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BigBearRider
Super Nomad
Posts: 1299
Registered: 4-30-2015
Location: Big Bear, Punta Chivato, and Cabo
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Mood: 
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To be clear, IMHO, the weather is unbearably hot on the Sea of Cortez only in July, August and September. The rest of the year it is pretty
fantastic. AC is a requirement for me to sleep during the summer months, a fan won't do.
Santa Rosalia has a Super (?) Ley supermarket, and a Koppel. I think Santa Rosalia may have bigger stores than Loreto, and is closer to Mulege than
Loreto. Of course, La Paz has much more.
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norte
Super Nomad
Posts: 1163
Registered: 10-8-2008
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Save your self some grief. Rent!... you will eventually move and Mesico is no investment. "Move here, move here...I have something to sell you"
should tickle the brain cell some where.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13196
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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How exciting! You really can be flexible and try a couple months here and a couple months there to find out what you like. After reading a lot, at
one point in time, I thought we would love Merida on the mainland. I was so disappointed LOL Would not ever live there and I knew that within
hours....
What is really going to make you love a place are the people - different crowds in Mulege and Loreto and Punta Chivato (gorgeous but no internet so
that is out).....and this you can only discover by actually being there in person.
you asked about expenses so I will try to give you our perspective:
elec - every 2 months we average 500 pesos (we have a freezer)
water - 150 pesos a month
food - for 2 and we eat well - 1500 a week
we live on the Pacific side and in a small community, so we don't have cinemas or restaurants or concerts to go to, so we spend little on
entertainment.
Each community usually has its own site for locals - really good way to get up to the moment information on a product you want, a local vet etc.
Good luck!
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BajaMama
Super Nomad
Posts: 1108
Registered: 10-4-2015
Location: Pleasanton/Punta Chivato
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Mood: Got Baja fever!!
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I vote for Punta Chivato, too. You mentioned you are moving in August - I can't speak for the west coast of the peninsula, but the east, especially
South of Santa Rosalia, is REALLY HOT in August, so where ever you decide, make sure you have air conditioning at least to the beginning of October.
Punta Chivato is where I spend my Baja oats, however, it is off the power grid. Look on the "gallery" forum link, and ask Russ (he posts sunrise pics
of PC on a regular basis) about internet. I think those who have it do satellite; I know when one of my neighbors is in PC she makes it available to
us. Also, I receive TelCel and Movistar with good connection as it is a direct line of site from Mulege. Good luck!
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Erika128
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 2-21-2016
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This forum is amazing. Thanks SO MUCH for everyone's personal opinions!
I'm pretty certain I don't want to live on the Pacific side, although the weather seems more consistent. I've just spent a lot of time on the Pacific
coastline from San Diego all the way up to the Washington Border, and I'm ready for something different. Even if it's in name only. We are looking for
real cultural immersion for my boyfriend (eventually myself) to attain fluency, and not to just hide out in a remote place (as nice as that sounds
sometimes).
Perhaps we'll wait until late October to make the move and avoid the heat. We'd remain in Portland for the best of the season, and considering we are
driving with dogs... it might be for the best to not have everything roasting inside, especially given we'll likely wandering for a couple days trying
to find the right place.
Does anyone know from experience if they check vehicle paperwork at all coming into Baja? I'm going to try and pay off the car before we go, but if I
can't manage that and have to play the lienholders permission game, Baja won't be any easier than mainland Mexico.
I'm also considering applying for a residency permit online, for myself. I exceed the minimum income requirements. Would my boyfriend just get a 180
day tourist visa, or can I list him as a dependent? (good grief, he'd hate that title, lol). Does this have any impact on vehicles in Baja?
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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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Quote: Originally posted by Erika128  | This forum is amazing. Thanks SO MUCH for everyone's personal opinions!
I'm also considering applying for a residency permit online, for myself. I exceed the minimum income requirements. Would my boyfriend just get a 180
day tourist visa, or can I list him as a dependent? (good grief, he'd hate that title, lol). Does this have any impact on vehicles in Baja?
