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Rustycage
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 4-8-2008
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Moving to Baja
Hi everyone I am new of course and have some ?s for anyone willing to respond.
I am seriously considering a move to Baja I have a job opportunity selling real estate and also own a flooring business. I contract for mostly tile
and stone. I have three kids 6,3,2 and I think it would be awesome for them to grow up on
the pacific coast.
I am in need of some advice as to where to live and cost of living also if there is any work to be had or if it is scarce. I am a bit concerned about
the robberies and kidnappings but I am far from High profile or rich so not too worried??
I would like to learn as much as possible about the Real life from you guys and what to expect.
Can I have my kids in school in San Diego while living in Baja would be another point that would also play into the equation?
I have lots of questions but I want to throw this out and see if I am headed in the right direction.....
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thank You
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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Location: Punta Banda
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Oh man, Rusty... You have come to the right place with your can of worms. Right now I have to go to Sharky's so I'll turn you over to someone who
will fill you in. I'll be back. We have to talk.
A tile setter looking for work in Mexico? We have to talk.
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Rustycage
Newbie
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Thanks Dennis I am anxiously awaiting. Have a good time
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ILikeMex
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Mood: Whishing I was there
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
A tile setter looking for work in Mexico? We have to talk. |
Yes, isn't that like a help desk technician going to work in India?
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sylens
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carrying coals to newcastle.
that said, don't rule out anything. more responses will follow and it may be possible....
but enrolling children in san diego schools? why not find a good school down here and have your children grow up bilingual?
jmho.
lili
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ILikeMex
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Or selling real estate/time shares in Mexico - doh.
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Rustycage
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| Quote: | but enrolling children in san diego schools? why not find a good school down here and have your children grow up bilingual?
jmho. |
I can see why that is concerning and a very good point.
The reason I asked if they could attend in San Diego is that the only Schools that I can find are Spanish to English and not English to Spanish. So I
am asking for the reason of knowing rather than deciding. If I can find a good school in Mexico I am all for it
Thanks for the responses and looking forward to hearing more.
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BajaDanD
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schools
San Diego is not as close to Baja as you might think
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DianaT
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There are a number of children who live in Mexico who attend California public schools. Done legally, it requires payment and I do not remember how
the cost is calculated, but I think it is based on the ADA fees from the state.
That said, there are lots of children who cross over and do not pay the fees---often they have an address with a relative or a rented garage on this
side of the border, and sometimes they do not. It is easier where the children can cross the border on foot. Also, there are private and religious
schools on the US side who don't care where you live.
To me, the idea of crossing from Tijuana every day in a car is a nightmare. I do know one couple who moved back from Rosarito for that very reason.
Lots of people do it, and maybe with the sentri pass it is more tenable.
Good luck with your dream----don't ever lose it.
Diane
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mulegemichael
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Tile and stone work, hey?....you'll fit right in as that is probably the number one "skill level" job in all of mexico. Of ALL the jobs available, it
is the most desirable in baja. All of the tile/stone workers that I know in our little town are working and actually turning down jobs because they
are too busy...so...you'll have no problem finding work...but...can you live on $50 a day?...that's about the prevailing wage for a "skill" position,
at least in southern baja...quite the change from what you're now making, i'm sure..and...not sure if you can LEGALLY work without tieing in to a
mexican family/wife/etc....not sure your wife would approve..The cost of living in communities down here is much lower than up north as long as they
havent been impacted by an influx of gringos; cabo san lucas,las barriles,loreto, etc, are prime examples....I lived in a little town called la
ribera; isolated, few gringos, off the beaten track....just 15 miles away the town of las barriles was being pretty heavily impacted by an ever
expanding gringo community....the difference in normal, everyday groceries was astounding!.....so....there ya go...my two cents..
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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Location: Punta Banda
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RC......
Where are you now and why are you considering Mexico as your new home? Are you just in need of a change or are you trying to rid yourself of a nasty
environment?
