Mexico’s Baja Peninsula (or “lower” peninsula) otherwise known as the Baja California Peninsula, is one of the most dramatic stretches of land “South of the Border”.  From the Caliente Race Track just across the California border in Tijuana, to the lobster fests in nearby Rosarito Beach, to the teeming pools of sporting fish, to the relaxing beaches of Cabo San Lucas, Baja welcomes tourists and new residents weekly! 

Extending about 775 miles from its northern border edging California, south to Cabo San Lucas, Baja has the Pacific Ocean following its length on the West, while the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) washes up on the East. 

Topographically, the Baja Peninsula has it all -- mountains, desert, the sea, even a volcano!  Baja’s diversity, ease of lifestyle, water-oriented activities and commercial structure recognizing the wants of western tourists and residents, is what draws great numbers of North Americans, Canadians, British and Europeans to the Peninsula.

When deciding where to relocate in Mexico, cities play an important role in the selection process.  La Paz, Mexico, with dramatic coastal mountains rimming one side, a desert topography, and the Bay of La Paz to the east, is the capitol of Southern Baja and one of Mexico’s more populated commercial centers, with over 200,000 residents.  

LaPaz's expat community is growing in popularity.  Because La Paz has flown “under the radar” for tourists, it is a more serious location for attracting those who want to relocate. Its development as an eco-tourist center with wildlife refuges and reverence for migratory mammals indicates a sensibility that will please many. La Paz has been described as slow paced, and the brilliant beaches just north of town attest to that fact.

The Malecón, the town’s main seaside boulevard along La Paz bay, is a popular gathering spot in this friendly town.  La Paz is a café society, where locals enjoy spectacular sunsets then top their evenings by relaxing seaside.  It doesn’t take long for businesses to take notice of newcomers, and they extend themselves sincerely in making everyone feel welcomed.

The University of Southern Baja California brings culture to the town, with museums, concerts, theatre and classes, while clubs have been forming that cater to everything from bridge to creative writing.  Groups in La Paz include the American Society, DAR, the International Friendship Club and Rotary International.  Offshoot clubs are also being formed.

If water sports attract you, kayakers and divers will be well rewarded, while sport fishing is abundant.  The Bay is rife with dolphins in the summer, and whale watching is a favorite winter sport. You can even take a short ferry hop to the Mexican mainland and Puerto Vallarta for an afternoon of exploration!

On the other hand, if doing nothing is your pleasure, the beach surrounds La Paz.  Spend your day bobbing in the waves and splashing in the clear water.  Build a sand castle.  Read a book.  Nap.  Then stop on your way home for a drink before buying your fresh fish, garden-grown vegetables and luscious fruit.  Life in La Paz is to be enjoyed!

The area's expat population is estimated at around 5,000.  New developments are under construction and prices for local real estate are still reasonable.

Average temperatures range from a high of 96 in July and August to a low of 55 in January.  August and September are the rainy months, with averages ranging from 1.4 to 2.5 inches per month.
 
The local hospital is one of the cleanest and well-equipped facilities in Mexico, and has private rooms, plus minor and major surgery suites.  A staff cardiologist is also available.  Several La Paz doctors speak fluent English and are known to be friendly, helpful and extensively trained in their specialties. 

Historical homes and newly built residences are all available for rent or purchase in and around La Paz. The lower cost of living and the reasonably priced Baja real estate equal a quality of life that will please those looking for a peaceful, beachside existence.