Rosarito, Mexico

"Expats in Rosarito should have a basic understanding of Spanish as English is not widely spoken. Rosarito is relatively inexpensive compared to other locations, so retirees on a budget may find it attractive. It is important to research the immigration regulations for retirement visas for Mexico before making the move. It is advised to arrange for healthcare prior to arriving, as public healthcare in Mexico may not be extensive or reliable. Additionally, having a reliable source of income to cover expenses is important. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the culture of Rosarito to ensure you feel comfortable and can adapt as an expat," explained one expat living in Rosarito.

"There are many people from the USA, Canada and Europe have visited Mexico, love it and have considered relocation. Many visitors also spend their Mexico trip to the top resort areas at the best time of year to be there. This being the winter months. The down season is usually from May through October and the top resort areas are ghost towns. Reason for this is the abysmal heat and humidity. I once spent a month in Mazatlan in August. Mazatlan is just the start of the tropics and the heat and high humidity were abysmal and almost impossible to tolerate. Even walking a short distance can be very unpleasant as are the temperatures that can top 120 degree with 98% humidity. The only tolerable place to be are inside with the air conditioning on high. I love and visit the tropical areas yet only in the winter. I live in the South area of Rosarito Beach, Baja California. Year round climate is beautiful. Never too hot or cold. Winters are very mild and similar to San Diego, Ca. I have friends in Rosarito that spend their summers here and winters in the tropics. Living in the tropics is most certainly not the ideal area for most people. Even the locals hate the low seasons. I have not seen this topic get a lot of attention here yet what I have said is absolutely true," said one expat in Mexico.

"Barking dogs and the occasional loud party--often complete with Mariachi band--does make it difficult to find a completely quiet place to live. However, if your goal is TOTAL peace, might I suggest heading for the hills? There are plenty of houses located in isolated areas of Mexico. But you might give up security for the quietness. Personally, I have adjusted to the barking dogs by using a "white noise" machine at night. Otherwise they are now just background noise. The parties? Well...I just stay up until they over, generally around 2 a.m," explained one expat.

"Take several house hunting stay vacations. Have a established realtor. Mover, Laurel at Sullivan Moving in San Diego knew process and made a difficult move easy and had tremendous information," said one person in Rosarito.

"Before making the move to Rosarito, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture, customs, and language. Expats should research local laws and any visa requirements they may need to stay in the country legally. They should also look into the cost of living in Rosarito, which can be surprisingly more affordable than in other parts of Mexico. Lastly, expats should take the time to understand the local medical system and decide if taking out private medical insurance is necessary," remarked one expat in Rosarito.

"There are many expats living in Northern Baja. Playas Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada areas. Some bought their property, some rent while they are looking for the right place. If people are new to the area, I usually mention that renting for the 1st year is best. This of course is to make sure that living in this area would be a good idea. Most end up with positive views on this and either buy or rent," explained one expat living in Rosarito.

"A great way to find a place to live in Rosarito is to look online. Websites such as Craigslist, Casas en Venta, and Costasur can provide you with a list of housing options to pick from. You can also contact local real estate agents who are experienced in the Rosarito real estate market to get additional information and find the perfect place for you. Additionally, it may be useful to inquire with friends or colleagues who live in the area for their insights on the best neighborhoods and rental options," explained one expat.

"Expat homes or apartments in Rosarito typically come in a variety of styles, ranging from modern high-rise condos to beachfront houses. Most expats in Rosarito provide their own furniture, linens, and appliances, although some properties may include basic furniture and appliances. Because Rosarito is close to the ocean, many expat homes feature balconies and terraces overlooking the ocean. Expats in Rosarito also have access to local amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants," explained one expat.

"Expenses here are FAR lower than the USA even though Real Estate here has gone up in price. Still very affordable. I live in So. Rosarito close to Puerto Nuevo. My house is on a Hillside above the ocean with spectacular Views of the Ocean and coastline. I have a 3 bedroom house, 3 baths home with huge view patio and enclosed parking for 3 cars. This for a fraction of the cost of an ocean view home in California. If you are looking to rent, Ocean view and ocean front places are low price and vary from area to area. Many American colonies here have 24/7 guards and security. Rents vary from about 400 USD to well under 2000 USD. Depending on size and area, Everything from small apartments to huge view homes are available," remarked one in Rosarito.

"Expats in Rosarito may join meet-up groups and expat clubs to connect with people from similar backgrounds. Additionally, connecting with the local Mexican community through cultural events and volunteering are also popular ways for expats to meet people. Online forums and social media groups can also be a great way to connect with other expats living in Rosarito. Different areas in Rosarito also have restaurants, bars, and cafes where people can socialize and meet people from all over the world. Finally, expats in Rosarito can make use of the many beaches and parks in the area to engage in activities and connect with new people," said a person living in Rosarito.

