Ensenada Dreaming

Any maggs have good intel on living in Ensenada ? Recently reconnected with an old family friend(we basically grew up together) and turns out he has a brewery in Mexico. I've haven't been there since college, like 1985-86 and it was pretty rough around the edges, but a fun party town . papas & beer, hussong's etc. skipped the donkey show, too weird . Couldn't find the bullfights, which I stoked to see. Came back with a stack of mexican blankets,cases of Tequila & Kahlúa . There were 6 of us in a beater station wagon we bought in Long Beach, where we were living for the summer at UCLB. Fun trip.

Anyway, my buddy needs a sales guy. I have mucho experience in beer, speak decent spanish and love the beach party lifestyle and Ensenada seems like a definate possibility. Plus, He's a nut. Ex commercial pilot, then a finance guy and has always been a cool guy, lived in Vail, etc.
Thinking I can still do Mammoth and Bear for the ski jones.

Hoping you guys can clue me in as I do online research to potentially go ex pat for awhile, maybe for good.(before they build that wall)

Muchas gracias, amigos !!

https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-l...a?currency=USD

We use to go down there all the time when it was safe. I haven't been in Baja CA for about 10 years now, as it just sketches me out. I am to risk adverse, so I wouldn't do it, but maybe you are able to deal with getting kidnapped or mugged better than me. :eek:

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Originally Posted by liv2ski

We use to go down there all the time when it was safe. I haven't been in Baja CA for about 10 years now, as it just sketches me out. I am to risk adverse, so I wouldn't do it, but maybe you are able to deal with getting kidnapped or mugged better than me. :eek:

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That's really what I'm wondering. I bought a condo in Brasil in my ex wife's hometown back in the Bush era. Across from the beach, great waves, blue water, etc. It was a great investment but Brasil has become way more dangerous. I've never been a fan of getting mugged although travelling in South America, it's always a given. Kidnapped , same deal. I don't want to live like that, bars on your windows, always looking over your shoulder.
Ensenada seems like a haven for retied ex pats. 60 miles from san diego. That's like the drive from Boston to Cape Cod, which I do a lot.

I really need some san diego maggs feedback.

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Originally Posted by Bromontane

Sounds like fun if single. Your buddy sounds like a slightly less ambitious George Jung.

:the_finge

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I'm single, divorced. I'm 53 and not tied down, at all. Surfing, kitesurfing, mtb, dirtbikes, sailboats ...and a brewery.

Hablo un poco de español...more than a little.
Thinking about the long term plan for retirement, or semi retirement.
(I'm actually friends with Boston George on Facebook, cool guy)

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Originally Posted by Bromontane

do it

do it

do it

do it

do it

do it

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Just looking for some justification. that helps.

just realized, my buddy that owns the brewery, his dad is a DENTIST. He's like 80 and hangs out down there. Big Golfer, Uncle Steve, big hitter.
the universe seems to be pulling me in this direction. Last week, we lost another old family friend at 57, suddenly. very successful and brilliant, now he's gone. This led my to calling the old crew to let them know and the brewery story happened. I really appreciate any good feedback here.

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Originally Posted by willywhit

I really need some san diego maggs feedback.

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liv2ski is a SD mag...

My wife is from SD and has a lot of long time lifer type family down there. They all used to go down all the time but none of them have even thought about it for ten-fifteen years.

If you're in any way worried about safety in Ensenada proper there are plenty of gated oceanfront communities between Rosarito and Ensenada that would likely be reasonable distances to live/drive each day that are completely safe IMO.

Only experience going through Baja has been in the last 6 years, and never had any problems whatsoever. Sure, on the old highway 1 there are military checkpoints where everyone gets stopped, and a car full of 3 white surfers had to get completely searched to see if we had drogas, but that is the norm down there. If you can't deal with that as a part of life every now and then not the place to be full time.

I have no experience living in Baja, but have camped at both La Fonda and San Miguel and again never had an issue. If you are mellow and not showy people won't bother you. Yes, I always internally freak out about keeping eyes on my surfboards when driving around, parking the car in good places, etc, but nothing I wouldn't do in most US cities either.

You said you like the party beach lifestyle - that sounds like the easiest way to become a target and get mugged, but what do I know. When I'm drunk in MX I just stick to the campground or bars that are walking distance from our spot, so not really getting out and about all that much. Friends that go to TJ all the time (both mex-american and white) also have never had any issues there. If you don't go looking for trouble you'll be fine. If you don't try to buy drogas, or bring drogas from the US, you'll be fine.

