warm weather. But I think those can be found everywhere in baja, so I'm looking for ideas I haven't considered. I apologize if that's a frustrating response.

pauldavidmena - 8-4-2015 at 07:06 PM

I live in a Boston suburb because that's where the high-tech jobs are in the Northeast. Then again, are you asking about Baja?

Far North - 8-4-2015 at 07:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena

I live in a Boston suburb because that's where the high-tech jobs are in the Northeast. Then again, are you asking about Baja?

No, Boston is specifically where I am interested in. What's the best place for fish tacos?

pauldavidmena - 8-4-2015 at 07:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Far North

Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena

I live in a Boston suburb because that's where the high-tech jobs are in the Northeast. Then again, are you asking about Baja?

No, Boston is specifically where I am interested in. What's the best place for fish tacos?

In Porter Square (Cambridge) there was a dive bar called the Forest Cafe that happened to serve exceptionally good Mexican cuisine, including fish tacos. Sadly, a few favorable reviews later the rents skyrocketed and they shut down. I haven't had a good fish taco around here in quite some time, save the ones my wife cooks up here in Cochituate.

When we visit Baja, it's always Todos Santos, BCS. Boyitacos serves up exceptional fish tacos and burritos. Ambiance could best be described as "minimal", but you won't be sorry.

Far North - 8-4-2015 at 07:29 PM

Is boyitacos the one diagonal across the intersection from the park?

AKgringo - 8-4-2015 at 07:37 PM

I have made four road trips over the last three years exploring many places with the same goal as you. For several reasons, I have found communities on the east side more to my liking. You did say for the winter, if it was summer use as well, I might go to the pacific side.

At the top of my current list of favorites, is Los Barriles. It is as large as I need, and as close to La Paz or Los Cabos as I would want to be. Smaller communities are what I like.

I suspect that there is a good chance that some place in the Mulege/ Bahia Conception area could bump Los Barriles down on the list, and that is where I intend to spend time this fall.

Edit; Just to be clear, I don't live there, but while I am SOB, I am always looking for a place I could enjoy if I did move south.

[Edited on 8-5-2015 by AKgringo]

Far North - 8-4-2015 at 07:49 PM

i also like Los barriles (the taco stand on Main Street with a thatch roof has excellent shrimp tacos), but like you am curious about other places.

[Edited on 8-5-2015 by Far North]

Alm - 8-4-2015 at 09:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I have made four road trips over the last three years exploring many places with the same goal as you.

Duh. This is how people find what they need.
Asking at the forum where who lives at, and what is there good or bad for that particular person, could be useful for writing a travel guide, but hardly for anything else. Wait a minute - may be he/she is writing a book :?:

BajaBlanca - 8-4-2015 at 10:00 PM

well, we live in La Bocana which is 10 miles north of Punta Abreojos and is on the Pacifiic.

Les first bought here because of the easy launch and great fishing.
I like it that USUALLY the year round temp is always on the cool side
there is an afternoon wind that takes away all flies, gnats and mosquitoes
the people are very friendly
small expat community (there are 4 of us who live here full time and 3 others who have abodes but come and go).....lots of fishermen and others come for fishing and fun from Aug to Nov
the beaches are deserted except for one which is frequented by the locals......perfect for walks every morning
our house has a million dollar view of the ocean and it did not cost a mil

on the downside -
no close hospital but we do have a doc who does housecalls
very far from US (12 hour drive)
nearest airport is 2 hours away
during el ninyo years it is mighty HOT
my almost 200 English students can sometimes be brats :biggrin:

good luck in your hunt for perfection - Los Barriles is a pretty cool place but so is todos santos,loreto, mulege and so many more places.

Far North - 8-4-2015 at 10:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I have made four road trips over the last three years exploring many places with the same goal as you.

Hmm, trying to narrow down places to explore seems useful to me, or did you cover every square meter of baja personally without ever asking advice? How could info you think would be useful for a travel guide not be useful for a traveler? Why do you have such negativity towards a person you've never met? You don't represent the attitude of most people I've met in baja.

Mula - 8-5-2015 at 05:24 AM

We have a place off the grid in San Nicolas on the Sea of Cortez side where we spend December to May. Rancho type place. Hectare for us and 100 fruit trees and 5 H. for the mules and horse next door. 1 1/2 hour from either Mulege or Loreto.

When it gets too hot on that side, we have a place in Puerto A Lopez Mateos. 1/2 hour to Insurgentes, 45 minutes to Ciudad Constitucion and 3 hours from La Paz, 2 hours south of Loreto. Agriculture area and fishing. Cheaper than Loreto and Mulelge.

This is what works for us.

