MEXICO IS NOW #1 PLACE TO RETIRE IN THE WORLD
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Mexico Tops Retirement List
Mexico is now the number one location for retirees, according to the 15th Annual Global Retirement Index recently published by International Living magazine.
By comparison, the U.S. ranked 19th.
Panama, which had been Number One for six years dropped to fourth because of rising property costs. Other top ten countries include Ecuador, Italy, Panama, Australia, Malta, Spain, South Africa and Malaysia.
But all of those countries require much longer travel times on flight routes that can be complex. By contrast, the leading Mexican destinations have many direct flights from nearly all major markets in the U.S. Minimal time zone changes are required.
Among the criteria used by International Living Index in rating Mexico's Number One ranking were quality medical care, geographic diversity, and availability of cable TV, high speed internet, cell phone services. Also mentioned were Mexico's rich, historical culture and "modern living" features such as cable TV, high speed internet and cell phone services.
Activities in Mexico were also important, including an abundance of retirement hobbies, touring, shopping, concerts, theater and fine dining.
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ROCKY POINT PASSPORT INFO
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ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PEÑASCO) MEXICO Q: Do I need a passport to go to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico (Rocky Point)? A: Technically Yes. (not to go to Rocky Point but, the US now requires a passport to go back) Q: What happens if I don't have a passport yet but, still want to experience all the good things Rocky Point has to offer? A: Bring some official identification(s) with you to Rocky Point. Ex: driver's license, copy of birth certificate, state ID, etc. And, read the information below. (Notice: it is dated after June 1st, 2009 when the need for passports went into effect.) Answer to question about passport requirements at the U.S. borderJune 19, 2009 A reader (from Across the Border) posted a question recently about that new passport requrement for US and Canadian citizens, crossing the border from Mexico: What happens if you show up without your passport? I thought it was a good a question because it got me wondering about possible repercussions. …Is it like when you get a speeding ticket? Are we talking jail time? Handcuffs? Not hardly. Thanks, to Vince Bond, a spokesman over at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who provided this helpful response below. “Federal officers will not deny entry to any valid US citizen. Travelers may experience delays while CBP officers possibly refer them to secondary inspection so that their identity and admissibility can be positively determined. Our officers have enforcement discretion to make the determination whether to allow a non-compliant traveler to proceed into the United States , with a written warning to obtain the proper travel documents, or to refer them to the secondary inspection area. The warning document explains that the traveler is not compliant with the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and explains what documents are acceptable and how to obtain them. Lots of information about this process is on www.getyouhome.gov . We continue to encourage US citizens who cross the Canadian or Mexican land border to apply for and obtain a passport book, passport card, Sentri/Nexus trusted traveler card, or Enhanced Drivers License from participating states to facilitate their travel. I want to add that the overwhelming majority of traveling US citizens crossing the border already are WHTI compliant. Mexican travelers are unaffected by WHTI.” This article is from Across the Border. They keep up on current travel information, south of the US border in Mexico. |
Puerto Penasco is Rocky Point
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Puerto Peñasco
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Puerto Peñasco
aka Rocky Point |
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Coordinates: 31°19′N 113°32′W / 31.317, -113.533 |
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Country |
Mexico |
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State |
Sonora |
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Municipality |
Puerto Peñasco |
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Founded |
1694 (Francisco Eusebio Kino) |
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Government |
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- Mayor |
Alejandro Zepeda Munro |
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Elevation |
1,200 m (3,937 ft) |
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Population (2005) |
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- Total |
44,875 |
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- Density |
4.59/km² (11.9/sq mi) |
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- Demonym |
Rocaportense |
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Time zone |
MST (UTC-7) |
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Postal code |
83550 |
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Area code(s) |
638 |
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Website: www.puertopenasco.gob.mx |
Puerto Peñasco is a small city within the municipality of the same name, lying in the northwestern part of the state of Sonora, Mexico. Located on the shore of the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortés), the town is known for its fishing and tourism industries. Puerto Peñasco is alternatively known among many of its English-speaking visitors as Rocky Point, although the translation of the name is actually Rocky Port.
Geography
The city had a 2005 census population of 44,647 inhabitants. The municipality is quite large in geographical extent, and is very sparsely populated outside the city, with an area of 9,774.45 km² (3,773.94 sq mi). The municipality borders the other thinly-populated state municipalities of San Luis R.C., Sonora, Sonoyta, Sonora, and Caborca, Sonora, as well as Yuma County, Arizona in the United States.
The area features wide variations between high and low tides. With the shallowly sloping sea bed, this can lead to dramatic changes in the waterline twice a day. At the eastern beaches, this reveals a rocky reef with abundant sea life.
Demographics
The municipality has a total population of 44,875 (2005); that is, 99.49 percent of the municipality's inhabitants live in the city of Puerto Peñasco, and almost no one lives in its Sonoran Desert hinterland
Tourism
Puerto Peñasco is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those that reside in the U.S. state of Arizona since it contains the nearest beaches. It is also a popular Spring Break destination with students from Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Puerto Peñasco is located in the 'free zone' where tourists are not required currently to obtain immigration papers in order to visit. However U.S. Border Patrol agents advise that as of June 2009 a passport will be required to re-enter the United States. [As of October 2008, U.S. citizens are required to show proof of citizenship (e.g., state issued photo ID and U.S. birth certificate).]
Puerto Peñasco is also slated for upcoming marina and other boat-related developments as part of the country's 'Escalera Nautica' efforts, which call for a chain of 'tourist-class' marinas sprinkled up and down the Baja coast in an effort to promote nautical tourism.
Puerto Peñasco has two main beach areas. To the west of the Old Port area, there is a wide, flat area known as Sandy Beach. This is the home to several large hotel/resorts, and more are under construction. East of Puerto Peñasco, there is a long coast with several areas, known in parts as La Mirador, Playa del Oro, Las Conchas, and Playa Encanto, an area of beachfront and near-beach condos, homes and timeshares.
Places of Interest
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There is a statue of Benito Juarez in a plaza near the beaches.
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There are at least two SCUBA diving operations in Puerto Peñasco, although the waters near to shore tend to be quite shallow.
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The malecon in old Puerto
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Cholla Bay
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The CEDO Nature Center in Las Conchas
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The Playa Bonita
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The CET MAR aquarium.
