10 Best places to live in Baja California
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Baja California is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico among tens of thousands of North American expats and retirees seeking a mild climate, lower cost of living, and relaxed lifestyle. It’a also one of the safest places to live in Mexico that avoided drug violence that affects many other parts of the country.
Baja California has plenty of things that make it an attractive place to live: a mild sunny climate, wonderful outdoor activities, friendly locals, and proximity to the United States.
Also tacos! 🌮
Baja California is the birth place of fish tacos and you can try the famous delicacy in many places throughout the peninsula.
If you are considering moving to Baja California, keep on reading. I put together a guide to the best places to live in Baja, where you can feel safe and enjoy a great quality of life.
📍Read: Is Baja California dangerous?
Best places to live in Baja California
Located along the U.S. border, the state of Baja California is one of the most popular places in Mexico among American expats, particularly Southern Californians who flock here in search of a more affordable cost of living 💰
Coastal areas like Rosarito and Ensenada are homes to sizable expat communities, but there are also emerging destinations like San Felipe.
✅ Find out: Is Baja California in Mexico?
1. Ensenada
Ensenada is a cruise port along the Pacific Coast of Mexico about 1,5 hours from the U.S.-Mexico border that’s best known for its fish tacos. It’a also one of the most popular places for surfing in Baja California thanks to decent waves 🏄🏽♂️
There are several expat communities in Ensenada, with Bajamar and Punta Banda being the most popular ones.
The weather in Ensenada and other towns along the Pacific Coast of Baja is similar to Southern California, with cooler winters and mild summers with a nice Pacific Breeze.
✅ Check: Best things to do in Guerrero Negro, Baja California
Overall, it’s not uncommon for Baja Norte to experience somewhat cold weather throughout winter, as temperatures can plunge into low 50’s.
➡️ Check: How to spend a day in Ensenada
You can often see snow ❄️ in places like Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 and Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, home to the highest peak in Baja California Peninsula, Mt. Picacho del Diablo, that’s 10,157 feet tall 🏔️
Ensenada has a lower crime index than many cities in the United States, and many expats call this place home. Ensenada boasts plenty of amenities like restaurants, hotels, stores, and great public beaches 🏝️
There are several hospitals in the area and Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) that has flights ot the United States and Mexico is a short drive away.
Ensenada is a gateway to La Bufadora, the tallest geyser on North America, Valle De Guadalupe, a wine region of Mexico best known for its red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Nebbiolo grapes.
Valle De Guadalupe is one of the most popular destinations for wine drinking and glamping in Mexico, where you can enjoy stargazing and fun outdoor activities like bicycling, hiking, and relaxing in hot springs.
2. Rosarito
Rosarito is a close neighbor of Ensenada about 20 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The town is mostly known for its sprawling beaches, oceanfront resorts, and seafood restaurants 👨🏽🍳
Similar to Ensenada, Rosarito has become a popular place for San Diegans to escape the high cost of living. Many residents of Southern California flock to coastal towns in northern Mexico, as they offer cheaper cost of living and similar lifestyle thanks to mild coastal climate and outdoor opportunities 🥾
Just like Ensenada, Rosarito offers plenty of amenities, proximity to stores, restaurants, and beaches, and it’s also home to a growing expat community.
3. San Felipe
A small town along the Sea of Cortez, San Felipe is a typical Mexican pueblo mostly known for the annual San Felipe 250 race.
San Felipe is one of the best places to retire in Mexico. It’s quickly becoming a magnet for North American expats because of its affordable real estate market.
If you are looking for a safe and cheap place to live in Baja California, San Felipe should be on your radar.
San Felipe is often compared to Puerto Penasco, a popular beach town in the state of Sonora a few hours from the Arizona border.
Just like Puerto Penasco, San Felipe sits along the Sea of Cortez, but San Felipe offers a more authentic feel compared to Puerto Penasco, which has become very touristy over the years, with the majority of restaurants and businesses catering to visitors from North America.
San Felipe offers a quiet atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and incredible outdoor opportunities ranging from off-roading to boating, kayaking, wildlife watching and off-roading and hiking in places like Valle De Los Gigantes.
