Often referred to as "San Diego South," and
just 20 miles south of the U.S. border, Rosarito, Mexico (population
140,000) has exploded in popularity the last few years and has a
substantial expatriate retiree population. In fact, some estimates
claim that nearly 25% of the residents in Rosarito are U.S. citizens,
originally drawn by the sandy beaches, slower pace and reasonably priced
homes. Once a quiet haven for Hollywood's early stars (Katharine
Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were frequent visitors), today this sunny metropolis stretches along nearly 40 miles of coastline and boasts
mega-resorts, golf courses, shiny condo developments and high-end
spas.
Unfortunately, much of the charm that brought
Hollywood's elite to Rosarito in the 1940s and 1950s, and U.S. expats to
Rosarito in this century, has been lost. Until
recently, the rapid growth and mass influx of new residents had
essentially turned Rosarito into an extension of Southern California,
and urban sprawl, overcrowding, traffic congestion and
rising real estate prices reminded many U.S. residents of the problems
that they thought they had left back home.
While many of these problems still exist, they look quaint when
compared with Rosarito's increasing drug war violence.
An underlying sense of danger permeates the city now, and both tourists
and expats are fleeing (although we also found expat retirees who say
they feel perfectly safe in Rosarito). The busy main drag, Benito
Juarez Boulevard, has been the scene of shootings, and killings have
taken place throughout the city. Although local authorities stress
that the murders involve drug dealers killing other drug dealers (and
police), one never knows when that could change and foreigners could
become targets.
In time, the drug wars may end, and Rosarito will once
again be a safe expatriate playground. In the meantime,
anyone thinking of retiring in Mexico should look at other destinations
(Lake Chapala, San Miguel, etc.). Once an idyllic seaside
village, Rosarito today seems to be a Paradise lost.
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Recommended
as a Retirement Spot? |
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X |
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No |
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X
X
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Once a low-cost oasis, a place where
expat retirees could find affordable beachside real
estate, a sunny climate and a laid-back lifestyle,
Rosarito today is a place to avoid thanks to
ever-increasing drug war violence. |
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