SFandH - 8-5-2015 at 07:22 AM

I travel in an RV and spend 4 or 5 months in the winter in baja. I like places with no hookups, no Internet service, no hotels. The beaches along Bahia Concepcion suit me fine. Close to the town of Mulege for weekly supplies and an email check.

Alm - 8-5-2015 at 09:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Far North

Hmm, trying to narrow down places to explore seems useful to me

I doubt that you think so. You need to specify the requirements to "places" first.

Quote: Originally posted by Far North

or did you cover every square meter of baja personally without ever asking advice?

Advice - Yes. Advice of a kind "I don't know what I want and where to go, so where should I go?" - No.

Quote: Originally posted by Far North

How could info you think would be useful for a travel guide not be useful for a traveler?

So you are collecting a material. Perhaps for some web article. One of those thriving on people clicking on their webpage by mistake. Oh yes, they can be useless; when somebody is writing about things that he doesn't know, it usually comes out like that

If I may

bajaguy - 8-5-2015 at 12:50 PM

Let me suggest this to anyone thinking of moving to Baja, or anywhere else for that matter.

Sit down with a very large pad of paper and list everything you think you would WANT in your new location. It could be as simple as municipal supplied water (not delivered to your pila), fast internet speed or a short walk to the beach. It may be more complicated as being close to a US specialty hospital or medical treatment......don't forget shopping, cultural events, weather.....hot or hurricanes, fun things you like to do, being close to other ex-pats, and proximity to the US border (airports, relatives and friends) ......this list is your wants or would like to have list.

A week later, sit down with another pad of paper and start a NEEDS list. This list should be shorter than your WANTS list and contain everything you will need to survive in a new location. It might be nice living in a small fishing village in BCS, but if you need specific medical procedures, is that small fishing village practical??

After you complete your lists, start looking for places that meet the NEEDS list and have many of the things on your WANT list.

An example would be if you need to visit the VA hospital every other month, is Cabo or LaPaz a viable option, or would you be better off living in Ensenada, a 2 hour drive to the San Diego VA facilities ??

Just something to ponder

bledito - 8-5-2015 at 12:58 PM

I like los barriles as I like to spend time In the water. I am close enough to air transit and shopping. Also far enough away from the traffic and crowds of cabo, san jose, or la paz. Todos is nice but on the pacific side swim areas are limited.

SlyOnce - 8-6-2015 at 08:31 AM

I live in Playas de Tijuana about 15 minutes to the border. I really like it, I rent an apartment with a million dollar view for $US 350/month and that includes utilities. I have the best of the US and the best of MX (well Playas is nice but maybe not the best). Its safe, secure and there are hundreds of restaurants, art, music, parks and beaches within minutes. For people who have never crossed the border and been to Baja, this is way nicer than they would ever believe.

I cross the border every day to go to work.

When I retire in 2 years at age 60 I'd like to move farther south so your question is of great interest to me as me and my novia look further around.

BajaUtah - 8-6-2015 at 08:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bledito

I like los barriles as I like to spend time In the water. I am close enough to air transit and shopping. Also far enough away from the traffic and crowds of cabo, san jose, or la paz. Todos is nice but on the pacific side swim areas are limited.

I'll echo this for my choice of La Ribera - well, Lighthouse Point.

shari - 8-6-2015 at 09:58 AM

I looked far and wide all over Latin America for "my place" and was very glad to have found it much closer to home than countries like Costa rica, Ecuador etc. I knew it was my paradise the moment I set eyes on it.

I chose Bahia Asuncion for the following reasons

-small safe beautiful village of very friendly locals
-spectacular pristine beaches and coastline, very clean
-excellent year round weather...cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter which most people dont realize!
-off the beaten path (5 hours from an international airport) so no real development here
-the village is not too big but has lots of stores, services, gas station, restaurants etc and small enough that everyone knows everyone
-MUCH cheaper land prices and building costs
-great fishing, swimming, surf, snorkeling, 2 islands very close, biking, hiking, fossil hunting,great dances and local fiestas
-there is a hospital & clinic as well as an excellent air strip for medivac
--the town is prosperous and it shows, no beggars, no homeless, 2 very successful fishing cooperativas so everyone has a good job so the homes are lovely and well cared for with flowers & trees everywere
-the cooperativa patrols 24/7 making the area very safe
-very few expats and no gringo enclaves
-I love the location being half way down the peninsula so you can go north or south in a day and there are so many places to see in central baja

It is always wise to visit and rent a place for a bit to see if you really like it and the place likes you! Good luck finding your paradise!

rts551 - 8-6-2015 at 11:25 AM

Where you live is always such a personal decision. But a couple of theings to look at is what is the housing turn over rate...and how many homes are for sale. Things are not always what they seem, and some will make recommendations with motives in mind.

shari - 8-6-2015 at 01:55 PM

I suppose this was directed at me. I couldnt give a rats burro if people move here or not. Yes there are some houses for sale for different motives...one couple wanted to be closer to their grandkids..that they didnt have when they bought here..another is selling because of a serious illness...another wants to be closer to the border, another is selling as she had 2 ew kids up north and she bought on spec anyway...so what?

