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| Making the decision to buy, build and live in another country is not easy. Here are the questions we get asked most often - and some short answers to them. If there's more to be said, you'll find a link to another page. And if we've missed your particular question, send us an email, and we'd be happy to give you an answer. |
Sunrise over Bahia Santa Ines in December.
Is Costa Cardonal Safe? This question is on everyone's mind these days, and we will not minimize
your concerns. Mexico's drug trade and its ready market on the US side of the border have caused
instability and tragedy in many parts of Mexico and the US. We would like to offer these
considerations:
1) Costa Cardonal is located in a region of Baja California that is far from the centers of drug and gang
violence. The many residents of the Punta Chivato area travel to and from their homes by road and air
on a frequent basis, with reasonable caution but without undue concern. The roads, waterways and
airports - including our own airstrip in Punta Chivato - are regularly patrolled by Mexico's armed
forces. For many of us, Costa Cardonal feels safer than many places we've known in the US.
2) Each of our clients, as well as our current owners and ourselves, have personal concerns and
individual levels of tolerance of perceived risks. Each of us has balanced the positive factors of Costa
Cardonal (beauty, tranquility, community) against our own preferences, needs and interests. We leave
the decision to you, and only advise that others have done what you are considering, and have been
happier for it.
What's it like to buy property in Mexico? Isn't it risky? Mexico has changed its laws in recent
years and non-Mexicans can now hold secure title to property along its coasts. Title insurance is also
available to protect your investment, and there are reputable Mexican professionals who can provide
the services that are done by realtors in the U.S. A real estate transaction in Mexico does not have
to be risky. We have taken every step to guarantee that your investment will be secure. For more
information, click here.
What about building a home in Baja? Will we be able to create a comfortable home at a
reasonable cost? We have given a lot of thought to the building process, the materials, the
standards, the quality of services, and the importance of protecting the environment. We can connect
you with experienced and skilled contractors and craftspeople, and we can advise you about
sustainable materials and self-sufficient technologies that will make your home a joy to live in. Your
home will cost you about half the price of a custom-built home in the U.S, and remarkably good
homeowner's insurance is available to protect your investment! For details, click here.
What's it like to live in Baja? What's the climate? Who will be my neighbors? How are the
services? Our little piece of Baja on Bahia Santa Ines is the perfect balance of accessibility and
solitude. The climate resembles the desert southwest U.S., with the marvelous addition of a
moderating marine influence. Summers are often hot and winters can at times be chilly, but most
months of the year are very enjoyable. The six miles of beach are home to an international community,
including Mexicans, Americans, Canadians and Europeans. There is a welcoming atmosphere, and many
events and activities for the socially-inclined. Nearby towns offer well-provisioned groceries, shops
of all sorts, laundries, medical facilities, as well as restaurants, hotels, tour operators and special
activities. For more information, click here.
What do people do for fun, exercise and inspiration? Won't we be bored? Folks along the beach
report that they're never bored! The most active among them are out fishing, diving, snorkeling,
beachcombing, hiking in the mountains and desert, star-gazing - even golfing! For the "people-people",
there's an active social life along the beach, with dinners, art fairs, wine-tastings, barbecues, card
nights, moonrise bonfires - many of which raise money for local causes. And everyone enjoys a morning,
afternoon, or evening in a comfortable chair on the veranda with a good book and a pair of binoculars.
For more on things to do, click here.
your concerns. Mexico's drug trade and its ready market on the US side of the border have caused
instability and tragedy in many parts of Mexico and the US. We would like to offer these
considerations:
1) Costa Cardonal is located in a region of Baja California that is far from the centers of drug and gang
violence. The many residents of the Punta Chivato area travel to and from their homes by road and air
on a frequent basis, with reasonable caution but without undue concern. The roads, waterways and
airports - including our own airstrip in Punta Chivato - are regularly patrolled by Mexico's armed
forces. For many of us, Costa Cardonal feels safer than many places we've known in the US.
2) Each of our clients, as well as our current owners and ourselves, have personal concerns and
individual levels of tolerance of perceived risks. Each of us has balanced the positive factors of Costa
Cardonal (beauty, tranquility, community) against our own preferences, needs and interests. We leave
the decision to you, and only advise that others have done what you are considering, and have been
happier for it.
What's it like to buy property in Mexico? Isn't it risky? Mexico has changed its laws in recent
years and non-Mexicans can now hold secure title to property along its coasts. Title insurance is also
available to protect your investment, and there are reputable Mexican professionals who can provide
the services that are done by realtors in the U.S. A real estate transaction in Mexico does not have
to be risky. We have taken every step to guarantee that your investment will be secure. For more
information, click here.
What about building a home in Baja? Will we be able to create a comfortable home at a
reasonable cost? We have given a lot of thought to the building process, the materials, the
standards, the quality of services, and the importance of protecting the environment. We can connect
you with experienced and skilled contractors and craftspeople, and we can advise you about
sustainable materials and self-sufficient technologies that will make your home a joy to live in. Your
home will cost you about half the price of a custom-built home in the U.S, and remarkably good
homeowner's insurance is available to protect your investment! For details, click here.
What's it like to live in Baja? What's the climate? Who will be my neighbors? How are the
services? Our little piece of Baja on Bahia Santa Ines is the perfect balance of accessibility and
solitude. The climate resembles the desert southwest U.S., with the marvelous addition of a
moderating marine influence. Summers are often hot and winters can at times be chilly, but most
months of the year are very enjoyable. The six miles of beach are home to an international community,
including Mexicans, Americans, Canadians and Europeans. There is a welcoming atmosphere, and many
events and activities for the socially-inclined. Nearby towns offer well-provisioned groceries, shops
of all sorts, laundries, medical facilities, as well as restaurants, hotels, tour operators and special
activities. For more information, click here.
What do people do for fun, exercise and inspiration? Won't we be bored? Folks along the beach
report that they're never bored! The most active among them are out fishing, diving, snorkeling,
beachcombing, hiking in the mountains and desert, star-gazing - even golfing! For the "people-people",
there's an active social life along the beach, with dinners, art fairs, wine-tastings, barbecues, card
nights, moonrise bonfires - many of which raise money for local causes. And everyone enjoys a morning,
afternoon, or evening in a comfortable chair on the veranda with a good book and a pair of binoculars.
For more on things to do, click here.
| Costa Cardonal ..a desert sanctuary beside a tropical sea. |
| Questions & Answers |