10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Ensenada

okay, so you're thinking about moving to ensenada. first thing you gotta know is that it's not some sleepy beach town with hammocks and coconut water. it's loud, it's alive, and it's got a personality that slaps you in the face the second you cross the border. if you're coming from san diego, you'll feel like you stepped into another world in 90 minutes. but before you pack your bags and dream of ceviche sunsets, here's what you actually need to know.

*1. rent is still kinda cheap, but not for long
i found a decent one-bedroom in centro for about $400 a month. that was last year. now? it's creeping up to $500-$600. airbnb has ruined everything, including local housing markets. if you want a deal, look in fallbrook or valle de guadalupe-adjacent neighborhoods. just don't expect elevators or central heating.

2. the food will ruin you for life
real talk: you will never eat a fish taco the same way again. la guerrerense is the holy grail, but there's also mariscos el guero, and a dozen unnamed street carts that'll make you question every life choice that didn't lead here. bring your cholesterol meds.

3. safety is relative
look, ensenada isn't tijuana, but it's not disneyland either. petty theft is real. keep your phone in your front pocket. don't walk alone at 3am singing show tunes. use common sense and you'll be fine. locals say the tourist zones are safe, but "safe" is a sliding scale.

4. the nightlife is either insane or dead
wednesday through saturday, la primera is a circus of neon, reggaeton, and questionable decisions. sunday? crickets. plan your social life accordingly. if you're into craft beer, check out cervecería transpeninsular for something less chaotic.

5. internet is a coin toss
remote worker? good luck. some areas have fiber, others are stuck on "2009 dial-up." ask your landlord to test the speed before signing anything. if you hear "oh, it's fine," run.

6. healthcare is cheap but chaotic
i got a dental cleaning for $25. the dentist also tried to sell me a timeshare. true story. there are good doctors, but you might have to kiss a few frogs. yelp has some reviews if you want to avoid the timeshare trap.

7. transportation is either walkable or a nightmare
downtown is walkable. everything else? bus or taxi. buses are 12 pesos and feel like a roller coaster operated by a teenager. taxis are cheap but negotiate first or you'll overpay. no uber, but didi works.

8. the weather is bipolar
one day it's 85 and sunny, the next it's raining sideways and your shoes are ruined. bring layers, waterproof shoes, and a tolerance for sudden climate mood swings. the wind in winter? brutal.

9. locals are either your best friend or suspiciously quiet
if you try to speak spanish, even badly, people warm up fast. if you only speak english and expect everyone to cater, you'll feel the chill. learn "hola," "gracias," and "una mas, por favor." it goes a long way.

10. you'll either love it or leave in six months*
ensenada isn't for everyone. it's messy, loud, charming, and exhausting. some people come for a weekend and stay forever. others bounce after the first traffic jam. no shame either way.

if you're still here after this, maybe ensenada's your next move. just don't say i didn't warn you about the fish tacos.

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