BajaNomad - Where should I Live? (All Suggestions welcome) (Is Baja for me?)

Where should I Live? (All Suggestions welcome) (Is Baja for me?)

Kayka - 3-31-2017 at 02:50 AM

Budget:$500/mo.

Seeking a private casita *not near neighbors*.

Size: 100 sq ft or less.

Empty! All I want is 100 sq ft I can a/c, and when I go out it is always dry and sunny. I do not use furniture (I sleep on the ground!). I do not use an oven. Simply an air-conditioned space, preferably of natural material, such as adobe.

Preferred climate: As dry as possible. As much sun as possible. I've lived in Yuma, AZ and enjoyed the climate there.

I read Baja California has the driest climate in Mexico ?

Thank you,

Kyle

[Edited on 3-31-2017 by Kayka]

fishbuck - 3-31-2017 at 03:51 AM

You are easy to please. San Felipe and south.

woody with a view - 3-31-2017 at 04:37 AM

$500 to sleep on the ground? Shouldnt be too hard to find something.

pacificobob - 3-31-2017 at 07:08 AM

this is going to get good.

David K - 3-31-2017 at 07:23 AM

The powerlines end 10 miles from San Felipe at Punta Estrella. Beyond that, you will need a fancy solar battery system or a noisy generator to run a air conditioner. It's only too hot for sleep late July to mid September. Many gringos leave for summer, but that is my favorite time to go.

bajagrouper - 3-31-2017 at 07:24 AM

Kayka, When you say budget "$500/mo", that is for housing only?

" sleeping on the ground" I would bring a black light to see scorpions.

"100 sq foot or less" do you mean 100 sq meters?

MMc - 3-31-2017 at 07:34 AM

Kayka, nice troll. I hope you find your place.

Kayka - 3-31-2017 at 08:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

You are easy to please. San Felipe and south.

The San Felipe website says it gets as humid as miami, and much of Mexico's coast is humid (http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx/about/climate.html). Is that true? Maybe there are communities in the mountains where it is less humid?

Quote: Originally posted by bajagrouper

Kayka, When you say budget "$500/mo", that is for housing only?

" sleeping on the ground" I would bring a black light to see scorpions.

"100 sq foot or less" do you mean 100 sq meters?

Housing only.

"Ground" meaning floor. Such as a tile floor (common in Mexico) or wood.

100 sq ft. I "live" in 24 sq ft (6 ft x 4 ft). I am a minimalist, especially by NA standards.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

The powerlines end 10 miles from San Felipe at Punta Estrella. Beyond that, you will need a fancy solar battery system or a noisy generator to run a air conditioner. It's only too hot for sleep late July to mid September. Many gringos leave for summer, but that is my favorite time to go.

I'm looking to move as early as Monday w/ passport. Prefer a place with electric hookup.

To reiterate, I am looking for the driest climate possible in Mexico / bcs. And sunniest. Aka desert. On the coast it's always humid (currently living on CT coast 1 block from the Atlantic - previously lived in San Francisco, and Miami as well. flock the coast - it's humid and cloudy)

Arizona is pricey af for my budget, so am hoping to find more privacy in Mexico.

[Edited on 3-31-2017 by Kayka]

bajagrouper - 3-31-2017 at 08:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Kayka

Thank you. The San Felipe website says it gets as humid as miami, and much of Mexico's coast is humid (http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx/about/climate.html). Is that true? Maybe there are communities in the mountains where it is less humid?

Could not take the time to answer my questions while you were just on line?

BajaBlanca - 3-31-2017 at 08:36 AM

to not have rain, you must stay on the Pacific side of the peninsula.

I suggest you take a trip south and travel the towns, there are plenty of options for housing at the price you mention. Each town has it's own charm - start Ensenada and work your way south.

Kayka - 3-31-2017 at 08:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajagrouper

Quote: Originally posted by Kayka

Could not take the time to answer my questions while you were just on line?

Sorry! Edited post.

[Edited on 3-31-2017 by Kayka]

BajaBlanca - 3-31-2017 at 08:48 AM

it is not humid on the Pacific coast. It is very dry. It really is a desert.

Kayka - 3-31-2017 at 09:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

to not have rain, you must stay on the Pacific side of the peninsula.

I suggest you take a trip south and travel the towns, there are plenty of options for housing at the price you mention. Each town has it's own charm - start Ensenada and work your way south.

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

it is not humid on the Pacific coast. It is very dry. It really is a desert.

While true, I am looking for a true dry climate with the lowest absolute humidity. The coast always bring humidity, as would any body of water.

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch

I'd say the Atacama meets all your requirements.
It is definitely not in Baja, though.

