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My name is John Skytower.My wife and i are a retired couple who have lived in Mexico for four years and love it.However family concerns are upon us and we must return to the USA or find someplace in Mexico that would give us quick access to the border.Hence our interest in the Rosarito Beach area.

Some questions;

Is it possible to live in the area without a car and rely on Public Transportation?Do the buses service the shopping area's(wal-mart,Costco etc.)

Is there a quality Gym in the area,it doesn't have to be a Gold's or 24 Hour Fitness,but one that has barbells and dumbbells,that kind of Gym.

Are there ex-pat organizations that meet on a regular basis?Do they hold scheduled events in the area?

What is your assessment of security being this close to the border?Family watching TV think we are crazy to consider this move.I personally think two elderly people that are in bed by 9:00PM every night have little to fear.Should i feel this way?

Last but not least are there cobblestone streets in the Baha Norte.I know many people find them artzy and quaint.I find them a nuisance,easily the thing i like the least in Mexico.

I have more questions but i don't want to wear out my welcome on me first post.

Thanking you in advance to all who reply--------John

Hi John and welcome to the forum.

There are many communities near / around the Rosarito Beach area that might fit your description for the most part. The public transportation may or may not work. How quick is quick access to you for starters?

The access issue is important, inasmuch as you might consider Ensenada, rather than Rosarito, for a few different reasons. First, it is more urbanized and less of a tourist town. It has streets that are fine for walking. It has a public transportation system. It is, however, almost an hour farther from the border.

After years of looking at Rosarito and surrounding areas, we picked Ensenada for various reasons. It is a good fit....a great city with plenty to do and all services. Takes us 75/90 minutes to the border via Blvd 2000/Otay and the SENTRI lane.

Originally Posted by Teniente

After years of looking at Rosarito and surrounding areas, we picked Ensenada for various reasons. It is a good fit....a great city with plenty to do and all services. Takes us 75/90 minutes to the border via Blvd 2000/Otay and the SENTRI lane.

I really like the south Ensenada area out where you guys are at - is there any public transportation into town from your place???

Ensenada is very worthy of looking into the transportation system is fantastic I live out near la bufodara and according to our housekeeper the micro buses run every 20 min you can go anywhere in Ensenada on them. the shoping in Ensenada is fantastic.My personal opinion is if you cant find it in Ensenada you dont need it. There are several private hospitals and the level of medical care is excelent .The area south of downtown is going through some very nice improvments there is a very nice paved sidewalk going in along the beach.The Walmart,Costco,Super Mexicana and several others are convinentaly located within walking distance of each other. There is a american club in that area also. You inquired about acces to the U.S the A.B.C.Bus runs both ways every hour and the Tijana termnal is in walking distance to the U.S. border where you can catch the trolly Hands down Ensenada would be my choice. BY.the way Welcom John

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

I really like the south Ensenada area out where you guys are at - is there any public transportation into town from your place???

Ron..........yup, a micro bus stops right out front!!!!!

John, to answer your questions, yes living in Rosarito is do-able, they have a bus system, Gym am unsure of, perhaps others may, they have regular streets, depending on which area you choose, there are plenty of ex-pats in the area, who I'm sure would have regular meetings for those who want them, tho for what I haven't a clue, maybe ok for those who haven't yet broken the strings with their stateside lives, just not for all, the mayor of Rosarito is very concerned with protecting the ex-pat community so does all eh can to protect his town to his best capacity. Things happen everywhere, north of the border and south. Those living in the Rosarito area that are ex-pats, of which there are many feel perfectly safe and secure.

Rosarito has several gyms, some quite nice and a couple of very active expat groups.