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Methinks you have to prove residency (utility bills rental agreement or a sales contract/bill of sale) to apply for a Residente Temporal/Residente
Permanente status. Don't think you can list him as a dependent. Why don't you both get the FMM tourist card. 180 days should allow you plenty of time
to find the "perfect" spot, then you can decide about your residency status
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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IMHO it's probably best for the both of you to get 180 day FMMs (tourist permits) to start and car insurance from here.
https://www.bajabound.com/
Call them if you have insurance questions.
You'll both need US passports BTW.
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Erika128
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 2-21-2016
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Great, I've heard that recommendation from other forums and resources as well. Thanks!
Passports are completed. I've heard conflicting opinions as to get the FMMs online beforehand, or just do it across the border. My biggest concern is
driving around unnecessarily with the dogs in the car.
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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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| Quote: Originally posted by Erika128 |
Passports are completed. I've heard conflicting opinions as to get the FMMs online beforehand, or just do it across the border. My biggest concern is
driving around unnecessarily with the dogs in the car. |
I don't think you save much time getting them on line. You have to stop at the border (INM office) anyway to get them stamped before they are vaild.
My experience has been about a 10 minute stop (depending on day/time you cross). Dogs should/will be OK
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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| Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy | | Quote: Originally posted by Erika128 |
Passports are completed. I've heard conflicting opinions as to get the FMMs online beforehand, or just do it across the border. My biggest concern is
driving around unnecessarily with the dogs in the car. |
I'm in with SFandH and this.
I don't think you save much time getting them on line. You have to stop at the border (INM office) anyway to get them stamped before they are vaild.
My experience has been about a 10 minute stop (depending on day/time you cross). Dogs should/will be OK |
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2729
Registered: 5-10-2011
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Somewhat immature approach, IMO.
I have a bad news for you, Erika128. NOBODY but you will tell what place is "the best" for you. Or - for your dogs (you may of course try and ask
them, but I don't think it matters as long as the landlord allows dogs).
Now, if you are looking for "the cheapest", this is easier. The farther from towns with airport and Highway 1 - the cheaper. No good beach in town -
cheaper again. Ex, Sta Rosalia used to be cheap because there is no beach, though it lost its charm since copper mine re-opened. Google is your
friend. Keywords "rentals sh-thole" (substitute with town name), or "arriendos (town name again)", or "casas".
As others noted, fast and reliable internet outside major towns is not guaranteed.
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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baja sur rentals on craigslist
try this for rental ideas
http://bajasur.craigslist.com.mx/
this caught my eye
http://bajasur.craigslist.com.mx/apa/5389399546.html
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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I travel w/a dog also and share the "hot car" concern, but the
parking area at the San Diego-Tijuana crossing is covered so less of a concern.
Approach the building from the north for covered parking before crossing through the inspection lanes.
Discover Baja club is worth exploring (maybe was mentioned before in this thread) for answers to many of your questions.
They can help with insurance, FMM, maps, books, directions, discounts on hotels etc. while traveling in Baja/Baja Sur.
| Quote: Originally posted by Erika128 | Great, I've heard that recommendation from other forums and resources as well. Thanks!
Passports are completed. I've heard conflicting opinions as to get the FMMs online beforehand, or just do it across the border. My biggest concern is
driving around unnecessarily with the dogs in the car.
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\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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Rent before you decide...Everyone has their own idea of paradise.
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beachbum1A
Nomad
Posts: 442
Registered: 6-17-2006
Location: Punta Banda, BC
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd | So, at the end of the day, Erika, You and your family will have to make choices.
Climate- On the Pacific side such as Asuncion, relatively cool.
On the SOC side, hot, very hot.
Internet access is just about available everywhere; just that if you feel the need to stream videos, it won't work well everywhere.
In my experience, heading down the the Cuesta de Infierno into Santa Rosalia is jaw dropping.
