Honest Pros and Cons of Living in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known vacation destination featuring luxury resorts and recreation. The answer to why is living in Cabo so popular is easily answered with the list of pros below. Before searching for properties in the area, buyers should review the list of cons that can make living in Cabo less than ideal. Overall, buyers will find that everything this city offers far outweighs its downsides.

When thinking of Cabo San Lucas, many first imagine its pristine beaches, which are a main draw to the area. The beaches and surrounding mountain range provide endless outdoor recreation to enjoy the sunny weather. Residents exploring the crackling nightlife can discover the community’s friendliness as well.

Residents find plenty of variety when exploring the beaches of Cabo San Lucas. Calmer water beaches like Medano Beach are perfect for swimming, while its turquoise waters offer great views when sunbathing. Visitors can stop by the restaurants and bars surrounding the area or rent out a boogie board, jet ski, and other water sport equipment to have fun in the waves. Land’s End is accessible from Medano Beach via the water taxi boats in the area, which is a fun addition to a trip.

Another great beach in the area is Chileno Beach. Visitors can swim and snorkel in the roped-off areas, which are safe from boaters. The shoreline is groomed daily and lacks the beach vendors typical of other places like Medano Beach. When exploring Cabo San Lucas’ beaches, it’s important to be mindful of the tide, as it can be strong and become dangerous in some areas. Calmer beaches like Medano and Chileno are great for visitors.

Another perk of living in Cabo San Lucas is the endless outdoor activities. The shoreline makes it a great spot for water activities like snorkeling, while fishing charters take advantage of the several species available throughout each season. Those not comfortable with water adventures can explore the city’s 18 golf courses, which feature world-class designs next to diverse nature views.

Bouldering and rappelling are also popular activities in Cabo San Lucas, given its location right next to the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. When searching for outdoor adventure, off-roading in arroyos and sand pits is a great way to explore the city’s nooks and crannies, while hiking trails provide views of the native animal and plant life. Or enjoy a milder and more exotic outdoor activity by horseback riding or taking a camel tour across Los Cabos’ beaches.

Why is living in Cabo so popular? Although the natural amenities initially attract buyers to the area, the community’s friendliness is what makes people stay. Newcomers can rely on neighbors being welcoming and warm, as it’s hard not to be when in the resort city. When out in the town or eating in a restaurant, expect to connect with complete strangers. This is a great spot for people interested in getting to know their neighbors and being a part of a community.

Residents looking for a night out on the town won’t be disappointed with the city's nightlife. The nightlife crackles in Downtown Cabo and is so well known that visitors can buy a Cabo Nightlife Party Pass that grants them access to many nightclubs in the area. The nightlife scene isn’t contained to after sunset either; spots like Mango Deck Beach Club provide day-long parties with a view of Lover’s Beach and El Arco.

A popular spot in Cabo is El Squid Roe, a high-capacity, multi-level dance club decked out with neon lights, a disco ball, and a soundtrack playing throughout the early morning. For a calmer night out, The Rooftop at The Cape is a rooftop bar and lounge with an open-air terrace and beer garden pergola. Guests can mingle while enjoying a local artisanal beer or a handcrafted cocktail.

When living in Cabo San Lucas, there are a few things that can get in the way of great living. As a tropical location, full-time residents can expect summer storms to put a damper on outdoor activities. This popular vacation destination can also get packed, causing heavy traffic. You may also want to avoid drinking tap water if you’re just visiting.

Although the weather year-round is definitely a perk of the area, the rainy season between August and September can make being outdoors unbearable. Buyers can expect the skies to be mostly cloudy in late summer, with the highest chance of rainfall being in September. During the storm season, Cabo becomes very humid, especially in August at the beginning of the storm season. Buyers interested in the mild winters will have to trade off sunny December with some hot summer weather.

Longtime residents know to leave early when planning on driving anywhere in the city, as traffic is heavy wherever you go. Even with an in-depth knowledge of the area, navigating between tourists and slow drivers can make a commute frustrating. Heavy traffic is a long-term reality for Cabo, which is important to consider for anybody interested in living in the area.  

Drinking tap water in foreign areas like Cabo San Lucas can result in illness if you’re not a local. The microorganisms in the water are different from those in the US, and without proper filtering, it’s easy to drink something that can lead to an unpleasant evening. Bad tap water is equally as dangerous in ice cubes, which visitors or foreign residents should ask about before ordering a drink.

Living in Cabo San Lucas comes with a range of pros and cons, although those who make the move won’t be disappointed with what the city offers. When you’re ready to start your search, contact the local real estate agents of the Goldsmith Group Los Cabos to guide you through it.