Just $2000 per Month in a Small Mexican Beach Town (La Ventana)

Join Greg and Brigid on their transformative journey as they shift towards a minimalistic and sustainable lifestyle in the serene setting of La Ventana, Mexico. Tune in to learn how this adventurous couple is crafting their ideal home while deeply connecting with nature and the local community all while working remotely in Mexico.
- Delve into the reasons behind Greg and Brigid's decision to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on the benefits and daily joys it brings to their lives in Baja.
- Detailed overview of their budget for their current rental and for building a new, eco-friendly home, including expenses for advanced sustainable features such as solar power, biodigesters, and water conservation systems.
- Discover why Greg and Brigid chose the tranquility of La Ventana's mountains for their home site, and how they plan to live harmoniously with their environment through off-grid solutions.
- Explore their daily routines from sunrise views to local food sourcing, which exemplify their deep integration into the community and their commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle combined with being digital nomads.
- Learn about the sustainable construction techniques they are utilizing to ensure that their home not only offers comfort and stunning views but also preserves the local ecosystem and resources.
Don't miss this inspiring story of reconnecting with nature, building a dream home, and finding community spirit in Mexico. Subscribe and watch how simplicity and sustainability can pave the way to a fulfilled and joyful life.
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Choosing Simplicity: High School Sweethearts Build a New Life in Mexico
7/17 updated title slightly

[@maricelarooper9558]

Love these people already. Sometimes I worry about Americans moving to Mexico and trying to push change for their own needs. Some say it’s to improve but in all reality it’s improving their own lifestyle.

[@bonniesomedy1339]

It's "spec building" that is the biggest problem. Americans are money crazy and can ruin a place by this practice that leads to impossible gentrification and economic sidelining of the natives. Better to retire or move in and stay; make a home and build community with the locals.

[@davidmalone9022]

The contrast to "...an on-demand life like we have in the States..." is a very good way to describe it.

[@MexicoRealEstatewithParrish]

Simple life = Happy life in Mexico 🇲🇽 Less is more in this beautiful country

[@adventureswithcorrine]

I did some quick math: $650,000 = 24 YEARS of $2200/mo rent (12 months per year) or 48 years living 6 months in Mexico. I'm pretty sure I'd stick to renting! That doesn't even add the cost of utilities that are already included in the current house. Of course, there isn't a price on privacy and doing the sustainability work that they want to do. I'm thrilled that they can do this. It's still a dream for me.

[@jimdolen225]

What about appreciation of your asset? We bought in Mexico in 2019 and currently our property is valued at twice what we spent on it?

[@jimdolen225]

Thank you for sharing your story! You are a lovely couple and Mexico is a better place for having you. Thank you for being so careful about how you build to help blend into the environment there. We spent a lot of time in Southern Baja (we were from Northern California) but ended up buying in Bucerias Nayarit in 2019. We are out of town in an old Mango orchard and the property had a garage with a one bedroom casita above, and an additional guest casita. We were lucky to build a third home on the property shortly after we moved here so built before the cost of building rose. We have made great friends here, both immigrants like us and natives and LOVE where we live. Although I could easily live on the East Cape or Loreto the choice for us came down to having access to a large airport (in the hopes friends and family would travel here easily) and a variety of different places to visit by car near us. We have really enjoyed visiting the cities in the Central highlands for instance. We wish you the very best of luck in your new home!

[@SophiaZanzotWhitted]

What a cute couple! Love all of their ideas about living in Mexico 🇲🇽 😊

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks! They were a great find ;-)

[@Mexicobeanpole]

But, they’re not living on $2000 per month. Actually, their RENT is more than $2000. I don’t get the title at all.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sorry - I oversimplified that because the title can only be so long.

[@FLANNELSHIRT]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Then the title is simply untrue and you should change it! 👎

[@timhynde8611]

Huh? this is like the old Steve Martin millionaire / taxes bit. First, get a $650k house.... then live the simple life for only $2k a month. - love your videos, just taking a dig at the title. 😇

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Oh - I just thought of a good title. Once they pay off their new house, it will be free. "Free House in Mexico!" Of course ,they could choose to continue living in the rental for $2k/month. But they are choosing to to build a new house for $650k.

[@timhynde8611]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Fair...🤣

[@James-mt3gi]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Ha Ha Ha!!! What are you talking about? You sound like a cheesy used car salesman. I"m starting to question the veracity of all of your other videos now. I wonder if this channel is designed to hype a fake lifestyle south of the border in an attempt to push up the value of your vacation home down there. Also, what about the three surfers who were just killed outside of Ensenada?