Some expats who bought here are still very happy here...and there are a couple beautiful new homes being built by folks who are very excited to live here.

People come and go especially retirees.

I was trying to help a new person decide how to choose a place...thats ALL.

BigBearRider - 8-6-2015 at 03:18 PM

Your post provided useful information.

vgabndo - 8-6-2015 at 03:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari

I looked far and wide all over Latin America for "my place" and was very glad to have found it much closer to home than countries like Costa rica, Ecuador etc. I knew it was my paradise the moment I set eyes on it.

I chose Bahia Asuncion for the following reasons

-small safe beautiful village of very friendly locals
-spectacular pristine beaches and coastline, very clean
-excellent year round weather...cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter which most people dont realize!
-off the beaten path (5 hours from an international airport) so no real development here
-the village is not too big but has lots of stores, services, gas station, restaurants etc and small enough that everyone knows everyone
-MUCH cheaper land prices and building costs
-great fishing, swimming, surf, snorkeling, 2 islands very close, biking, hiking, fossil hunting,great dances and local fiestas
-there is a hospital & clinic as well as an excellent air strip for medivac
--the town is prosperous and it shows, no beggars, no homeless, 2 very successful fishing cooperativas so everyone has a good job so the homes are lovely and well cared for with flowers & trees everywere
-the cooperativa patrols 24/7 making the area very safe
-very few expats and no gringo enclaves
-I love the location being half way down the peninsula so you can go north or south in a day and there are so many places to see in central baja

It is always wise to visit and rent a place for a bit to see if you really like it and the place likes you! Good luck finding your paradise!

I agree with almost all of what you say about Bahia Asuncion. Perhaps you can explain how I got the wrong impression about the co-ops. Before I left there, months ago, it was common knowledge that one of the co-ops had not paid it's members for over six months. Their families were living off credit from the little markets. Also this past year, the fishermen who have a permit to harvest enough sardines for their lobster traps, went to sea every day for weeks and weeks and took countless tons of sardines in violation of Biosphere regulations. I was told that it was for survival because of no lobster money.

My impression after a 15-month visit was that the co-ops were not doing very well at all. People told me there was a problem with the emergency money to repair the co-op when it was undermined by Norbert.

Having two co-ops sure makes for a lively and competitive baseball league, and the wonderful baseball park is a major attribute to the community. Equally important, the conveniently located Tacos don Ramon!

824xx.jpg - 90kB

shari - 8-6-2015 at 05:01 PM

yes Perry, there was a problem with one of the coops although I dont think it was 6 months...ups and downs, perhaps some mismanagement..the coops vote in their directors and these guys are often fishermen, not businessmen and the hurricanes did quite a bit of damage both to the building and to the product...really killed alot of lobster but from what I understand, the fishers were paid alot in the good years and didnt save for the bad ones...just a blip really in the grand scheme of things. They had a fantastic lobster season awhile back and spent alot on improvements and built the new office and decompression chamber.

But in comparison to other areas, our coops are doing pretty well and have a sustainable fishery to be proud of and not a bad wage....in normal conditions...when they get paid.

This season, the abalone fishery for the other coop was really hampered by big swells so they didnt get the big income they usually do. Too bad they have been overfishing sardines but I guess they do what they gotta do sometimes. Bahia Tortugas didnt even have an abalone season this year so they are probably suffering too.

The government also hasnt paid the city workers either...which is why the highway is blocked in Sta.Rosalia....this is a problem in the whole municipality of Mulege....but the workers keep working thank goodness and our garbage is picked up.

My point was that the village has a pretty good standard of living compared to other places and in general has a vibrant economy not dependent on tourism.

CaboMagic - 8-6-2015 at 08:03 PM

Everyone certainly has their needs to consider - personal, financial, spiritual, medical - Dennis, Buddha, Vgabndo, rts551, Alm, Howard, Mula, bledito, bajaguy, BajaBlanca - anyone - - what am I leaving out?.

I'm often asked about moving to Cabo by customers. Its a difficult challenge for me to toe the line between candor without wishing to dampen the enthusiasm of their dreams.

Of course Bahia Asuncion is dependent on tourism - that is a bit of a disingenuous statement - how else could you possibly have built all that you have ? The campground, restaurant, bed & breakfast, more pangas all required dinero to purchase, which isn't farmed from the land or the sea. Just sayin'.

I wish everyone to find their place, where they get to live the life they dream of, because I still like to believe that dreams can, and do, come true.