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The golf courses
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The Pinacate Reserve
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The Baja Club
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Manny's Beach Club
Transportation
Puerto Peñasco has an international airport just north of town. It was served by Aeroméxico Connect and it is mainly used for small aircraft. The closest commercial airports are several hours away by car. They exist in Hermosillo, Sonora; Tucson, Arizona; or Mexicali, Baja California. A major highway is currently underway that will connect Puerto Penasco with San Luis Rio Colorado and Yuma, Arizona, offering a faster route from Tijuana/San Diego and Los Angeles.
As of 2005, there were a few charter airlines in Phoenix, Arizona, that offered flights to Puerto Peñasco. Public van service from Phoenix is also offered (as of 2006).
Highways
Puerto Peñasco can be reached from the United States via Mexican Federal Highway 8. From the center of Sonora the main route of access is Sonora State Highway 37
Commerce
Puerto Peñasco's fishing zone lies in the Gulf of California, and there has been much concern about growth-related overfishing and the ocean's ability to sustain the town's fishing industry into the future.
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Trump son sets sight on Rocky Point projects Mariana Alvarado- Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 12:00 am Donald Trump Jr., the son of one of the most prominent businessmen in the world, wants to invest in "Tucson's beach." Trump is interested in building resorts in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, aka, Rocky Point, as well as housing for low-income families and financing infrastructure projects for the region. Last week Trump met with Sonoran Gov. Guillermo Padrés in Hermosillo after visiting Puerto Peñasco to talk with tourism officials and private businessmen. "Thursday morning he flew over beach areas, the desert and the city," said Puerto Peñasco Mayor Alejandro Zepeda. "He was very impressed with Rocky Point." Although Trump, an executive vice president at The Trump Organization, didn't say when any projects could begin, Zepeda said he expects Trump to be back in Rocky Point soon. "They are interested in many different things," said Zepeda. The project specifics could be made public as soon as next spring, Camilo Benedetti with Yun Capital - an investment banker for The Trump Organization - said in a statement released by the Sonoran government. "We are very interested in financing infrastructure: roads, ports, aqueducts," he said. "And we are also interested in tourism and housing developments." In Hermosillo, Padrés spoke with Trump about the Sonora SI, a program to develop social and infrastructure projects. Javier Tapia Camou, with the Office of Tourism in Sonora, said the projects in Rocky Point were the main topic of discussion during the meeting between Trump and Gov. Padrés. "We just came back from Rocky Point where he (Trump) spent a couple of days analyzing options, and he wanted to speak with the governor," he said. "He's leaving very impressed with Sonora." A posting about the trip landed on Twitter over the weekend. "Most amazing weekend in a while in Mexico," Trump wrote. "Biz trip turned weekend at a new friend's ranch. Just awesome time in the desert." |
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| | WELCOME TO ROCKY POINT Real Estate!! PUERTO PENASCO (ROCKY POINT) - SAN CARLOS - SONORA - MEXICO Your Solution to Puerto Penasco Real Estate. Amigos, in today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Here, in Rocky Point, Real Estate is no different. There is no time like the present, to purchase that south of the border property you've always wanted. It is a buyers market in Rocky Point, Mexico! Our experience, knowledge, customer service, and fast response times, keep us way ahead of the competition, therefore, making us able to better serve you as a client and in the future, a friend. |
Whether you are buying or selling Rocky Point Real Estate, beachfront homes or condos, commercial properties, or residential lots, I look forward to working with you and earning your business. We have available, anything you may desire in Mexican Real Estate: Large parcels, Condominiums, Homes (casas), Lots, Farms, Commercial, Fractionals, and, Rocky Point Rentals and Property Management. Yes, we can even manage your Mexico Real Estate Investments for you! I invite you to contact me, I will be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling, Mexico Vacation Properties, land (including large parcels), or have any Mexico Real Estate needs in Sonora, or anywhere in Mexico, please contact me, as I am more than willing to help. Feel free to browse my Site for listings, reports, and important Puerto Penasco Real Estate Information. Here you will find even more on Rocky Point Real Estate, Rocky Point Rentals, and Puerto Penasco in general. My "Links" are very informative and can answer many questions for you as well.
Sincerely,
Todd Lyons Rocky Point Real Estate | |
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NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN MEXICO
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Why Mexico ‘Trumps’ America
By Henry Altman / Jun 11 •
BILLION$ OF DOLLAR$ ARE BEING INVE$TED AND $PENT
IN NORTHWESTERN SONORA, MEXICO ONE HOUR FROM THE USA
10,000 NEW HOMES FOR AMERICANS AND CANADIANS
In spite of the negative press about the drug wars and the bad economy, private developers and the Mexican Government are investing and spending billions of dollars in Northwestern Sonora, Mexico and for many good reasons. Almost every person I talk to says that this is not the time to be risking billions of dollars with the world economy in shambles in great part due to the collapse of the USA real estate market due to Wall Street greed and bad lending practices that tempted tens of millions of USA consumers into financial ruin…So why are these developers and the Mexican Government gambling billions on this area in Northwestern Sonora, Mexico to develop real estate for Americans and Canadians?
To fully understand the reasons why all of this activity is happening right now with every economic indicator pointing in the opposite direction, you first must know about the recent history of the area and why the first attempt by developers failed in this region and why this second effort in all probability is going to be very successful this time around.
This region of Mexico is destined to be the best of both worlds because 31,500,000 Americans can drive to get there and when they arrive they will find some of the very best real estate values in all of Mexico until the demand drives the prices back up. In fact, in all probability this region could be the strongest real estate market Mexico will have for the next three generations. One of the primary reasons is because Americans can drive their own cars there and keep them there without paying the import taxes on their car, boats and motor toys. Another factor is the Mexican Government is investing in quality infrastructure and services Americans want and need to accommodate their lifestyles.
Looking at a map of this region that included Arizona, Southern Nevada and Southern California these aforementioned smart people in Mexico and the United States figured out there are 31,500,000 people in the United States within a 400 mile distance from the last and most desirable virgin beaches within driving distance from the second largest segment of the entire USA economy.
The Area
Early in the first two years of this new millennium some very smart people in power on both sides of the border of Mexico and The United States, had a very good idea that was based on the real estate mantra that has been true from the beginning of time all the way back to the days when the definition of prime real estate was considered to be a large dry cave near a fresh water stream with plenty of fish and lots of game to hunt near by and it situated on high ground with a commanding view. I am sure the phrase LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is a familiar chant you all have heard before from every real estate professional and more often than not, from every arm chair expert as well. This area of Northwestern Sonora, Mexico screams the three L’s like no other region in all of Mexico or the USA, however it seems to be falling on deaf ears and closed eyes “but not for very much longer”.