Fantastic suggestion. (Non-sarcasm) Per Wikipedia: "The Atacama Desert (Spanish: Desierto de Atacama) is a plateau in South America, covering a 1,000-kilometre (600 mi) strip of land on the Pacific coast, west of the Andes mountains. It is the driest non-polar desert in the world."

Yes.. Yes..

[Edited on 3-31-2017 by Kayka]

[Edited on 3-31-2017 by Kayka]

David K - 3-31-2017 at 09:36 AM

The Pacific of Southern Baja, where Blanca lives... Northern Baja Pacific has fog, rain, overcast weather.

Yes, in the summer, near the gulf cost it is humid... hot and humid. That is why you want an AC, I would presume. A fan may actually work better.

The town of Bahia de los Angeles, 200 miles south of San Felipe has 24 hour electricity and lots of homes, and other services (stores, restaurants) and is about as desert and Baja-like as anywhere!

Here's the view as you near town:

bajagrouper - 3-31-2017 at 12:39 PM

Kayka, I'll ask again...

Is $500 USD a month just for the rent for a casita?

You are looking for a casita that is 10' x10' or 9 sq meters?

And you do not mind sleeping on the ground, possibility with scorpions?

BajaBlanca - 3-31-2017 at 02:08 PM

scroll up and you will see that she answered this:

"Housing only.

"Ground" meaning floor. Such as a tile floor (common in Mexico) or wood.

100 sq ft. I "live" in 24 sq ft (6 ft x 4 ft). I am a minimalist, especially by NA standards."

***********************************************

As far as I know, Bahia de Los Angeles is really humid, so does not meet specifications at all....

You will not need an A/C on the Pacific south of Guerrero Negro except during santa ana conditions, which are very rare. Where we are there is fog maybe once a year and in the past 11 years it has rained maybe 6 times - and then it poured due to hurricanes.

Honestly, the Atacama is not a bad suggestion - BBC does documentaries on it. Dry super dry.

David K - 3-31-2017 at 02:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

scroll up and you will see that she answered this:

"Housing only.

"Ground" meaning floor. Such as a tile floor (common in Mexico) or wood.

100 sq ft. I "live" in 24 sq ft (6 ft x 4 ft). I am a minimalist, especially by NA standards."

***********************************************

As far as I know, Bahia de Los Angeles is really humid, so does not meet specifications at all....

You will not need an A/C on the Pacific south of Guerrero Negro except during santa ana conditions, which are very rare. Where we are there is fog maybe once a year and in the past 11 years it has rained maybe 6 times - and then it poured due to hurricanes.

Honestly, the Atacama is not a bad suggestion - BBC does documentaries on it. Dry super dry.

It is extremely desert and dry except for when the tropical stuff comes up from the south... and that is almost always in August and September when the 100°+ weather chases away most people who have two homes. There is rare winter rain, but not a lot. I got rained on on New Years Day camping just south at Las Animas, this year. Spring and Fall are great for weather, but wind can come up in Spring for a few days at a time.

If weather is going to be an issue, best move to San Diego! We have very little weather drama here... as well as the area where Baja Blanca and Shari live on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur.

DENNIS - 3-31-2017 at 02:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Kayka

100 sq ft. I "live" in 24 sq ft (6 ft x 4 ft). I am a minimalist, especially by NA standards.

Are you 12 inches tall?
Do you sleep standing up?
Are you in jail?
I think you must be wonnathem troll people.
Go away.

bajagrouper - 3-31-2017 at 04:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

rts551 - 3-31-2017 at 04:49 PM

sounds like Catavina may be your place. Wonder if Gatta-Pesos place is still there. Its dry, warm in the summer...and a lot of minimalist living there.

LukeJobbins - 3-31-2017 at 06:32 PM

If you have money for supplies to build and don't mind being a bit away from stores I have talked to ranchers about renting land from them. (Some live way out there away from neighbors and people)
Dirt cheap if you can find an honest nice one that will let you just do your thing(just not destroying their land). I have found a few that have quoted under 500 per year. The key would be being trustworthy to mind your own business with no funny or illegal business and not destroying their land.
I built a tiny room/house from scratch dirt, dirt cheap myself(I kinda know what I'm doing) inside a garage once that was 7'x7' and I started sleeping on the ground then built a cot type thing to have storage underneath.
I just ran an extension cord into the room for one light, laptop, and bought an a/c but moved before I could install it.
At that size the smallest a/c is way more than powerful enough provided you have enough insulation and sealing to keep in the cold air.
For a minimalist setup like that solar is crazy cheap or just branching off the ranchers power would work.
Its my goal in a while to do just that and everything is small enough to break down in sections and load into a trailer for storage or to move locations(renting is great).
PM me with your email and I can show you pictures of what I built and what everything cost me if you are interested.

