More and more Americans are calling Tijuana home. This Mexican city a cheap and a fantastic alternative to the high housing prices that have been on the rise in San Diego and neighboring towns lately. About 90,000 people cross the border each day to work in San Diego. Here’s why so many Americans are now calling Tijuana home.
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in San Diego is $1,800 and for a two bedroom apartment, it’s $2,300. These prices are a challenge for many when you add to it the high cost of living in the city.
It is practically impossible to live in San Diego if you’re earning minimum wage or if you’re studying and are only generating income through Uber or other APP-related commerce. This is why Tijuana so popular in the last 3 years.
In Tijuana, Americans find low-cost options that meet all of their housing needs at a fair price. Also, as a border city, TJ is great for online businesses and finding employees that speak English.
Budget apartments in Tijuana range from $400 to $1,000 a month. The $1,000+ dollar a month apartments being in the most exclusive areas of the city and include parking and a twenty four hour security guard.
Many tech entrepreneurs that move from San Diego to TJ set up shop on Revolution and rent at Eazy Living(yes, that’s spelled correctly). Our company has an apartment here at about $900 per month including utilities, 24-hour security, and internet. We’ll be happy to introduce you and get you a good deal. Just email me at [email protected]
To put this in perspective, a two bedroom apartment in Mission Valley cost $2,600 a month plus amenities. In La Cacho and above, which are great gastronomic zones in the city, offers two bedroom apartments for $800 a month.
You also have to consider that the dollar has been on the rise and its value in Mexico is very high. Meaning that groceries and gasoline will be much more accessible than in the United States. As Trump bashes Mexico, the peso goes down… good for you and I.
An American renting in Tijuana will save thousands of dollars a month. Not only will they be saving a lot of money, but they will be living in a very luxurious way that can only be dreamt of in San Diego. You’ll be hanging at the best restaurants and bars having a blast.
The commute to San Diego is also very easy and practical. There are several ways in which an American can travel from Tijuana to their job in San Diego without a hassle. As I said above, about 90,000 are doing this each day.
Another way that you can get to your job while living in Tijuana is by crossing the border by car. It is true that the line for crossing the border can sometimes be extreme, but this can be avoided by obtaining the SENTRI CARD.
The SENTRI CARD is a document that allows any approved individual to cross to the United States in a much faster and selective line. Applicants must undergo a thorough background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist databases; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check , and a personal interview with a CBP Officer.
You can apply for the Sentri program by:
How to Apply for SENTRI
Before you apply, make sure you are eligible for SENTRI.
Eligibility
There are no citizenship or age requirements for Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) membership. However, if you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in the program.
Reasons for Ineligibility
You may not be eligible for participation in the SENTRI program if you:
- Provide false or incomplete information on the application;
- Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants (to include driving under the influence);
- Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
- Are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency;
- Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation; or
- Cannot satisfy CBP of your low risk status.
It’s easy. Just follow these steps:
- Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) System account. Regardless of your age, you must have your own TTP account.
- Log in to your TTP account and complete the application. A non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.
- After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
- You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card. Also, required are vehicle registration and evidence of United States automobile insurance by a company authorized to write automobile insurance in the United States.
If you don’t qualify for Sentri, you can reduce the line by using a passport card (this is what I have). When you apply for a US passport, you can get a book and a card. This card is valid only at land crossings. It usually takes me 20 minutes to drive into the US using this card.