The reasons for this deaf and blind condition is being caused in part because everyone is still in shock from the bubble bursting and that fact is being compounded by the non-stop sensational network media coverage of the drug wars and the US State Department giving the false perception that all of Mexico is unsafe and that is just not true.
Now that there are positive results with the numerous apprehensions of narco gang leaders as of late, or them being killed while resisting arrest (even better because they can not run their illicit businesses from jail), the traveling public’s opinion is changing rapidly and they are much less afraid to travel to Mexico now. This fact is because they know these areas of extreme violence are isolated in certain areas of different parts of Mexico and that is much different than the entire country being unsafe. Congratulations to President Calderon are in order for him taking action and staying the course. Travelers going to Mexico should be cautious at all times just as if they were in areas of Phoenix, Atlanta, St Louis or Detroit (not to mention going to a Safeway in Tucson, AZ to see your local Congresswoman on a Saturday morning). The international border does not differentiate the violence perpetrated by crazed gunmen or gangsters…the media does that…and to that end gives Americans a false sense of security in the USA as it is plenty dangerous here where guns are legal. Let’s all be fair to Mexico and intelligent about the situation there and elsewhere, the truth in today’s world is “you need to be careful every where you go” and that is the point.
Mexico offers the best cost of living and quality of lifestyle within several hours driving, or flying distance from the USA and Mexico has some of the best weather, food and most diverse travel destinations in the world. Now that the cost of living, health care, our debt, property and other taxes are soaring, our real estate values plummeting, it is no surprise that living in Mexico (especially one hour from the USA Border) is becoming very appealing and it is guaranteed to increase as the best kept secret in North America is discovered.
Puerto Penasco, a fishing community and a stretch of beach known as Rocky Point, are located less than one hour from the USA border on The Sea of Cortes. They have been the backyard beach, fishing and yachting community for Phoenix, and Western Arizonian’s for decades. While the boom town of Rocky Point was being built the infrastructure to deliver the Americans from California and Western Arizona via a new toll road and the first 100 miles of a new intercoastal highway were also being built to cut two hours off of the driving time for Californians to get to Rocky Point.
The delivery system for people to drive from the USA to the Northern Sea of Cortes is now complete. Waiting along this breathtakingly scenic, New Intercoastal Highway that few people have ever seen where the desert meets the Sea of Cortes, they will find the best real estate prices and affordable cost of living in Mexico today.
Why Puerto Penasco and Rocky Point Failed the First Time! And, won't fail again.
From 2002 through 2006 the place called “Rocky Point”, a water front strip of property across the bay from Puerto Penasco, know as Sandy Beach, saw over 7000 condo’s and houses sprang up from the desert sands like mushrooms in a cow pie after a warm summer rain in Texas.
 At the peak of this building boom and buying craze, hoards of US buyers were pulling easy to get cash from home equity loans in the USA as if their homes were ATM machines. They literally lined up by the thousands to buy condos, so now the beginning of the bubble bursting on both sides of the border had started with a bang.
As the sales skyrocketed to lofty heights in Rocky Point the US housing market started to unravel when the toxic mortgage paper in the United States started to rise to the surface like a backed-up toilet bowl. The panicked Wall Street money mongers and Washington politicians started looking for ways to explain to the world about the smoke and mirror business practices of bundling mortgages for investors who never knew that a good number of the mortgages were written and approved by underwriters who had their eyes closed and the lights turned off when they were making the bad loans. With that practice in motion, which was fueled by the greed for the fat loan commissions paid to the mortgage industry and the Wall Street brokers marketing the mortgages to investment bankers. This feeding frenzy turned the “American Dream” into the worldwide nightmare that has kept millions of unsuspecting Americans sleepless for the past 4 years and the reality is, we all actually came within days of seeing and feeling the total collapse of the entire world economy(for real).
If you have cable television service and HBO you really should watch the HBO movie “Too Big To Fail” it is the best definition to date on how and why we (the USA) are upside down in the world of finance (and how every country is affected by the USA debt) it also explains the TARP fund and the other bail-outs from Bush to Obama. The casting was as good as the writing; Warren Buffet was played by a blondish grey Ed Asner he was great as is the entire cast, who in part are William Hurt, Paul Giamatti and James Woods to name a few it is based on the real timeline as things unfolded (like the T.V. hit show 24) it is a real thriller based on facts.
For the first, second and third tier investors in Rocky Point condo’s and beach front homes (not to forget about the blind developers who’s debt now could not be serviced) it was game over with the rare exception of those developers who had sold out and had the client base to maintain the HOA. But for the vast majority of Puerto Penasco and Rocky Point it has been a disaster for the past 4 years.
Some of the buyers (a great number of them who financed their Rocky Point condo’s and houses), have walked away from their properties in Mexico. What is even worse for some of these people the equity they took from their homes in Phoenix and Southern California has caused them to lose their homes there as the market has dropped so low, (and it is still dropping) that their homes are not worth any where near what they owe let alone what they paid for them.
Why Puerto Penasco and Rocky Point Should be a Big Successful Going Forward!
Prices for real estate in Rocky Point are at an all time low just 4 years after being the fastest growing resort development in Mexico. Now that the landscape is littered with failed and uncompleted projects, all of this past misfortune for those people who bought into the 2002 to 2006 boom ends up being a real windfall for the next few years for the smart investors with cash in hand. For these smart money investors who can analyze the facts and conclude that buying now in some of these projects that did not fail and have greatly reduced prices on new condominium units and slightly used units, will see very clearly that right now is the very best time to buy in Rocky Point and the greater Puerto Penasco area.
There are several failed projects that have been bought from the banks and developers, by US Companies as well as several Canadian Groups. This activity sends a clear indication that the market is at the low end and the time to buy is now or very soon. The upside is slowly edging back though I am of the opinion it will never reach the high prices seen in the past due to the sobering reality consumers now have and the lenders tightening loan qualifications for buyers and the heavy (too heavy in many cases) restrictions that lenders are enforcing to loan money to developers. As the existing inventory is absorbed at Rocky Point by those buyers who resist the mega master planned communities like the Mayan Palace (where retail pricing is being practiced) there will be new developments one hour further West on the New Intercoastal Highway that takes off two hours of round trip travel time for Californians.
Some property owners who paid cash for several units now want to cut their losses and are willing to sell one of their properties at a great loss to generate cash to cover the carry on their remaining property. For the duration of the down turn market to have some of their liquid cash back in their hands would be a great relief. These types of properties are the first to sell, but with some research there are still some of these great bargains available.