BajaTed - 3-31-2017 at 08:02 PM

Get a cargo container and expand from there. Palapa, cistern & patio on the roof and covered patio on both sides.

$700 for a 40x11x11

BornFisher - 3-31-2017 at 09:18 PM

If you`re cute and female, you can sleep in my closet.
Or just go back under the bridge like a good troll.

DENNIS - 4-1-2017 at 07:04 AM

:lol:

.......really. Minimalize to the max.

Russ - 4-1-2017 at 07:06 AM

$500/mo for rent is doable. Your climate requirements Are tough unless you don't mind moving seasonally. SOC is humid during the summer but you could move over to the Pacific side then. Might be best to travel and camp for awhile and find what you want. Once you find the area I'm pretty sure you could build you room for the $ you save camping a few months. And now is a great time to explore.

DENNIS - 4-1-2017 at 08:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaTed

Get a cargo container and expand from there. Palapa, cistern & patio on the roof and covered patio on both sides.

$700 for a 40x11x11

I thought containers were only 8 feet wide for the road. :?:

LukeJobbins - 4-1-2017 at 04:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote: Originally posted by BajaTed

Get a cargo container and expand from there. Palapa, cistern & patio on the roof and covered patio on both sides.

$700 for a 40x11x11

I thought containers were only 8 feet wide for the road. :?:

Limited to 8' in baja?! Haha I wish! Ive been off the road a few times because of trailers or homes taking up most of my lane as well as theirs. There are no rules on the road there, except expect the unexpected.

And containers from I have been told be the container companies in ensenada is that the price and paperwork of buying one for personal use and the transportation involved is not worth it. Plus to rust proof/insulate for bajas temp changes would be a total pain. If you guys have any other info on them being reasonable to obtain and transport in baja let me know because that is my eventual goal. To build a getaway house I can literally shut and lock tight when I leave.

DENNIS - 4-1-2017 at 05:05 PM

I just thought they were built with road width allowances in mind...8' in USA without a permit for wide load. Same in Mexico to my knowledge. I've seen many "Wide Loads", mostly mobile home halves moving with escorts and well marked.
Anyway...if you get one, make sure it's one of the insulated cold product models or you'll be enjoying life in an oven.

Alm - 4-2-2017 at 12:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS

Are you 12 inches tall?
Do you sleep standing up?
Are you in jail?
I think you must be wonnathem troll people.
Go away.

I would say - "away from Baja"

.

Sounds like a troll or just plain dumb and lazy, zero thinking efforts before asking a question. Throwing bits and pieces of info as he goes.

One can sleep on the ground, spend nothing on housing, and not use an oven - the question is for how long.

Assuming there was some seriousness in the OP question, I'll try to answer seriously too - No, Baja is not for you. Go farther away.

DENNIS - 4-2-2017 at 07:22 AM

Yes. That's much better.
Here's a suggestion for tiny people:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilliput_and_Blefuscu

BajaTed - 4-2-2017 at 09:53 AM

You guys are right, shipping containers are 8" wide

Here is a shipping container related story with a nice twist

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/harrell-748165-lane-potte...

willardguy - 4-2-2017 at 10:40 AM

seems to me (if any of this is even true) a simple class B motorhome would be just the ticket. air conditioned and follow the weather you seek.

Alm - 4-2-2017 at 11:57 AM

Right, an old van with mattress on the floor... parked in Atacama desert.

Coyotes and wild doves will be bringing food and water.

chuckie - 4-2-2017 at 03:28 PM

Oxnard

DENNIS - 4-2-2017 at 03:31 PM

:lol:

Kayka - 4-2-2017 at 03:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajagrouper

You are correct BajaBlanca, I missed his reply, does sound like a jail cell........

Not in jail =) A rooming house. My room is 100 sq ft but I only use 24 sq ft. While I am not sensitive to small spaces, I am sensitive to temperature and enjoy the freedom to turn the A/C on to 50 if I want.

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

sounds like Catavina may be your place. Wonder if Gatta-Pesos place is still there. Its dry, warm in the summer...and a lot of minimalist living there.

Cool! How much would it cost to build a 7x7x7 Adobe studio in Catavina?

