One of the best beach towns to visit in Mexico, San Jose del Cabo is close to Cabo San Lucas (#1 above). Better yet, there are mountain ranges involved. It is one of the two towns on the Los Cabos Corridor and also the bigger city. The city boasts more than 10 miles of beach town that takes in the town center and outlying regions. The fifth on our list of best places to retire to in Baja Mexico is considered a resort town, which accounts for the expensive living. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. You wont be disappointed if you decide to make Ensenada your new home! Every traveler whos ever ventured to Baja has probably been to this popular tourist destination. Towns with a hospital and ambulance got a two, while towns with only small clinics received one point. Mexicali is a safe city and has a low crime rate. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How Much Money Do I Need to Retire in Mexico? As far as workit is VERY difficult! Santiago. Looking forward to hearing from you. If you live in the United States, you are more likely to be denied health insurance while in Mexico. La Joya is one of the most popular places to live in Baja California. We have many great restaurants and most have live music and dancing. (If Asia, see 10 Best Places to Retire in Asia.). It is a location of choice for expats from all over the world, offering an excellent climate, good infrastructure and affordable cost of living. You will find that Baja California Sur is warmer than its northern neighbour. Manzanillo, Mexico is another location that is still safe and has a small expat community. San Jose is usually a bit hotter and muggier than San Lucas, but it is also a much more livable town, as distinct from a town for vacationers. It's still a large town with everything you need--plus beautiful architecture--but it's more of a "Mexican" town, with less expat influence. Playa del Carmen. Nuevo is gated and the condo is also gated. If you are looking for a place to call home and want to experience amazing weather year-round, then Baja California might be the perfect destination for you. Calls from the US and Canada are toll-free: 1-877-448-8728, Your email address will not be published. And what day the repairman will show up!" It is mostly a destination for national and European tourists. The city also offers delicious seafood along with plenty of activities to keep you occupied . Its right near the Rio de Santa Rosalia, too. Every traveler whos ever ventured to Baja has probably been to this popular tourist destination. The most popular areas with expats are the Caribbean, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and inner mountainous towns. The Baja California Peninsula in the northeast of Mexico, is framed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Gulf of California on the other. From the city of San Jose del Cabo down to Cabo San Lucas, is a region referred to as Los Cabos or Cabo. The Realities Of Living In The Yucatn Peninsula, Mexico, Living In Puerto Escondido, Mexico: Essential Expat Guide, What Its Like Living In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico As An Expat, Living In Mexico: Essential Expat Guide 2023, Living In Baja California Sur & La Paz: Expat Guide, The 11 Best Places To Live In Mexico For Expats, How To Avoid Pitfalls Renting Or Buying Property In Mexico, 9 Must-Knows For Living In Mazatln, Mexico, As An Expat, Healthcare & Health Insurance For Expats In Mexico, Living In San Miguel De Allende As An Expat. We are looking for an extended stay (4-6weeks) mid February onwards for 2 adults and our 3-year old. "Ensenada is just 3-5 degrees warmer at most than San Diego. Good: Nueva, Los Pinos, Jardines del Valle, Jardines del Lago, Villafontana and several developments inside the big square (Called "Zona Dorada" by some) comprised by Calzada CETYS, Gomez Morin, Calle Nov. San Jose del Cabo is the historic centre of the area. deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, and any other related to the sea. Plus, the citys climate is perfect for year-round living. The city has a wide range of housing options, from single-family homes to condos and apartments. The area that makes up Los Cabos includes the two cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and what is known as the Tourist Corridor that runs between the two. Huatulco is not the most family-friendly resort . Riu Santa Fe - All Inclusive in Cabo . Required fields are marked *. Mrida - Quiet Warmth and Beauty. Weather can also heavily affect the quality of life, so we gave more points to towns with cooler temperature averages (since the blazing Mexican sun beating down daily is probably not every seniors idea of a good time). Source: Choupi33 / shutterstock.com. What is it like living in Baja California Sur? Some of its architecture dates back to the 18th century. As in any other place on earth, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in Baja California Sur. It's worth