An Expat Talks about Moving to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Ensenada, Baja California

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

I should have brought warmer clothes and blankets. I wish I had left the ceramic containers behind -- they all broke on the way here from San Miguel De Allende, GTO.

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Shop online for a rental. Come down for a month during the worst time of year (winter) and see if you can handle the cold season. Get a mover you can trust -- international moving is expensive and takes a long time. Expect things to break and maybe somethings not to show up. The inspections of the moving vehicle are many. Some keep a home in the states and come down for the summer.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

I live in a tower, about four stories high, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, lots of space. Most expats live in nice houses near the ocean on the spit of sand we live on.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Pure chance - a friend was moving to Ensenada and she offered the extra space in the large truck. We decided to move then.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Housing does cost more in this part of Mexico, being close to the states, 90 miles away. The average cost compared to, let's say California, is a lot less. The average house, not a mobile home, is $200,000 to $400,000 - some lower, some higher.