This is an interesting discussion.

shari - 8-7-2015 at 04:04 PM

Actually Cabo Magic...we dont near break even on tourism and what we build is done with the money from Juan's abalone fishing and in the very beginning a small loan from my bro. We built a new room each year...block by block...rock by rock doing much of the work ourselves.

There is very little tourism here and you can count the expats who live here full time on your fingers... so the town does NOT at all depend on it. Many people think there is more going on here than there actually is but if you visited you would see that the visitors are few and far between...which is one of the things I like about the place.

sorry for the highjack...just sayin...

tiotomasbcs - 8-7-2015 at 04:15 PM

No entiendo. Didn't Vagabundo get a little off point? Shari has repeatedly expressed her Love for Asuncion.It's a beautiful location. Thats what the OP was asking. Not some city/ complex political banter. I want to hear about the flies in Abre? Not! Keep this positive. I won't share regarding my local haunt. I'm with Alm, this may be some dregg looking for mag material. Come on down and find it, Amigos. Another Pacifico, por favor. Tio

CaboMagic - 8-11-2015 at 02:00 PM

Awww shux .. clever diversion .. but reading between the lines, dinero from tourism is necessary or else who would be renting the places you are building ? - and there aint no such thing as breaking even in biz in MX - you know that!!

Best wishes for success and happiness - whatever your definition may be.

shari - 8-11-2015 at 02:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by CaboMagic

Of course Bahia Asuncion is dependent on tourism

I urge you to come and visit Asuncion...so you will see for yourself it is NOT dependant on tourism. (not meant to be clever)

David K - 8-11-2015 at 02:44 PM

From my few times visiting observations and readings: Bahía Asunción is indeed a commercial fishing town. That a few gringos have vacation places there doesn't change that. If the abalone, lobster, and yellowtail all disappeared there would never be close to enough gringo dollars spent to replace that fishing industry... the town would nearly vanish.

SFandH - 8-11-2015 at 04:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

From my few times visiting observations and readings: Bahía Asunción is indeed a commercial fishing town. That a few gringos have vacation places there doesn't change that. If the abalone, lobster, and yellowtail all disappeared there would never be close to enough gringo dollars spent to replace that fishing industry... the town would nearly vanish.

That's right. It's a fishing village, not a tourist destination. I went once to check it out, stayed 1/2 hour and left. I'm not a fisherman and my wife didn't want to stay. We went to San Ignacio for the night.

Paulclark - 8-11-2015 at 09:32 PM

Anywhere between San Jose and La Ribera has a flavor and life style that blend the old with the new. Close to good medical services, international airport, box stores and services you cannot find anywhere else on the peninsula, and good fishing, surfing and miles of white sand beaches. The all inclusive tourists seldom venture out and the feeling is safe and secure with good relations between the Choyeros and the Expats. 19 years on and I don't know where would be better.

DENNIS - 8-12-2015 at 06:25 AM

Nice to see you're still hangin' in down there, Paul.

chuckie - 8-12-2015 at 06:41 AM

I lived on and off, full time.part time, sometimes in Mulege for over 35 years....I am gone from there now....For reasons I am sure some people will find silly.....I got bored with it, pretty much. Seemed as the population got older, the same old stuff went on in the same places on the same days of the week. If it makes any sense, the "life" seemed to have gone away.....The fishing remained OK, no longer spectacular, the Mexican people remained wonderful, but it was the same stuff over and over....Add to that the hurricane threat, I moved out of the river bottom a while ago.....I have spent time in Ascuncion, and it is more to my taste now than many places, because it is what it is....Shari describes it well....I don't need nor want to live in Gringoville in Mexico..I may not get back to Baja, for health reasons, but ya never know.....I do know Ascuncion will be on the list of places to spend time..

maryellen50 - 8-12-2015 at 09:38 AM

Now in the Punta Banda/Ensenada area for 4 months; prior to that Estero Beach for 1 month. Leaving Baja as soon as weather cools & going to mainland Mexico. Too many Americans here with little real culture and cheaper on the mainland and weather here is becoming too hot for me. In general, just bored living here in Baja.

durrelllrobert - 8-12-2015 at 09:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy

Let me suggest this to anyone thinking of moving to Baja, or anywhere else for that matter.

Sit down with a very large pad of paper and list everything you think you would WANT in your new location. It could be as simple as municipal supplied water (not delivered to your pila), fast internet speed or a short walk to the beach. It may be more complicated as being close to a US specialty hospital or medical treatment......don't forget shopping, cultural events, weather.....hot or hurricanes, fun things you like to do, being close to other ex-pats, and proximity to the US border (airports, relatives and friends) ......this list is your wants or would like to have list.

