If nothing else, covid 19 has taught us a very valuable Life-Lesson.
We don’t have to wait until we are ready to retire to begin planning for a life in paradise.
Living in Los Cabos is very much an attainable dream. And that dream is now beginning for just as many 30 year olds as 60 year olds. Some for the beaches. Some for the weather. For single explorers/adventurers as well as families. Los Cabos provides evidence every day that younger and younger people are not just travelling; they’re re-locating. Could it be the beaches, the weather, the fishing, or other activities available? Everyone knows of Medano Beach, but it takes a couple visits to learn about all the other wonderful draws to the area.
I live just outside Cabo San Lucas on ‘the corridor’. Cabo is a bustling city and still a quaint village with historic town squares. Every year, Los Cabos is a non-stop Spring Break party and yet very much a rustic, quiet mountain rancho. Los Cabos cannot be described in any singular way. This is exactly why the cities are so magical.
The ‘Artwalk District’ in San Jose del Cabo will take you 3 days to finally see all the wonders of SJDC Centro. Todos Santos, designated Pueblo Magico (or Magic Town), was founded as a Mission in 1724. Today, the ecology of this oasis, and the magnificent Sierra Laguna mountains, are the subject of many paintings, photographs, and memories of the million+ visitors annually.
But let’s get back to Cabo; my city of residence and Home and Condo Sales expertise!
Situated at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is snuggled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Originally a sleepy Mexican fishing village, Cabo has exploded into one of the premier top 10 vacation and retirement cities in Mexico listed by Forbes, International Living, and Travel Advisor Magazines.
Over the last 40 years, this desert community has grown exponentially and has become the second largest city of the state of Baja California Sur with a surging population of 350,000. And yet it is still rural enough that we often see small herds of cows wandering the road outside my home. OK, also wandering the highway. Along with herds of goats, flocks of roosters, and even the occasional band of coyotes.
Cabo San Lucas originated as a tiny fishing village:
Over the years, it has stayed true to its roots even with the population explosion. It’s one of the premier fishing cities in the world and host to the numerous fishing tournaments with multimillion-dollar jackpots.
Since it’s at the very tip of the Baja California peninsula, the beaches and marina are the main Cabo attractions. It’s an ocean lover’s dreamland because you have the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other; meeting at the notorious Arch at Land’s End.
The ocean is crystal clear, making it ideal snorkeling or scuba diving. Here, it is not uncommon to see manta rays, turtles, and sea lions in your underwater adventures.
And, of course, you’ll have no problem finding adventures on top of the water with jet skis, parasailing, and boating options a-plenty.
Yes, Cabo has it all. Sun, sand, mountains, ocean.
The busy Touristic winter months here are considered our “High Season”. Mid October thru mid April is our time of tourism explosion. And the weatherman is known for providing a perfect 74 F with just enough clouds to allow for amazing sunsets and sunrises. The summers warm up to the mid-high 80s for perfect beach days. August and September temperatures reach mid to upper 90s, bringing much-needed rain to this desert terrain that does not fall the rest of the year. Many residents and snow-birders find these months a little overbearing and use the time to travel back north.
Completed in 1978, The marina and the blocks surrounding it are referred to as El Centro. Here, you’ll find a 24/7 bustle with restaurants and artisan shops including a hand-blown glass factory with daily demonstrations. The Marina boardwalk includes a variety of hotels, restaurants, a movie theatre, and shopping malls.
From Lands End and the Arch and all along the corridor to San Jose Del Cabo, we are blessed by a coastline with dozens of beach access points. You can be as private or as friendly as you prefer.
In actuality, there are three marina developments within this man-made harbor
In Cabo Centro, we are blessed with the world-reknowned Médano Beach. On the other side of the harbor is Playa Grande and Somar Beach. Also known as ‘locals’ beach, it leads to the famous Lands’ End rock formation on the Pacific Ocean side of the Arch. If you walk to the Arch, and then under it, or take a hike along Divorce Beach, or Lover’s beach there at Land’s End (as seen from Medano Beach), you’re suddenly on a Pacific Ocean Beach! If you can see both bodies of water, it can actually become confusing.
As Cabo grew, so did the number of Houses and Condos for sale. Adding to that encouragement to buy a 2nd home in Los Cabos, we now boast a Super Walmart, Home Depot, Fresko, Chedraui Select, and Costco. Many American products are now available that you would have only found at specialty markets just a decade ago. The Mexican superstore La Comer offers less expensive domestic products, handmade tortillas, fresh ceviche, and authentic baked goods.