Many people think Rocky Point is the best buy in Mexico for the low prices per sq/ft and the close proximity to the USA border (approximately 1 hour from Arizona). Puerto Penasco also has a modern well equipped hospital (several years new) that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance. There are Dental Clinics and general medical clinics in Puerto Penasco, as well as restaurants with good food and low prices. Several Americans have formed social clubs for different interaction gatherings on a regular basis.
Puerto Penasco is crazy about baseball and there is a small stadium on the main street coming into town that hosts farm league teams from Mexico and the USA, locals and Ex-pats love the baseball season. The local team is the Puerto Peñasco Tiburones. Being a fishing community Puerto Penasco always has fresh sea food and at very good prices when you buy at the docks off the shrimp and fishing boats. The state of Sonora is known for its grass-fed beef and it is available at good prices from several butcher shops and grocery stores making the area a “surf and turf heaven”.
Grupo Vidanta is one of the biggest and most financially sound developments companies in Mexico, has increased their spending on infrastructure, amenities as well as condominium units and single family homes for the future baby boomers they expect to cross over the border in droves like a tsunami somewhat reminiscent of Santa Anna’s troops rushing the Alamo Chapel vying for seats in the front row pew.
With The H1N1 (Swine Flu Pandemic), the drug wars in Mexico, the failed real estate market and the mortgage banking boondoggle in the USA over the last 4 years, it has created a fast growing pent-up demand that Grupo Vidanta is planning to fulfill that demand coming to Mexico at one of the best beach front locations in Northern Mexico. The Mayan Palace mega-plex golf resort, hotel and residential community owned by Grupo Vidanta is located just one hour from the USA border and they are betting the next thirty years will prove them to be the biggest providers of homes for migrating Americans and Canadians. Grupo Vidanta also paid for the construction and manages the first privately funded and operated International Airport in Mexico that opened 18 months ago Nov 2009; it is located directly across the New Intercoastal Highway from the Mayan Palace mega-plex golf resort, hotel and residential community.
TOP TEN REASONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER THIS AREA OF MEXICO
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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
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Low real estate prices with a great selection
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Fabulous beaches with warm waters
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New International Airport
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Less than a one hour drive from the USA on Brand New Highways
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Quality medical and dental facilities with, very affordable prices
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No taxes on your personal cars, boats and motor toys
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Activities for Boomers, Adult Children of Boomers and the grandkids too!
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Great fresh foods at reasonable prices
10. Unique plant and wildlife indigenous to the region
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THE NEW GLOBAL ECONOMIC REALITY by Charles Simpson First: A reality check on Mexico Mexico is in a unique position to reap many of the benefits of the decline of the US economy. In order to not violate NAFTA and other agreements the U.S.A. cannot use direct protectionism, so it is content to allow the media to play this protectionist role. The U.S. media – over the last year – has portrayed Mexico as being on the brink of economic collapse and civil war. The Mexican people are either beheaded, kidnapped, poor, corrupt, or narco-traffickers. The American news media was particularly aggressive in the weeks leading up to spring break. The main reason for this is money. During that two-week period, over 120,000 young American citizens poured into Mexico and left behind hundreds of millions of dollars. Let’s look at the reality of the massive drug and corruption problem, kidnappings, murders and money. The U.S. Secretary of State Clinton was clear in her honest assessment of the problem. “Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade. Our inability to prevent the weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the deaths of police officers, soldiers and civilians,” Clinton said. The other large illegal business that is smuggled into the U.S.A. that no one likes to talk about is Human Traffic for prostitution. This “business” is globally now competing with drugs in terms of profits. It is critical to understand, however that the horrific violence in Mexico is over 95% confined to the three transshipping cities for these two businesses, Tijuana, Nogales, and Juarez. The Mexican government is so serious about fighting this, that they have committed over 30,000 soldiers to these borders towns. There was a thoughtful article written by a professor at the University of Juarez. He was reminded of the Prohibition years in the U.S.A. and compared Juarez to Chicago when Al Capone was conducting his reign of terror capped off with The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. During these years, just like Juarez today, 99% of the citizens went about their daily lives and attended classes, went to the movies, restaurants, and parks. Is there corruption in Mexico? YES !!! Is there an equal amount of corruption in the U.S.A.? YES !!!. When you have a pair of illegal businesses that generate over $300,000,000,000 in sales you will find massive corruption. Make no mistake about the Mexican Drug Cartel; these “businessmen” are 100 times more sophisticated than the bumbling bootleggers during Prohibition. They form profitable alliances all over the U.S.A. They do cost benefit analysis of their business much better than the US automobile industry. They have found over the years that the cost of bribing U.S. and Mexican Border Guards and the transportation costs of moving marijuana from Sinaloa to California have cut significantly into profits. That is why over the past 5-7 years they have been growing marijuana in State and Federal Parks and BLM land all across America. From a business standpoint, this is a tremendous cost savings on several levels. Let’s look at California as an example as one of the largest consumers. When you have $14.2 billion of Marijuana grown and consumed in one state, there is savings on transportation, less loss of product due to confiscation and an overall reduction cost of bribery with law enforcement and parks service people. Another great savings is the benefit to their employees. The penalties in Mexico for growing range from 5-15 years. The penalties in California, on average are 18 months, and out in 8 months. The same economic principles are now being applied to the methamphetamine factories. FOX News continues to scare people with its focus on kidnapping. There are kidnappings in Mexico. The concentration of kidnappings has been in Mexico City, among the very rich and the three aforementioned border Cities. With the exception of Mexico City, the number one city for kidnappings among NAFTA countries is Phoenix, Arizona with over 359 in 2008. The Phoenix Police estimate that twice that number of kidnappings goes unreported, because like Mexico 99% of these crimes were directly related to drug and human traffic. Phoenix, unfortunately, is geographically profitable transshipping location. Mexicans, just like 99% of U.S. Citizens during prohibition, go about their daily lives all over the country. They get up, go to school or work and live their lives untouched by the border town violence. These same protectionist news sources have misled the public as to the real danger from the swine flu in Mexico and temporary devastated the tourism business. As of May 27 2009 there have been 87 deaths in Mexico from the swine flu. During those same five months there have been 36 murdered school children in Chicago. By their logic, if 87 deaths from the swine flu in Mexico warrants canceling flights and cruise ships to Mexico, then close all roads and highways in the USA because of record 43,359 automobile related deaths in the USA in 2008. What is just getting underway is what many are calling the “Largest southern migration to Mexico of people and real estate assets since the Civil War” A significant percentage of the Baby Boomers have been doing the research and are making the life changing decision to move out of the U.S.A. The number one retirement destination in the world is Mexico. There are already over 2,000,000 US and Canadian property owners in Mexico. The most conservative number of American and Canadian Baby Boomers who are on their way to owning property in Mexico for full or part time living in the next 15 years is over 6,000,000. Do the math on 6,000,000 people buying a $300,000 house or condo and you will understand why the U.S. Government is trying to tax this massive shift of money to Mexico through H.R. 3056. The U.S. government calls this “The Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007”. Those who will have to pay it are calling this the EXIT TAX.
