El Paso versus North Baja

[fschmidt]

The only 2 reasonable places to consider living in North America are El Paso and North Baja. Both are culturally Mexican with access to American shopping and jobs. I live in El Paso but I am considering North Baja because it gives me access to more Orthodox synagogues (in San Diego). Also, my kids are growing up and El Paso may not offer enough opportunities for them and I hope they live near me and my wife.

So any thoughts on these option? And are there any other places worth considering in North America?

[Jester]

I DO think North Baja, from Ensenada north to Las Playas de Tijuana, is an excellent place to consider.

BUT... I am not sure what opportunities you expect to find for your children. If they speak fluent Spanish and you get them Mexican passports, then yes there could be a future, if they get professional degrees and certifications, and deal with cross-border folks (businessmen selling to US, re-pates with dual passports, expats, etc)

Otherwise "earned" income pretty much has to be online.

For online income, Mexico is excellent. Mexico currently does not tax US-sourced online income received by American expats.

Another option is starting a business here. Very easy to do. Once you do that you can do any kind of (unlicensed) business. No minimum number of local partners or employees like some countries have. Just need one uncompensated local friend you trust to own a nominal 1%.

Northern Baja is also very safe, with no kidnappings or horrendous narco crimes. I would bring a family here.

Hard to see why you fixate on American Jewish synagogues though.

There is a huge seasonal Jewish presence in Punta del Este, Uruguay, with more synagogues than churches. They must be Orthodox since they are so determined to go to synagogue even during non-holidays, while on vacation.

And Argentina is chock full of Jews.

Plus there is Mexico City. Maybe not great safety there though, if you're high-profile. But lots of opportunity.

Oh well, it will be good to have you down here in Baja.

[OutWest]

I DO think North Baja, from Ensenada north to Las Playas de Tijuana, is an excellent place to consider.

BUT... I am not sure what opportunities you expect to find for your children. If they speak fluent Spanish and you get them Mexican passports, then yes there could be a future, if they get professional degrees and certifications, and deal with cross-border folks (businessmen selling to US, re-pates with dual passports, expats, etc)

Otherwise "earned" income pretty much has to be online.

For online income, Mexico is excellent. Mexico currently does not tax US-sourced online income received by American expats.

Another option is starting a business here. Very easy to do. Once you do that you can do any kind of (unlicensed) business. No minimum number of local partners or employees like some countries have. Just need one uncompensated local friend you trust to own a nominal 1%.

Northern Baja is also very safe, with no kidnappings or horrendous narco crimes. I would bring a family here.

Hard to see why you fixate on American Jewish synagogues though.

There is a huge seasonal Jewish presence in Punta del Este, Uruguay, with more synagogues than churches. They must be Orthodox since they are so determined to go to synagogue even during non-holidays, while on vacation.

And Argentina is chock full of Jews.

Plus there is Mexico City. Maybe not great safety there though, if you're high-profile. But lots of opportunity.

Oh well, it will be good to have you down here in Baja.

I agree with your observations. If you get the chance...check out San Ignacio...about halfway down, near the border of Norte y Sur...it is well worth finding...one of those delightful places to find.

[Jester]

I agree with your observations. If you get the chance...check out San Ignacio...about halfway down, near the border of Norte y Sur...it is well worth finding...one of those delightful places to find.

Thanks.

Judging from the average nightly temperature drop, it seems that the air there is far less humid than other places on the Sea of Cortez like San Felipe.
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weat ... 3?s=983105

And it looks nice
http://www.pachicosecotours.com/images/ ... -whale.jpg

[OutWest]

I agree with your observations. If you get the chance...check out San Ignacio...about halfway down, near the border of Norte y Sur...it is well worth finding...one of those delightful places to find.

Thanks.

Judging from the average nightly temperature drop, it seems that the air there is far less humid than other places on the Sea of Cortez like San Felipe.
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weat ... 3?s=983105

And it looks nice
http://www.pachicosecotours.com/images/ ... -whale.jpg

San Ignacio is a small town in a very historic oasis in the hills between Guerrero Negro and Santa Rosalia.
You will find it to be quite enjoyable...its worth a visit...

Just Google it and select images...you will smile.