What’s the big deal about Puerto Peñasco?

Vacation, Invest, or move to Puerto Peñasco. Why?

Let me share why I chose to live here. Puerto Peñasco also known as Rocky Point, is a hidden secret. Unless you’re in Arizona chances are you haven’t heard about it. At least that’s how I discovered this desert oasis. It’s located at the tip of the California Gulf. This city is only an hour from the Arizona border and a three hour drive from the Phoenix Airport. So fill your car with loved ones and come stay in a beach home for the weekend. Why would you do that? The Sea of Cortez is one of the most magnificent aquariums of the universe, it’s filled with magic and life. This is a sunny city with warm beaches almost year round. Our beach stretches for endless miles in both directions. And the sea is so calm and clean it’s like swimming in a lake!

My favorite thing is putting on my bathing suit, goggles and swimming in the Sea of Cortez. I love to swim before breakfast, each time is a unique experience full of wonder. I enjoy seeing the local birds in flight, pelicans, osprey, especially cranes. They are so elegant while on land yet an awkward flyer from the dinosaur age. I’ve also seen many dolphins, whales, and even a few sting rays! The 1st time I saw one while swimming, I was like, “please don’t bite me”, to which the stingray replied, “Girl, you’re not my type”. Jajaja, just kidding, but on the real, I sent it mental vibes, hi, can I swim here? So I swam and became familiar with them, it’s rare to see. Also, did you know we have some of the most exotic beaches in the world? We even have off-grid beaches where you can bathe in the star filled night, so full of stars it can rival an observatory. Some of our beaches have tides that pull the sea back up to a mile! Just imagine seeing the water withdrawal towards to the sea so it clears the ground for you to walk upon. I’ve walked on that sea ground with a glass of red wine hypnotized by the hot pink sunset, fully present, it was delicious! The wine wasn’t bad either. Just a taste of the vast experiences to be discovered. Living here I learned there are as many unique moments as there are leaves in the world, for nature is a unique wonder each and every day.

Puerto Peñasco is rich with a welcoming energy. People are gravitated here from various parts of the world, mostly from Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. We all have one thing in common, an authentic appreciation for this city. The vibe here is very chill, in general you’ll find people express happiness and kindness. They greet strangers, look at them in the eyes, help each other and talk to one another. Vacationers for example, come to relax. They swap their stresses for flip flops and fun. They come wearing their authentic selves.  Peñasco invites the approachable human, fans of peace and delight. Maybe it’s the beach, the sunlight, the live music, fresh air or the sea food. Perhaps it’s all of it and our intention to savor life.

What is there to do in Puerto Peñasco? It depends, how do you want to play? On land, in the sea or in the air? I have personally been air gliding, horseback riding on the beach, driven an ATV up the dunes, gone zip lining, paddle boarding, jet skiing, golfing, fishing, snorkeling and dancing on a sunset cruise. I still have many more experiences waiting for me like deep see diving, parasailing, sand boarding, camping at the Pinacate and swimming with sea lions at Bird Island. PLUS all the special events that pop up through the year like the Triathlon, Bike Rally, Poker Run, beach concerts, car races and more. There is always something to experience in Puerto Peñasco.

I feel safe in this city. I get asked that from people who are nervous to travel to Puerto Peñasco, I get it I was the same about going to Baja, mostly because the drive was unfamiliar to me, even though my roommate did it almost every weekend to go San Diego. However, here in Puerto Peñasco, I have always felt safe and have been safe the entire four years I’ve lived here. I have lived alone and with a roommate and have felt at ease and I’ve driven throughout the city at all hours and been fine. Like all cities if you look for trouble you’ll find it. If you’d like to come, but are fearful, let’s talk about it. Did you know that fear roots from the unfamiliar? Think about your latest fear, wasn’t it something you were unfamiliar with? Once you became familiar with it, the fear went away right? At least that’s how I was after going to Baja from here. The only way to become familiar with the city and any other place in the world is to go experience it. Maybe you can ride along with seasoned Rocky Point fans, or take a shuttle. You’ll be surprised by the journey. It’s not only an easy, the drive it’s stunningly beautiful. The desert is lush, full of life, and color and the foliage is taller than your car! I felt like I’m was driving on the bottom of the sea, it’s magnificent.