deviating from the usual tourist path to see. .video-container iframe { In addition to the cities listed below, our article, Best Places to Live in Riviera Maya includes several other places popular with expats, retirees and digital nomads. | Business Model Explained (2023), How does Patreon work for subscribers? So here goes! Randy Bowser, who's lived in Mexico for over 10 years says, "I lived in San Cristobal de las Casa for 1 year and have to say really liked it a lot. Ensenada, Mexico is a beachfront city with a population of over 500,000 that lies about 2 hours south of San Diego in Baja Norte. Digital nomads feel right at home in Mexico City with its many cafes and co-working . Another expat described Ensenada saying, "But as soon as I arrived I loved it. Our partners International Citizens Insurance compare plans across the major providers to find you the best deal possible. Plus, the city is well-connected, so you can easily get to wherever you want to go. The last on our list of best places to retire to in Baja Mexicohouses a national park containing tropical wonders of nature and a few beautiful colonial buildings. Is it safe to live in Baja California Sur? Taxco, Guerrero. Towns with no medical facilities got zero points. There are also many affordable options available, so everyone can find a home that meets their needs. About 19 hours south on the Emerald Coast in the Mexican State of Oaxaca, you'll find Puerto Escondido. Beaches. This Mexican state boasts a vast and fascinating coastline, and inland you will find beautiful landscapes of majestic mountains and sunny deserts. To give you the best towns to retire to, we used a ranking scale including variables like small town life, healthcare availability, weather, crime rates, cost of living and shopping. The cost of renting or buying property in Mexico depends very much on their location, but they are always below the usual American and European standards. Baja California Sur is definitely a great place to live. coveproject1@cs.com; 949-200-6324 - 6151034175 See Our Blog For The Latest Information. The best-known geographical reference of the place is the Mulege River, at the mouth of which the town is located. If you head a short distance north to San Diego or a little further to Cabo or Cancn, the same property will be in the millions. About 4 hours south of Puerto Vallarta and an hour north of Manzanillo is a laid-back beach town called Melaque (aka San Patricio-Melaque). Rent in Guadalajara is 25 - 30% cheaper than in Mexico City, and other living costs are lower by 10% to 25%. Most expat residents will say that they feel quite safe going out at any time of the day or night to any place, but using common sense always helps. Since some retirees may prefer an abundance of store options (or at least not to have an hour commute to Walmart), we considered this important too. I selfishly love snorkelling so that would be great too. In the winter months, you can watch whales in the spectacular lagoon of San Ignacio. We focused on the Baja Peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central Mexico. Required fields are marked *. Towns with a high cost of living got a zero, low cost of living locations received a one, and great cost of living a two. Biggest problem in life is figuring out which bathing suit to wear!!!! Puebla is also a safe city, with low crime rates.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smartexplora_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smartexplora_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Also Read // Best places to raise a family in Northern California. No one wants to accidentally retire to a crime-infested town either, so those towns with very low crime rates were rated at two, and those with just a low crime rate received a one. Todos Santos is a town 40-min drive from Cabo San Lucas. height: 100%; The historic center feels too perfect for some, the most manicured spot in Mexico. The truest of Mexican culture exists in San Cristobal. Artists and other bohemians love Todos Santos, they are the reason the place is known for its art, crafts and unique galleries lining the streets of the town. Under $1000 per month- It is possible to live in Mexico on $1000 per month or less in many second-tier cities, rural regions, and small beach towns. Puebla. We have golf groups, tennis, bridge, cards, a church service or two in English. If we missed your favorite, please take a few minutes to add it in the comments section below. The weather is great except for the month of September when it is pretty hot and humid, but being from Texas I can deal with it. Cheers There are excellent private clinics with doctors and nurses trained abroad covering a wide spectrum of medical specialisations. Mexicali has a very warm climate. 