Mexico: A better economic choice than China Another large exodus from the U.S.A is high paying skilled jobs. The job shift in automobile sector, both car and parts manufacturing, is already known by most investors. In the last few months as John Deere and Caterpillar have been laying off thousands of workers in the U.S.A., and hiring equal numbers in Mexico. The most recent industry that is making the shift is the aerospace manufacturers. In the city of Zacatecas there is currently a $210 million aerospace facility being built. With the 11 U.S. companies moving there, it is estimated to provide over 200,000 new high paying jobs in the coming years. One of the main factors for the shift in job south to Mexico instead of China is realistic analysis of total production, labor and delivery costs. While the labor costs in China are 40% less on average, the overall transportation costs and inherent risks of a long distance supply chain, and quality control issues, gives Mexico a distinct financial advantage. Mexico’s real economic future Mexico has avoided completely the subprime problem that has devastated the U.S. banking industry. The Mexican banks are healthy and profitable. Mexico has a growing and very healthy middle and upper middle class. The very recent introduction of residential financing has Mexico in a unique position of having over 90% of current homeowners owning their house outright. U.S. banks are competing for the Mexican, Canadian and American cross border loan business. It is and will continue to be a very safe and very profitable business. These same banks that were loaning in a reckless manner have learned their lesson and are loaning here the old fashioned way. They require a minimum of a 680 credit score, 30% down payment, and verifiable income that can support the loan. In most areas of Mexico where Baby Boomers are moving to, with the exception of Puerto Penasco (which did not have a national and international base of buyers), there is no real estate bubble. The higher end markets ($2-20 million) in many of these destinations are going through a modest correction. The Baby Boomers market here is between $200,000 and $600,000. With the continuing demand inside the Bay of Banderas, that price point, in the coming years, will disappear. This is the reason the Mexican government is spending billions of dollars on more infrastructure north along the coast all the way up to Mazatlan. The other major area where America has become overpriced is in the field of health care. This massive shift of revenues is estimated to add 5-7% to Mexico’s GDP. The name for this “business” is Medical Tourism. The two biggest competitors for Mexico were Thailand and India. Thailand and India’s biggest drawback is geography. Also recent events, Thailand’s inability to keep a government in place and the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai, have helped Mexico capture close to half of this growth industry. In Mexico today there are over 56 world class hospitals being built to keep up with this business. Mexico is currently sitting on a cash surplus and an almost balanced budget. Most Americans have never heard of Carlos Slim until he loaned the New York Times $250 million. After that it became clear to many investors around the world what Mexicans already knew: that Mexico had been able to avoid the worst of the U.S. economic devastation. Mexico’s resilience is to be admired. When the U.S. Federal Reserve granted a $30 billion loan to each of the following countries Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, and Brazil, Mexico reinvested the money in Treasury bonds in an account in New York City. According to oil traders, Mexico’s Pemex wisely as the price of oil shot to $147 a barrel put in place an investment strategy that hinged on oil trading in the range of $38-$60 a barrel. Since the beginning of 2009 Mexico has been collecting revenues on hedged positions that give them $90-$110 per barrel today. Mexico’s recent and under reported oil discovery in the Palaeo Channels of Chicontepec has placed it third in the world for oil reserves, right behind Canada and Saudi Arabia. The following is a quote from Rosalind Wilson, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on March 19, 2009. “The strength of the Mexican economic system makes the country a favorite destination for Canadian investment”. I would offer a word of caution for investors in Mexico. Do not be seduced by the endless natural beauty that is everywhere, both inland in colonial towns and along thousands of miles of beach. Apply conservative medium and long term investment strategies without emotion. The demand for full and part time living by American and Canadian Baby Boomers is evident throughout the country. The top two choice locations are ocean front, and ocean view. The third overall choice, which is less expensive, is inland in one of the many beautiful colonial towns or small cities. Mexico, with the world’s 13th largest GDP, is no longer a “Third World Country”, but rather a fast growing, economically secure state, as the most recent five-year history of its financial markets when compared to the U.S.A.’s financial markets suggests. DOW JONES AVERAGES MAY 2004 10,200 MAY 2009 8,200 20% LOSS IN 5 YEARS MEXICAN BOLSA MAY 2004 10,000 MAY 2009 23,000 130% GAIN IN 5 YEARS |
ROCKY POINT- DID YOU KNOW ??
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ARIZONA RESIDENTS GOING TO PUERTO PENASCO
(ROCKY POINT)
DID YOU KNOW??
- There are thousands of US residents, investors and, business owners in the state of Sonora alone
- There are over 1 million US citizens who reside in Mexico and make it home
- The governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, visits and has properties in Rocky Point, and has for many years
- Reports negatively reflecting on Rocky Point are totally unsubstantiated
- There is still a lot of investment and building taking place in and around Puerto Peñasco
- The Old Port area is being refurbished as you read this
- The crime rate in Rocky Point is far lower than in Phoenix, Tucson, and most cities of similar size in Arizona or anywhere in the United States
- The new Mar de Cortes international airport was officially inaugurated in November 2009 and, is open for business
- Thanks to the new Coastal Highway north of town, Yuma and San Diego are only 3 and 5 hour drives away, consecutively
- Most tourist related businesses and accomodations have bilingual staff and lots of security to cater to American travelers and residents
- Todd Lyons, Kurt Geisler, and a girl named Maria all live and work in Rocky Point J
- There has been a spike in property sales in and around Rocky Point, no doubt thanks to those mentioned above and, amazing beachfront property pricing (shameless plug)
- Your US dollar goes much further in Mexico, more bang for your buck most would say
- The delicious shrimp found in the local waters are shipped all over the world and, are a favorite of Arizona residents and nationals too
- The road down to Rocky Point is more patrolled and more secure than ever before, due to untruthful safety claims made by the US media
- You will usually gain a friend or two in Rocky Point each time you visit
- When there is an isolated incident at a border town, due to the US demand for illegal drugs, Mexico is unfairly generalized as a dangerous place
- A cold cervesa and/or shot of tequila taste better at the beach
- Arizona issues a yearly Arizona Crime Report with an average thickness of 136 pages, in Sonora it would be a fraction of that
- The northern part of the Sea of Cortez is the only place in the world one could see the vaquita marina, an extremely endangered porpoise about 1.5 meters long
- Crime is not spilling over into Nogales,AZ like the media claims, according to their police chief
- In Arizona, there were 464 murders in 2007 alone, along with 1,797 rape offenses, and, the value of property stolen in AZ was $661,889,760.00, according to the Arizona Crime Report
- Professional athletes and some celebrities, current and retired, have property here
- If there are over 100 million Mexicans in Mexico that aren’t afraid to travel within their own country, you shouldn’t be either. It’s worth the trip to see for yourself
- It is still less than a 4 hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson, to the beautiful beaches and friendly people of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico
COME ON OVER TO ROCKY POINT !!
