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Moving to Rosarito, Mexico | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Moving to Rosarito, Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Apr 06, 2024

Summary: Expats move to Rosarito, Mexico for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and affordable cost of living. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs to explore. Rosarito also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from surfing and fishing to horseback riding and golfing. Additionally, the city is close to the US border, making it easy for expats to travel back and forth. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and convenient location, Rosarito is an attractive destination for expats looking for a new home.

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:

"Take several house hunting stay vacations. Have a established realtor. Mover, Laurel at Sullivan Moving in San Diego knew process and made a difficult move easy and had tremendous information," said one expat who made the move to Rosarito.

"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 living in Rosarito, Mexico.

"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 one in Rosarito.

"Before making the move to Rosarito, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture, customs, and language. Expats should research local laws and any visa requirements they may need to stay in the country legally. They should also look into the cost of living in Rosarito, which can be surprisingly more affordable than in other parts of Mexico. Lastly, expats should take the time to understand the local medical system and decide if taking out private medical insurance is necessary," explained one expat who made the move to 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:

"A great way to find a place to live in Rosarito is to look online. Websites such as Craigslist, Casas en Venta, and Costasur can provide you with a list of housing options to pick from. You can also contact local real estate agents who are experienced in the Rosarito real estate market to get additional information and find the perfect place for you. Additionally, it may be useful to inquire with friends or colleagues who live in the area for their insights on the best neighborhoods and rental options," remarked one expat who made the move to Rosarito.

"Several trips going to different complexes, at different times of day and getting good referral of long time real estate agent. Mover knew a great deal about pluses of areas also," explained one expat living in Rosarito, Mexico.

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Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Rosarito?

"Expat homes or apartments in Rosarito typically come in a variety of styles, ranging from modern high-rise condos to beachfront houses. Most expats in Rosarito provide their own furniture, linens, and appliances, although some properties may include basic furniture and appliances. Because Rosarito is close to the ocean, many expat homes feature balconies and terraces overlooking the ocean. Expats in Rosarito also have access to local amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants," said one expat in Rosarito.

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," said one expat in Rosarito.

"The cost of housing in Rosarito varies greatly depending on the size and location of the property. Generally speaking, housing in Rosarito is more affordable than in many other parts of Mexico, but it is still possible to find properties that come with high price tags. On average, prices for housing in Rosarito can range from moderately affordable to quite expensive depending on the neighborhood and amenities included," remarked one expat who made the move to Rosarito.

"I purchased a pre construction condo right on the beach built by the best developer on the Baja. It has tons of amenities and beautiful ocean views. I paid $350,000 before I upgraded it. I wanted to be close to my Son and 6 month old grandson and could not afford or want to afford anything in the San Diego area. Where else on the West coast could I have done this? The Condo just South of downtown Rosarito is 1 hour away from my son's house coming back into Mexico and maybe an hour and 45 minutes going there on a good day. Much better than my 5-6 hour drive from Las Vegas. I already have equity in the condo since prices have climbed. I love Mexico, the people and the food! If you are contemplating this go rent there for a while and check it out but come with an open mind. It is Mexico not the US so don't expect much to be the same but be open to new adventures. You only live once," explained one expat living in Rosarito, Mexico.

"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," said one expat in Mexico.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Rosarito?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Rosarito, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Rosarito may be a good choice if you plan to stay in the area for an extended period of time. Owning a home comes with the benefits of security, ownership equity, tax deductions, and home value appreciation. However, renting may be a more practical choice if you are not planning to stay for a long period or if you want to experience different areas of the city. Renting can provide the convenience of simple relocation and can help lower start-up costs. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which option best fits your lifestyle and financial situation," said one expat in Rosarito.

What should I pack when moving to Rosarito?

We asked people living in Rosarito to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Pack comfortable clothes appropriate for warm weather, including shorts, sandals, swimming suits, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring items that you require on a daily basis such as toiletries, a basic first aid kit, and medication. Make sure to bring your important documents such as your passport and visa paperwork. It is also important to have a phone and basic electronics with the right voltage. Bring items such as a Spanish language dictionary, a guidebook, and maps to help you navigate your new environment. If you will have a car, make sure to bring some basic mechanical tools. Finally, don’t forget to bring small but meaningful items from home to help make your new place feel like home," replied a member in Rosarito.

"Wish I brought patio furniture, bikes and water maker. Wish I had not brought China, so many books and knickknacks," commented one expat who made the move to Rosarito.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico
Connect

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Rosarito?

We asked people in Rosarito if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"When visiting Rosarito, it is important to be aware of local cultural customs and etiquette. Respect local dress requirements and try to dress modestly, avoiding clothes that are overly revealing or tight. Refrain from public displays of affection and avoid derogatory gestures or offensive language. It is also important to respect religious symbols and places of worship, so try to refrain from taking pictures inside churches or other religious sites. Moreover, be aware that greeting someone with a hug or kiss on the cheek is a common practice, so it is appropriate to do so when greeting acquaintances," replied a member in Rosarito.

Why do people move to Rosarito?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Rosarito, they responded:

" I am moving to Rosarito in 2025 when my condo will be completed. Reasons are because I live in Las Vegas, Nevada and my son Lives in Carlsbad,CA. I have my first new grandchild there and it is a one hour drive from his door to Rosarito. I just drove to Carlsbad from Vegas yesterday and it was a little over a five hour drive. My second reason is because I will be 65 next April and will still be able to drive to San Diego and use Medicare for my medical needs. I love Mexico, the Mexican people and Mexican food is in my top three foods to eat. The bonus is where else can you buy a brand new ocean front Condo with lot's of amenities on the West coast for less than a million dollars? I was going to move to Puerto Vallarta which I love but it's a flight to the states every time to visit or use medicare. Plus the summer humidity is intense in Vallarta and it's San Diego like weather in Rosarito," wrote one expat living in Rosarito.

"Rosarito offers a unique lifestyle for expats looking to explore a different culture. With its beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather and laid-back atmosphere, Rosarito has become an attractive destination for expats. The cost of living is low and the local culture is friendly and welcoming. Rosarito offers expats the chance to experience a diverse community, with its mix of local restaurants, shops and attractions. Expats can take advantage of Rosarito's close proximity to both the US and Mexico, allowing for easy access to explore both countries. With its welcoming culture and low cost of living, Rosarito provides a great opportunity for expats looking to experience a different lifestyle," commented one expat living in Rosarito.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico
Connect

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

How are healthcare services Rosarito?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Rosarito, they replied:

"Rosarito offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide general medical care, as well as specialized services such as cardiology, orthopedics, and obstetrics. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores in the area. Rosarito also has a number of private medical practices that offer a range of services, including family medicine, pediatrics, and dentistry. The city also has a number of alternative medicine practitioners, such as acupuncturists, herbalists, and naturopaths. Finally, Rosarito has a number of medical tourism companies that offer services to international patients," commented one expat living in Rosarito.

What are medical services in Rosarito like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Rosarito, they replied:

"Medical services in Rosarito are generally of a high quality. The city has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized treatments. Many of these facilities are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals, and they are equipped with the latest medical technology. Additionally, Rosarito has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies," stated one expat who made the move to Rosarito.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.

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