The Expat Community
San Felipe has a thriving community of American and Canadian expatriates, many of whom have made the town their permanent or seasonal home. The expat community is welcoming and tight-knit, with regular social gatherings, potlucks, and volunteer activities. Many expats are retirees who were drawn by the affordable cost of living, warm weather, and relaxed pace of life.
The "snowbird" community is particularly active from October through April, when hundreds of RVers and winter residents arrive to escape cold northern winters. This seasonal influx brings energy to the town, with more restaurants open, more social events, and a bustling malecon scene.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Felipe is remarkably affordable compared to US coastal towns. Options range from beachfront condos to desert homes, RV lots, and raw land for building. As a foreigner, you can purchase property in Mexico through a bank trust (fideicomiso) that gives you full ownership rights for a 50-year renewable term.
Types of Properties
- Beachfront Condos: Available in several developments including La Ventana del Mar, offering ocean views and resort-style amenities.
- Houses & Gated Communities: Ranging from modest Mexican-style homes to larger American-style houses in gated communities like El Dorado Ranch, a well-established resort community about 7 miles north of town with an 18-hole golf course, 24-hour security, and a range of property options.
- Ejido Land: Some properties are on ejido (communal) land, which requires a different purchasing process. Work with a knowledgeable local attorney.
- RV Lots: Permanent or seasonal RV spaces in established parks along the beach.
- Raw Land: Desert and beachfront lots for those who want to build their dream home.
Buying Tips
- Always use a reputable Mexican real estate attorney (notario publico).
- Verify the property title and ensure there are no liens or disputes.
- Understand the fideicomiso process before signing anything.
- Be cautious with ejido land purchases — the process is more complex.
- Visit the property at different times of day and during different tides.
Cost of Living
One of San Felipe's biggest draws is its low cost of living. Housing, food, and services are a fraction of what they cost in the US. A comfortable lifestyle can be maintained for significantly less than comparable US coastal living.
- Rent: A basic furnished apartment can be found for $300-600/month. Beachfront condos range from $600-1,200/month.
- Groceries: Fresh produce, tortillas, and local foods are very affordable. Imported US goods cost more.
- Dining Out: A seafood dinner for two at a nice restaurant runs $20-40 USD. Taco stands are $1-3 per taco.
- Utilities: Electricity can be high due to air conditioning in summer. Water is inexpensive.
- Healthcare: Doctor visits and basic medical care are a fraction of US costs.
Healthcare
San Felipe's healthcare has improved significantly. In 2025, the community hospital received a 40-million-peso upgrade under the IMSS Bienestar program, adding two operating rooms, a recovery area, 20 hospital beds, X-ray services, and a revamped emergency room with a shock room and isolation chamber. The hospital now has permanent medical staff covering internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, trauma, and orthopedics.
In addition to the public hospital, Lakeside Medical Group operates a private facility offering emergency and urgent care, surgical rooms, labs, diagnostics, pharmacy, and 24/7 ambulance services. Private doctors, dentists, and pharmacies are available throughout town. For highly specialized care, the city of Mexicali (about 2 hours north) has modern hospitals and specialists. Many expats also maintain US health insurance and cross the border for major procedures.
Dental and vision care in Mexico is significantly cheaper than in the US, and many border-area practitioners have US training. Pharmacies in San Felipe stock common medications, many of which don't require a prescription.
Getting Around
San Felipe is a small town and most daily needs can be met on foot or by car. There is no public transit system, so having a vehicle is important, especially if you want to explore the surrounding areas. Golf carts and ATVs are common for getting around town. Gas stations are available in town.
San Felipe International Airport
San Felipe has an airport (SFE/MMSF) with a paved runway, but it currently has no scheduled commercial flights. The Baja California state government has been pushing for renovation and expansion to attract commercial airline service. For now, the airport primarily serves private aviation and charter flights. The nearest major airport with commercial service is in Mexicali (General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada International Airport), about 2 hours north.
Internet & Connectivity
Internet service has improved significantly in recent years, with several providers offering reasonable speeds. Telmex and Totalplay provide wired internet, while cellular hotspots from Telcel provide coverage in town. Starlink has become increasingly popular among expats for reliable high-speed internet.
Safety
San Felipe is generally considered one of the safer towns in Mexico for expats and visitors. While the US State Department carries a Level 3 advisory for the broader state of Baja California, San Felipe's risk profile is very different from the urban areas that drive those warnings. It's a small community where people know each other, and violent crime targeting tourists or expats is extremely rare. Common-sense precautions apply: lock your car, don't leave valuables visible, and be aware of your surroundings. The biggest "dangers" are sunburn, dehydration, and getting your vehicle stuck in the sand.
Vehicle Plating for Permanent Residents
An important note for those considering permanent residency: Mexico has increased enforcement against permanent residents (Residente Permanente) driving foreign-plated vehicles. By law, permanent residents cannot keep a US or Canadian-plated car in Mexico and may face fines or vehicle seizure at checkpoints. This does not apply to temporary residents or tourists, but if you're transitioning to permanent status, plan to import and plate your vehicle in Mexico or purchase a locally-plated car.