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Puerto Penasco International Airport
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Flying to Rocky Point | | The "Mar de Cortes International Airport" OPEN!! The Mar de Cortes airport http://www.therockypointairport.com/index_eng.html is open and functioning smoothly. Since it's completion in 2007, Mar de Cortes Airport has expanded to include: a nice terminal, customs and immigration offices, rental car counter, food vendors, taxi service, fuel, hangars and eventually an FBO. There will soon be international flights between Puerto Peñasco and: Phoenix (PHX)- Las Vegas (LAS)- Los Angeles (LAX)- and beyond. National flights have begun between Puerto Peñasco and Tijuana, Queretaro, and Cd. Juarez. The new airport for Rocky Point is approximately 15 miles East of the city of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico (Rocky Point). Hopefully you can fly down to see it soon. Airport's Information Airport ICAO Identification: | MMPE | Airport official name: | Mar de Cortes International Airport. | Airport type of services: | RS: International regular flights. | Alternative Aerodromes: | MMML: Mexicali, B.C. | | | MMHO: Hermosillo, Son. | | | MMTJ: Tijuana, B.C. | Airport RFF Category: | RFF: Rescue and Fire Fighting protection level: 7. | Value Added Tax Rate: | 11% on Puerto Peñasco. | Airport ATS: | Air Traffic Services Provided on field. |
Operation Hours Airport: | 15:00\00:00 Z | Customs & Immigration: | 15:00\00:00 Z | Health: | 15:00\00:00 Z | Fuel: | 15:00\00:00 Z | Security: | 24 Hrs. | Summer Saving Time: | Sonora State don’t change its local time. | Extra Time Services: | We Provide this service on Client request
(see rates). | | |
Marking Aids DES: | Runway Designator Number on 18 & 36. | CLM: | Center Line Mark on 18 & 36. | THR: | Threshold Runway Mark on 18 & 36. | TDZ: | Touch Down Zone Marks on 18 & 36. | SST: | Border Runway Marks on 18-36. | AMG: | Fixed Distance Marks on 18-36. | TWY: | Taxi way Center Line Mark on A & B. | HLD: | Stop Bar Light on A & B. |
Radio Aids VOR-DME: | 114.90 | CLM: | 31°21’ 1.959” LN 113°18’ 4.905” LW |
Lighting Aids VA: | Precision Approach Path Indicator PAPIS
on runway 18 & 36. | | RWY: | High Intensity runway light, Runway
threshold\End light on 18-36. | | TE: | Taxiway lights on A & B. |
Airport Frequencies Mar de Cortés Radio Tower: | 118.85 | VOR-DME: | 114.90 |
Airport Physical Characteristics Runways Designation: | 18-36. | Runway Dimentions: | 8,100 x 147 fts. | Runway 18 THR coordinates: | 31° 21’ 46.430” LN | | 113° 18’ 9.002” LW | Runway 18 THR Elevation: | 84 fts. | Runway 36 THR coordinates: | 31° 20’ 27.259” LN | | 113° 18’ 29.872” LW | Runway 36 THR Elevation: | 88 fts. | Runway PCN: | Concrete 66R\B\X\T. | Taxi ways PCN: | Concrete 66R\B\X\T. | Commercial Ramp PCN: | Concrete 66R\B\X\T. | Airport reference Number: | 4D | Runway Type: | NPA (Non Precision Approach) | Taxi ways: | A & B. | Runway Length: | 8,100 fts. | | | Ramps: | | Commercial: | 3 positions for Boeing 737-800’s. | Regional: | 3 positions for Saab 340’s | General Aviation: | 32 positions for twin and
single piston engines. | | Field elevation: | 88 fts. | Airport size: | 1,482.6 Acres. |
Airport MapGeographic and Administrative Information Airport Coordinates: | 31°21’ 6.836’' LN113°18’ 19.441’’ LW Runway Center. | Location: | 17 miles East of Down town. | Elevation: | 88 fts. | Average tempeture: | 35 °C | Magnetic Variation: | 11° E | Address: | Libramiento Caborca-Sonoita #71 Col. Ejido Miramar, Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico C.P. 83552. | | Phone Number: | 011 52 638 383 6097 | Fax Number: | 011 52 638 383 6097 | E-Mail address: | |
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DIRECTIONS TO ROCKY POINT
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| COASTAL HIGHWAY TO EL GOLFO AND SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO- NOW OPEN !!! | | | | Directions to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) , Mexico Just 60 miles south of the Lukeville, Arizona / Sonoyta, Mexico border crossing, Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) is great for the quick weekend getaway! Rocky Point is located on the North West coast of the Sea of Cortez in Northern Sonora, Mexico. Where there are warm waters, really cool beaches and, amazing sunsets!!
Driving to Rocky Point (From):
Phoenix: The 60 mile drive along Mexico's Route 8 to Rocky Point is in good condition, and use caution when driving in the US and Mexico. - Take the I-10 West to the end of town (Buckeye Area) Watch for the Hwy. 85 exit.
- Take Hwy.85 South to Gila Bend (same exit as I-8 to San Diego)
- At the end of Gila Bend you will see a Mc Donald's, right before the Mc Donald's turn right on to the continuation of Hwy.85 South.
- Follow Hwy.85 south through Ajo, through Why, pass through Lukeville and straight into Mexico.