10 best places to retire to in Baja Mexico. Healthcare is another important factor when considering a place to retire. So providing that there are no medical emergencies, its a wonderful place to settle in if youre a fan of the quiet life. Morelia. At the southern end of the peninsula is the town of Cabo San Lucas, a seaside resort that offers a typically American vibe and is very much loved by both permanent and snowbirding North American expats. This means that there are a lot of jobs available, and the cost of living is low. The best conditions for experienced surfers are in autumn and early winter. Word of advice get here soon before the rest of the world does. It is considered one of Baja Mexico's most mysterious places. The USA-Mexico border in Tijuana and San Diego is a very busy area. (Plus Kiva Loan Requirements) 2023. The entire beach is used mostly by full time residents and renters of the beach homes. If you want to cook and enjoy a good cut of beef we recommend the butcher shop EL TECUAN in La Paz, which receives fresh meat every Thursday directly from the state of Sonora (the best meat in Mexico). Theres also an option to cross the border to use the facilities of the neighbouring United States in case of specialist interventions. A 2- or 3-bedroom house in a desirable neighbourhood would rent for $7,500 to $10,000 pesos ($375-$500 USD) per month. Having a vehicle helps!!" Playa de La Paz A short drive from the bustling downtown Cabo scene is the quieter, charming town of La Paz, where the new boutique residences of Playa de La Paz are located. There is a large population of Americans and Canadians in the winter months. Its a great choice if youre seeking an active healthy life without too many tourist crowds around (although you cannot escape those completely). Youll be able to get by just fine on the minimal Spanish you remember from high school over thirty years ago. Zihuatanejo. With the changing security situation, fluctuating housing markets and the continual upkeep of beach homes, renting is often ideal. 3. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. U.S. News & World Report #4 Best Places to Visit in Mexico International Airport Seafood Lots of Outdoor Activities On the Beach. After spending the day surfing and on the beach, expats enjoy Puerto Escondido's restaurants, bars and nightlife. Towns with a yearly average temperature of 80 Fahrenheit or below received two points, towns with average temperatures between 80F and 90F received a one, and towns with averages above 90F (pity the residents) received zero points. We also have a new Gold's gym. Towns with no medical facilities got zero points. The combination of colonial living architecture and pristine beaches is an enticing one, but Mazatlan has somehow stayed off the . She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University Youll be able to get by just fine on the minimal Spanish you remember from high school over thirty years ago. San Felipe also has one of the lowest crime rates in Baja California. 3. Add to this around $500 for groceries and $70 80 for utilities, and you will have a more or less exact number to help you plan your budget. We focused on the Baja Peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central Mexico. These small towns between Tijuana and Ensenada are well worth the road trip . Its chilled out vibe attracts those longing for a quieter way of living. Compared to other tourist destinations in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is regarded to be one of the safest. Tecate is known for its relaxed atmosphere and its many attractions, including the La Paz waterfall and the Zona Rosa shopping center. "There's a pretty good ex-pat community in the Melaque - Barra de Navidad area about 4 hours south of Vallarta," suggested one expat in Mexico. Waves are good for beginners at any time. With a population of over 280,000, Los Cabos is a popular tourist region. Vacationers call this an oasis town, and what better place to wind down after all your hard-working years? View all posts by Published by AMAR Staff, Your email address will not be published. San Miguel de Allende: One of the top choices of expats in Mexico. Other popular locations in Mexico to consider: Our most popular evergreen guides are kept fresh and up-to-date by our in-house research team. This city is known for its nightlife and its diverse cultural scene. lot overlooking the 18th fairway starts at $449k. The city is located on the Pacific Ocean and has a warm climate year-round. Consider taking a look at PV. My question is when I drive my vehicle down what border do you recommend? Living in Mexico and retiring to Mexico has become immensely popular over the course of the last few decades. There are basic accommodation options just beyond the river at Los Cuches village, and plenty of hotels 25mi (40km) west in Lazaro Crdenas town, which has flights to Mexico City. There are plenty of museums and theatres to explore, as well as nightclubs and cafes. To get there, exit the . Many newcomers and long-term expats prefer renting in Mexico. 