12 Tips for Living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

By mexicanbeachbum

Puerto Penasco, Mexico (also knows as Rocky Point), is an increasingly popular expat enclave on the Sea of Cortez. 20 years ago, Puerto Penasco as a sleepy, fishing village. Today, the coastline is dotted with condos and resorts and the downtown bustling with tourists.

Expat Life in Puerto Penasco

Less stress, less cost, money goes further, many retirees can afford to be here.

Cost of Living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

You can live in Puerto Penasco on as low as $400 per month, small apartment (not in the tourist area) and utilities and some food. Add more for going out to eat.

Local Clubs and Organizations

We have many, American Legion, Adopt a Classroom, animal rescue groups, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, CEDO (center for study of deserts and oceans) all online, easy to find, we have great social media pages and great newsletters we can receive any information in our email box almost daily, of what's going on here (food, concerts, events, etc)

International Schools in Puerto Penasco

English and Spanish, called "CIMA" (Colegio Americano CIMA).

Shopping in Puerto Penasco

We have Super Ley, Ley Express, Bodega Aurrera (Walmart) Sam's Club, Local vegetable and meat markets, Oxxo convenience stores, and a local store that brings special U.S. food here for our convenience (salami, bacon, sausage, bagels, english muffins, diet sodas, cheeses, spices, pies, etc) and special orders.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Puerto Penasco is a taxi, very reasonable, go from one part of town to another for 30 pesos, $1.50, easy to find them and safe.

Climate

In the spring and fall is perfect. Chilly in winter (50 degrees) summer is 90 to 95 and in July and August a bit humid, BUT when I lived in Puerto Vallarta for 3 summers, I swore I would never consider our humidity here high. We are in the desert so not like the jungle.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Bars, restaurants, clubs, live music, DJ's, street food vendors come out at night and lines form. We have sushi, burgers, seafood, oyster farms, hot dogs Sonora style (wrapped in bacon) menudo, birria, cabeza and lengua tacos, Sopas, so much yummy food.

What are local hospitals and emergency services like?

3 miles, there are 2, there is a Red Cross ambulance 2 blocks from my house and the fire dept (Bomberos) ambulance is 3 blocks away, we have a 911 system.

Recreational Activities in Puerto Penasco

Boating, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, scuba, para sailing, sunset cruises, booze cruises, bird island tours, Jack Nicklaus golf courses and others, tennis, ultralight flying, ziplining, and lots of fine dining with ocean views.

Residency and Visa Requirements

Live here with a temp visa FMM you get at the border when you cross, show your passport and cost is about $25. If you purchase property, same thing. Many people that rent, don't bother with getting a resident card, they stay under the radar. The foreigners like me, that work, must have one, either it's temp or perm resident card. In the old days you may have heard them called FM3 and FM2's.

Crime in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

Nothing violent. There are crimes of opportunity, don't leave the keys in your car, duh, may drive away. There have been reports of break ins (we're not in a bubble people, this happens in the US too, and more violent crimes) Just have homeowners or renters insurance. Have motion sensor floodlights at your front porch if you live in a house. Use common sense like you would in your home country. The interesting thing, the locals do not appreciate the criminals, crime stops, we don't hear of break ins anymore. Why? locals handle it themselves and make thieves an example...shhh we just stay quiet and no one bothers us, we go about our business and live happily here in the "hood", where I live.