Quote: Originally posted by LukeJobbins

If you have money for supplies to build and don't mind being a bit away from stores I have talked to ranchers about renting land from them. (Some live way out there away from neighbors and people)
Dirt cheap if you can find an honest nice one that will let you just do your thing(just not destroying their land). I have found a few that have quoted under 500 per year. The key would be being trustworthy to mind your own business with no funny or illegal business and not destroying their land.
I built a tiny room/house from scratch dirt, dirt cheap myself(I kinda know what I'm doing) inside a garage once that was 7'x7' and I started sleeping on the ground then built a cot type thing to have storage underneath.
I just ran an extension cord into the room for one light, laptop, and bought an a/c but moved before I could install it.
At that size the smallest a/c is way more than powerful enough provided you have enough insulation and sealing to keep in the cold air.
For a minimalist setup like that solar is crazy cheap or just branching off the ranchers power would work.
Its my goal in a while to do just that and everything is small enough to break down in sections and load into a trailer for storage or to move locations(renting is great).
PM me with your email and I can show you pictures of what I built and what everything cost me if you are interested.

Emailed!

Quote: Originally posted by BajaTed

Get a cargo container and expand from there. Palapa, cistern & patio on the roof and covered patio on both sides.

$700 for a 40x11x11

Cool. Looking to keep it natural though.

[Edited on 4-2-2017 by Kayka]

Alm - 4-2-2017 at 03:58 PM

This is getting odder and odder.

The requirements were: always sunny, always very dry, no neighbors nearby, and with a real electricity - enough to run A/C. With property prices low enough to rent a detached house for $500.

There is no such place anywhere in Baja.

Now you are saying that you want to build - in a place where you have never been, don't know anything about, and that doesn't fit your criteria anyway.

I wonder what's coming next - perhaps a runway for all-natural solar aircraft.

DENNIS - 4-2-2017 at 04:04 PM

Maybe a nest in a tree.

chuckie - 4-2-2017 at 04:22 PM

I AM the ULTIMATE minimalist! I live out of my Pocket...Cash Credit cards Nice place to stay every night...Perhaps the company of a lovely lady...Good food wine, cigars...easy peasey..

Alm - 4-2-2017 at 04:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Nice place to stay every night...Perhaps the company of a lovely lady...

Now, THIS is more realistic approach.

bajabuddha - 4-2-2017 at 04:42 PM

Sorry, but that tiny space is getting kinda stinky from this view. Minimalist.... as long as there's enough electricity to run an A/C at 50º and one light bulb... oh, AND happen to sleep on the floor..... somehow laptops (which also draw large energy consumption) don't sleep on floors too well. Somebody's yanking chains here. I smell moldy under-bridges.

willardguy - 4-2-2017 at 05:11 PM

all the OP is asking is if there is a place in baja that fit his climate concern, not commentary on his choice of dwelling....100 sq ft? I lived very comfortably on a boat for 10 years with 100 sq ft of living space. sounds very doable to me, can't find a spot with power to run your AC? small generator to cool 100 sq ft is no problem.
who are really the trolls here? :rolleyes:

chuckie - 4-2-2017 at 05:26 PM

OH OH..I feel a peeong contest coming on..

bajabuddha - 4-2-2017 at 05:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

all the OP is asking is if there is a place in baja that fit his climate concern, not commentary on his choice of dwelling....100 sq ft? I lived very comfortably on a boat for 10 years with 100 sq ft of living space. sounds very doable to me, can't find a spot with power to run your AC? small generator to cool 100 sq ft is no problem.
who are really the trolls here? :rolleyes:

You trollin' me, sucka? :lol:

(higher on the wall)

bajagrouper - 4-2-2017 at 06:03 PM

Kayka writes:
"Not in jail =) A rooming house. My room is 100 sq ft but I only use 24 sq ft. While I am not sensitive to small spaces, I am sensitive to temperature and enjoy the freedom to turn the A/C on to 50 if I want."

I never said you were in Jail, I wrote that a 24 sq.' sounds like a jail cell.

I would love to see a floor plan of your 100 sq' adobe dream house.......

By the way using a lot of A/C in Mexico can be quite expensive because they have a system if you use too much you are put on a higher rate schedule that can last 6 months even if you reduce usage....I believe CFE refers to it as the DAC.....

mtgoat666 - 4-2-2017 at 06:11 PM

Thoreau' cabin at Walden pond was only 10x15 ft.
But that is 50% bigger than the OP's desired abode.

If he wants a cool 10x10, he should dig a cave.

chuckie - 4-2-2017 at 06:38 PM

Hey! Like I said..storage unit in Oxnard...

fishbuck - 4-2-2017 at 11:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

I AM the ULTIMATE minimalist! I live out of my Pocket...Cash Credit cards Nice place to stay every night...Perhaps the company of a lovely lady...Good food wine, cigars...easy peasey..

Yeah I stay at the same place when I go to baja...

bajagrouper - 4-3-2017 at 02:39 PM

You could re use old adobe from some old church that is melting away...so it is free.......

7 foot high, then add a ceiling fan...LOL

chuckie - 4-3-2017 at 02:58 PM

lessee? 7x7x7 dobe in Catavina? 96.00 US