- In Sonoyta (on the Mexican side), just follow the signs overhead that point to Pto. Peñasco (that is Puerto Peñasco abbreviated).
- You now have only 60 more miles to go, it's a straight shot south to Rocky Point.
Phoenix South East Valley: - Take I-10 East to Maricopa Rd. If you miss it, Queen Creek Rd Hwy.347 will do (they end up the same road.) Head South on Maricopa (347).
- Travel about 10 Miles & look for Hwy. 238 West. (Mile Post 175).
- Travel West on Hwy. 238 for about an hour until you get to Hwy. 85 outside of Gila Bend. Turn left heading West into Gila Bend.
- At the end of Gila Bend you will see a Mc Donald's, right before the Mc Donald's turn right on to the continuation of Hwy.85 South.
- Follow Hwy.85 straight south through Ajo, through Why, and through Lukeville, into Mexico.
- In the town of Sonoyta, just follow the signs overhead that point to Pto. Peñasco (that is Puerto Peñasco abbreviated).
- You now have only 60 more miles to go to the beautiful beaches in Rocky Point.
Tucson: - Take the I-10 to I-19 South. You will only be on I-19 for about a mile, then exit onto Ajo Way (also known as Hwy.86).
- Take Hwy.86 West for about 2&1/2 hours until you get to a town called, Why.
- At Why, take a left, heading South on Hwy.85 to the border town of Lukeville.
- Follow Hwy.85 south through Ajo, though Why, and through Lukeville,straight into Mexico.
- Drive through the town of Sonoyta, following the signs overhead that point to Pto. Peñasco.
- You now have approximately 60 more miles til Rocky Point.
Tucson NORTH: - Take the I-10 West to I-8 (a little before Casa Grande.)
- Take I-8 West to Gila Bend, take the 2nd exit and turn Left on Hwy. 85 South. (or right for Gila Bend)
- Follow Hwy.85 straight through into Mexico.
- Drive through the town of Sonoyta following the signs overhead that point to Pto. Peñasco.
- You now have approximately 60 miles left until you get to Rocky Point.
Mexico Driving Tips
Or use MAPQUEST - Map Rocky Point Driving Map - click to enlarge. | | | | |  |  | | | | | |
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PASSPORT INFO
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JUNE 1, 2009 PASSPORTS REQUIRED Just get one! A passport Card will do, and it's cheaper. (Info Below) | PASSPORT INFO | | | - JANUARY 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time. - SUMMER 2008
At a later date to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and DOS expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice. Click on the following links to get the most updated information from the Department of Homeland Security. http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html How Long Will it Take to Process a Passport Application?Updated Processing Times If you are traveling or need your passport in order to get a visa within the next 2 weeks: Please call us at the National Passport Information Center or use the link below to check the status of your application online. If you have already applied but will not need your passport within the next two weeks: There should be no need to contact us at this time. Our goal is to make sure that no one misses a trip. We have added staff and are working overtime across the country to achieve this goal. Checking the status of your application: You can check the status of your application online. Currently, it is taking 7-10 days for applications to be tracked online. It may take less time if you paid for Expedite Service and sent your application via overnight delivery. Please allow the requisite time before contacting us to check on your application. | If you apply today | And Choose | You will receive your passport | At a Passport Acceptance Facility*
or
By Mail (for renewal, additional pages, and amendment) | Routine Service | Within 6-8 Weeks | Expedited Service**
Plus Overnight delivery service for:
Sending your application and Returning your passport to you | Within About 3 Weeks (door-to-door; see note |
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AZ CENTRAL SAYS "BARGAINS IN ROCKY POINT!!"
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Travel & Explore - Rocky Point Awash in Good Travel Deals - Sunday, Feb 1, 2009 By: Nancy Puffer. Getting a good, cut-rate deal has long been a selling point in the beachside town of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, also known as Rocky Point. From waterfront condos to pottery and shrimp, lower prices draw people from the states looking to get more bang from their budget. Right now, good deals abound for those who want a more value for their vacation dollars. “Now with the lowering of gas prices to some of the lowest in years, the lower costs of rentals in Rocky Point, it is the best time in the past 4 years for travel deals in Rocky Point,” explains Kurt Geisler, Managing Partner for Castaways Property Management and Vacation Rentals, which provides home management services and vacation rental accommodations for visitors to Puerto Peñasco. “The most important factor affecting the market is the current state of the U.S. economy. Arizona residents are the number one tourists for Rocky Point and not only were they affected by the slowing economy but when the gas peaked at $4.50 per gallon the cost of travel to Rocky Point was greatly increased. Another factor affecting the resorts in Rocky Point is a surplus of available rental properties. In the past 3 years the amount of available rental condos has doubled. This is affecting rental rates as the competition for the rental customer has become more aggressive.” By tossing in an extra night or two for the same price, or lowering the overall daily rate, vacation rental companies are hoping to entice more tourists back to the beach. Despite the sagging U.S. economy, some Rocky Point area reservation companies believe that the area is currently in the perfect position to make a comeback. “ The travel industry as a whole has seen a sharp decline in overall travel spending ; but a particularly interesting statistic is that travel to destinations within 200-300 miles from home has been on the increase and will continue to do well into 2009,” predicts Jason Evjen, owner of Sonorangetaways.com, an online travel agency for the Rocky Point area. “This means that a growing number of Arizona travelers will continue to head down to Rocky Point given the fact of excessive airfare pricing and the continued lowering of gas prices. Families that would normally spend several days at other popular Mexican beach destinations and spend way more just to get there are now realizing the affordability that Rocky Point has to offer.” Other factors that could bring more visitors include the recent opening of the new intercoastal highway that provides a shorter, more direct route for travelers from places like California and Mexicali, as well as the future opening of a new international airport terminal and cruise ship port, Geisler said. When seeking rental deals, Evjen explains that many vacation condos and homes available for rent are privately owned, but rented through a handful of management companies in the Rocky Point area, which set their own rates and policies. Geisler said almost every resort is offering some sort of deal right now. “Prices have been lowered at most resorts and special deals are being given including, stay for three nights and pay for two, stay for seven and pay for five. We offer a last minute booking discount that will give an additional 15% off the already low booking rates. Just about everywhere you call will negotiate a better rate for your stay,” Geisler said. Evjen adds that many Rocky Point resorts offer some type of discount year round, and even without the added value it would still be cheaper than, say, a week in San Diego. “Rates for many of the resorts in 2009 will not be going up; in fact they will be discounting based on the amount of inventory that is available in the upcoming months,” said Evjen. “For example, a beachfront 2-bedroom condo rental in San Diego would run a standard family of four about $2,500.00 for a 7 night stay, and most likely it would be an older home without any resort amenities, (such as) room service, pools, bars, etcetera. A 7-night stay in a 2-bedroom luxury condo resort for a family of four in Rocky Point can cost you as low as $1,000.00. “ To find deals such as these, travelers can peruse the websites of Rocky Point vacation rental companies and see what they have to offer. Renters can also call or email the companies and tell them what their budget is and ask what is available for that price. Many condo complexes and rental companies post huge signs advertising that walk-ins are welcome, although advanced reservations are highly recommended, especially during the upcoming peak travel periods. Geisler said deals can be found even for the fast approaching spring break. “March is always extremely busy with all of the schools letting out for Spring Break. There will still be great prices available during this period. We do not expect the prices to begin to climb until next season so this whole year should be a bargainer’s paradise,” he said. |
Rocky Point goes upscale
by Christopher Reynolds - Apr. 4, 2008 06:52 PM
Los Angeles Times
PUERTO PEÑASCO, Sonora - Once, it was enough to be Arizona's beach, a nice wide patch of south-of-the-border shoreline where college kids could camp out and drink too much.
