1. How safe is TJ, 2. How expensive would it be to rent a modest apartment

It's reasonably safe full-time. Only four of the five links below rate it as the #1 most dangerous city on earth; luckily the other one calls it #2, so there's hope!



https://www.armormax.com/blog/most-dange…

https://www.thetealmango.com/lifestyle/m…

https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/the-mo…

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery…

https://briefly.co.za/91981-50-most-dang…

I imagine it'll be cheaper -I've heard of Americans living in TJ and working in San Diego - there used to be a TUSCLer that lived in TJ but he didn't post often and I don't remember his handle - I assume there are some areas and/or apartment complexes that cater towards Americans.

You can do a YouTube search for "expat living in Tijuana" and there should be some vids (also do a Google search).

Average salary in Tijuana is US$12,000, which means there are plenty of people making US$8,000. Suddenly. a gringo moves in to a cheap apartment among the locals and flashes money buying hookers. Yeah, perfectly safe.

If u have the flexibility you can maybe try it out for a short period like a month or two via a short-time rental or AirBnB.

There used to be a website called TJAmigos but I don't think it's up anymore but this one came up;

https://www.tijuanatalk.net/forum/1-bien…

that is very helpful from what i read so far
i think a long weekend is in order just to get an initial feel

^ so you've never been to TJ?

If so def best to take some trips b/f making a decision to possibly move there.

@TheSultanOfSoutheast

I will play along and comment on your discussion.

Q: How safe is TJ?

A: TJ is as safe as the “Happiest Place on Earth” ( according to Krusty https://tuscl.net/photo.php?id=1401 ) can be.

Every city on the is dangerous, in its own way, because people live in them and people can be dangerous...

“The State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) reports that “violence is largely limited to Tijuana’s outlying areas and not concentrated in tourist zones.”

In order to stay safe in Tijuana remain vigilant at all times and do not venture out at night alone.

And keep in mind that though violence in Tijuana is a real threat, the instances in which it spills over to tourists and U.S. expats is still remarkably low.”

Use common sense. You should find out in advance (Google it) where the safe - and non-safe - areas are in TJ (or any City you visit) and then stick to the safe areas and to avoid the “unsafe” areas.

Q: How expensive would it be to rent a modest apartment

A: Like in any place in the world a “modest apartment” rent, will depend on three factors; location, location, location.

Like in any city find an area that has a reputation of being safe and affordable (Google it) and rent what you can comfortable afford.

Rent can go from $400 to $600 US in a middle to upper class area. you can also rent a mansion that in Hollywood or Manhattan would cost you $30,000 US for $5,000 US, again location, location location...

I've never been, I may try an organize a trip this spring

@TheSultanOfSoutheast

This is from an article about “Tijuana – More Than Just a Party Town”

“Expat Neighborhoods in Tijuana, Mexico:

Playas is one of the trendy and nicer neighborhoods in Tijuana and home to many expats.

Unlike some of the other expat communities along the coastline, Americans in Tijuana are more spread out.

To connect with many expats in Tijuana, you can join their Facebook group.”

https://mightybuffalo.com/destination/mo…

Rather than trying to figure this out via guys who almost all go to Mexico for Zona Norte for a weekend or so, reach out to other American's living in the TJ area. There are expat websites out there with discussion boards populated by these folks. They will be more helpful.

My guess is that, yes, the cost of living will be less (perhaps a lot less) but you'll also not have access to some of the societal services that we take for granted in the U.S. Also, you will *always* be an outsider. This might seem cool at first, but it can get old fast, according to a few expat friends of mine who live abroad.

I have met a number of Americans who work in San Diego and live in TJ. All seem quite comfortable and happy crossing the border every day. I have toyed with the idea, because I can work from home, which can be anywhere in the world. (Lived in Amsterdam for a while, because I could.)

On Craigslist, there have been advertisements for apartments managed by expats who offer to help set up utilities and other basic services.

Don’t believe the BS about it being unsafe. Unless you live in the ghetto and fail to use common sense, or act like an entitled AssHat, it should be no problem. Also, learn some basic Spanish if you want the respect of the locals.

This is good. I think I need to set foot in TJ this spring. I'm also a member of a Harley forum and I'll prolly try and organize a cross country ride to TJ.

@TheSultanOfSoutheast

I was going to ask you about your avatar picture without the Harley Softail.

You might want to look into the “Annual Rosarito Beach Motorcycle Run” by Rolling Deep for Charities.

“All Weekend Event filled with biker activates. Escorted Ride by Federal Police to and from Mexico.”

It is a very good safe fun event

Rosarito Beach is only 29 minutes south of the Hong Kong gentleman club.

This is a link to the Eventbrite page of the last ride in 2021

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/17th-annual…

that would actually be a great way to get my feet wet but it's in october and i'd like to go before then. also not sure how many of the other riders want to "venture out" to soak in the entertainment

Mazatlán has a biker event around May. Never been. The one I had planned to attend got killed by Covid.
Gave up my Harley Road King about two years ago. A combination of my age reducing my reaction time and the increased number of idiots on the road made the decision.
Now learning to fly airplanes.

so I just looked into the Hong Kong gentlemens club and those are some of the most beautiful women I've ever seen!
is it like the US where girls just go there to make money or where are they getting these girls from?

Not sure if you've thought this one through... have you checked into getting residency in MX yet? Another thing to consider is that if you do emigrate, you'll still have to file a US tax return for the first five years... there's a lot of administrivia to get through for a move like this.

Why are you thinking of TJ in particular? I'm guessing it's for the putas. There's far better choices available with large expat enclaves. For example, you could check out San Jose del Cabo which is quieter, safer, and only a 3 hour flight from TJ (usually for under $100 round trip). It also has regular flights to US cities.

Lastly, I don't know if I'd want to have a pricey ride down there...

I think I may need to see both :-o
Compare prices, and overall vibe