ROSARITO, BAJA CALIFORNIA. MEXICO – Many Americans with reduced and fixed incomes are looking outside of the US for retirement and economic relief in these tough times, finding it just south of the border. Baja California, Mexico is leading the trend to cater to retirees, by offering services that appeal to the growing number of foreign residents. These services include assisted living, property and personal care among others at significantly lower prices than in the US.

US store names like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Smart and Final, Applebee’s and Ashley Furniture are some of which are becoming more common in strip malls around the area. State of the art medical facilities equal to those on the US have been and are being constructed in order to provide quality medical care services to the growing number of foreign residents, the only difference being the lower cost.

The area between Rosarito and Ensenada just 45 minutes south of the border has become the preferred area, where developers are also getting on board by bringing amenities to these new homeowners. Calafia Condos & Villas is one of these developments, where their new tower offers more amenities and social atmosphere for people with an active lifestyle. Plus, it is pet friendly. Some of these amenities include a club house with a TV room, game room, computer area, large gym, outdoor and a private Jacuzzi. These amenities are becoming standard for new communities.

A current resident of Northern Baja, Karen Erstad says “I purchased a second home in Las Gaviotas, (an established Northern Baja community), over 10 years ago with the intent to someday live my retirement years by the Ocean”. When she decided on early retirement and make her move, her family and friends thought she was not on her right mind. Even though she would be only a 2 hour drive away, their primary concern was medical care and the question of who would look after her.

Some doctors in this Rosarito-Ensenada area are willing and do still make house calls; there are also excellent medical facilities throughout the state. Serena Senior Care is a corporation dedicated to improve the quality of life for senior residents in Baja; among their services are nursing assistance and doctor visits, which gives family members’ peace of mind. In addition, ocean front developments in Baja are largely inhabited by expatriates making them very tight communities, who look out for one another.

Karen continues by adding “I can also put my own concerns at ease, by moving to Mexico I can live the same lifestyle if not a better one as if I were still working”.

Karen is one of many Americans discovering the benefits and lower cost of in-home services that the Northern Baja region offers; furthermore, with the increased purchasing power of the US dollar against the Mexican peso they can lower their monthly expenses considerably, here is an example:

* Grocery bill around 250 dollars a month for a small family.
* Cost of a movie for two people from less than 11 dollars including popcorn.
* Doctor’s visits starting at around 20 dollars.
* Internet Access and Cable TV from 60 dollars.
* Property taxes average 300.00 dollars and up per year.
* Game of golf starting at 35 dollars
* Private bilingual school around 175 dollars monthly tuition
* Hair Salon hair cut and color can start at around 27 dollars
Eating out
* McDonalds, less than 4.50 for a super size combo
* Chinese food, less than 4.50 for a “lunch” (enough for 2 people)
* Traditional Mexican food, complete meals from around 4 dollars.
* 5 star meal starts at 20 dollars per person.

Most of these coastal Baja developments are also located just 10 to 15 minutes from the newest hospital in the area. Downtown shopping, and a 45 minute drive to the wine country, where on Wednesdays and Saturdays they offer an organic farmers market. Living in these communities Americans have the same lifestyle as they currently have back at their homeland but for much less.

Max Katz, a long time reputable Rosarito Broker says “Due to the entire housing inventory on the coast, developers set themselves apart by offering more amenities, services and discounts”. He continues saying, “Not only the newer developments are following the trends, even long time established communities such as Las Gaviotas, an ocean front community that has been a model of success for retirees over the last 35 years, are upgrading to larger gyms, creating social committees and having weekly golf and tennis tournaments”.

Clearly, relocating to Northern Baja California has become a solution for Baby Boomers and American retirees against the economic crisis. Especially for those who would like to remain closer to their families and amenities in the US. For others, is just good business.

Baja Mexico is a state located in the northernmost part of Mexico. It literally means “lower California” in Spanish. For those wanting to make an investment in real estate, Baja Mexico gives a host of possibilities. It is a good destination for people, who are looking to relocate or buy a second home or a vacation home. In terms of location options, you will be spoilt for choice, if you are investing in real estate in Baja Mexico.

Baja Mexico can be your apt choice because it provides easy accessibility to the United States. The California peninsula connects it to the continental United States and residents here are within arms length of the Pacific shoreline stretching up to 1,100 miles. The popularity of Baja Mexico as a premier real estate destination can be gauged from the fact that, its population has soared beyond anybody’s expectation in the recent years. Moreover, the tropical climate of this region attracts many senior citizens, who have made it a retirement destination of choice.

Baja Mexico is a heaven for water sports enthusiasts. Recreational activities like snorkeling, diving, small boat cruising and windsurfing are found in abundance. You can enjoy the same in the numerous marinas that dot the area. Investing in Baja Mexico can be a wise decision as you can then reap the benefits of the burgeoning real estate boom that has taken this part of Mexico by storm. A premier investment location can be the Puerto Los Cabos. It is one of the most popular resorts in this region. It gives interested investors an array of ownership opportunities in a new and growing community. This scenic location boasts of miles upon miles of pristine beaches, two golf courses, and a multi faceted marina complex. Coupled with exclusive restaurants, shops and clubs, this resort town is indeed an investment destination to-die-for. It is also a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, as it is in close proximity to the some of the best fishing areas in the region.

Another destination to look at, if you are investing in Baja Mexico, is Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas. It is a brand new resort complex, with nightlife that is renowned throughout the world. It provides all manner of aquatic activities, including game fishing and has many other attractions that make it a tourist paradise. For parents, whose main area of concern is their children’s prospects of education, there is a bilingual elementary school, located along the border of resort compound. Coupled with some great facilities geared towards making the life of its residents comfortable, this is an ideal location for people wanting to buy a home in an exotic location.

Another location in Baja Mexico that investors can look at is the magnificent location of Tortuga Bay in Los Cabos. The place has numerous penthouses, villas, and condominiums that cater to the needs of the real estate investor. This area is so popular, that these accommodations are sold-out in the preconstruction phase itself.

However, do not fret; you can still invest in myriad number of luxurious beachfront property found here.

Another attraction of Baja Mexico is that it is affordable and not too expensive. Moreover, the real estate brokers can direct you to best developers in the region.