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

@@James-mt3gi Crime happens everywhere James. You think the US is safe with hundreds of people getting killed in school, concert, church, nightclub massacres happening regularly?

[@andreawisner7358]

Well, I agree, and they could've spent much less. They could've had property and a house for less than a $150,000 US, or even less. They could have bought a little postage stamp of land and put a normal size house on it. They'd be spending a lot less, and they still could have a little garden and put on solar and a biodigester. It absolutely was their choice to live like millionaires in Mexico.

[@James-mt3gi]

"Living in a Small Mexican Beach Town for $2k per Month" Where?! What were you thinking when you mis-titled this video. They're building a $650K house while also renting another house for $2,200 per month. How does that add up to a simple life on a $2k per month budget? It doesn't. Total clickbait!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

They are living in a $2,200 per month fully furnished house. If you wanted to live in a $2,200 fully furnished house in La Ventana, you could do that. You wouldn't be required to build a $650k house - that's something this couple chose to do. But I'm guessing more people are interested in renting a $2k house. And the house they are living in should be available next winter - so you could rent it and then I could make a video about you living in a $2k house. And if you told me that you also decided to buy a condo in Cabo because you love to party on weekends, I'd probably not highlight that part in the title.

[@dougb339]

Nice couple, but buying untitled ejido land (owned by a community) is very risky. Many people have done so, and after they build on it, they lose their land and home without compensation. Realtors need no license or qualifications in Mexico - anyone can be one. Also, they don't mention a fideicomiso (bank trust), which is the only way a foreigner can own land within 50 Km of the coast in Mexico. Being a permanent resident doesn't change this.

[@saudigold50]

Well said.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Correct. They seem to be aware of the risks. But as Woody mentioned, that risk also significantly discounts the price of the land. It's risky, but it's legal and done often. I'd never be willing to risk that kind of investment, but everyone has different levels of risk they are willing to take. Here's more info: www.mexperience.com/legal-title-of-mexican-property/

[@jimdolen225]

I too was interested in the fact they did not mention their bank trust

[@guenthermichaels5303]

Thank you so much for posting this. Beautiful area, the info is so informative. I am retired and looking for this kind of life. Best regards from Toronto

[@chuckgriffiths4077]

I have researched this area in Baja and I'm told water is a serious issue. The cartels now are beginning to buy water delivery companies, seem to favor the big resorts and rich folks, and it can be quite a challenge and expense to have affordable and reliable water.

[@cindyk3076]

Another interesting couple who moved there with the right intentions, and how wonderful that they are building their home in an environmentally conscious way! Their love story is great too!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - their new home sounds like it's gonna be amazing. They mentioned a biodigester and I'm thinking I may replace my septic tank with one of those...

[@davebaker489]

You truly knocked this 1 out of the ball park. But my god it's expensive there. Pam and I live on the water here but as long as we can see it then all is good. Also they seem like good people. 👍👍 P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

La Ventana is a pricey spot to live. Very popular with West Coasters who are used to high housing costs. And its a very active community - almost everyone is into wind sports on the water - even much older people!

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico And you get less. Water, sewage (sometimes) Snow removal (oops that's me).

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I’m sure there’s some town up in the mountains of Mexico that you could move to and still have snow to shovel!

[@masoncnc]

building in San Diego is probably cheaper. Shocked.

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico UMMmmmm then why move ? lol

[@bernardpaulsen825]

I'm sorry, but how does this couple live off $2K per month if the rent is $2,2K alone? What am I missing here? That said, very, very, did I mention VERY few Mexicans could afford paying $2,2K for rent. Secondly, $650K is a huge amount of money for a Mexican 2+2 in the middle of nowhere! While it was interesting to watch, this is certainly no blue print for a gringo couple that wants to retire on $2K per month in Mexico. On the contrary; I'd say it's more a blue print for folks who can and are willing to spend $5K per month in retirement, and in this case, your title is not only misleading, but fails to attract the viewers this video is made for.

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

I really like El Sargento & La Ventanta...it is windy but that keeps the bugs down! I think the prices are still resonable right now too.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I never thought about the bugs vs wind. That's a great point. Have you been to the hot springs in El Sargento?

[@lindylee1139]

Another interesting interview!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks - I think I found them on Facebook by asking for people to interview in La Ventana. Multiple people said, "Interview Baja Woody." I figured I had a winner

[@mohammedsharif2651]

Very interesting and kind couple. Wish you the best. ❤

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I agree - thanks for watching!

[@RebelKell66]

Enjoyed this video! My husband and I share a lot of their same views. I’m curious, what’s the meaning of their shirt/hat logo?