Well said!
And again, what are your needs for shopping? Mulege is a wonderful place, but, if you need to shop for more than the basics, Loreto offers much more.
And you can take a day trip to La Paz to shop at the BIG stores such as Walmart and alike.
As a long time Baja traveler, my opinion is that you should really research the Loreto area.
La Paz is a big city and has just about all the amenities anyone would want, including traffic. But you can easily make a day trip to La Paz from
Loreto.
Not so much in the way of amenities in Loreto. But so much more peaceful.
Best of luck in making your decision.[/
quote] |
Just do it!
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Erika128
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 2-21-2016
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| Quote: Originally posted by Alm | Somewhat immature approach, IMO.
I have a bad news for you, Erika128. NOBODY but you will tell what place is "the best" for you. Or - for your dogs (you may of course try and ask
them, but I don't think it matters as long as the landlord allows dogs).
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Asking expat locals on their opinions is the immature thing to do? Of course "best" is relative - but "best" is also a tidy word to envelop a lot of
things.
I'm getting so much amazing information from this thread, enough that I can start to possibly define my own "best" even before we get there in regard
to my various needs/wants. What I want to avoid doing is driving a thousand miles with all our necessities and two dogs, and not have ANY
narrowed-down ideas of where to land.
I strongly dislike the fact that I have dogs to worry about, but it is what it is. I wish we could just drive, camp or stay in a hotel in a couple
different cities, then decide, but I can't fathom how that would be doable with two big dogs.
Thank you for your opinion, and again to everyone else. I'm learning so much!
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Erika128
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 2-21-2016
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Right now I seem to be leaning towards Loreto. Not too small to be without some amenities or culture, but not so big as to be the city I left (only
nicer weather). I just can't seem to find any example rentals at all in Loreto. Lots for La Paz & Mulege though. The rental budget may end up
being the final deciding factor between Baja and heading inland to GTO, because they both are appealing and are equal on the positives/negatives
scale.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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Oh no no no. They're worth the effort, by a mile. Especially when you see them running free, digging holes, chasing birds, on a baja beach. Dogs and
Baja are like bacon and eggs, the sum is greater than the parts.
Plus they offer the best security system you can get, whether in a house or a tent on the beach.
Dogs are a good, even great, thing.
[Edited on 3-3-2016 by SFandH]
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wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
Member Is Offline
Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
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Agree with that ... they actually become dogs
We had two when down .. and they really enjoyed the place
We stay in Baja Norte ... km 44.5 for over a year ...
Wife liked being even closer to her friends and relative .. so we came back ... I could have stayed without a second thought
But, age and physical condition wouldn't allow for it
So if you are healthy .. Go for it ...
Been 5 years now since down ... and will not be making it down anymore .. such is life
[Edited on 3-3-2016 by wessongroup]
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Erika128
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 2-21-2016
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| Quote: Originally posted by SFandH |
Oh no no no. They're worth the effort, by a mile. Especially when you see them running free, digging holes, chasing birds, on a baja beach. Dogs and
Baja are like bacon and eggs, the sum is greater than the parts.
Plus they offer the best security system you can get, whether in a house or a tent on the beach.
Dogs are a good, even great, thing.
[Edited on 3-3-2016 by SFandH] |
LOL, I appreciate your enthusiasm. Dogs are essentially my business, and I'm very experienced in care/training/etc. One dog is good (mine). She's old
and behaves and is never too big of a problem. She'll stick by us, and it warms my heart to see her warm her old bones in the sunshine. She's so happy
at the beach too <3.
The other.. well.. I'm worried about taking her anywhere. She WILL run away. Has to be leashed at all times. No training. Frankly, she's cute, but
she's a bane to me, and my boyfriend refuses to consider rehoming her to a more appropriate family. (it's a long story). This is why I'm looking for
something with a fenced yard, hopefully. And that may not even stop her. If she gets away in Mexico, I wonder if we'll see her again. 
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