Mexico is safer than most major cities in the United States and this is a fact. Of course, there are places in Mexico that are unsafe just like there are dangerous places in Chicago or Los Angeles. However, the expansive, surrounding area of The Cove Community and Loreto is not one of them.
The general public in Mexico is not allowed to carry weapons. The local culture celebrates being kind, considerate, and respectful of others. The places that typically experience violence are highly populated cities where the rival gangs and drug activities reside. The same is true of every major city in the United States.
Unfair media coverage even affects the USA… I’ve known Europeans who’ve feared visiting America because they believed they would be shot once they set foot off the plane. If you talk to anyone who lives near San Lucas Cove, Santa Rosalia, or Loreto, you’ll find that feeling “unsafe” has never been a concern.
Will the Mexican Government take your property?
Another unfair piece of PR that Mexico endures… This has never happened in Mexico. The courts have taken foreigner’s property who bought or leased land that was not titled properly. In an effort to save money, people entered into shady real estate deals and lost their money. The government encourages people to move to Mexico and the banking system here is one of the safest in the world.
Can foreigners own land near the ocean?
The government changed the rule to encourage foreigners to own property near the ocean. The property is owned through a 50 year Mexican trust that is perpetually renewable. Foreigners can also own a Mexican corporation, and that corporation can buy land anywhere in Mexico. Title insurance is also available for Mexican property. (The Cove Community is insured by the reputable USA-based title company, Stewart Title).
Can I buy a beach home for $50k in Baja?
Many people still believe you can buy a great home on the beach in Baja for $50k. I guess anything is possible, but you always get what you pay for. Prices are considerably lower in Baja, but a home with an ideal location with water, sewer, electric, internet, and excellent communications in or near a nice city is not possible for $50k.
If I live in Mexico, will I have access to good medical care?
Medical care in Mexico is free, and the doctors are known to be very compassionate. If you are ill and go to a clinic, you will be treated. While most foreigners use private doctors and hospitals, the prices for these services are 80% less than the USA. This makes Mexico an ideal landing spot for retirees. Healthcare in the larger cities is respected worldwide for their level of care. I have never used my US Medicare in Mexico.
Will I have cell reception, clean water, and USA TV?
Yes. Cell phone communications are excellent in The Cove Community, Loreto, and the surrounding areas. With the exception of a few brief spots in the high desert driving from San Diego to San Lucas Cove, the service is incredibly solid. Our residents have conducted business via cell on the drive down here just fine. You can even keep your American or Canadian cell phone working here if you tell your provider to open your lines for Mexico. Recently, US cell phone companies have included coverage in Mexico at no additional charge.
Beach and Golf Course homes at The Cove Community and Loreto have first world infrastructure. Being accustomed to the luxuries of Southern California and the East Coast most of our lives, we would have it no other way. We have direct power lines to the homes connected to the grid, city water we drink every day, and all of the cable channels including ESPN, American news, and movie channels.
I conduct business worldwide with a solid internet connection that supports the bandwidth needs of Netflix, stock trading programs, and Skype. We really do have all of the benefits of living in the coastal USA and Canada, for less than half the price.
Will I have a social life? Will I have friends and a strong support system living in Mexico?
You will develop a strong sense of community and friendships with the locals and expats who have decided to live the good life in San Lucas Cove, Santa Rosalia, Loreto, and the surrounding areas. In general, if you’re socially active, neighbors 20 miles away know your name and will invite you to a few good cookouts. If you grew up in San Diego or Orange County, you may even run into familiar faces. We invite you to visit and check it out. Close-knit relationships with your new Baja family and friends await.