[@scottiediablo]

I spent 9 weeks in La Ventana in the spring of 2019. I was down there for a television show shoot. I loved that town.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

What TV show?

[@scottiediablo]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Paradise Hotel. Back in the late Spring 2019

[@brightonwest4445]

@@scottiediablo I gotta know what it was like to work on a show like that!

[@scottiediablo]

@@brightonwest4445 Was pretty wild, but fun. On most of my days off, I hoped in one of the production shuttle vans that would go back and forth all day/night from La Ventana to La Paz. I love La Paz. I still think about Mezcalería La Miserable.

[@scottiediablo]

@@brightonwest4445 It was pretty epic. It was a live show, so the schedule and days were very long. I was stoked to have days off and head to La Paz. There was this little coffee shop that I loved but I cant remember the name of it. It was on a tree lined side street. I still think about that place. I've also been to San Jose del Cabo four times since that work trip. Love that place as well.

[@brandonleon4068]

I understand México is heaven for those who want achieve a good house in the US and living the "Mexican dream" in a cheap paradise and THIS IS NOT HATE AGAINST YOU ALL, EVERYONE IS WELCOME. But you must understand too, the problem of gentrification. What is cheap for all of u, is still expensive for the locals. Prices of living and specially renting for locals are rising as hell since so many people from US is moving here, and for thousands is not affordable to live in the place they've been living for years or even generations. Pls don't contribute to this problem. If u want to rent or buy in Mexico, make sure everything is the paper and you're not paying way more than the locals for what you're achieving. Several places in Mexico have become "gringo colonies" when u even see any Mexican living in there, and worse if those gringos are trying to remove the local culture bcs is "disturbing to their way of living" like "if u don't like Mexican culture, why u moved to Mexico then?" I want to think you're NOT one of them, in that case again welcome, but u must take care of the prices anyway. Remember, people moving from their home for generations BCS they can't pay it now, is not cool. Greetings 🇲🇽

[@FLANNELSHIRT]

Some middle class Mexican citizen property owners are raising the prices (both rent and sales) for gringos, far above what they previously charged to their fellow citizens. Can you complain to them about that? 👍 Also do you know that the Mexican federal government now (2024) requires a minimum retirement income of $79,957.81 MXN per month to grant a temporary residency permit to a US citizen? And it is even higher for the Residente Permanente. So that means there will not be US retirees with lower incomes coming into Mexico anymore. Only the ones who can afford the higher rent and other costs of living will be able to get the RT and RP permits, according to Mexico’s immigration rules. What do you think? It is the local Mexican rental property owners who are making more money from foreigners, because the foreigners are now higher income and can afford to pay more. 🤔

[@stevefritz5182]

The arguments of gentrification and colonialism are not founded on fact. Expats are a tiny percentage of the population. Inflation is being driven by economic factors in Mexico, not immigration. Mexico is doing well and the government is spending money. You are on a very positive upcycle that looks to be lasting a long time. In other words, get used to it and honestly, enjoy it. Mexico has suffered to move out from a 2nd world economy for hundreds of years. Now you have a chance. Ride the wave. Blaming Gringos for bringing money is misdirected. Consider that in 1970, Cabo San Lucas' population was just a few thousand. Los Barilles was in the hundreds, La Ventana was in the dozens. If not for international investment - which includes Gringo houses - those places would still be empty. Today, there are more Mexicans than Gringos and they have jobs.

[@brandonleon4068]

@@stevefritz5182 we're not talking about general national inflation my dear Murican. We're talking about displacement in cities where muricans come to rise prices specially on real state to a unpayable level for nationals. Mexico is one of the best ones in terms of inflation but we're talking about renting and displacement specifically dude. And the same shit happened in Texas 150 years ago. First muricans occupied the lands. And a few decades later they clammed "I don't like ur culture, get the fk out of here!!!" Wich is already happening and then "this is my land now, I don't want Mexicans here!!"

[@alank3962]

Interesting interview and great plans for integrating into the culture of the area but it is far too long for what little there is to put to use in actually living for $2k per month… big waste of time… but interesting and appreciate the charged up vibe of the couple and hope they can sustain it after all the years that separated them, their friendship and romantic engagement.

