Why Digital Nomads Are Starting To Flock To This Laid-Back Beach Town In The Mexican Pacific

For years now, Tulum has held on tight to the title of Digital Nomad Capital of Mexico:

Recognized for its powdered-sugar white sands, historic ruins, and most significantly, a well-established expat scene, it has traditionally been the popular vacation spot for distant employees eyeing a relocation south of the border.

Nonetheless, with the rising price of dwelling in Tulum, pushed by a speedy dollarization of the native financial system, ongoing gang exercise, and week-round riotous celebration scene, among the peace-loving, crowd-wary guests have began to look westward for his or her ‘anyplace workplace’.

There’s now a much more laid-back seashore city within the Mexican Pacific, over 2,100 miles away from the Mayan Riviera, rising quick in recognition inside nomad circles, and we’re unsure about you, however we did not see this one coming:

San Jose Del Cabo Is Mexico’s Subsequent Nomad Haven

Los Cabos is one in every of Mexico’s hottest trip locations, well-known for its luxurious resorts, breathtaking pure magnificence, and vibrant meals scene. However whereas it shines as a getaway spot, it hasn’t fairly developed into a real digital nomad hub, and right here’s why.

In contrast to different conurbation areas in Mexico, which have diversified their financial system past tourism, Los Cabos’ main supply of overseas income is its Lodge Zone.

In actuality, we’re speaking about two distinct municipalities that kind the broader ‘Los Cabos’ space: Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose Del Cabo. They’re each situated on the very tip of the Baja California peninsula, with 20 miles of unruffled golden sands between them.

This coastal stretch is dotted with luxurious listings, most notably Grand Velas Los Cabos, routinely voted among the finest resorts within the nation, the ‘barefoot luxurious’ One&Solely Palmilla, and plenty of extra.

As a rule, it is largely short-term vacationers who’re drawn to Los Cabos. In spite of everything, beachfront condos common $2,000–$5,000 per 30 days, or greater, and the price of eating, and even shopping for groceries, is usually marked up.

Regardless of all of the cons, one of many ‘two Cabos’ is slowly, however certainly turning into a promising workcation heart, as famous by the Cabo Sun:

Higher Connectivity

One of many greatest complaints amongst nomads who’ve hung out within the Mexican Capes is the suboptimal web velocity.

Except you are paying thousands-of-dollars-a-night to remain in a five-star resort, possibilities have been that, up till very lately, you’ll have struggled with steady web utilization throughout sure components of Los Cabos, decrease streaming high quality, and so forth.

Because the Cabo Solar stories, there’s been a important improve in connectivity in san Jose particularly, since fiber optic web has been carried out in suburban zones, away from the tourist-dominated Lodge Zone.

Which means, when you’re reserving an AirB&B within the residential half, you will not be coping with fixed disconnections throughout these essential Skype calls as usually.

Mexico’s Wellness Capital

Moreover, San Jose is reinventing itself as a wellness hub firstly. That is to not say Cabo San Lucas is reserved for partying and the same old hustle and bustle that comes with Mexican resort cities, however there is not any doubt the previous feels so much calmer, and extra laid-back.

The Capes as a duo are already often known as the Wellness Capital of Latin America, however San Jose particularly has a plethora of yoga studios, certain to attraction to working towards nomads, therapeutic massage facilities away from the overpriced resorts, and cafes serving wholesome meals.

For brunch in a calming ambiance, we love Pezgallo. For those who’re planning on catching up with some work, Gloria Denims Espresso, proper on Plaza Pescador, has probably the most secure Wi-Fi connection.

Lastly, for that after-work hours chilly brew, the American-friendly The Breakdown is our go-to spot. Positioned on the favored Plaza Villa Valentina, simply off the freeway close to the beginning of the Lodge Zone, it is a fashionable assembly level for expats based mostly across the downtown space.

Historic Attraction

Talking of downtown, a part of the rationale why San Jose is proving to be a much better match for nomads out of the 2 ‘Cabos’ is its revitalized Historic Heart.

Although the Capes are nowhere close to as outdated as another Mexican cities, that date all the way in which again to the sixteenth century, they did begin as tiny fishing ports within the nineteenth century, and the historic attraction has not been totally misplaced.

The middle is dotted with storied buildings with brightly-painted facades, pedestrian-friendly walkways adorned with lights and colourful flags, galleries owned by native artists, and it even hosts a farmers market!

Positively do not look forward to finding a type of hovering Baroque cathedrals, or a maze of cobbled streets that look as if they might belong someplace in Southern Europe—it isn’t that type of place, however it has its personal appeal.

It is Not Low-cost… However It Has Attractive Seashores. And It is Protected!

The affordability issue, or lack, thereof, is not one thing that precisely works in San Jose’s favor. It could be barely cheaper to dwell in than the party-centric, resort-packed Cabo San Lucas, however it’s nonetheless an upper-class workcation vacation spot.

On common, you may be spending $3,530 per month, which isn’t all that completely different from life north of the border.

The large draw, then again, is the proximity to nature and gorgeous seashores inside simple attain of city. From Playa Palmilla, probably the most tourist-friendly seashore in Los Cabos because of its shallow, swimmable waters, to the epic waves at Costa Azul, it’s a seashore lover’s paradise.

Security is one other large plus:

The Baja California peninsula might have a repute for being a hotspot for crime, however Cabo is situated in Baja California Sur, a state throughout the wider area that’s acknowledged by the U.S. Authorities as being safer.

The dual cities’ geographical isolation, on the very tip of the peninsula, over a thousand miles from locations like Tijuana and Mexicali, and the noticeable police presence, notably alongside the highways resulting in it, all contribute to the higher sense of safety.

In sum, it might be on the pricier finish, however to some, these perks far outweigh the upper dwelling prices.

As an American, you’ll be able to reside in Mexico below a vacationer visa for as much as 180 days at a time.

Which means, in case your plan is to relocate to San Jose del Cabo completely, or just keep a bit longer (say, one or two years), you have to a long-term resident visa.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead author at Journey Off Path, has over 60+ nations below his belt (and at the moment weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative tales that can have you ever packing your baggage.