Margit Gantt wanted to find a more fulfilling lifestyle than the one she was living in California.  Not just one where the weather was great every day, but where her money would go further. That’s when she discovered Ensenada real estate.

She and her husband Patrick had been vacationing in the seaside community of Ensenada, Mexico for years.  “The feeling here is like what California was like half a decade ago,” said Margit.  “It’s different and familiar at the same time.  That’s what we love about it.”

Ensenada is on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.  Even though the population is approaching 400,000, it still maintains the small-town charm.  It has a steadily growing middle class, which is attractive to many Americans who come to visit but stay to live.

In 1989, the Gantt’s took the plunge, purchased Ensenada real estate, and stayed.  They have never regretted it.  “It’s a thousand times better here,” said Margit.  “California is so overcrowded now, a bit of a circus, and people aren’t a community.  The Mexican nationals are both friendly and loyal.  People still greet each other on the street even if they don’t know each other.”

The Gantt’s tried out several locations before settling on their current home – a three-bedroom hillside villa with panoramic views of Ensenada Bay, the city, and the mountains.

INSIDER TIP: Here are tips for moving to a new city alone.

The couple is able to live a very nice retirement lifestyle with just their social security income.  But Margit, an energetic “people person,” wanted to do more than just exist.  With two partners in tow, she operates Homescapes, a gallery of imported and locally-made art, antiques, jewelry, furniture, textiles and treasures from all around the world, in the middle of downtown Ensenada.  “80% of our clientele are Mexican locals,” said Margit, “and the rest come from other parts of Baja and tourists.”

Margit travels throughout Mexico, Central and South America searching for unique bargains to sell to Ensenada locals and to tourists.  “Not only do I bring back beautiful things to sell,” she smiled, “but it also serves as a vacation you can make a little money from.”  The shop also sells merchandise from Egypt, India, and Japan and they plan to open “The Buddha Café on the second floor in 2013.

“One of the things we love about being expats in Ensenada is that you can be as involved in the community as you want to be,” said Margit, who uses her “spare time” for worthwhile causes.  She volunteers at the abused women’s center, which teaches nutrition, self-esteem, and marketable skills.  An accomplished singer, she also directs Hands Across the Border Through Music – a nonprofit exchange program for budding young Mexican musicians, dancers, and choirs.

 

Margit and Patrick love the affordable lifestyle they found in Ensenada.  “Today I went to the farmers market in El Sauzal and bought a 2.5 lb. bag of tomatoes, a 2.5 lb. bag of cucumbers and a 3 lb. bag of oranges for 10 pesos or $0.76 each!” Margit said.  “They were organically grown and picked fresh yesterday!” she exclaimed. “What more can one ask for?”

So I did ask.  “How are real estate prices?” I inquired.  “Ensenada real estate is extremely affordable, for all income levels,” she replied.  A two-story, two-bedroom single-family home in a guard-gated, golf course community on the beach with panoramic views – including whale-watching – is currently listed at $129,000.

2-bedroom condo for sale near the beach

When asked what the key to living a happy life abroad is, Margit said, “Find something you love to do.  Then do it.”

Expats in Ensenada first published in International Living, May 2013.

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About the Author

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.”  Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal.  She has traveled six continents looking for fabulous places and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer (and Gen X!) tribe.