"Pack comfortable clothes appropriate for warm weather, including shorts, sandals, swimming suits, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring items that you require on a daily basis such as toiletries, a basic first aid kit, and medication. Make sure to bring your important documents such as your passport and visa paperwork. It is also important to have a phone and basic electronics with the right voltage. Bring items such as a Spanish language dictionary, a guidebook, and maps to help you navigate your new environment. If you will have a car, make sure to bring some basic mechanical tools. Finally, don’t forget to bring small but meaningful items from home to help make your new place feel like home," remarked one expat in Rosarito.

"Wish I brought patio furniture, bikes and water maker. Wish I had not brought China, so many books and knickknacks," explained one expat living in Rosarito.

"It is important for expats to research Mexican residency and visa requirements before retiring in Rosarito. They should also consider the cost of living in the area, and make sure to obtain health insurance, as the quality of medical care in the region may not be the same as what they are used to. It is a good idea to familiarize with local laws, customs, and cultures, as well as get to know the people in the community. Additionally, it is important to familiarize with local transportation options and the overall infrastructure of the city. Expats should also make sure to learn some Spanish, as it will be enormously helpful when interacting with locals and navigating through Mexican culture," explained one expat living in Rosarito.

"Foreigners in Rosarito often find work in the hospitality industry, such as hotels and resorts, as well as in restaurants and bars. Other popular job opportunities include retail work, teaching English and providing administrative assistance. Additionally, many expats find work in construction, landscaping, and other manual jobs. With the presence of so many foreign companies in the area, consulting and business-related roles often provide highly-paid employment," remarked one in Rosarito.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Rosarito is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and friendly locals. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from surfing and swimming to exploring the nearby towns and villages. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city also offers a wide range of amenities, including modern shopping centers, restaurants, and bars. With its close proximity to the US border, Rosarito is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the best of both worlds," said one expat in Rosarito.

"Expats in Rosarito appreciate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the city. The people of Rosarito embrace the warm hospitality of their neighbors and are incredibly generous with their time and resources. Expats also appreciate the vibrant cultural heritage of Rosarito with its colorful street art, traditional cuisine, and rich music and dance. Lastly, expats enjoy the breathtaking beaches and stunning blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, which provide endless recreational opportunities," said one person in Rosarito.

"The family orientation of the Mexico people, the way the kids behave themselves when they are out on family events," remarked one expat in Rosarito.

"Expatriates in Rosarito often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of adapting to the local culture. The cultural divide between the foreign nationals and Mexican nationals can also be difficult to bridge, as local customs, expectations and values may vary considerably. Additionally, expats may find the local bureaucracy and paperwork to be daunting and inefficient. The cost of living in Rosarito can also be a barrier for expats, depending on the individual budget. Finally, expatriates often find the heat, limited public transportation and the sparse nightlife options to be difficult to adjust to," replied an expat in Rosarito.

"Crime levels vary in Rosarito. While certain parts of the city tend to suffer from higher rates of crime, there are also safer areas that are less affected. The city experiences bouts of drug cartel-related violence, with some criminal activity including robberies and car hijackings. Rosarito's police department works hard to monitor and combat the problem. Overall, though, most visitors and residents can feel relatively safe when traveling in and around the city, so long as they take the necessary precautions and remain aware of their surroundings," explained one expat.

"Rosarito is a city with a diverse mix of cultures and beliefs. Many people of different backgrounds and origins, such as Mexicans, Americans, Africans, and Asians, can be found in Rosarito. There is also a variety of religious beliefs, including Catholicism, Evangelism, and Protestantism, among other denominations. Generally, people in Rosarito are accepting of differences and most residents of the city value and celebrate the city's culturally diverse population," said one person in Rosarito.

"There are also Churches of most denominations and also Churches geared for Americans," remarked one expat in Rosarito.

"The international schools and bilingual schools in Rosarito range in quality and span a variety of educational focuses. The Colegio Bilingüe Inglesano Americano (COBIAA) is one such school. Established in 1990, COBIAA strives to provide an international-style education while anchored in the cultural identity of Baja California. The school offers English, Spanish and French language instruction, as well as speciality classes like art and music. The school boasts an impressive student body of around 400 students, many of whom are developing into bilingual, bicultural citizens. The Academia M.I.T. International Bilingual School is another excellent international and bilingual school in Rosarito. This school program offers experiences and understanding to students, as well as encourages analytical thinking, creative and practical problem solving, and critical self-appraisal. It also strives to provide students with the opportunity to express themselves initially and descriptively, in English and Spanish, as independently and confidently as possible. The school also offers speciality classes such as Chinese and robotics, as well as an outdoor bilingual program where students get to explore national parks and nearby beaches. Not to be overlooked, the Frankfurt International School provides a variety of language instruction in English, German, and Spanish. The school relies on a progressive yet diverse learning environment providing a stimulating cumulative experience for each student. This model focuses on internationalism, globalism, and interculturalism and seeks to develop students into well-balanced, globally-minded citizens. Furthermore, their kindergarten and pre-primary programs provide excellent preparation for children beginning their education," commented one expat when asked about in Rosarito.