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I dropped away for awhile, mulling the situation over and while living down there year-round using the 180 day may be doable, it would be touch and go financially and a tad complicated for me.

So -- if I may pick your brains once more, I'm thinking of only being down there in the winter months -- which I realize is when everybody else wants to be down there! I see two possibilities and therein lies my questions.

Short-term rentals, to fit in with the 180 day visa -- say, October-March, or thereabouts. A lot more pricey than year-round? Harder to find?

The other idea is house-sitting. I've looked at various sites for that, most seem to be fairly short-term, and unless I really want to fly loose, so to speak, I'd have to scrabble for enough houses to fill out the time, and still be up against short-term rentals in the end.

Still thinking of Ensenada area in general, or a bit south. Any ideas/suggestions welcome!

Originally Posted by mskitty

Still thinking of Ensenada area in general, or a bit south. Any ideas/suggestions welcome!

There are quite a few rentals in Punta Banda and you can find what you want...or need. It's a "buyers/renters market" ....so to speak.

Thanks, Dennis,

That's where I'm thinking -- just wasn't sure whether long-term or short-term would make the difference in price. And obviously, not until next fall!

If you are thinking of being here during the winter months, look closely at the houses available. Any houses near the water will be cold and damp. Wood framed houses are better than concrete block construction.Try and get a place with a fireplace and/or a functioning propane heater(s). Stay away from electric heat. Make the rental agent show you that the fireplace/heater is functional.

Although we USUALLY have San Diego type weather, the temps here the last few days have been in the upper 40's in the morning to the middle 50's/low 60's during the day. Bring some sweats, sweaters and jacket.

As Dennis says, it's a renter's market. Due dilligence BEFORE you rent will pay dividends.

Originally Posted by Teniente

If you are thinking of being here during the winter months, look closely at the houses available. Any houses near the water will be cold and damp. Wood framed houses are better than concrete block construction.Try and get a place with a fireplace and/or a functioning propane heater(s). Stay away from electric heat. Make the rental agent show you that the fireplace/heater is functional.

Although we USUALLY have San Diego type weather, the temps here the last few days have been in the upper 40's in the morning to the middle 50's/low 60's during the day. Bring some sweats, sweaters and jacket.

As Dennis says, it's a renter's market. Due dilligence BEFORE you rent will pay dividends.

I second this...we are at the end of our lease and found out the hardway about electrical heat. At the very least invest in a portable propane heater for $120 dollars if there is no fireplace.

Thanks for all the help -- all good things to know when the time comes. Much appreciated!

Originally Posted by mskitty

Thanks, Dennis,

That's where I'm thinking -- just wasn't sure whether long-term or short-term would make the difference in price. And obviously, not until next fall!

There really arn't any trends to rely on. Just play it by ear when you get here to look around.

Between Rosarito and Tijuana in an area called "San Antonio" there is a small Ex-pat bar named "Plan B". You can see it from the road--but only if you are looking for it. There you will find Canadians, Americans and Mexicans who speak really, really good English. Most people I've met there have been very friendly. That might be a good starting place to get local information once you arrive in Baja.

Has the crowd there changed? When we lived at SADM years ago, Plan B had just opened up a few months before we made the move down to San Quintin. We went there a few times but the afternoon crowd there (at that time) resembled a biker/tweeker bar.

Hopefully that has changed...

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

Has the crowd there changed?

I think Maggie's still there.

I wouldn't know Maggie if I saw her face to face.

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

Has the crowd there changed? When we lived at SADM years ago, Plan B had just opened up a few months before we made the move down to San Quintin. We went there a few times but the afternoon crowd there (at that time) resembled a biker/tweeker bar.

Hopefully that has changed...

I haven't been to any tweeker bars, so I don't know! :)

Well, to me it seemed like a normal place, kinda a "Cheers" atmosphere where the everyone knew everyone and everything. Everyone seemed 'normal' (whatever that means) to me-- a few retirees, a few Mexicans who wanted a flavor of the USA, hamburgers, french fries, football on the TV and draft beer. I was just passing through and didn't know anyone, but I think if I went there a second time then I'd know everyone rather quickly.

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

I wouldn't know Maggie if I saw her face to face.

Just picture an elephant on a surfboard.

Hey- I don't go out in the water during whaling season either. If I painted white stripes on the sides of my black wetsuit- seals would fear me. :)

Get in touch with Irka Davis "Baja Bungalows" she found me a nice little bachelor Casita in La Jolla Camp, Punta Banda very reasonable
Baja Bungalows


QUOTE=mskitty;33747]Thanks for all the help -- all good things to know when the time comes. Much appreciated![/QUOTE]

Wow, Nemo55, that's one cool website! Makes me want to point the car south today. Thanks for the tip.