Rosarito, Mexico
Rosarito, Mexico
Last updated on Sep 17, 2022
Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees discuss what it is like to live in Rosarito, Mexico: Cost of living, Finding a home, Meeting People and more.
What do I need to know about living in Rosarito?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Rosarito, they said:
"There are many people from the USA, Canada and Europe have visited Mexico, love it and have considered relocation. Many visitors also spend their Mexico trip to the top resort areas at the best time of year to be there. This being the winter months. The down season is usually from May through October and the top resort areas are ghost towns. Reason for this is the abysmal heat and humidity. I once spent a month in Mazatlan in August. Mazatlan is just the start of the tropics and the heat and high humidity were abysmal and almost impossible to tolerate. Even walking a short distance can be very unpleasant as are the temperatures that can top 120 degree with 98% humidity. The only tolerable place to be are inside with the air conditioning on high. I love and visit the tropical areas yet only in the winter. I live in the South area of Rosarito Beach, Baja California. Year round climate is beautiful. Never too hot or cold. Winters are very mild and similar to San Diego, Ca. I have friends in Rosarito that spend their summers here and winters in the tropics. Living in the tropics is most certainly not the ideal area for most people. Even the locals hate the low seasons. I have not seen this topic get a lot of attention here yet what I have said is absolutely true," remarked another in Mexico.
What do I need to know before moving to Rosarito?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Rosarito, they said:
"Barking dogs and the occasional loud party--often complete with Mariachi band--does make it difficult to find a completely quiet place to live. However, if your goal is TOTAL peace, might I suggest heading for the hills? There are plenty of houses located in isolated areas of Mexico. But you might give up security for the quietness. Personally, I have adjusted to the barking dogs by using a "white noise" machine at night. Otherwise they are now just background noise. The parties? Well...I just stay up until they over, generally around 2 a.m," explained one expat.
"There are many expats living in Northern Baja. Playas Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada areas. Some bought their property, some rent while they are looking for the right place. If people are new to the area, I usually mention that renting for the 1st year is best. This of course is to make sure that living in this area would be a good idea. Most end up with positive views on this and either buy or rent," said another person in Rosarito.
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How do I find a place to live in Rosarito?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Cost of living here is far less than the USA as are excellent restaurants, bars, clubs, etc," explained one expat.
"Realtors in Northern Baja are usually honest people who have been here for many years. There are different ways to buy property here. This is not the same as USA yet similar. Most homes sales in the area are legitimate yet. Realtors here are different from the USA as laws are different. I would suggest anyone buying property in Mexico is to hire a real Estate Attorney when a property is found you wish to purchase. Cost is minimal for this and I would advise doing this. Years ago in the area, I bought a property in the area that was not as it was presented and it cost me a lot of money. In this day and age, this rarely occurs," said another person in Rosarito.
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What is the average cost of housing in Rosarito?
If you are thinking about moving to Rosarito, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Expenses here are FAR lower than the USA even though Real Estate here has gone up in price. Still very affordable. I live in So. Rosarito close to Puerto Nuevo. My house is on a Hillside above the ocean with spectacular Views of the Ocean and coastline. I have a 3 bedroom house, 3 baths home with huge view patio and enclosed parking for 3 cars. This for a fraction of the cost of an ocean view home in California. If you are looking to rent, Ocean view and ocean front places are low price and vary from area to area. Many American colonies here have 24/7 guards and security. Rents vary from about 400 USD to well under 2000 USD. Depending on size and area, Everything from small apartments to huge view homes are available," remarked another in Rosarito.
"We lust bought a small (1400sqft) house in Rosarito for $325,000. Not much inventory so if are ready to buy you can't be real picky. The 2 places we really wanted to see sold the day before we got there. New house built in 2019, nice furniture & long range ocean view," explained one expat.
What should I bring when moving to Rosarito?
People living in Rosarito were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:
"Wish I brought patio furniture, bikes and water maker. Wish I had not brought China, so many books and knickknacks," explained one expat.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats in Rosarito appreciate most about the local culture?
"The family orientation of the Mexico people, the way the kids behave themselves when they are out on family events," added another person living in Rosarito.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Rosarito accepting of differences?
"There are also Churches of most denominations and also Churches geared for Americans," explained one expat.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