[@jude999]

I enjoyed this but the music is really distracting hard to focus on what they're saying with the background music. Fascinating that not having a bureaucracy enables people to get stuff done through their own initiative. It reminds me of the townships that were set up in the United States when the United States was first founded

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Interesting point on the music. I've been keeping it at 20db below the voices and that *should* keep it easy to hear the voices. But I didn't change the frequencies on this one. It is nice not having building codes to restrict what you can do with your land. Our pool has no fence. Our raised patio has no railing. But on the flip side, our pool was installed without a GFCI breaker. Our roof is made if incredibly flammable material. And here's one you'll appreciate: When our neighbor decided to build a truck stop, he built a "two lane" off ramp / on ramp from the highway to benefit his business. And now it's really dangerous for us to get on the highway. We used to be able to drive up to the highway edge and then turn left. Now we need to turn right onto the "on ramp" and then make a u-turn at the end of the ramp. He concreted the entire ROW with a design that benefited his business and ignored all his neighbors. And he got the project signed of by some federal engineer. In the US, the would never have happened. Down in Mexico, it's common.

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

I didnt even notice the music until I read this post. To interested in what this couple had to say.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@StreetTruckinTitan Thanks. I think the music comes out louder on certain speakers (or headphones maybe?)

[@auroram8ify]

I love Mexico life there is slow and the food is very healthy !vegetable soups there taste amazing ❤

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Mexican food is the best! But finding something without meat in it can be a challenge.

[@Dividendflywheel]

Paying $650k (after I retire) would scramble 😊 my retirement nest egg. Nevertheless I appreciate the romantic vibes they have for each other

[@tracylf5409]

1) recent murders 2) if you have an emergency, what? 3) groceries 4) int'l flights

[@manuellozano819]

Awesome thanks for sharing.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for watching!

[@s.m.h.7480]

Hello guys, listening to your video and enjoying the details of your romance that rekindled and also interested in the area I’m a single guy in my mid 60s and looking to retire on a fixed income of Social Security and minimum stock returns much less than you guys are paying and wondering if there’s any places around your area where I might be able to get a small single rental for myself for Quite a bit less money Also, I like your lifestyle very much and would be comfortable with the same fresh fish, produce, minimalistic, lifestyle, etc. etc. My biggest thing is budget, since I have a very small Social Security, and equally small returns from my stocks Anyway, I’ve been to Puerto Escondido and was thinking, and I’m still thinking about that area, but don’t know much about the Baja peninsula or Baja Sur. Appreciate any information you could share Steve

[@stevefritz5182]

Baja peninsula is more expensive than all of Mexico, except pure tourist towns on the mainland. It is so because it is remote with only one highway that winds through the mountains to bring goods from Tijuana. There is ferry access from the mainland for other shipments, but not cheap. You can "live" a low income here, as many Mexicans live on far less than your income. However, they don't necessarily live near the water, or have an extra bedroom, and the property isn't new or even single family. In other words, you can live like a local and adopt a minimalist lifestyle, but can you? It takes a very specific personality type. The couple in this video want all those things, however, with the exception of his experience, this is all new to them. What will life look like in ten years? I say, keep one foot in the US, or at least a return plan. The next argument you will hear is that Mexico will not give you residency with your income level. You don't need residency to live here, but you will need to travel back and forth to keep a tourist visa. It has been suggested that people new to this lifestyle do just that. I've seen people come down with everything they own in the back of their car only to crash and burn and return home empty-handed. Even people with money burn out after about three years. If you can break six, you might be the right stock.

[@s.m.h.7480]

@@stevefritz5182 Hello Steve, I appreciate the information that you sent regarding my questions and concerns and I appreciate also you being candid As I mentioned, I’m a single guy mid 60s been a general contractor most of my life carpenter by trade, so never really desire or needed a lot of frills I would like to be as close to the beach as possible just to cool off in the water wherever I end up I may have mentioned that I spent a couple of weeks in Puerto Escondido and I’m sure that would work for me if I could find an expensive place to live I like what you said about keeping 1 foot in the US just as a back up plan, smart move, and will keep that in mind I have a small 2001 Toyota Toyota Tacoma pick up truck with a rack on it. It’s my second smaller work truck and I was thinking about keeping that and bringing it to Mexico, especially Baja. Unfortunately, even here in the US, this kind of Toyota is extremely desirable, and I’d hate to have it stolen or me mugged, and then someone takes it, like that unfortunate event that unfolded a month or so ago with those Australian or New Zealand tourists Anyway and closing I just wanted to thank you for your information and appreciate anything else you feel like sharing I’m still here in Santa Rosa California trying to plan for the next 2 to 5 years Steve

[@stevefritz5182]

Your truck will be fine. Car theft isn't a big thing, as far as I can make out. I've had a newer Silverado here for a few years now and never a care. Driving into Baja is fine since you don't need a TIP. I don't know the requirements of a TIP but being on a tourist visa in Baja gives you free reign driving. You need the insurance of course; about $200 a year. I too believe I don't need a lot of frills and think someday I will live like that by choice. I imagine it being a mind game that I don't think I can win in the long run. I have posted a lot of stuff on videos like this channel produces and I warn of the dangers of cultural assimilation not being easy. So many videos are made by realtors, travel bloggers, and people selling migration services. They paint a rosy picture and tell only the good stuff, for the most part. This channel does a better job of showing reality. It takes a certain type of person to live here and there are certainly many that do just fine. Lots of homework to do. Good luck.