The town is 120 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, making it a perfect place to live if you are looking for a reasonable driving distance to the United States.
4. Bahía de Los Ángeles
If you don’t mind living off the grid, Bahía de Los Ángeles (also known as the Bay of LA) is a great option. This small town is one of the best places for eco-tourism in Mexico, and it was designated as the Bahia de Los Angeles Biosphere Reserve in 2007.
When you visit Bahía de Los Ángeles, you will notice that the town has plenty of campsites. Many RV’ers come here to enjoy the unspoiled beaches and spectacular landscapes 💛
Bahía de Los Ángeles is a remote town and it’s one of the safest to live in Baja California.
While it offers plenty of scenic vistas and adventure opportunities, it doesn’t have airports or medical facilities. Cell phone service is also non-existent, unless you connect to a wi-fi in hotels or restaurants.
There are a few restaurants in town, and only one gas station, which is not always open. It’s not uncommon for the area to lose power, especially during storms.
When I was staying Bahía de Los Ángeles, the storm knocked out the power completely, so the entire area had no electricity.
After speaking with several residents, I learned that they are used to living semi-off-grid and found a different way to communicate in person during outages when their cell phone signal disappears.
If you love spending time outside and don’t mind limited amenities and occasional power outages, Bahía de Los Ángeles might be a perfect place for you.
Best Places to Live in Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur is a popular destination for taking road trips and camping in Baja California. The state is considered one of the safest destinations in Mexico and is well-known for its recreational industry.
Major cities in Baja California like La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose Del Cabo offer excellent infrastructure and healthcare with many general and private hospitals and clinics.
Smaller towns like Loreto, Mulege and Bahia Magdalena offer more quiet, rural lifestyle and lower cost of living, but the trade-off is that you have limited amenities and less convenience as you are hours away from airports, hospitals and big shopping malls.
5. Mulege
Mulege is an oasis along the Eastern Coast of Baja. Mulege has a small retirement community, but it attracts plenty of travelers thanks to its remarkable beauty and the historic mission overlooking the river.
Mulegé is the entry point to the Bahía de Concepción, where you can find some of the best beaches in Mexico. The bay is dotted with picturesque coves and islands, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding, and kayaking
It’s also one of the most popular places for camping in Baja California.
Although Mulege is a remote town with limited amenities, it boasts unparalleled outdoor opportunities, and it’s also one of the cheapest places to live in Baja California where you can live on less than $1,000 a month.
You will likely have to drive to Loreto or even La Paz for some food and supplies, but if you enjoy a quiet lifestyle, you will fall in love with Mulege.
Santa Rosalía, a small historic town to the north of Mulege played a significant role in the mining industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is home to a beautiful historic mission that can be reached by a quick drive.
6. Loreto
Loreto has it all: culture, history, outdoors, restaurants, and even a small airport with daily flights to the United States and Canada.
The biggest draw of Loreto is the Loreto Bay National Park, a group of islands where you can spot wildlife like dolphins, manta rays, and colorful tropical fish. But there’s a lot more to Loreto: it has superb opportunities for hiking in places like Tabor Canyon, camping, and off-roading.
✅ Read: Is Loreto safe?
Like the rest of the Baja California Peninsula, Loreto also has clear dark skies perfect for stargazing.
And if you like history, you should visit the museum inside the 18th-century Loreto’s mission: The town was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula.
It served as the capital of Las Californias, a Spanish colonial province, from 1697 to 1777. The town preserves its colonial heritage with historical buildings and landmarks.
Compared to remote places like Bahia De Los Angeles and even Mulege, Loreto offers a more lively scene with restaurants, stores, and hotels. It’s easy to fall in love with Loreto, once you come here, so there’s no surprise that the local expat community is growing quickly.
The downside of Loreto is that it can be a pretty hot summer, with temperatures hitting tripping digits.
7. Todos Santos
Todos Santos is one of the most popular day trips from Cabo San Lucas, with many tourists coming here on a day trip to get a glimpse into the Baja history and culture. It also has become a beloved spot of North American expats, many of whom call this charming pueblo their home.