No surf in Ensenada proper as it's a huge bay, but San Miguel is a "world class" right cobblestone point with a big crew of locals. I'd avoid on a bigger swell. Plenty of spots further north with no crowds.

If you want completely safe, close to Ensenada, and private surf out the front Las Gaviotas is about as gringo as you can get. Or just live in the valle with all the expat winemakers, and have a little plot of land and grow some veg. Only like 15-20 mins into town depending on how far up highway 3 you go.

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Originally Posted by steepconcrete

liv2ski is a SD mag...

My wife is from SD and has a lot of long time lifer type family down there. They all used to go down all the time but none of them have even thought about it for ten-fifteen years.

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I thought Viva was a so cal guy, too. Looking to hear about worst case scenarios, my buddy painted quite a picture. sounded like an episode of Californication meets Hotel California as a soundtrack.

Also, all these old guys telling you they no longer go down - from what I'm told it was real bad 10 years ago, got "fine" like 5 years ago, and is "worse" again now. But again, I've never had any issues in any of my recent trips (as recently as 9/2017).

If you're single, speak spanish, and have a sense of adventure northern Baja is rad. Not built up like Los Cabos, with better surf, easier US access, and a cheap international airport in TJ. Get your sentri card too. Will make border crossings a 10 minute affair.

I guess Gaviotas is an hour out from Ensenada. But if you don't have to be at "work" every day there probably not a big deal. The drive is simple, and beautiful. Also, if you're in sales for a MX craft beer you'd assume a lot of your selling will be around TJ, as that's where the majority of the population is. Gaviotas super close to TJ as well.

We don't drive at night either, but have friends that will without any questions. Unmarked potholes, drunk truckers, etc

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Originally Posted by jtran10

Also, all these old guys telling you they no longer go down - from what I'm told it was real bad 10 years ago, got "fine" like 5 years ago, and is "worse" again now. But again, I've never had any issues in any of my recent trips (as recently as 9/2017).

If you're single, speak spanish, and have a sense of adventure northern Baja is rad. Not built up like Los Cabos, with better surf, easier US access, and a cheap international airport in TJ. Get your sentri card too. Will make border crossings a 10 minute affair.

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Thanks. I'm never put off when people tell me about the horrendous time they had on vacation, somewhere like Cancun. I've traveled enough to know when the good street turns into a bad street and you double back...even in places like NYC. Don't look like a tourista target.
my passaporto is all good and I guess I need to look into a sentri card.

I'm really just looking at the next chapter, the next good book.
Whiskey, weed and Warren....

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Originally Posted by willywhit

Whiskey, weed and Warren....

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If you end up down there avoid that middle W, or all of my tips are null and void.

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Originally Posted by Bromontane

lol, gunga galunga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X48G7Y0VWW4

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https://www.golfbajamar.com/
https://www.sergiosfishing.com/

these are few of my favorite things, besides skiing

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Originally Posted by willywhit

I thought Viva was a so cal guy, too. Looking to hear about worst case scenarios, my buddy painted quite a picture. sounded like an episode of Californication meets Hotel California as a soundtrack.

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FWIW the past 5-6 years my aunt and uncle have been going down to various spots in Baja for snorkeling/whale watching. They are in thier 70's. No issues.

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Originally Posted by jtran10

If you end up down there avoid that middle W, or all of my tips are null and void.

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My crazy ass aunt brings weed with her.

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Originally Posted by jtran10

If you end up down there avoid that middle W, or all of my tips are null and void.

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I've been looking into it...
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture...o-know-w503038

"Mexico began changing its marijuana policy in 2009 when it decriminalized the possession of up to five grams, as well as small, "personal use" amounts of cocaine"
Not a fan of the white, but the green is a staple, like beer.

got some stories about the white on trips to venezuela and brasil. I stay away...or try to

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Originally Posted by steepconcrete

FWIW the past 5-6 years my aunt and uncle have been going down to various spots in Baja for snorkeling/whale watching. They are in thier 70's. No issues.

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yup, my uncle from west covina used to split his off time between dragging the camper to baja and living on the beach, and heading to alaska for months. Tough dude, iron worker, very savvy. He's got stories but they're like pirate stories that end up with him having the last laugh

As I previously stated I am risk adverse in foriegn countries. Last time we are driving down to Las Gaviotas this new pick truck up pulls along side me on the toll road, dood flashes a badge and tells me to pull over. I told him I would stop at the next toll station and not before. Guy gets pissed and races off. I likely missed getting mugged or worse. The next day we drive down to the Lobster Camp and looking around in our favorite restaurant we realize we are the only Gringos if someone wants to kidnap us. Fucking corrupt cops pulling us over because they want a pay off or we can follow them to the station. Just to much BS for me, but YRMV.