The transition to live here full time was fairly simple as well. This is considered a hassle free zone which means you can keep such things as your U.S. car plates when you come here. I personally kept my cell phone number as well and got a PO box at the border, simple. I also recommend getting your permanent residency card or dual citizenship if you’re planning to move or invest here. It makes things much easier and they each have unique benefits.

The cost of living was another major incentive to move here. Property prices in this beach town will surprise you, ask me for a price sheet. Property taxes are less than $200 USD per year for a 3 bedroom beach home, crazy! My full coverage car insurance is $250 USD for the year! Groceries, medical services, dental work and pet care are less than in the U.S.

Who is this city ideal for?

Anyone who wants to live, vacation and invest here. Mexico is not like other countries, it’s easy and welcoming. Seriously, just drive right in, except for the quarantine time of course.

Let me share some of the people I believe would love it here.

Beginner and seasoned investor. Spark that curiosity and explore your options. You will be blown away by the abundant inventory to choose from. This includes beach lots, condos, homes, commercial and wholesale properties.

Work remotely? Take a season and transition to an ocean view. Even if you aren’t ready to buy, rent, test it out. Experience a new place for your eyes, touch, smell, heart and soul. You can always go back.

Retirees, and soon to be retirees. Puerto Peñasco is ideal and already a popular retirement destination. Perhaps you are in a position to sell your property or pull from your retirement, in either case your money will go further in Mexico.  And if there is a need for assistant living, consider hiring a nurse to help.

For you the dreamer, the entrepreneur. I get that opening a shop in the U.S. can choke you before you start. The list of requirements and high costs can often squeeze the joy of the dream before you open the doors. In this city, being an entrepreneur is common and appreciated. It’s fairly easy to open a business, the rents are not expensive. If you want to have your cake and eat it too, perhaps building a commercial plaza is ideal. Another idea is a loft or mix use building the lots are great prices, even on a tourist foot traffic boulevard like Rodeo Drive! Doing that will give you the best of both worlds, keep one shop for yourself and rent the rest! Like all business you’ll need to come study the market to make sure your idea will prosper. Who knows, maybe you’ll come up with something better once you are here. Wherever there is a need there is an opportunity. This city has both, I invite you to explore your creativity.

Looking for your dream home? We have a ton. But, have you ever thought about building it from the ground up? You’ll be happy to know that in many cases the cost of building a custom home is similar to buying an existing home. We can run the numbers. If you build, you can create it along with an architect exactly as you want it. You get to choose it all, the location, the view, surroundings, the style of the home, the architects, builder you name it. The talent here is incredible. I have many clients who went that rout, they love it. I’m happy to share those options.

Families! I’ve met families with young children from the U.S. who love raising them here. We have good private elementary schools where children can learn and expand English, Spanish and French. A popular one is Montessori, the cost difference of a private school alone is worth looking into.

Health and Wellbeing. If you are looking to heal your mind, body and spirit consider Puerto Peñasco. Especially if you are open and believe in the benefits of living near nature. In addition to the natural treats of being in a tranquil environment with clean air, the Mexican culture is big on home remedies, and natural medicine. In Puerto Peñasco we also have sobadores, a clinic with Hyperbaric Chamber for Oxygen therapy, and equine therapy for children and more.

Looking for inspiration? If you desire a change, you want to recharge, and maybe feel a bit restless, come out for a weekend, and feel it out. I honestly believe this city can add a wonderful life experience to your journey.

In conclusion happiness is found internally, it’s a personal journey. However, being here may bring the sense of relief, and inspiration you seek or need resulting in new happiness. This is not a one size fits all solution, but there is a fitting room. Try it on, see if this works for you.

Your Cali girl in Mexico,

Ellie Balderrama

Vive la vida loca