Living Part-Time In Todos Santos
February 5, 2026
February 5, 2026
Considering a part-time life in Baja? Todos Santos offers a rare blend of small-town charm, coastal scenery and a creative pulse that feels both relaxed and inspiring. If you want slower mornings, art-filled evenings and easy access to beaches without the bustle of a big resort city, this town may fit you well. In this guide, you will learn how the seasons feel, how people actually live day to day, and what travel, utilities, healthcare and ownership logistics look like for part-time residents. Let’s dive in.
Todos Santos is a small coastal town with an arts-forward spirit. The historic centro is compact and walkable, with galleries, artisan shops and boutique hotels clustered along colorful streets. Beyond town, you find beaches, farmland and low hills that frame sunset views and day trips.
Daily life follows an easy rhythm. Mornings are for cafés, market stalls and errands, especially comfortable in the cooler months. Midday can slow, and many restaurants or shops take a mid-afternoon break. Evenings bring dining, live music and occasional gallery openings, especially on weekends and in high season.
You will notice a blend of local Mexican small-town life and a visible expat and second-home community. High season draws more visitors and events. Summer is quieter, with a slower pace and lighter crowds.
The Pacific keeps the climate mild in winter and warmer in summer. Rain and storms concentrate from mid-summer through fall, which is also the regional hurricane season. Many part-timers plan winter or early spring stays for cooler weather and a lively social scene.
This is the peak visitor window. Weather is generally comfortable, restaurants are busy, and whale watching is a highlight. Expect higher demand for rentals and reservations.
Fewer crowds and more flexible planning define these months. Weather varies, and you may find better pricing on accommodations and services.
Summer brings heat, humidity and the chance of tropical storms. Some businesses reduce hours or close temporarily. If you visit then, plan for property prep, storm insurance and backup utilities.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the main gateway for Todos Santos. Direct flights from many U.S. cities and seasonal Canadian routes make fly-in living practical. The drive from SJD to town typically runs about an hour depending on traffic and your exact destination.
Most part-timers fly into SJD, then rent a car or use a prearranged shuttle or private driver to reach town. If you own a home, a local property manager can coordinate cleaning, maintenance and arrivals so you can land and settle in with minimal friction. Driving from the U.S. is possible but long, and requires attention to border and vehicle rules.
The center of town is walkable for daily errands, cafés and galleries. Taxis and informal shared rides operate locally. For beaches and day trips, many people rent or keep a car. Ride-hailing apps are more limited than in Los Cabos, so plan ahead for airport transfers.
Part-time living is easier when you understand how people shop, connect and plan for utilities.
The dining scene mixes local Mexican eateries, seafood spots, farm-to-table restaurants and cafés. You can find produce markets and small groceries in town. For larger supermarket runs or specialty items, many residents drive to Los Cabos and stock up.
Todos Santos offers clinics, general practitioners and dentists for routine needs. For specialized or emergency care, you will head to hospitals in the Los Cabos area. If you split time here, consider travel or international health insurance that includes medical evacuation when appropriate, and keep copies of prescriptions and medical records.
Cell service from major Mexican carriers is available and many homes have Wi-Fi, but speeds and reliability can vary. Power outages can occur, especially during storms. Water can be limited in some neighborhoods, and properties often rely on storage tanks, cisterns or supplemental truck delivery. Septic systems are common outside centro.
Practical tips for part-timers:
The market offers choices for different styles and goals. You will find colonial homes in the historic center, renovated houses with character, modern villas, small condo projects and beachfront lots. Ocean views, walkability and renovated charm are strong drivers of demand.
Foreigners commonly own property in the coastal zone through a bank trust called a fideicomiso for residential use. Purchases involve a notary public, title searches and closing paperwork with associated fees. Work with bilingual legal and real estate professionals experienced in the local process. Closings usually take weeks, and timelines can stretch during holidays or peak season.
Many part-time owners rent their homes when away. Seasonal demand is strongest in high season. A local property manager can handle check-ins, cleaning, maintenance and guest coordination, which is especially useful if you fly in and out. Remember that rental income in Mexico is taxable, and you should understand how it interacts with your home-country tax rules.
Property tax is generally modest by U.S. and Canadian standards. Utilities can add up in hot months, especially if you run air conditioning or depend on water delivery. For homes near the coast, storm and hurricane insurance is a key line item.
The lifestyle is the real draw. Todos Santos has a healthy mix of arts, food and outdoor activity without the crowds of a big resort city.
Galleries, artist studios, craft shops and seasonal events create an arts-oriented atmosphere. Look for gallery openings, artisan markets and small concerts during high season. It is easy to build a social routine around these happenings if you stay for a few months.
From casual fish tacos to chef-driven menus, the dining is varied for a town of this size. Cafés and boutique hotel restaurants host gatherings and live music on select nights. Nightlife is modest, with most social energy centered on dinner, drinks and cultural events.
Surfing, beach days, hiking, birding, horseback rides and yoga are part of the rhythm for many residents. Whale watching is a seasonal highlight in the cooler months. Several beaches and surf spots are a short drive from town, which makes an active coastal lifestyle easy.
Baja California Sur is a major tourism region where authorities prioritize visitor safety, yet conditions vary across Mexico. Use common-sense precautions, secure your property, avoid risky areas at night and rely on trusted transportation providers. Review current travel advisories from your home country when planning.
For natural hazards, plan for the Pacific hurricane season in mid-summer through fall. Keep a preparedness checklist, confirm your communications plan with any property manager and carry property insurance appropriate for wind and water risks. Expect occasional power outages and factor them into your backup utilities plan.
If you love small-town pace, creative energy and time outdoors, Todos Santos can be a rewarding part-time base. The key is to align your season, utilities and travel plan with how you want to live. Try a short stay in high season and another in shoulder or summer months so you know how each period feels.
Before you commit, test the internet at your preferred neighborhood, do a sample grocery run to Los Cabos, and speak with a local property manager about backup utilities and maintenance. With the right plan, you can enjoy a smooth, low-stress routine each time you return.
If you are weighing a purchase or build, you will want a guide who understands both lifestyle and logistics. With deep local experience in construction, hospitality operations and cross-border transactions, Sarah Mucha can help you evaluate neighborhoods, vet build feasibility and plan rental operations with confidence. Let’s connect and align your Baja time with a home that fits how you really want to live.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Sarah is ready to ensure all of your real estate needs are met. Whether you are looking to buy or sell your home or land, she will focus on the importance of communication and service.
