20 replies to this topic

[nowwhat]

Hi again
.
I signed up a short time ago, but never formally introduced myself ... at the time I was living on both sides of the border....my husband (we are now divorced) was living in TJ. I still work on this side ....maybe not for long I am a teacher here. Things were really bad while married to this person, but he has moved on to southern Mexico, and I am over it. I fell in love with Mexico years ago when I could just cross the border like it was another part of San Diego .....there's something I can't quite explain about how I feel so at home in TJ....maybe it's that my mom's family are all traditional Italians and my dad is half Osage??....gives me that Latin based/native feel... whatever it is I miss it. I haven't been back since he left.

I have read through a lot of this blog and its nice to know that so many gringos are doing ok in TJ. I want to come back....maybe even live in TJ over the summer ...or longer since I may be laid off this year....I have considered teaching English in Mexico ...or maybe just taking an early retirement and supplementing my income here in San Diego and living in TJ..

I just need to know ...is it safe for a woman to live alone in TJ? My ex was a very negative person and didn't have much good to say about TJ ...I dont think I am crazy...I know all about the crime and drug war battles ...I have been reading Maggie's Maddness and other sources of information for some time .....it worries me ....but moslty I am sad for how it affects the life of the people there ....so it would be great to hear from those of you that live there...... I really miss being there

Do you live in TJ because its just cheaper or do you live there because you enjoy it and its cheaper...

Do any of you ladies on this blog have some advice for me about living alone in TJ?

We lived in Col. Guerrero ...which seemed ok ..... then moved to Otay about 4 blocks from the border ....

[Cyanide41]

Welcome Now what. I know of a few women who live a lone in TJ. Granted they are all Mexican, but I am sure it can be done.

[bajashrink]

I've had single non-Mexican women as neighbors and they get along fine down here. Just pick one of the better neighborhoods to live in.

As far as teaching English down here, you won't get paid much, but there are private ESL schools in Tj like Interlingua that will train and hire you.

I'm a dual citizen and my paternal grandparents were Mexican Indians from two different tribes. So being part indigenous like yourself, one of the reasons I've chosen to live in Tj for the past 20 years is identification with its indigenous elements, and also enjoying the social life down here better than in el norte; the more laissez faire regulations, and the overall lower cost of living.

[mrsports]

I don't have much advice, but welcome. The community is pretty helpful and someone better equipped to answer you will step up.

I am sure I speak for the community, when I say we wish you the best.

[George Costanza]

Welcome to the forum I live down here because it is cheaper and I enjoy it. I live 4 blocks from the border as well here in Otay for around 4 years and its not bad at all.
I've known just a few single women from the US that live down here but they have roommates.

It helps having friends here to answer your questions and offer assistance

[sugarpaws]

Hi again
.
I signed up a short time ago, but never formally introduced myself ... at the time I was living on both sides of the border....my husband (we are now divorced) was living in TJ. I still work on this side ....maybe not for long I am a teacher here. Things were really bad while married to this person, but he has moved on to southern Mexico, and I am over it. I fell in love with Mexico years ago when I could just cross the border like it was another part of San Diego .....there's something I can't quite explain about how I feel so at home in TJ....maybe it's that my mom's family are all traditional Italians and my dad is half Osage??....gives me that Latin based/native feel... whatever it is I miss it. I haven't been back since he left.

I have read through a lot of this blog and its nice to know that so many gringos are doing ok in TJ. I want to come back....maybe even live in TJ over the summer ...or longer since I may be laid off this year....I have considered teaching English in Mexico ...or maybe just taking an early retirement and supplementing my income here in San Diego and living in TJ..

I just need to know ...is it safe for a woman to live alone in TJ? My ex was a very negative person and didn't have much good to say about TJ ...I dont think I am crazy...I know all about the crime and drug war battles ...I have been reading Maggie's Maddness and other sources of information for some time .....it worries me ....but moslty I am sad for how it affects the life of the people there ....so it would be great to hear from those of you that live there...... I really miss being there

Do you live in TJ because its just cheaper or do you live there because you enjoy it and its cheaper...

Do any of you ladies on this blog have some advice for me about living alone in TJ?

We lived in Col. Guerrero ...which seemed ok ..... then moved to Otay about 4 blocks from the border ....

Welcome Now what!
I lived here as a single, non-Mexican woman for quite awhile in TJ, as well as with a roommate and roommates, also as part of a couple.
Each type is challenging for different reasons but I feel that what it really boils down to is the neighborhood in which you live, and your Own sense of self, fortitude, determination , and resilience.
I was ( and am ) able to do it. Yet, I will admit, it is reasssuring to have someone with me that can, and will help when I need it. It would be comforting to have any warm body on my side but it really helps to have a Mexican- American that speaks fluent English and Spanish, and knows the area etc.
I live here for many reasons and the cost of living and the fact that I do enjoy it are right on the top of the list. At least I enjoy it Most of the time...I do have my moments and at times it can be inconvienient to live here, there are also some everyday hassels and some things that I had to get used to. Regardless... for now I am staying and I have already been here for 10 years.
Weigh the pros and the cons, and do your research, maybe even do a trial run and just stay in TJ for an extended visit to see if you like it. It can be hard for a single woman in alot of places in the US too.
Whatever you decide...Welcome, Good -luck, and stay safe and well. I hope that you can find peace away from the negativity of your ex-husband, and you will feel at home wherever you decide to live.

[otayBill]

Welcome NowWhat,

When I lived in Otay my next door neighbor was a single gringa living alone. She had no problems in her four years of living here.

My current building has a young single mexican girl living alone and a Japanese lady living alone.