If you are looking for convenience, it’s hard to find a better place than Todos Santos. The town is only 45 minutes from Cabo, and it boasts a nice rustic charm with secluded beaches gorgeous palm groves, and plenty of top-notch restaurants where you can find English-speaking staff serving anything from pizza and seafood to classic Mexican tacos and vegan options.
When you walk around Todos Santos, it’s not uncommon to hear English just as much as you hear Spanish.
Tourism is the main industry here, but real estate also plays an important role in the local economy, as many retirees call this place home.
The town is located near the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring diverse ecosystems. You can also enjoy whale watching during the winter months as gray whales migrate along the Pacific coast.
The downside of Todos Santos is that it’s more expensive than other places on the list, but if you can afford to live here, you will love every moment of it!
Todos Santos is within driving distance from Los Cabos Airport, and you can make a quick trip to Cabo whenever you want to visit American chain stores like Costco, or Walmart, go to a hospital, or enjoy nightlife.
8. Cabo San Lucas
Collectively known as “Los Cabos,” San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are two towns at the southern end of the Baja California Peninsula that are located about 20 miles apart.
Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination, particularly for its nightlife, diverse dining scene, and upscale resorts. Some travelers even call Cabo “the Cancun of Baja California,” because of its resorts and extensive tourist infrastructure.
Cabo is the best-connected destination in Baja California with dozens of daily flights to the United States, Canada, and Mexico from San Jose Del Cabo International Airport (SJD).
Cabo San Lucas attracts many expatriates and snowbirds, particularly from the United States and Canada. While it’s the most expensive place to live in Baja, it offers great connectivity and convenience.
Cabo has many American chain restaurants, shopping malls, and stores, so you will have the most familiar places at your fingertips. It also has several major hospitals in the area, so if you need good healthcare options, it might be a good option.
Since Cabo is the largest tourist hub of Baja, you might be able to get away with minimal Spanish here, because the town caters primarily to visitors, and English is spoken in many places.
9. San Jose Del Cabo
San Jose Del Cabo is a smaller cousin of Cabo San Lucas. Compared to Cabo, which often feels too touristy, San Jose Del Cabo has a more quiet, residential feel.
Downtown San Jose del Cabo has a charming, small-town atmosphere with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a central plaza. Here you can find colonial-era buildings, art galleries, and artisan shops.
The town hosts an Art Walk every Thursday evening during the winter season, where you can explore galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live music and performances.
San Jose del Cabo has a strong sense of community, with friendly locals and a close-knit expatriate community. Just like Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo has plenty of amenities and is the largest airport in Baja California within a quick drive.
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in San Jose Del Cabo. You can find several hiking trails near downtown and the hotel zone.
One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Cerro de Las Chivas which you can reach by walking from downtown.
The weather in San Jose Del Cabo is similar to Cabo San Lucas, with over 300 days of sunshine and little rain, except for the monsoon season. The climate stays dry most of the year, and overall, there’s little variation in the climate.
10. La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, known for its eco-tourism located along the Malecon (aka waterfront) facing the Sea of Cortez.
Just a short boat ride from La Paz is Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site that’s home to pristine beaches, stunning turquoise waters, and an incredible array of marine life like whales, dolphins, and manta rays.
Many tours of La Paz include a stop for snorkeling with adorable sea lions – an amazing opportunity to see this playful and friendly animal in their natural habitat.
La Paz is within driving distance from Los Cabos, and it also has an international airport with daily flights to the United States and Mexico. It’s a perfect option if you don’t want to deal with the tourist crowds of Cabo and enjoy more local flair.
It also has a slower and more relaxed pace of life than Cabo, but you will find just as many amenities here. Housing prices were lower than in Cabo, but you can find just as many great stores, restaurants, and local markets where you can get fresh produce.
Win-win!
Pros and Cons of living in Baja California
If you are trying to move to Baja California, it’s important to know about some of the key pros and cons of living in this part of Mexico.
