dwedeking
Newbie
Posts: 15
Registered: 4-10-2014
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Ensenada - Questions About Living In The Area
Been lurking for a while and looking at (90% chance of it happening) moving to the Ensenada area. I have a few questions on the logistics of certain
things.
The Plan (just to give some background) - I'm mid 40's, single (so no obligations of children/wife which definitely would change the plans), I
telecommute (so can work anywhere in the world that I can get a wifi connection). I'm living a pretty minimalistic lifestyle so don't need the fancier
things in life and hate suburbia (ie eating at chain restaurants, big box stores etc). I just finished up living 4 years in Hawai'i (Big Island)
living out in a "shack" in the jungle semi-off-grid, so am used to doing without/improvising. Planning a trip down in late May/early June to get some
"eyes" on the ground for a July/August move time.
Questions:
1) I read a lot (3 novels a week or so) and currently use the local library so as to not bankrupt myself (  ). I'm assuming that all the local libraries, if available are predominately spanish or do to the nearness to the
border carry some books in english? If not an option, other than a Kindle-type option is there local bookstores that cater to the expat community?
2) I'm looking (for now) for the areas south of Ensenada (Estero Beach even as far south as Punta Bunda, not familiar enough with the rest of the
location designations hence the trip down) and wish to live on the beach. I've looked at some places on the internet (Cruz International, Baker's Baja
Realty) and found places in those areas that fit my criteria for a long term rental (6 month - 1 year). Is there any recommendations on the best way
to locate a rental (furnished) in that area? Companies/people to avoid?
2) Is it difficult to set up utilities and such or are these things usually included in the package of the rental? (haven't actually contacted rental
agencies yet as I don't have a firm date and didn't want to waste their time).
3) Do most expats order specialty items (photography gear, dive gear, speciality tools, etc) from the US and pay the duties or can you find those
things easily in mexico? Does mexico have much of an ecommerce type business going on?
4) Does anyone know of a map that shows the various mini-communities? I've been following a number of blogs/forums/lists and hear about various
"campos", etc in the area (don't need all of baja) but not sure what the cut offs are when I look on Google Maps.
Thank you in advance.
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EnsenadaDr
Banned
Posts: 5027
Registered: 9-12-2011
Location: Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Move on. It is just a chapter in the past, but don't close the book- just turn the page
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You can U2U me with your contact info, I spent a lot of time on the Big Island and Ensenada, so I am sure we will be able to exchange useful
information. | Quote: | Originally posted by dwedeking
Been lurking for a while and looking at (90% chance of it happening) moving to the Ensenada area. I have a few questions on the logistics of certain
things.
The Plan (just to give some background) - I'm mid 40's, single (so no obligations of children/wife which definitely would change the plans), I
telecommute (so can work anywhere in the world that I can get a wifi connection). I'm living a pretty minimalistic lifestyle so don't need the fancier
things in life and hate suburbia (ie eating at chain restaurants, big box stores etc). I just finished up living 4 years in Hawai'i (Big Island)
living out in a "shack" in the jungle semi-off-grid, so am used to doing without/improvising. Planning a trip down in late May/early June to get some
"eyes" on the ground for a July/August move time.
Questions:
1) I read a lot (3 novels a week or so) and currently use the local library so as to not bankrupt myself ( ). I'm assuming that all the local libraries, if available are predominately spanish or do to the nearness to the
border carry some books in english? If not an option, other than a Kindle-type option is there local bookstores that cater to the expat community?
2) I'm looking (for now) for the areas south of Ensenada (Estero Beach even as far south as Punta Bunda, not familiar enough with the rest of the
location designations hence the trip down) and wish to live on the beach. I've looked at some places on the internet (Cruz International, Baker's Baja
Realty) and found places in those areas that fit my criteria for a long term rental (6 month - 1 year). Is there any recommendations on the best way
to locate a rental (furnished) in that area? Companies/people to avoid?
2) Is it difficult to set up utilities and such or are these things usually included in the package of the rental? (haven't actually contacted rental
agencies yet as I don't have a firm date and didn't want to waste their time).
3) Do most expats order specialty items (photography gear, dive gear, speciality tools, etc) from the US and pay the duties or can you find those
things easily in mexico? Does mexico have much of an ecommerce type business going on?
4) Does anyone know of a map that shows the various mini-communities? I've been following a number of blogs/forums/lists and hear about various
"campos", etc in the area (don't need all of baja) but not sure what the cut offs are when I look on Google Maps.
Thank you in advance. |
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Subscribe to the Punta Banda Newsletter
You have to separate the wheat from the chaff, but will give you an idea about rentals and what is going on in the area.
puntabandanewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For a pretty good map of the area, stop at any PEMEX 7/11 or OXXO gas station and pick up a city map.
Plenty of Nomads currently living here that can help you out
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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There are a couple of expat clubs/organizations in Ensenada and Punta Banda that have libraries with large inventories to loan......almost all
English.
Also...the many Segundas [second hand stores] around town have lots of books in English to buy for a little bit of nothing.
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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BajaUtah
Nomad
Posts: 190
Registered: 10-4-2013
Location: Salt Lake City/La Ribera
Member Is Offline
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On the sublect of free reading - after an initial iPad, Kindle or Nook investment most libraries have free downloadable books. Also lots of free book
sources. Search "free Nook books" on Barnes and Noble or go to www.smashwords.com.
I had a Nook for several years and an iPad for the last year and I haven't paid for a book for years.
Andy
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dwedeking
Newbie
Posts: 15
Registered: 4-10-2014
Member Is Offline
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Thanks everyone for the replies.
BajaUtah - after working all day on a computer I really hate staring at a screen lol plus books don't have screen glare/battery issues, but it is a
definite work around.
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baconjr
Nomad
Posts: 128
Registered: 7-14-2012
Member Is Offline
Mood: Es la vida de perro!
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Vbro a web site has listings for Ensenada and Punta Banda. Most of the rentals are short term but you might be able to swing a deal. They are usually
all ready to go so you can look around and have all the creature comforts. http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/mexico/baja-california-...
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EnsenadaDr
Banned
Posts: 5027
Registered: 9-12-2011
Location: Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Move on. It is just a chapter in the past, but don't close the book- just turn the page
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just talked to a buddy of mine in Keaau, and a friend in Paradise Park. It's all good, aloha!!
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dasubergeek
Senior Nomad
Posts: 694
Registered: 8-17-2013
Member Is Offline
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One thing you'll need to know is that for the most part, bills in Mexico are paid in person. Nobody trusts Sepomex (the post office). Water, electric,
phone, Internet, etc., all paid in person at the various offices.
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