But now, Puerto Peñasco wants to be more. In less than a decade, more than three dozen condo towers have risen in the Sandy Beach area, surrounded by ever-widening waves of upscale vacation homes.
"Sandy Beach is like Maui. This is the happening spot," said condo-sales specialist Mary Snyder as we stood in a model unit. "Out by the Mayan" - half an hour south - "is like Kauai." Because this is the desert and you can't surf here, Snyder's Hawaiian analogy is imperfect. But it tells you something about Peñasco's ambitions.
Puerto Peñasco (also known as Rocky Point) has been growing like a four-star weed, and it wants to steal visitors from Baja California. An airport big enough to accommodate jets is supposed to make its debut by summer 2009. A highway to the north is due to open later this year.
One day, I found myself squinting at the sea from a 10th-floor unit in the Las Palomas development, looking out a window filled with nothing but sky and sea. Far below, a lone couple strolled the chilly beach. This lavishly furnished unit, with three bedrooms, a kitchen and 1,600 square feet of patio space, rents for $685 to $990 nightly.
Just a mile or two up the coast lies the Reef, a beachfront restaurant, bar, RV park and convenience store that stands perfectly as a symbol of the older, grittier Peñasco. It's $5 a night to camp, the floor of the bar is concrete and the restaurant's cuisine, according to its local advertising, is "gormet."
For people who would rather skip 21st-century civilization and commune instead with the natural landscape, there are the craters and lava fields of El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, 32 miles north. There's a kayak-rental operation by the Old Port, and San Jorge Island, 27 miles away by boat, that offers birding and snorkeling in the company of sea lions. The Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, a local environmental group, organizes other day trips as well.
The area's year-round population, growing fast, is about 60,000, most of whom live on the dirt streets set back from the beachfront resort zone. To the north is Cholla Bay, where the first neighborhood of American vacation rentals started taking shape more than a decade ago. To the south is Las Conchas, a newer enclave of vacation homes, many still under construction.
The Peñasco area has two 18-hole golf courses, both completed in 2006. There are ATV and water-sports rentals, sunset cruises and plenty of bars, at least four of them promising topless showgirls.
Out on the water on the evening of my arrival, a lonely shrimp boat puttered along. The mountains of Baja California were just visible on the horizon. The beach, vast and litter-free, was nearly empty, amid gusty winds and 65-degree temperatures, routine for January. And as I watched, the beach grew: The tide was going out on a full-moon evening, and the difference between high and low tide can be a quarter-mile.
If you keep your eyes on the sea and sky, you can imagine Peñasco's days as a fishing camp in the 1920s and its emergence as a fishing destination and party place after the paved road to Arizona went through in the 1940s. These days, it's illegal to take the storied totuava, an endangered fish that was plentiful in the 1950s and '60s. But the catch still includes plenty of big fish: bass, corvina, grouper, pompano, sierra and yellowtail from boats, triggerfish from the shore.
Every spring, visitors, including thousands of hard-drinking college spring-breakers, come flooding in. In fact, the spring-breakers basically own the month of March. Throughout the rest of spring, the hot summer and fall, it's the Arizonans who keep Peñasco busy.
The tourism office counts more than 70 restaurants in Puerto Peñasco, along with 14 RV and camping facilities (1,435 spaces) and dozens of hotels, motels and condo developments, with perhaps 5,000 rooms. Although most of the condo buildings are along Sandy Beach, some of the fanciest lodgings are half an hour south at the 3-year-old Mayan Palace, which combines time-share units with short-term rentals, at $395 a night and up.
I stayed, with mixed results, at the Peñasco del Sol Hotel. It dates to the early 1990s, when it was built near the Old Port area under the name Plaza las Glorias. And there's another reason the Peñasco del Sol stands out.
Puerto Peñasco has only a handful of substantial hotels. Since the boom began, the focus has been on vacation condos, which give developers a quicker payoff and visitors a chance to own a piece of the place. Nearly all the condo projects cater to short-term guests, too, with units that rent on a short-term basis. Some even offer room service.
These projects make an amazing spectacle. Las Palomas, Bella Sirena, Sonoran Spa, Sonoran Sea, Sonoran Sun and Puerta Privada condo resorts have risen in the past five years, outfitted with elaborate water features. Las Palomas has two upscale restaurants open, and an additional 800 condos are scheduled to open in the next year or two.
By day, I walked Sandy Beach and toured condos. I roamed up the coast toward El Pinacate and down the coast to the Mayan Palace, which neighbors the Mayan Lakes golf course (designed by Jack Nicklaus). At the Mayan's casual poolside Balche snack bar I had an excellent lunch of flank steak and admired the savvy of Mayan's management.
Recognizing the cool winds of winter, spring and fall, they shrewdly built an indoor pool.
I strolled around the Old Port area, which features handsome steps and a promenade near a collection of restaurants and curio shops and a couple of old-fashioned hotels.
The next night, I drove up Puerto Peñasco's biggest hill to catch the commanding sunset views from a pair of restaurants. At La Casa del Capitan, you get Mexican dishes, mariachi music and general festivity amid hues of orange and yellow.
Trying to quantify Puerto Peñasco in 2008 is like carving letters in the sand at low tide. The sand and sea will be there, but when it comes to the man-made landscape, the surge keeps changing things. | |
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