Cresswind DeLand
DeLand, Florida
Tados Santos, Mexico
What It Is Like to Retire in Tados santos
Approximately 75 miles north of cabo San Lucas on the Baha peninsula of Mexico lies the seacoast town of Tados Santos. While the casual visitor might never suspect that anyone from the USA would be retired here, they would be mistaken. There are several clues that might help explain the presence of these gringos. One is the Hotel California, a surprisingly stylish small hotel on the main drag. Yes, this is the very same Hotel California that some people believe is the one The Eagles made so famous in song, the place where... "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave."
More clues emerge just down the street, where you will find several high end art galleries, along with a boarded up store that promises "genuine phony Mexican art". From the classic masonry church and central square you can see homes on distant ridges and the blue Pacific ocean below. This friendly and very safe town has a population of about 10,000, of whom a few hundred might be from north of the border. The rest of the downtown has some tourist oriented stores selling silver jewelry, leather goods, etc.
The attraction for north Americans to this extremely dry area are mainly bases on climate and economy. A skilled carpenter can be hired for $5 an hour, and the winters here are warm and dry. Refreshing breezes come from the Pacific. Photos of Tados Santos courtesy of Jeff.
Where to Retire in Tados santos and Home Prices
Homes range in price from well below $100,000 to over 1 million for beautiful homes on the ocean or with exceptional views. One local development made up almost exclusively of people from all over the USA is San Sebastion. Here the homes feature outdoor living and lavish tropical landscaping.
What Is Special about Tados santos
People who justifiably fear the terrible crime and violence in other parts of Mexico will be amazed at the peaceful and friendly atmosphere in Tados Santos and the whole of the lower Baja. One almost never sees soldiers or policeman, and in fact there hardly seems any need for them. Plentiful big box shopping including a Sam's Club, Home Depot, and modern supermarkets are in nearby Cabo, along with high end golf courses and restaurants. The fishing is legendary, with Yellowtail Tuna a popular catch.
What Is Not Special about Tados santos
On the downside, Tados is very small and dusty. It is a small Mexican town hundreds of miles from the boarder with a small expat population. Although foreigners can now own land here, there is no guarantee that that might not change, along with the stable government. Water comes from underground aquifers whose duration is uncertain. Home construction appears to have ground to a halt.
Who Will Like Retirement in Tados santos
Typical expatriate residents are snowbirds, leaving as the exceedingly hot summers commence. Many of them come because they are familiar with Mexico and relish the expatriate life. The low cost of living attracts others. Many of the local residents are surfers, or retired surfers, as this part of the Baha is renowned for it's breaks.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism is the driver of the Tados Santos economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Tados Santos is about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas at the bottom of the Baja Peninsula. It is a long way from Tijuana and California. The climate is exceedingly dry - all stream beds were completely dry in a recent visit, the only vegetation is cactus and scrub bushes. A cool breeze from the Pacific keeps a very temperate climate except in the height of summer, when it is exceedingly hot.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are some good restaurants and taco shops in town. Several high end art galleries offer a surprising contrast to the Mexican souvenir and silver/handicraft shops.
Crime
Todos Santos is one of the safest places in Mexico.
Medical facilities
For medical care one would head to nearby Cabo san Lucas.
Transportation
Tado Santos is connected by a good highway to Cabo San Lucas to the south and LaPaz to the northeast on the Sea of Cortez. The road ranges from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and is a Mexican work in progress. There is a very large airport between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose.
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