Moving to Tijuana, Mexico

"Don't move here! I was nearly kidnapped. The cartels have made this place way too dangerous! I fled this place to save my life and the life of my husband and lost everything! You have to be insane to consider living in Mexico these days," said one expat in Tijuana.

"One way to find a place to live in Tijuana is to visit the local real estate agencies. These agencies can provide you with listings of available properties and can help you find the right place for you in Tijuana. Additionally, you can also search online for apartment rentals or listings of available homes in the Tijuana area. You can also network with family, friends, or colleagues, as they may be familiar with the area and can provide on-the-ground advice to help you find the right home," explained one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"When we still lived in PV, my Mexican husband contacted a real estate place that handled rentals. He flew there to see it and we moved there. Two years later we found a bigger/better place, closer to the border, on the recommendation from a buddy at his work," said one expat in Tijuana.

"Expat homes and apartments in Tijuana tend to be modern and comfortable dwellings. Most expat residences feature open layouts, with plenty of natural light, modern furnishings and appliances, and often, spacious balconies with sweeping views of the city skyline. Expat apartments typically come with a full kitchen, internet access, and cable television. In addition, many include access to gyms and pools, as well as on-site laundry and other amenities," replied a member in Tijuana.

"Our "house" is the downstairs of a 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 story house. We have 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, huge living room, dining room and kitchen with gated parking and back yard. It has been converted into 2 separate dwellings. It is in one of the better (upscale) areas of Tijuana. Yes, most expats would want close access to the border and a larger living space than most Mexican homes have," commented one expat who made the move to Tijuana.

"The average cost of housing in Tijuana is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for houses or apartments range from around $750 USD monthly for an unfurnished place to around $1800 USD for a more luxurious, furnished option. Additionally, many landlords offer month-to-month leases, so residents have the flexibility to stay for shorter periods of time," remarked one expat who made the move to Tijuana.

"Oh, much lower!! We pay $400. (US)/ month for our house. In San Diego, California, the rent for such a place would be about $1500./month. You can rent a 1 bedroom apt. in TJ for as little as $80. (US)/mo. but I don't think too many Americans/Canadians would be happy with the lack of space, amenities and location. There are also lovely places here for $1000./mo. but those renters/owners are considered to be "rich" and could be a target for robbery," explained one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"If you are planning to live in Tijuana long-term, it might make more financial and practical sense to purchase a home rather than rent. Owning a home in this area can provide you with a variety of benefits, such as a potential increase in asset value over time, and the ability to customize and make changes to your property as you please. However, some considerations, such as the cost of repairs and maintenance, have to be taken into account when making a purchase. On the other hand, renting can be more feasible if you plan to stay for a shorter period of time. It is relatively easy to find suitable rentals in Tijuana and you will only be responsible for paying the rent and following the guidelines of the owner or leasing company," said one expat who made the move to Tijuana.

"I lived in San Francisco, California area for 50 years, moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2009, then to Tijuana in 2012. I moved to PV with nothing but collected quite a bit of stuff while living there. We rented a moving truck and carted it all to Tijuana. I can get everything I need by crossing the border to the U.S. Take what is important to you (treasured things). If you can afford to buy new/used furniture when you arrive, leave as much as you can in the U.S. Customs is a pain," said one expat who made the move to Tijuana.

"When moving to Tijuana, it is important to pack the essentials. Be sure to bring clothes suitable for the climate, such as light, breathable fabrics. Make sure to bring an adequate supply of medication, as well as any special dietary needs you may have. Don't forget to bring a Mexican phone SIM card and adapter to plug in electrical appliances, as well as an international driver's license if you plan on driving. Other items to bring include documents to be authenticated, such as birth certificates; any important documents; books, CDs and DVDs; and toiletries. Lastly, bring a good sense of adventure and excitement to explore the vibrant culture and cuisine of Tijuana, Mexico," explained one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"It is important to be aware of the customs and culture in Tijuana before visiting in order to avoid making a cultural faux pas. It is considered disrespectful to talk about politics or take photos of people without permission. Additionally, it is generally best to dress conservatively and avoid swearing in public. Furthermore, be sure to pay close attention to behavior that is acceptable in public settings; for example, refrain from showing affection in public and address authority figures with respect. Above all, be respectful and courteous to those around you," commented one expat who made the move to Tijuana.

"Tijuana is an attractive destination for expats due to its close proximity to the United States, its vibrant culture and its affordable cost of living. It offers expats the chance to experience a rich culture and way of life, while being able to have easy access to the United States. Additionally, Tijuana's proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides many expats with opportunities for swimming, fishing and simply enjoying the beautiful beaches. There is also a variety of nightlife, entertainment and shopping options for expats in Tijuana. The city's robust culinary scene, colorful art galleries and exciting festivals and events provide a variety of things to capitalize on. With all of this, along with a low cost of living, it's no wonder that Tijuana is an attractive option for many expats," commented one expat living in Tijuana.

"Tijuana offers a variety of healthcare services to its citizens and visitors. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a range of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care. Many of these facilities are equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by experienced professionals. Additionally, Tijuana is home to a number of pharmacies, where visitors can purchase over-the-counter medications and other health-related products. The city also has a number of alternative medicine practitioners, such as acupuncturists, herbalists, and homeopaths, who offer their services to those seeking alternative treatments," stated one expat who made the move to Tijuana.

"Although I have met people having care for serious conditions, my experience has only been dental. People I know who had the same procedure done just across the border in San Diego had side effects I did not experience with my Mexican dentist," remarked one expat in Tijuana.

"Tijuana offers a wide range of medical services, including general and specialized care. The city is home to a number of hospitals and clinics that provide quality care and services to both local and international patients. Many of these facilities are equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Additionally, Tijuana is home to a number of specialized medical centers that offer treatments for specific conditions, such as cancer, fertility, and plastic surgery. Patients can also access a variety of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine," offered one expat living in Tijuana.