[George Costanza]

ChapultepecBill if that's the case we should have a house warming party at your place and invite your neighbors! It is the right thing to do

[sugarpaws]

ChapultepecBill if that's the case we should have a house warming party at your place and invite your neighbors! It is the right thing to do

LOL!.....ahhh men....what are we going to do with you....ha, ha!

[otayBill]

ChapultepecBill if that's the case we should have a house warming party at your place and invite your neighbors! It is the right thing to do

Good idea George.

But I think the young ladies in the building are a little shy.

[Miggiesmallz- TEXMEX]

"Chapultepec Bill!!!???" Just doesn't have the same ring to it. How about Chappy Bill!

[Buen Amigo]

^^^^^^ I lol'd on that one. "Chappy Bill"

[otayBill]

"Chapultepec Bill!!!???" Just doesn't have the same ring to it. How about Chappy Bill!

Well, locals call Chapultepec 'La Chapu' So I could change it to ChapuBill.

[nowwhat]

It's been a busy couple of weeks.... I want to thank you all for your advice and welcoming replies. It's great to know that there are people around with some experience. I think I will take your advice and spend some time alone there this summer. In the mean time I need to practice my Spanish.

[nowwhat]

Welcome Now what!
I lived here as a single, non-Mexican woman for quite awhile in TJ, as well as with a roommate and roommates, also as part of a couple.
Each type is challenging for different reasons but I feel that what it really boils down to is the neighborhood in which you live, and your Own sense of self, fortitude, determination , and resilience.
I was ( and am ) able to do it. Yet, I will admit, it is reasssuring to have someone with me that can, and will help when I need it. It would be comforting to have any warm body on my side but it really helps to have a Mexican- American that speaks fluent English and Spanish, and knows the area etc.
I live here for many reasons and the cost of living and the fact that I do enjoy it are right on the top of the list. At least I enjoy it Most of the time...I do have my moments and at times it can be inconvienient to live here, there are also some everyday hassels and some things that I had to get used to. Regardless... for now I am staying and I have already been here for 10 years.
Weigh the pros and the cons, and do your research, maybe even do a trial run and just stay in TJ for an extended visit to see if you like it. It can be hard for a single woman in alot of places in the US too.
Whatever you decide...Welcome, Good -luck, and stay safe and well. I hope that you can find peace away from the negativity of your ex-husband, and you will feel at home wherever you decide to live.

Hi Sugar Paws .... thank you so much for the advice ..... can you suggest an area somewhat close to the border that you think would be a good area for a female alone?

I am a very outgoing person with a lot of resilience ..... I just need a break from the rat race here ..... and I would like to be able to live on my unemployment for a short time until I find something with a little less stress....and maybe have some time to paint....write ..etc.

[nowwhat]

Welcome NowWhat,

When I lived in Otay my next door neighbor was a single gringa living alone. She had no problems in her four years of living here.

My current building has a young single mexican girl living alone and a Japanese lady living alone.

Hi Bill ...thank you for the encouragement

[nowwhat]

Welcome to the forum I live down here because it is cheaper and I enjoy it. I live 4 blocks from the border as well here in Otay for around 4 years and its not bad at all.
I've known just a few single women from the US that live down here but they have roommates.

It helps having friends here to answer your questions and offer assistance

Hi George.... I really liked Otay when I stayed there .... the walk to the border and crossing over seemed easier...less time ..

Thank you for your reply ... it does help to have friends down there ....

[nowwhat]

I've had single non-Mexican women as neighbors and they get along fine down here. Just pick one of the better neighborhoods to live in.

As far as teaching English down here, you won't get paid much, but there are private ESL schools in Tj like Interlingua that will train and hire you.

I'm a dual citizen and my paternal grandparents were Mexican Indians from two different tribes. So being part indigenous like yourself, one of the reasons I've chosen to live in Tj for the past 20 years is identification with its indigenous elements, and also enjoying the social life down here better than in el norte; the more laissez faire regulations, and the overall lower cost of living.

[nowwhat]

I've had single non-Mexican women as neighbors and they get along fine down here. Just pick one of the better neighborhoods to live in.

As far as teaching English down here, you won't get paid much, but there are private ESL schools in Tj like Interlingua that will train and hire you.

I'm a dual citizen and my paternal grandparents were Mexican Indians from two different tribes. So being part indigenous like yourself, one of the reasons I've chosen to live in Tj for the past 20 years is identification with its indigenous elements, and also enjoying the social life down here better than in el norte; the more laissez faire regulations, and the overall lower cost of living.

Hi Bajashrink.... thank you for the info on the ESL school ...it is something I will look into ...making a few bucks would be helpful

[sugarpaws]

Hi Sugar Paws .... thank you so much for the advice ..... can you suggest an area somewhat close to the border that you think would be a good area for a female alone?

I am a very outgoing person with a lot of resilience ..... I just need a break from the rat race here ..... and I would like to be able to live on my unemployment for a short time until I find something with a little less stress....and maybe have some time to paint....write ..etc.

Hey, nowwhat,
Well safety and peaceful areas can be subjective. I will say that lately George has been posting some excellently priced places that even make me want to check them out! Please check some of the older posts to look up what will work for you. I used to recommend areas but now with the way that TJ has been I hesitate to recommend any certain areas as definitely guaranteed safe.
I find that La Playas and certain areas of Otay are very safe. I also find that areas in the Hippodrome and some of the more pricey areas in TJ are as well, and of course some of the gated communities. I, myself, choose to live outside of the boundaries, as I live in a humble and homey neighborhood in the hills near Miramar.
Let your resilience work for you, that is one of my traits that I am most proud of. Settle yourself that you may live a more country style low key life. Now... the painting and writing I totally understand, as I am an Artist myself!