[@bonniesomedy1339]

"Sleepy fishing village" is somewhat accurate, though it won't be for long! People have discovered Baja by coming here during the pandemic. Yes, it's beautiful, though watch out; don't know how much longer global warming will make the "East Cape" livable in summer?). Also, there is the issue of hurricanes (better be well-built and prepared!), but the biggest one is going to be gentrification. We need to recognize that retiring here and loving it is good, especially if we assimilate to Mexican culture. But too many folks are now using the Mexican's desire to make some money by selling their land as a springboard for speculation building - buy for $100,000 and sell for a million! It's going to make a dangerous wealth gap between locals and expats. Better to move in, stay, and join forces with locals for better government for everyone. Notice also the important caveats about water access. Not enough for the building boom going on. The hotels only survive because of multiple seawater purification systems; they are not good long-term sustainable.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks - gentrification is a real issue (along with water, etc.) I hope to cover this issue in a future video.

[@jesusaguilar1945]

It be good every time u show a video like this it be good if you ask about the amount it cost to see the diferents and compare to the USA

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Costs in the US are really variable. But I’d compare this to Southern California and rent in a similar type location would probably be $6,000USD per month.

[@jesusaguilar1945]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico6.000 I think is a lot but that's is in USA?

[@Linda_Rella]

What realtor did you use?

[@Tycobb10]

What do they do for health insurance?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I’m not sure, but they probably have US healthcare because they are still working and living half time in the US. That’s the case for my wife and I. And our insurance covers urgent/ emergencies in other countries.

[@RobertIsaacson-hi9sz]

Nice people.But I have lived here for 30 years. I would not do it. Also right now Mexico is really close to the same price as The Us. Also why do all the gringos want the things they are trying to escape?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You need to check prices in the US now. Mexico inflation is high, but so is the US.

[@BillySBC]

From a Mexican's perspective is was probably $200 a year before foreigners showed up and ruined it.

[@stevefritz5182]

It was $200 a year and nobody lived there. It was empty and the $200 came from scraping a living. Today, the town supports hundreds, if not thousands of jobs. The Mexicans may not be buying on the beach, but they are better off than when they were living on $200 - and not living on the beach.

[@harumi101]

😂😂😂😂

[@thescaledraven5482]

You guys are cute. Mazel

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

You can NOT use Medicare in Mexico. Stay healthy!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can use some Medicare Advantage plans though.

[@Kimonha]

They’re athletes for sure

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

They are definitely in good shape!

[@perrykomick9478]

We were falling in love? Lol..

[@harumi101]

Puro codo viene a La Ventana 😂😂😂😂. Animo

[@atuendoantiguo7328]

Ustedes están haciendo la vida imposible para las y los mexicanos en su propio país. 2,000 dólares son casi 40,000 pesos, 10 veces el sueldo promedio en muchas partes de México. Lo que está pasando en Baja California Sur es particularmente preocupante, las subidas de precios en TODO impiden a los locales vivir dignamente. Sé que no lo hacen a propósito, pero la ignorancia es igual de peligrosa, al menos en este caso. Al menos dejen de anunciar en KZbin a bombo y platillo las vidas "simples" que llevan en este país con 50 millones de pobres, por favor. Y dejen de venir a quedarse.

[@harumi101]

Hay mucho mexicano con propiedades a la orilla de la playa por acá. El que trabaja bien le va bien y el que tiene cultura financiera también. Falta educación financiera en México. La mayoría de los extranjeros que viven aquí en La Ventana andan regateando la chamba y eso sí no se vale un tipo se hizo loco y no me pagó, ya mejor me mentalicé a que se los regalé está más pobre mental que nada. Se llama Ryan 😂😂😂😂. Que chafas. Los que vivimos acá a veces nos reímos por sus actitudes de que creen que no nos damos cuenta. A una amiga no le querían pagar después de que le hizo un servicio cosmético a una estadounidense pues decía que traía menos dinero cuando se le dijo el precio del mismo, queria pagar menos. No babes no veo a ningún extranjero en USA yendo a comprar algo y luego decir te pago menos por que es lo que traigo. 😅😅😅😅😅.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Gracias por compartir tu punto de vista