And, in addition, a handful of organic flea markets occurs weekly in many expat communities, offering home-grown produce and artesan items. And one can also find seasonal fruits and vegetables sold out of trucks on any street corner or highway underpass.
The really GREAT things about Los Cabos:
- Average travel times point-to-point in Cabo are usually under 20 minutes, or a little longer during the 3 p.m. lunch and 6 p.m. after-work traffic.
- MOST everyone in Los Cabos is either bi-lingual or at least speaks English as a first language.
- ALL of the residents we’ve ever dealt with in 17+ years have been extremely hard working, friendly, helpful to strangers or even ‘the lost’ just because it’s a blessing to be those things. YES, some have learned the lesson that gringos have cash when they’re here. But MOST won’t ask for payment except for expert services.
- The city now sprawls from the dozens of new developments on the Pacific coast, down to the Beverly Hills of Cabo: Pedregal at Lands’ End. You’re sure to find something to either rent or own that fulfills all your future-vision checklist. On the Sea of Cortez side, the community of Cabo Bello supplies ocean-front single-family homes. The exploding El Tezal area boasts homes built 50 years ago amongst a host of brand-new condominium developments. This construction includes new gated developments with a mix of condos and specialty homes. The common style of home in Cabo is multi-level which can be challenging for retirees. However, many of the newer developments are single level or have elevators to each floor.
- Wondering if you’re safe travelling to Cabo? Well, yes, you are. Most expat residents help when needed because we understand how things can ‘just go wrong’. Family and catholic culture here are prevalent, and it makes a difference. The ‘crime in mexico’ that the USA shouts during the holidays and annually just prior to Spring Break does NOT exist here. As tourists arrive, so do local Policia; here to aid and assist visitors who get into trouble.
Oh, but WAIT; There’s even more good news to consider:
- BCS is close to the US, so travel times are quick, and there are loads of flights in and out even on short notice.
- The airlines are no longer handing out declaration forms, and once you’re out of the plane you don’t have to fill it out either. This was agreed upon between Mexico’s immigration and the tourism secretariat to ease entrance to the country. Same thing for legal permanent or temporary residents.
- Use of masks is now optional starting Sept 28th in Baja California Sur. They will only be mandatory in health facilities, airports and school classrooms as of September 28th.
- The three airport operating groups, Asur, Oma and Gap report a growth of 18.5 percent in their operations during the month of August this year. GAP operates the San Jose International airport and reported a growth of 29 percent compared to the same month in 2019. We were only surpassed by Tijuana (43%) and Puerto Vallarta (37%).
- Healthcare has greatly improved in the area with the recent addition of the world-class H+ Hospital located an easy 30-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. Closer to the city, the reputable Blue Net hospital offers affordable and reliable emergency care. Many of my ex-pat friends will swear by the services and doctors who are bi-lingual and licensed in the USA/Canada/Europe and Mexico City at Healthy Cabo Clinic in the vacinity of Home Depot on the Cabo Corridor.
- International tourism to Mexico increased 64.7 percent in the first eight months of the year, compared to 2021. The majority of tourists came from the U.S. with an increase of 37.5%, Canada – which represented an incredible increase of 927.9% percent. Hopper travel website expert Hayley Berg stated that “We’re expecting to see a huge surge in travel over this holiday season.” SO; YES. We’re open and waiting for your visit!
- Locally purchased health insurance offers annual rates for the same amount most Americans pay monthly. An average doctor visit is about $60 and includes unlimited text follow-up directly with the doctor, and free ‘follow-up’ re-visits.
No matter where you live in the world, there are always Pros and Cons. Cabo San Lucas is no different.
- Some people find it a little too Americanized. But for others, that’s a definite benefit. A lot of American tourists head this way to check it out, and many places cater to that crowd. Private Home rentals, whether long or short term are available on fb/craig’s list/ebay/trip advisor, etc.
- There can be a lot of traffic in Cabo San Lucas. So be prepared to learn and experience real defensive driving. Or, consider joining the thousands living in San Jose del Cabo. This less touristy, sleepier town is just a hop skip and a jump away. In SJDC, you’ll find more of the ‘arts and entertainment venues you were used to back home.
Do with that info what you will. It could be a blessing if you want to move elsewhere, but aren’t comfortable going too far afield from what you’re used to.
So, it all, quite literally, depends on your outlook and comfort level for new places and customs. What we can wholeheartedly assure you of:
This area will capture your heart; either thru the magnificent views, or the weather and culture. Let us know when you’re coming. You’ve already been introduced to your first local ‘friends’ who will show you where TO, and where NOT to shop. We’ll help you with your search AND your closing if you decide to invest in your future here. Right down to decorating and contractor referrals.