The allure of Mexico, its culture, history, and natural surroundings has drawn me and my partner, Chris Lowe, back year after year to visit throughout Mexico and eventually make this beautiful country our home. The Baja California Sur has been a favorite destination, and with friends buying in San Jose and Cabo San Lucas, the tip of the Baja was almost a clear choice…until we booked a week to spend in La Paz.
From the first night sitting on the Malecon sipping on margaritas, watching the sunset and the town walk by, we knew La Paz would be our home.
The difference between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose to La Paz is worlds apart. Los Cabos and San Jose have become tourist mecca’s, making it easy to transition to Mexico as most people speak English. The popularity of these two destinations is reflected in the prices of real estate, restaurants, and local attractions.
La Paz offers the opportunity to experience authentic Mexican culture, is budget-friendly, and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located an easy 2-hour drive from the airport on a scenic, well-paved highway, La Paz is a jewel on the Bay of La Paz and the Sea of Cortez.
Some of our favorite things about this beautiful city:
The Malecon
A stunning boardwalk stretches 6 Km, bound on one side by turquoise water and restaurants, artisans, and boutique hotels on the other. This is our favorite place to walk and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of the city. It’s a favorite spot for locals as well, with families even coming out at night as it cools off. It’s a vibrant heart of the city that is enjoyed by all. This is the most touristy and English-speaking part of La Paz. Once you head in to enjoy the rest of the city, it’s time to start brushing up on your Spanish.
The Lifestyle
With world-class beaches, two gorgeous golf courses, art galleries, museums, local festivals, and incredible restaurants ranging from five-star dining to delicious taco carts, there is always something to do at any time of the year and at affordable prices. As a major city in the Baja, it has all the amenities, with excellent hospitals and modern shopping centers with familiar brands, including Walmart and Home Depot, Costco, along with national brands like Soriana and Chedraui.
The Culture
La Paz has a fantastic, laid-back atmosphere. There are no all-inclusive resorts and minimal high-rises. The city feels open and friendly without the hustle and bustle of other cities the same size. It’s the capital of Baja California Sur and is a center for commerce and higher education. The downtown historic area showcases the development of the city as it grew from the early 1800’s. While tourism is welcomed and forms part of the economy, this is not the main focus of the city. Instead, its young and dynamic population is defining the city’s growth.
The Cost of Living
Compared to Vancouver, we found La Paz to be incredibly affordable. A new home in a new gated community within 20 minutes of the beach can be purchased for under $200,000 USD. Luxury options are available, too, but are still a fraction of the cost compared to similar homes in San Jose or Cabo. Groceries for two adults are around $500/month, and the quality, freshness, and variety of produce are fantastic. Because prices are geared towards the local population, a night out to a good restaurant is usually under $100 USD, including a beautiful bottle of wine & dessert.
Searching for your perfect home in La Paz, whether for vacation, retirement, or to live in, is a journey worth taking. If you’re thinking about making a move, don’t hesitate to reach out to get the inside scoop on how to make buying your dream home here easy.