Summer of I think '91 we spent 6 weeks in a RV in various places in Baja. Saw a crazy 7 minute solar eclipse. I was 13 my brother 10 and we spent all day everyday running around by ourselves with a mix of other tourist kids and local kids. Kinda sad that type of thing is unheard of today.

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Originally Posted by flowing alpy

even if there was other gringos, if the mehico mob wants to take you and your assets, the gringos would be no bueno.

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I was thinking more along the lines of it is safer in numbers, meaning if a place is packed with Gringos, maybe we don't get hit on, as we try to maintain a low profile compared to the drunk Americans.

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Originally Posted by flowing alpy

Hotel California is now a swank new asset on the So Cal scene.

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HATE the Eagles

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I have mucho experience in beer, speak decent spanish

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Decent? You got the adverbs or adjectives or whatever, down 100%. And if you really have experience with beer, that would be a gamechanger round these parts, so hard to find...

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Originally Posted by EZB

Decent? You got the adverbs or adjectives or whatever, down 100%. And if you really have experience with beer, that would be a gamechanger round these parts, so hard to find...

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he's got a horchata porter and a new mango beer, among a slew of others. is the 12 oz bottle a mexican thing ?

I'm hearing Baja is too dangerous, don't go there
I'm not so sure
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...v21-story.html

Lots of ex-pat retirees in Ensenada. Google retirement in Ensenada for tips.

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Originally Posted by Peruvian

Lots of ex-pat retirees in Ensenada. Google retirement in Ensenada for tips.

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Thanks. I've been looking into the long term process of immigration and buying a house. The more I dig, I find gems like this winery.
https://www.roganto.com/

100s of good wineries near Ensenada. If you're not a MX citizen you can't own the land your house is on, so the govt can just take it if they choose to. Get citizenship first, then buy.

Mision Todos Santos (just N. of San Miguel) has some sweet casas, and they're not too pricey. https://www.point2homes.com/MX/Home-.../52060246.html

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Originally Posted by Tippster

Mision Todos Santos (just N. of San Miguel) has some sweet casas, and they're not too pricey. https://www.point2homes.com/MX/Home-.../52060246.html

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Thanks, Tipp.
Dollar for Peso, Mexico seems like a better deal than we got in Brasil 10+ years ago. A gated community close to the ocean for under $300K ? sign me up. One said $135 a month for all the amenities, not bad. Looking a 3 BR 3 BA with a play room for the pool table, wet bar and stripper pole. The more I dig in, the more this sounds like a plan.
Odelay !
VIVA MÉXICO !!!

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Originally Posted by jtran10

100s of good wineries near Ensenada. If you're not a MX citizen you can't own the land your house is on, so the govt can just take it if they choose to. Get citizenship first, then buy.

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I seem to recall a story on here where someone’s family friend had a house taken by a local drug lord. Guy just showed up with some thugs and said this is mine now. No idea where in Mexico. Does that really happen?

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Originally Posted by zion zig zag

I seem to recall a story on here where someone’s family friend had a house taken by a local drug lord. Guy just showed up with some thugs and said this is mine now. No idea where in Mexico. Does that really happen?

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https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/drug-money/

maybe the other way around

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Originally Posted by zion zig zag

I seem to recall a story on here where someone’s family friend had a house taken by a local drug lord. Guy just showed up with some thugs and said this is mine now. No idea where in Mexico. Does that really happen?

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If you only own the house you live in, but not the land it is sitting on this could always happen, legally or otherwise I'd think. Girlfriend's parents are expats down in Todos Santos and got their citizenship ASAP to avoid any issues. Her family has lived pt/ft in that area since the 70s.

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Originally Posted by jtran10

If you only own the house you live in, but not the land it is sitting on this could always happen, legally or otherwise I'd think. Girlfriend's parents are expats down in Todos Santos and got their citizenship ASAP to avoid any issues. Her family has lived pt/ft in that area since the 70s.

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I've been through it , getting my ex wife naturalized from Brasil. Mexico looks a bit easier

https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/how...ship-in-mexico

dual citizenship, owning a house, etc

seems like the way to go( after 5 years of permanent residence)

Fresh produce is without a doubt one of the biggest areas of savings, living in Mexico versus the US or Canada.
It's also one the many things we love about living in Mexico!
fresh fish, so cheap !