13 Reasons to Move To Northern Baja, California, Mexico

Strike whilst the iron is hot.
John Webster

By Roberta Giesea

Over 200,000 foreigners live in the Tecate, San Felipe,Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada corridor with predictions of Baby Boomers doubling the amount within five years. The following reasons draw foreigners to the area:

1)Property values escalate each year at a minimum of 25% per year.. That percentage is a conservative estimate, especially for oceanfront property. The escalation isn't expected to peak anytime soon since Baby Boomers are just beginning to move into the area.

2)Cost of living is low. The cost of food, services, labor, some utilities and property taxes are attractive, especially to those who live on a limited budget.

3) Pace of living is slower. The resort atmosphere and attitude of the culture is to relax and enjoy life. Don't worry. Enjoy the moment.

4) Beautiful scenery. With the Pacific Ocean or Sea of Cortez on one side and the mountains on the other, nature can be enjoyed. Fresh air, sunsets, sea animals, birds and flowers are abundant.

5) Activities abound. Fishing, hiking, surfing, boating, swimming and resting in a hammock while reading a book is all available. Clubs such as The Flying Samaritans, Red Cross, Rosarito Theater Guild, United Baja Society, and Foot printers, among others, offer activities for all interests. Check out what's happening in the area at www.rosaritotowncrier.com or www.bajatimes.com.

6) The best weather on the planet is just south of San Diego. The climate is described as mild. Not too hot; not too cold. The sun with temperatures rarely above 85 degrees.

7) Friendly people who enjoy their families live in Mexico. The Mexican culture promotes respect for elders and family ties. They know how to have fun with their families and friends during holiday or birthday celebrations. US citizens who live in Baja California have one quality in common, a spirit of adventure. They know how to adjust to inconveniences and enjoy the unexpected. Meet another American and ask him/her about his/her life in Mexico and you will be in for an entertaining conversation. One person we know and have grown to love was a personal photographer for General Mac Arthur when he signed the peace treaty in Japan. Others have taught school all their lives and have tales to tell about their students. Still others may be a son or daughter of a famous actor like Mavoureen O'Brien who is Pat O'Brien's daughter. These are genuine people who have led lives of adventure and have found Mexico to be the perfect place for retirement. They are not pretentious or egotistical. People who are uptight and materialistic usually don't stay long.

8) Technology is getting better. Cell phones, computers, cable and satellite are available. Capable technical help is only a phone call away.

9) Bank Trusts make purchasing property rights safe. Title insurance, new to the area, offers added comfort to foreign buyers. Bi lingual attorneys are available to prepare for closings with a Notario Publico.

10) Proximity to the border. The Sentri Pass, granted after a thorough Homeland Security check which can take months, allows quick crossings into the United States. You don't even have to be a US citizen to get a Sentri Pass. To make an appointment call 619-690-7601/7602/7603/7604. Do it sooner, rather than later. US shopping, mail service, entertainment, airport, and medical assistance are a short drive away.

11) Mail service from stateside PO addresses, emergency transportation, technical support and other services are available. We have a service that provides a post office box in Coronado, California that delivers mail right to our home. Others who live in Rosarito have access to a mail box in California through a Rosarito mail service from which they pick up their mail 2 or 3 days a week.

12) New subdivisions, using US standards with amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, club houses and Jacuzzi spas attract buyers. In addition, architects are building according to buyers' wish lists. Granite kitchen counters, open floor plans with great rooms and garages are part of the plans for anticipated buyers. Over 20 new projects are in the process of being built, while many more are in the planning stages. New businesses geared to provide services to those who will move into the area are also being planned. Santini's Art Gallery is gearing up for the influx of newcomers with a new wine tasting deli and specialty gourmet market.

13) A foreign affairs office is available for newcomers to receive help as they adjust to a new community. Information and assistance is offered in the City Hall located across the bridge from Mc Donald's. Olivia del Corral is the coordinator who can be reached at 011-52-661-614-9697 or frao_rosarito@yahoo.com.

When our friends from the states ask, “Why are you living in Mexico?” Rico and I answer that we love the adventures we have every day in Mexico. For instance, while eating at a Sunday buffet the other day, Rico and his friend Peter impulsively decided to take a short flight in an Ultra Light plane that soars in the sky above the ocean and landscape. The pilot took off by approaching a cliff at about 40 mph and then lifted off the cliff into the air. It was an exhilarating thrill for Rico. He felt freedom in the air like a bird flying high in the sky. He enjoyed it so much he now wants to have his own flying machine so he can enjoy the sensation of freedom of flight.

As for me, my thrill is meeting new people and learning about life. We have friends coming to our courtyard everyday to visit. Each one is unique and full of information. Their stories of emotions while coping with a teenager, or being in the labor room during the birth of a grandchild are interesting to me. I marvel at the devotion of a young Mexican man to his mother. He sends her money from each of his pay checks and plans to spend vacation days with her.

Each person should live and pursue his own individual passion in life. For me, it's observing people and writing about life. For my friend Judie, it's making jewelry, for Judy and Nick at Santini's, it's gourmet cooking and for others it's boating or fishing or acting. Whatever passion it is, it can be pursued here in Rosarito where the sun shines all the time, the ocean pulsates with the tide, and life feels like a gift..

Roberta Delgado Giesea CRS, GRI, author of Baja4You, is a real estate specialist for Baja4U Properties in Rosarito. She can be reached at www.baja4u.com or baja4u@hotmail.com