A week later, sit down with another pad of paper and start a NEEDS list. This list should be shorter than your WANTS list and contain everything you will need to survive in a new location. It might be nice living in a small fishing village in BCS, but if you need specific medical procedures, is that small fishing village practical??

After you complete your lists, start looking for places that meet the NEEDS list and have many of the things on your WANT list.

An example would be if you need to visit the VA hospital every other month, is Cabo or LaPaz a viable option, or would you be better off living in Ensenada, a 2 hour drive to the San Diego VA facilities ??

Just something to ponder

2X what Baja guy said but in addition I love Punta Banda where I have lived for 10+ years:

Only 1/2 hour to Ensenada where you can find almost anything you would find in Boston (except the weather)

During my time here there has never been a wintertime overnight frost and I've never seen it hotter than LOW 80s in the summer time.

Premium and cost free basic health care as a member of Seguraro Popular and only 2 hours to the border for anything major

No gangs,graffiti or drug cartel problems

Only 2 hours to TJ airport for those cheap flights to the tourist destinations on the mainland

Plenty of real nice and friendly locals and ex-pats

Cost of living, including utilities 1/3 of what it is in Boston

Million dollar view of Bahia Tods Santos and watching the Cruise Ships come and go.

motoged - 8-12-2015 at 12:10 PM

Nice front yard, Bob :saint:

CaboMagic - 8-15-2015 at 08:13 AM

Checking back in to say try this on 'positively benefits from tourism' .. Asuncion may not "depend" on tourism, but you certainly do benefit! why else keep expanding, adding on services and rentals - eh?
Amiga, you know I wish you all the best - I admit that I do call people on stuff.

This is still a very interesting subject and discussion.

durrellrobert your front yard and view are stunning!

shari - 8-15-2015 at 08:33 AM

so do I Lori...which is why I corrected your statement that our village depends on tourism. Of course we benefit and we expand to prepare for the future which unfortunately may bring the downfall of the abalone fishery...so we have a back up! Have a great day all.

CaboMagic - 8-15-2015 at 08:41 AM

Shari dear - that's kind of a --- what shall we call it? Of course you do depend on tourism, the town of Asuncion does not.

Outta here ....

maryellen50 - 8-15-2015 at 09:21 AM

If you read the Spanish news Playas de Tijuana is not so safe as many expats continually report. There have been several beheadings in the past year as the cartels are fighting for that territory just as in the rest of the Baja Norte area. You don't mention the beach which is one of the most polluted in Mexico. I've never understood why expats think that area is so great esp. now with the increased crime.

SlyOnce - 8-18-2015 at 07:39 AM

I believe Playas is safe. There have been some crimes, most notable was the Anastasia case, which was not cartel related. All of TJ has suffered a gang war in 2015 as various groups fight for the "plaza". While there is a small chance you may become collateral damage in some gang hit, the chances are greatly reduced if you are not buying/selling drugs or hanging out in the Zona Norte or two or three other eastern colonias (which have nothing to do with Playas). Yes, 2 heads were dumped along our road this year from violence in other parts of the city.

The beach has lifeguards and they sample the water. Most of the dirty water from the TJ river does not impact our beach.

I like it, however I do plan to explore Mulege to Los Barilles further.

Pescador - 8-18-2015 at 09:36 AM

This is a great line of posting and proves that one man's paradise is another man's hell. When I was looking for a place to plant my feet I visited as many places on the peninsula as I could looking for the place that met my individual requirements. My favorite place in the whole peninsula was Bahia de los Muertos and I thought I would love to build a house there but then the guy from the Giggling Marlin restaurant in cabo and another investor bought up a large tract and proceeded to screw up my paradise, while trying to turn it into their version of something. I loved Loreto but as Loreto Bay started developing everything, the flavor of the town changed into something that was unacceptable to me. I spent a lot of time in Los Barilles which a lot of people love but it had the feel of a miniature Orange County California so I knew that would not work. We really liked La Bocana but wanted somewhere that the fishing was good for more of the year. We looked at Asuncion but got worried that it was a large collection of expatriates according to what we saw Shari posting (which we found out later was a really nice place to be and had a good mix). And ended up in the Santa Rosalia, Mulege, San Bruno, Punta Chivato area. That turned into a good choice for us at that stage in our life, but when my late wife developed Lung Cancer, we quickly found out that it was paradise without medical facilities or treatment. So what is good when you are younger and healthy may not be so good as you get a little older. And, last time I checked, we keep getting older.
This summer, I got a little tired of the heat and rented a Condo in Rosarito Beach. So far I love being here, the weather is cool, there are wonderful new and exciting restaurants, it is very close to the border to bop across and go to the Dr. or whatever, and I don't have to live in Southern California.

