It wasn’t that long ago when foreigners of Mexico were not allowed to own or invest in beachfront real estate, which left a lot of “would be” buyers frustrated, knowing there was cheap oceanfront property available in a prime location but the opportunity to own or invest in beachfront real estate in Mexico was nil.

In 2005 the government of Mexico enacted fideicomiso, which is roughly translated to mean real estate trust, making it possible for US and other foreign investors to purchase the cheap oceanfront property available, making Mexico a popular spot for exclusive luxury style residences and a haven for beachfront real estate investments

What Makes Mexico a More Affordable Vacation Home Choice?

One of the biggest reasons that vacation homes are more affordable in Mexico is the fact that the value of Mexican currency has historically been consistently lower than US or other foreign currency.

Foreign investors having the opportunity to buy property and the need for economic stimulus in Mexico, has brought back the long forgotten idea of finding cheap oceanfront property and has made it a reality again.

Not only is the property less expensive to buy but the cost of building, staffing, and everything else that comes with developing vacation home rentals is far less expensive too. Some of the savings seen by developers is being passed down to the vacation home renters, keeping the cost of vacation home rentals at a very modest rate.

Naturally the lower cost of vacation home rentals in turn is bringing an increase in visitors. This makes it a win-win situation for both investor and consumer. Just as an example of the savings you can expect, consider this…luxury beach villas in Florida, with the same amenities and features will sometimes cost you two or more times the rent of a vacation home south of the border. The dollar doesn’t go near as far stateside as is does in neighboring Mexico.

The Trend in New Beachfront Real Estate Development is Luxury

Luxury beach villas with on-site golf course, tennis court, spa, and personal chef are just examples of the amenities you’ll get to choose when searching a vacation home in Mexico. The trend in the development of beachfront real estate has been to provide exclusive, luxurious residences and vacation homes with more amenities than thought imaginable. You’ll also find that you’ll have a unique choice in architectural features in many of the seaside vacation homes available. Luxury beach villas, with walls that seem to disappear, expanding your living area to the beautifully landscaped stone deck and allowing you the full enjoyment of beautiful views and seaside breezes.

It’s Not Just The Price That Makes Mexico a Great Vacation Home Area…

Mexico offers a vacationer a wide variety of lifestyle settings. A tranquil way of life, where clear skies over serene deserts engulf you or a busy tourist filled beach with amusements and lot of fun for the family. Some of the most popular spots are just minutes from the California border. And include Northern Baja, Cancun, Puerto Penasco, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel. Northern Baja is the major center of ecotourism, with whale sanctuaries, coral reefs, surf destinations, and desert areas with exotic animals and plants. Visitors come to enjoy the cactus covered mountains year-round, the soft beige sandy beaches, and the sparkling waters of the Pacific or the Gulf of Mexico. Baja boasts every type of available activity, including hiking a desert wash, kayaking, walking the miles of uninhabited beaches, boating, shopping or bird-watching.

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.

Whether you are looking to purchase a home, looking for beachfront real estate investments, or checking out vacation homes for your next holiday, Mexico has a lot to offer.

Why The Move To Mexico?

A large number of Americans have chosen the Baja area as their permanent or retirement home because of its various enticements: beautiful luxury beach villas, ocean views, beaches, mild climate, relaxed lifestyle and the warmth and friendliness of its people.

But probably the biggest reason for the move south of the border is the lower cost of living and the close proximity to southern California.

Some of the most exclusive beachfront real estate can be found in the Baja area; luxury beach villas, seaside estates, and beautiful vacations homes all at far lower prices than the same type of homes just a few miles away in the states.

Area Attractions and Features

The Baja area attractions include tours of its wine country and colonial era missions, ecotourism options in several natural parks, deserts and protected areas, hunting and sport fishing, and water sports like snorkeling, surfing and sailing. Whale watching is another favorite attraction and tours are quite popular during the season from January to March.

With so much to offer; a warm and friendly atmosphere, mild climate and accessibility by land, sea and air, the Baja area has been the choice of tourists for decades when in search of the best value vacation homes.

Not only do visitors to this area receive more amenities for their money but the vacation homes located on oceanfront property in the area have the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Living a Luxurious Lifestyle in your Affordable Dream Home

Known for their architecture and amenities, luxury beach villas, exquisite surfside residences, and private homes on oceanfront property are all favorite choices for Americans moving to Mexico.

The reason the move to Mexico is more affordable is just a matter of economics. You get far more home for your money. More space, more amenities, more luxuries, and more enjoyment from living a life that would be less affordable in the US.

Beachfront real estate has become overpopulated in most areas stateside leaving the opportunity for privacy and enjoyment at a far lower level.

The trend for development of beachfront real estate in the United States has leaned more toward the building of high-rise condominiums and large resort type residences.

In Mexico there are many communities that were developed to cater to those wanting to get away from it all and enjoy a more private less inhibited lifestyle.

Now that we’ve taken a look at why other Americans are moving south of the border to improve their lifestyle and save some money, you may want to check it out for yourself.

Finding a new home in the Baja area or any other area of Mexico isn’t as daunting of a task as you may think. A simple search on the internet will help you start your search.

For an up-close look find a community with homes for sale and ask about their free tours and specials. Many new communities offer you first-class service tours and are very helpful in assisting you in finding the oceanfront property home of your dreams.