Mexicali: The Honest Truth About Air Quality and Living Here
so, i landed in mexicali a few weeks back, and let me tell you, it's a trip. first thing that hit me? the air. it's thick, man, like walking through a cloud of hot beef fat. not great, but you get used to it. i'm a marathon runner, and even i had to adjust my schedule because the air quality can be a bitch. according to the world air quality report, mexicali's been sitting at a PM2.5 level of 35-40, which is basically saying it's like smogging through a city of chain smokers.
but hey, that's not all bad, right? it's like my lungs are getting a free workout. also, the views are insane. you can see the *sierra de juárez mountains from pretty much anywhere. it's like nature's giving you a big middle finger while you're trying to catch your breath.
talking about the neighbors, well, tijuana and calexico* are just a short drive away. tijuana's like the cooler, more chaotic sister, while calexico's more laid-back, you know? it's like having a wild party next door but still being able to catch the ambiance without the headaches.
The weather? it's hot, dry, and unapologetic. i heard someone say it's like living in an oven that forgot to turn off. i mean, it's not misleading, right? you just gotta stay hydrated and find some shady spots to chill.
i gotta mention the job market. it's a mixed bag, man. you've got opportunities in agriculture, industry, and even some tech stuff. but it's competitive, and you gotta be ready to hustle. i chatted with a local who said, "it's not about what you know, it's about who you know." so, network like your life depends on it.
rent? it's affordable, but quality can be hit or miss. i'm talking $300 for a decent one-bedroom. just don't be surprised if the landlord's niece is living in the basement. here's a quick look at the cost of living, just to keep it real:
- Rent: $300-$500/month
- Utilities: $50-$100/month
- Groceries: $200-$300/month
- Eating Out: $5-$15 per meal
now, let's talk about the drunk advice i got from a local. he said, "if you're gonna live here, get a good air purifier and invest in some decent running shoes. and always double-check your water." yeah, that's some solid gold right there.
i also overheard some rumors about the safety. one local warned, "stay out of certain neighborhoods after dark, especially if you're not used to it." so, be smart, stay alert, and you'll be fine.
if you're thinking about visiting or moving, check out some of these links for more deets: TripAdvisor Mexicali, Yelp Mexicali, and the Reddit Mexicali sub
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