Cons of living in Baja California
✅ Limited amenities
Some places in Baja have very scarce amenities, and it’s not uncommon to drive for a few hours along the highway without finding a single gas station. Depending on where you live in Baja, be ready for limited options when it comes to stores, restaurants and hospitals.
✅ Long driving distances
Driving distances between some destinations can be very long.
✅ Poor cell phone service
Parts of Baja California have poor cell phone service, and you should always download offline maps or have paper maps when you travel around the peninsula.
✅ Higher prices than in the rest of Mexico
Baja California is generally more expensive than most of Mexico, so don’t expect to get a bargain, especially in popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, or Valle De Guadalupe. Prices in popular destinations of Baja California are geared toward foreign tourists, so be prepared to pay more compared to other parts of Mexico.
✅ Hot summers
Some parts of Baja California, like Mulege, Loreto, and La Paz can have extremely hot summers. Unlike the Pacific Coast which has a nice oceanic breeze, destinations along the Sea of Cortez often see triple digits from June through August.
✅ Scarce job opportunities
The economy of Baja California is based on tourism, services, fishing, and produce. Finding a job as a foreigner here can be very challenging.
Pros of living in Baja California
✅ Unparalleled landscapes
Baja is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Mexico. From dunes to gorgeous beaches, snow-capped mountains, and lush tropical oases, there’s a little bit of everything in Baja!
✅ Relaxed environment
Baja California is an outdoors playground, and outside of the glitzy resorts in Cabo, you can generally expect a very relaxed environment.
✅ Great outdoor opportunities
If you like spending outside, you will love Baja California! Here you can hike, mountain bike, go snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and so much more! The peninsula is a playground for the outdoorsy.
✅ Lack of crowds
Baja California is a popular destination for RV’ing, camping, and enjoying recreational opportunities, and although it’s a popular destination for many Americans and Canadians, it’s mostly free crowds that you can find in popular beach towns in Mexico like Cancun, Tulum, Sayulita.
✅ Great weather
One of the biggest draws of Baja California is its mild weather. The Peninsula boasts plenty of sunshine and relatively mild winters, which make it a perfect getaway.
✅ Friendly locals
The locals in Baja California are friendly and welcoming, and you will always feel at home here.
Living in Baja California: FAQ’s
What are the best places to live in Baja California for retirees?
Some of the best places for retirees in Baja California are Todos Santos, Loreto, and La Paz. These places offer proximity to shopping, restaurants, and healthcare, and they have established expat communities.
What is the best place to live in Baja California?
If you like convenience and want to be close to shopping and dining, airports, and hospitals, consider bigger cities like La Paz, San Jose Del Cabo, or Cabo San Lucas. But if you enjoy a more quiet, rural lifestyle, choose smaller towns like Loreto, Mulege, or Todos Santos.
Where do most Americans live in Baja California?
Places in northern Baja like Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tijuana have a significant number of American expats who move here because of the proximity to the United States and the more affordable cost of living. San Jose Del Cabo also has a sizable number of US expats.
Where is the best place to retire on the Baja Peninsula?
The best place to retire in Baja California depends on your preferences and budget, with bigger cities being more expensive, and small rural towns offering an ideal environment for a quiet lifestyle but a further distance to big stores, hospitals, airports.
Can US citizens live in Baja California?
US citizens can live in Baja California without a visa for up to 6 months. A visa or living permit is required after that.
Is Baja California safer than Mexico?
Baja California is safer than the rest of Mexico. With exception for border areas, especially around Tijuana, Baja California is a relatively safe destination with low crime rate and great outdoor options.
Is Baja California Sur safe?
Baja Sur is one of the safest states in Mexico that’s known for its eco-tourism, outdoor opportunities, and relaxed lifestyle. It’s a popular destination for camping and RV’ing.
Best places to live in Baja California: Final word
Whether you are looking for the best places to retire in Mexico, or want to get a taste of what it’s like to live in Baja California, I hope this article provided some insights and helped you to make the right choice.
Baja California Travel Planner
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisa a website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I recommend DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja
Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.