So, I guess it is a highly individualistic pursuit but the thing that sticks in my memory the best, is rent a place for awhile and see how it works for you and then if everything or most everything is good, go ahead and sink some roots.

durrelllrobert - 8-18-2015 at 10:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Nice front yard, Bob :saint:

Thank's. I designed and laid it out but my bi-weekly gardener planted it, mainly from plant starts from his other clients, and maintains it.

BajaRat - 8-18-2015 at 11:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by CaboMagic

Shari dear - that's kind of a --- what shall we call it? Of course you do depend on tourism, the town of Asuncion does not.

Outta here ....

^^^
Dear Cabo Magic,
Your a Real classless act, with key board nerve. If you ever make to BA while we're in town please don't stop by to say hi.

Thanks, Lionel

Love what you said Terry about the lists.

OP What difference does it make about what I like, you never shared anything about yourself or your needs......... :?:

bajaspuds - 8-19-2015 at 08:11 AM

Interesting thread, for all the wrong reasons.

Even casual readers here come to realize BA is heavily overhyped. But who cares? Businesses advertize, often exaggerating facts. That is not news. Still, why bash someone who calls B.S.?

Try a little tolerance & never turn your welcome mat upside down ...
Your karma will thank you for it.

'People'll tell you where they've gone,
They'll tell you where to go,
But till you get there yourself, you'll never really know.
Where some have found their paradise,
Other's just come to harm ...'

-- "Amelia," Joni Mitchell

Have fun exploring.

David K - 8-19-2015 at 08:47 AM

Bahia Asuncion gets a lot of talk here because it has an English speaking resident who shares with us about her town. Before Shari joined Baja Nomad, there was almost no discussion from the place.

It's prime appeal is to the sport fisherman... as is many of Baja's destinations. That it is way off the the main route a travel (Hwy. 1) giving it some isolation from the tourist mobs (when there was such a thing) is appealing to many.

Now, it is reached by paved road, has more than one restaurant, and is growing as do other locations with the coming of pavement. The climate is near perfect there, the ocean views are stunning, most the people seem pleasant and receptive (one Nomad had his family's vacation home/RV burned to the ground), but fishing is still the prime draw for most visitors and remains the town's source of income.
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On the other coast of Baja, is Bahia de los Angeles. This was originally a mining region (gold, silver, copper) and turtles were the primary fishing resource and remained a major commercial business here until that industry was banned. After World War II, one enterprising man (Antero Diaz) began a sportfishing business there and built cabins at the end of the airstrip, next to the beach. Sport fishing was the major draw (along with his wife's delicious turtle steak dinners) to the 1980's. By then pavement had arrived, a second hotel was started, and naturalists and scuba divers came for more than fishing. Being closer to the border probably helps with business, but the island filled bay is a major attraction, 40 miles east of Hwy. 1.

L.A. Bay has changed from being a commercial fishing town to one more dependant on tourism. When tourism is down (bad economy or summer heat), the town looks dead. This is not true of Bahia Asuncion.

Red Arrow: Bahia Asuncion
Blue Arrow Bahia de los Angeles

motoged - 8-19-2015 at 10:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CaboMagic

....
Amiga, you know I wish you all the best - I admit that I do call people on stuff.....

CM,
I haven't noticed you adding your thoughts about "where and why" regarding folks' location preferences.

Perhaps you might share your opinions/thoughts about that in-between sniping at another other poster with thinly veiled personal attacks. Shari is out-front about herself on Nomads, pretty much identifying herself, and not hiding behind a business name as some do.

So.....I am calling you on "your" stuff. :light:

CaboMagic - 8-19-2015 at 12:04 PM

Actually motoged I did already - u may have missed my first response.

"Everyone certainly has their needs to consider - personal, financial, spiritual, medical - Dennis, Buddha, Vgabndo, rts551, Alm, Howard, Mula, bledito, bajaguy, BajaBlanca - anyone - - what am I leaving out?.

I'm often asked about moving to Cabo by customers. Its a difficult challenge for me to toe the line between candor without wishing to dampen the enthusiasm of their dreams.

Of course Bahia Asuncion is dependent on tourism - that is a bit of a disingenuous statement - how else could you possibly have built all that you have ? The campground, restaurant, bed & breakfast, more pangas all required dinero to purchase, which isn't farmed from the land or the sea. Just sayin'.

I wish everyone to find their place, where they get to live the life they dream of, because I still like to believe that dreams can, and do, come true.

This is an interesting discussion."

I cannot comment on areas I've not lived in.

CaboMagic - 8-19-2015 at 12:09 PM

PS I'm pretty sure Shari knows my ribbing is just that - ribbing. But by the looks of all the posters defending her, a nerve has been struck ..

There is not one area in all of Baja - north south or central - that does not benefit from tourism. I stand by my original statement, which was not said with disrespect.

