Why Move to Cabo San Lucas: My Real Story After 25 Years
If you're wondering why move to Cabo San Lucas, I’ll tell you exactly why: I’ve lived here for 25 years, and I wouldn’t choose anywhere else in the world.
My name is Lissette Valentine, and I’m a real estate agent with Baja Properties. I came to Cabo in 2000 with nothing but a car full of belongings and a heart full of curiosity. Since then, I’ve seen this town grow, evolve, and become one of the most desirable places to live in all of Mexico - maybe even North America.
Here’s how I got here, what life was like back then, and why I never left.
From Mexico City to Cabo San Lucas: My Unexpected Journey
I was born in Mexico City, but my story really starts when I was 19. I met my ex-husband while traveling through a beach town in Oaxaca. He was from Oklahoma and studying for his master’s degree in Phoenix. We eventually got married in Dallas and bounced between the U.S. and Mexico for a while.
Then he got a job offer - running a hospital in Cabo San Lucas. Neither of us had ever lived here before, but we packed up our car, drove across Mexico, and took the Baja Ferry to La Paz. From there, we followed the highway south to Cabo.
No plan. Just a feeling.
How We Made the Move to Cabo (and Why It Was So Easy)
People ask all the time if it’s hard to move to Cabo. Honestly? It wasn’t. He was bilingual. I was bilingual. But the truth is, you don’t need to speak Spanish. So many people here speak English, and even those who don’t are kind, helpful, and patient. Cabo welcomes you, no matter where you’re from.
We didn’t hire movers or consultants. We just drove here and figured it out as we went. If you’ve got the spirit for it, moving to Cabo can be surprisingly simple.
What Cabo Looked Like When I First Arrived
We landed in Cabo in the year 2000. Back then, it felt like a small fishing village with a few extra tourists. Grocery stores were limited. Traffic was almost nonexistent. We had a two-lane highway running between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, what’s now a gorgeous four-lane coastal corridor.
I remember seeing cows just roaming around the streets. You could go for days without seeing a stoplight. That’s the Cabo I first fell in love with.
How Cabo Has Changed Over the Past 25 Years
The growth since then has been unbelievable. Today, Cabo is home to world-class golf courses, luxury resorts, stunning beachfront homes, and some of the best restaurants in Mexico. But somehow, it’s kept that laid-back energy. That’s rare.
When I first arrived, most people only talked about Cabo San Lucas. They didn’t even realize that San Jose del Cabo was its own distinct town. Now, both are thriving in their own ways.
I’ve watched neighborhoods grow. Roads expand. Families settle in. Tourists become full-time residents. It’s been amazing to witness.
Why I Never Left Cabo San Lucas
I’ve traveled a lot. I’ve lived in Phoenix, Dallas, Mexico City. But I always came back here.
The quality of life is unmatched. I’m an outdoorsy person, and Cabo gives me everything I want fishing, golfing, off-roading, snorkeling, scuba diving, even skydiving right over the Arch. You can’t beat it.
And the weather? It’s beautiful year-round. Even when we get the occasional storm, it feels like a break from the sun. That’s the kind of “bad weather” I can live with.
Sunshine, Safety, and Adventure All Year Long
This town runs on adventure. Whether it’s kite surfing in Los Barriles, hiking desert trails, or diving with sea lions, there’s always something to do.
But it’s also calm when you need it to be. Quiet mornings. Beautiful beaches. Walks along the marina. It’s a good mix.
What You Get in Cabo Compared to the U.S.
Living here is more affordable than most people realize. I always tell clients: if Cabo had a California zip code, you'd need millions. Here, that same beachfront lifestyle is actually attainable.
It’s why I joke that Cabo is the new Hawaii - except it’s closer, and you don’t need to fly across the Pacific.
Is Cabo Safe? Here's What I Tell Everyone
I’ve lived here almost 25 years, and I can confidently say: Cabo is safe. Safer than many places I’ve been in the U.S., too.
We’re geographically separated from the mainland. That matters. The energy here is different. Peaceful. You don’t see the issues you see elsewhere. People live full-time in Los Cabos because they feel secure. If they didn’t, they’d go elsewhere.
And they’re not just visiting. They’re buying homes, raising families, and investing in this community
How I Built My Real Estate Career Here
Before real estate, I worked in the timeshare industry. I did catering for a French chef. I served both celebrities and regular folks in the exclusive community of Pedregal - which is basically our Beverly Hills.
That background in hospitality, service, and sales eventually led me to Baja Properties, where I’ve been a full-time agent for over five years.
What I love most is getting to help people start their next chapter in Cabo, just like I did.
Whether they’re looking for a cozy condo, a beachfront villa, or land to build on, I get to be part of that journey. It’s personal for me. I’ve been on both sides.
And because I’ve been here for so long, I know the secret spots, the best beaches, the off-the-beaten-path restaurants. I don’t just sell homes, I help people build lives here.
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So… Why Move to Cabo San Lucas?
Because it’s real. It’s sunny. It’s safe. It’s exciting. It’s peaceful. It’s everything people are looking for but rarely find in one place.
If you’re thinking about buying or moving here, I’d love to help. My story isn’t rare anymore - more and more people are making the same decision. But I can tell you one thing: nobody regrets it.
Reach out to Baja Properties and let’s talk. Whether you're moving full-time, looking for a vacation home, or thinking about an investment, we’re here to help you find your place in Cabo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move to Cabo?
It depends, but many expats move within a few months. Some take longer to finalize logistics like work, schools, or real estate purchases.
Do you need to speak Spanish to live in Cabo San Lucas?
No. Most locals in Cabo speak English, especially in the service and real estate industries.
Is Cabo safe for families?
Yes. Cabo is considered one of the safest areas in Mexico, with many international families living here full-time.
Can you work remotely in Cabo?
Absolutely. Cabo has solid internet infrastructure, and many people work remotely from here.
How much does it cost to live in Cabo San Lucas?
It varies. You can live simply on $2,000/month or live luxuriously with a higher budget. Real estate options range from condos to luxury villas.
What’s the weather like year-round in Cabo?
Mostly sunny. Winters are mild, summers are hot and dry. Rain is rare and usually brief.
Are there good schools in Cabo for expat children?
Yes. Cabo has several bilingual private schools that cater to both locals and international families.
How do I buy real estate in Cabo as a foreigner?
You can purchase property through a fideicomiso (bank trust). Learn more here.
What’s the healthcare like in Cabo?
Cabo has excellent private hospitals and clinics, many with English-speaking doctors and U.S.-trained specialists.
Is it easy to meet other expats in Cabo?
Very. There’s a strong expat community, with clubs, meetups, and social events throughout the year.