8. cost of rent in Playa del Carmen. Additionally, the city has a large selection of housing options, including condos, apartments, villas, and homes. I'm from the rather cooled-off Bay Area in CA, which seems to have less and less summer weather and I don't like the cold. Mrida is considered the safest city in Mexico, the best city to live in Mexico, and one of the best places to work remotely . Even with unparalleled views, Best-Rated hotels in Baja California Sur start at just $123 per night when booking through Apple Vacations. quiet, small town vibe- 2/2. We focused on the Baja Peninsula, or the small tail of land south of California and west of central Mexico. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. 648. Some used small appliances in particular and decorative stuff I cant part with. Lastly, shopping. Puerto Vallarta: An Expat Haven by the Sea. The last on our list of best places to retire to in Baja Mexico houses a national park containing tropical wonders of nature and a few beautiful colonial buildings. Proximity to both a beautiful river and the ocean? Quick question: do you happen to know if ultra low sulfur diesel is readily available in Baja Sur? Healthcare facilities in Baja California Sur, 9 Must-Knows For Living In Mazatln, Mexico, What Its Like Living In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Whats It Really Like Living In Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Living In San Miguel De Allende As An Expat What You Need To Know, The Best Places To Live In Mexico For Expats, https://expatra.com/guides/mexico/living-in-mexico/, https://www.thewanderingrv.com/driving-to-baja-california/, Friendly and positive people, helpful and open to foreigners, The sun, always present throughout the year, Immense opportunities for a healthy active lifestyle. weather- 2/2. Playa Balandra, La Paz. Not hot and humid at all. It is one of the warmest regions in Mexico where you can enjoy good weather and sun all year round. For example, you could live in cities like Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Durano, Puebla, Puerto Escondido, Queretaro, Guanajuato, etc. Expect to pay $200,000 and up for a view and a more amenity-rich development. Here are great tips on crossing the border by car: https://www.thewanderingrv.com/driving-to-baja-california/ The citys gorgeous waterfront is very often the primary reason expats choose to live in the area. Mazatlan is one of our favorite beach towns in Mexico. Another expat in PV said, "The north side of PV is flat. Generally, central and southern Mexico are the cheapest regions. Even though retirees have been saving practically all their lives for this moment, the idea is not to blow all the money in the first five years, so cost of living is also an important retirement location factor. Wish there had been more of this provided on threads written by expats. Even in the more expensive cities, modest housing can be found for less than $100,000. Theres an international airport, health and hospital services (public and private), banking and financial services, as well as all services related to the construction, furnishing, sale and purchase of real estate. "We are in Nuevo Vallarta, just north of PV (Puerto Vallarta). This shows that a city with Level 2 status is no less safe than a Level 1 city. Puerto Escondido has a population of over 45,000. There is national pride in tradition, and respect for ancestry and environment. But we all know retirement is all about laying in a hammock and gazing at the shoreline, anyways. Better yet, there are mountain ranges involved. Mrida. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lake Chapala is Mexico's largest lake, and the surrounding area is also home to the largest concentration of U.S. expats in the world. Loreto. Curious that you didn't mention San Quintin, about a 3 hour drive south of Ensenada. 1. Its sometimes referred to as Cabo and has a population of over 280,000. But we all know retirement is all about laying in a hammock and gazing at the shoreline, anyways. San Ignacio is a popular overnight stop for those traveling up and down the peninsula because of its location along . In terms of safety, Mrida actually has the honor of being considered the safest city in Mexico. Skyscrapers and high-rise buildings dont dominate the skyline and the whole area is rich in history and heritage. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to explore. If youre interested in living here, keep these five factors in mind: climate, cost of living, job opportunities, education options, and lifestyle. Move in haste---repent in leisure," advised one expat in Puerto Vallarta. Answer: Oh man, so many, it really depends on what you want to explore and discover. The coastal Yucatan Peninsula town of Playa del Carmen has gained popularity over the years as one of the most beautiful places in the country. In La Paz, you will find a great balance between the right amount of modernization and historic authenticity. 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