I used to think that a US education was superior to that which is offered in Mexico but, the quality of public education in the US has deteriorated
to a dismal point and the student's assurance of preparation has been seriously diminished. That said, education in Mexico, other than exclusive,
expensive silver-spoon institutes, is worse. Higher education graduates, when going to the US to practice their profession, will have to supliment
their expertise with additional schooling just to meet minimum requirments.
Design your children's future wisely and forget about having them commute across the line for school Those days are over.
As for your future, you're bringing dirt to the farm. [Lili] Unless you
practice your trade [ art ] in a wealthy community here, you will be competeing with locals in an environment where most customers are satisfied with
"mediocre." You'll have problems getting business. Mexicans won't hire you and the expats, for some reason, will prefer to hire the local as a
gesture to assimilation. Work quality won't be considered. To add insult to injury, you'll have to pay a pile of money to legalize yourself just for
the right to be unemployed.
Somebody up there mentioned "your dream." Pursue it, yes. Do that but, don't pursue a nightmare. Baja is no place for a foreigner to start from
scratch. Even Mexicans have a tough time doing that.
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Rustycage
Newbie
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Thank you Diane I really appreciate that.
mulegemichael
I really don't know if I can live on 50 a day w/3 kids but I was hoping you guys could fill me in on that.....
I guess I need to do some more research on whether or not I can work there also.
Is there a "Best Place To Live" for a Gringo family ? I see a lot of people like Rosarito but that's too much party and noise, Playjas De
Tijuana?(sp) I have heard is a maybe..All I am looking for is a safe and beautiful place w/lots of friendly easy going people, low crime and lots of
sun..I dream about Surfing which by the way I have never done, Eating fish tacos and occasional margaritas or whatnot. If I can actually make this
happen it will be my dream come true and I believe my children would benefit abunduntly .
On another note
Can you actually look at people there w/out being glared at or thought of as a wierdO? Ya know just people watch or say hi to someone at the gas
station w/out someone thinking your crazy?
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DENNIS
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We're posting all over each other. Seems as though you still have interest so, look into Tecate. Laid back, friendly, cross border school
possibilities, just a nice little town without surf.
No way I would consider Playas or Rosarito...period.
[Edited on 4-9-2008 by DENNIS]
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Rustycage
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Dennis
I guess I read your first post wrong I thought you were gonna have good news 
I live in Boise and I am looking for a new life I guess I have lived here a long time and it still doesnt fit. I am looking at Baja because of the
opportunities and lifestyles there.
I wish I could afford to live in San Diego but that opportunity has not presented itself.
The truth is I have an opportunity to move to where some call paradise and I am very interested. If there is no education for my kids than I guess I
am burnt, but it all fits to well w/what my dreams are so I don't think it would present itself had it not been feasible...........Who knows I am
just trying to get a real life feel and try and really make the right decision
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Rustycage
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Tecate? ok I will check it out right now
[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]
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DENNIS
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Tecate is a tidal wave of beer. That's where the brewery of that name is located, thirty miles inland on the border. I considered living there in
the past and it still crosses my mind occasionally.
Kids line up on the California side to catch the AM San Diego bus to school and crossing the border to work would be a viable option for you as well.
Lots of high class construction going on within twenty miles.
There's an author, an American living in Tecate, who has recently penned a couple of bathroom books about the town, his name escapes me...Rivelas -
Riveras - Risomething--- I'll look it up so you can read his stuff. It'll give you an intro to the place.
Tecate would be a decent choice.
Daniel Reveles
[Edited on 4-9-2008 by DENNIS]
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Rustycage
Newbie
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I ordered Baja 4 U by Roberta Geisha hoping to see it tomorrow.... Thanks for your help Dennis I really appreciate it.
Tequila, lemon and salt and Enchiladas, rice and beans
[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]
[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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Keep us posted.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
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Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Rustycage
I ordered Baja 4 U by Roberta Geisha hoping to see it tomorrow.... Thanks for your help Dennis I really appreciate it.
Tequila, lemon and salt and Enchiladas, rice and beans
[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage]
[Edited on 4-9-2008 by Rustycage] |
Take that book with a few grains of salt. I have found more than one instance of mis-information or outdated information.
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805gregg
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Just a dumb question, have you ever been to Baja?
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