Tourism does not necessarily have to mean great crowds or hordes of visitors - I'm using the term to signify money spent by those that do not live there, wherever 'there' is.

Every person reading and/or posting on this board has some element of 'dog-in-the-fight' ...

shari - 8-19-2015 at 02:08 PM

hey Magic...I thought you were out of here? hahaha....what I do have a problem with is people commenting on a place they have never been. Here is a review that was just posted on Trip Advisor about our place that demonstrates my point. DK was right that it may seem like Asuncion has alot of tourism because I post here about the fun we have...but I have never said that it was a tourism mecca by any means....here is the review!

"If you want to go somewhere where there are few or no other tourists, this is the place in Baja. Setting is exceptional, right on the coast with views in all directions. Accommodations are a bit on the rustic side, but that's the price you pay to get away from the tourist areas. If we had more time, I would have been content to sit on the patio all day with a good book, happy to know that we were the only visitors to this lovely town. Bahia Asuncion is by no measure a tourist destination; rather the town lives on abalone harvesting and is quite prosperous. We saw no signs of crime or poverty. Shari is so knowledgeable about California Gray Whales and has a real passion for these wonderful animals, in addition to being a great hostess. Now that the road is paved all the way from hwy 1, I would expect more visitors. Go soon, before the word gets out."

CaboMagic - 8-19-2015 at 07:25 PM

hey Shari - hahaha amiga ...
Trip Advisor reviews will not only bring throngs of visitors, they will spend money too - but no worries, cause visitors are not tourists, and they will not be spending any of their money ... seriously, I/we do wish you well .. plz don't tell me "visitors" that come and go fishing, eat at restaurants, make donations are not tourists :bounce:

bajafam - 8-20-2015 at 04:41 PM

As a former "tourist" of Bahia Asuncion, and now a property owner there....I am going to step in to defend my amiga and my pueblo. We have had our share of ups and downs, and to be honest, probably more than anyone else's share of downs on this board when it comes to property ownership...but there is still no where else in Baja I would rather call home.

The first time we drove into Asuncion, we were entranced. There was just this magical feeling about the place. It grabbed a hold of our hearts and held tight. Every person on the street that day waved to us, smiling, genuine and authentic, not just an absentminded wave and smile like you may give that crazy old guy on the corner....it felt like we stepped into a different reality. It's been 5 years since we bought our property, and in those five years, we've run a gamut of emotions and experiences. We've lost a dear friend....and a home....and not even those tragedies would keep me away from our Baja corazon.

I think, when it comes to Baja, you go with your deepest guttural instinct. If it feels good, do it. If it tastes fine, drink. Before we ventured to Asuncion, living in Baja was a dream, and I never gave it more than a fleeting thought. Once we found THE spot, it's all I think about. I cannot wait until my family can settle there permanently. There have been MANY bumps in the road (literally and figuratively) but I wouldn't change them. Not for anything.

Far North....my best advice (and this is coming from someone that loves Baja so much I had a baby here

) is to find the place that lights your soul on fire. The place that you can hardly bear to leave. The place that you think of when you are away, that is the backdrop to your dreams, both awake and asleep. The place you cannot imagine yourself without. THAT is where you should live. for me, THAT is Bahia Asuncion.

desertcpl - 8-20-2015 at 04:52 PM

Bajafam

very well said I like it

David K - 8-20-2015 at 04:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by desertcpl

Bajafam

very well said I like it

Ditto!

bajafam - 8-20-2015 at 04:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Now, it is reached by paved road, has more than one restaurant, and is growing as do other locations with the coming of pavement. The climate is near perfect there, the ocean views are stunning, most the people seem pleasant and receptive (one Nomad had his family's vacation home/RV burned to the ground), but fishing is still the prime draw for most visitors and remains the town's source of income.

FTR, this is us. Seems a bit odd to bring it up in this context, but yes, that happened. It changed the way I felt about Baja as a whole, and Bahia Asuncion in particular, for about 25 minutes. It was the universe telling me to be grateful....to really look at how fortunate I am to be alive, and to have a Baja place to call home (and no, it wasn't a vacation home, DK, it was our jumping off point to establishing our permanent home, but thank you)....things happen that are outside of our control. It's what we do with those things that makes or breaks us.

[Edited on 8-21-2015 by bajafam]

chuckie - 8-22-2015 at 07:42 AM

Reading this, I wonder if some of the people commenting (The David, Cabo Magic, Spuds) Have EVER been to BA? I have been, a number of times. The village is certainly dependent on the Co-op but I NEVER noticed hoards of gringos lined up for Pangas, nor any big push in the village to promote same. Over hyped? I don't think so! Places like CABO (South Newport Beach) are overhyped and over priced. Ascuncion is what it is.....I'll go back.....

Genecag - 8-22-2015 at 09:54 AM

At this stage in my life, La Paz fits perfectly for me:

Ample ability to make friends from all parts of world
City with all the amenities
Great Fishing
Golf and Tennis facilities
Great Food
Top Beaches and water sports
International Airport with daily flights back to TJ
Close to other points and city/villages
Big enough with small enough feel!

Alm - 8-22-2015 at 10:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Reading this, I wonder if some of the people commenting ...Have EVER been to BA

You are wondering about wrong things.
It is pretty obvious by now that the OP was a troll. We can congratulate him/her with successful accomplishment of the mission, flush the toilet and go around more pleasant and productive activities, I think.

David K - 8-22-2015 at 11:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Reading this, I wonder if some of the people commenting (The David, Cabo Magic, Spuds) Have EVER been to BA? I have been, a number of times. The village is certainly dependent on the Co-op but I NEVER noticed hoards of gringos lined up for Pangas, nor any big push in the village to promote same. Over hyped? I don't think so! Places like CABO (South Newport Beach) are overhyped and over priced. Ascuncion is what it is.....I'll go back.....

"The David"? :lol:

That's funny... like "The Baja", is that what Canadians will be calling me, eh?

First trip to Shari's at Bahía Asunción was in July, 2007... she made me eat this yellowtail caught a couple hours earlier... life is tough!

Here is Juan with a some of the catch earlier... nice hat Juan!

Next trip, July 2012... on top of their expanded B&B, soon renamed La Bufadora Inn, photo taken by Shari... That's "The David" and "The Elizabeth" (aka 'Baja Angel' on Nomad).

Shari gets in the photo...

[Edited on 8-22-2015 by David K]

Far North - 8-22-2015 at 03:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Reading this, I wonder if some of the people commenting ...Have EVER been to BA

I think you're the troll in this thread. If it's so unproductive to you please stop posting in it.

SFandH - 8-22-2015 at 04:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Far North

Hi, I've been reading this forum for a short time and just finally registered. If you don't mind sharing I'm interested in what each of you like in the area you live and why you chose there, to help me narrow my search for a place to spend my winters. I have visited baja several times but have never made it north of la Paz. Any input is appreciated, thanks.

This is the original post and in my opinion it a well stated interesting question. Not a troll like stated by Alm several posts back. So, to try and get it back on track......

I choose to spend my winters (several months) on one of the RV/camping beaches along Bahia Concepcion south of Mulege. About a 16 hour drive from the border. Park the RV right on the beach for 100 pesos per night and keep my 14 foot aluminum outboard boat and kayak right in front of the campsite.

It's a really pretty place. Mulege has all you need and is about 15 miles to the north. The bay is calm, the beaches are nice with shade palapas and there are several small restaurants/bars/stores close by. Sometimes it's crowded but that's OK with me.

link to images

Plus, if you have an offroad vehicle there are dirt roads going west into the mountains. And within an easy day's drive you can go south to Loreto or north to San Ignacio with Santa Rosalia on the way.

No hookups at any of the beaches, which is the way I prefer it.

Maybe folks that go to other places will contribute.

[Edited on 8-22-2015 by SFandH]

Mulege

AKgringo - 8-22-2015 at 04:43 PM

I first visited Mulege and Sanispac in 1986, and again in 1999, but only spent a few days each time. I intend to spend more time there this year and check it out in more detail.

I like the area, and over the years, it has kept it's charm far better than the airport served destinations to the south, and the road served areas near the border.

chuckie - 8-22-2015 at 04:48 PM

+10

Alm - 8-22-2015 at 07:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

This is the original post and in my opinion it a well stated interesting question.

I don't think so, and I'm not the only one with such an opinion here.

Here it is again: there was no "question". Or it was an unrealistically broad question.
Attempts to make the OP clarify what exactly is that he/she is looking for, were ignored.
He is still there, still reading it ... and still nothing.
Their last response - if it may be called so - was not meant to clarify anything, and, btw, is very typical in such situations.
Definitely knows what he wants - but prefers not to tell.
Fine with me. Just sorry for other members wasting their time on this.

bajaspuds - 8-22-2015 at 08:18 PM

like I wrote before, interesting thread, for all the wrong reasons.

and reflective of the primary problems with BN. lots of hype, commercial log-rolling, often belligerent and/or defensive opinons, and also often, little substance.

I am glad so many are in love with BA. Why not? Me too. It is a super great place. Thankfully few gringos. Many, many awesome locals & locales. Just don't make it out to be some ultra-paradise of endless pure bliss. It has drawbacks, like anywhere else.

I should know Chuckie. I live here ...

[Edited on 8-23-2015 by bajaspuds]

[Edited on 8-23-2015 by bajaspuds]