BY KARINA CHRISTENSEN
Once upon a time, not that long ago, you could drive down to Cerritos Beach, park in the sand, crack open a cold cerveza, and have the entire shoreline mostly to yourself. There were more surfboards than structures, more dogs than developments, and you were as likely to stumble into a drum circle as a real estate office.
Fast forward to today, and things look a little different. The drum circles are still around (on a good full moon), but so are boutique hotels, mezcal bars, yoga domes, and high-end homes with infinity pools. Cerritos hasn’t lost its soul; it’s just learned how to order craft cocktails.
So what exactly is going on here? Is Cerritos the new Tulum? Is it still authentic Baja? Should you buy now, or have you already missed the wave?
Let’s surf through it. (Get it?)
The Hippie Days: A Quick History
Cerritos used to be the best-kept secret of surf junkies, van lifers, and the occasional wandering expat. You had to know someone who knew someone to even find it. The roads were rougher, the power spotty, and the only consistent service came from the tide.
But it had magic. It still does. The surf break is one of the only swimmable beaches in the region, the sunsets are pure gold, and the desert-meets-ocean landscape has a way of tugging at your heartstrings in ways you don’t expect.
In the early days, people came for a lifestyle which was low-key, low-cost, and high on freedom. They built palapas with their own hands and hosted potlucks where everyone brought tequila, and no one remembered to bring plates. It was glorious.
The Growth Spurt: Modern Highway and Rooftop Lounges
Things started shifting in the last decade. As word got out, so did interest from developers and investors. A four-lane highway (yes, a real one!) from Cabo to La Paz changed everything. Suddenly, access improved, short-term rental demand exploded, and folks who used to vacation here once a year started staying longer… and then just didn’t leave.
Now we have restaurants that take credit cards, smoothie bars that charge in pesos or Venmo, and home designs with both solar panels and wine fridges. There’s a buzz in the air, sometimes literal, from all the construction, and the market is reflecting it.
New boutique communities are popping up across the hillside, offering ocean views, curated amenities, and what I like to call “barefoot luxury.” Think: minimalist architecture with artisanal tile, outdoor showers, and hammocks strung between palm trees, plus fiber internet and A/C.
But Is It Still Baja?
Absolutely. Cerritos may be growing, but it hasn’t sold its soul. It’s still dusty in the best way, full of eclectic charm, and it has a way of attracting people who are allergic to pretense. Sure, the smoothie joints have multiplied, but so have the roadside taco stands, and the best meals are still cooked by someone’s abuela.
You’ll still find yourself sharing the road with goats. You’ll still wait out power outages with candles and conversations. And while there may be more rooftops now, they’re often used for stargazing and spontaneous acoustic jam sessions.
The community here is growing, but it’s also staying tight. Artists, surfers, remote workers, dreamers, and doers are all drawn by that same original magic. That part hasn’t changed.
Why Are People Buying Here Now?
Besides the obvious, year-round sunshine, a strong expat community, and an irresistible coastline, people are buying in Cerritos because they see what’s coming next.
This isn’t just a hot market. It’s an evolution. Buyers today want more than a vacation rental; they want a lifestyle. They’re investing in wellness, in connection, in slower mornings and longer sunsets. Cerritos hits all those notes without the crowds or chaos of Cabo.
And let’s be honest. Prices are still a steal compared to comparable beach towns in California, Costa Rica, or even mainland Mexico. That window is slowly closing, but, for now, it’s still open.
What Should You Watch Out For?
As with any booming area, not all that glitters is gold. Some developments are rushing to market without the permits to back them up. Due diligence is more important than ever. Work with people who understand this place, not just its listings, but its rhythm.
You’ll want to look at:
– Title clarity and permitting
– Utility access (especially water)
– HOA feasibility and long-term maintenance plans
– Rental potential if you’re investing
The good news is with the right guidance, buying in Cerritos can be both a lifestyle decision and a smart investment.
So, Is It Too Late to Get In?
Not at all. But it’s not 2015 anymore.
If you’re hoping to grab a beach lot for $30,000 and build a bungalow from driftwood, those days are gone. But if you’re looking for an emerging coastal community with personality, potential, and a little bit of wild still left in it, this is your moment.
Cerritos is still that rare gem. It’s a place that’s evolving, but not overrun. It’s a place where you can meet a tech entrepreneur and a goat herder at the same taco stand, where the stars are still bright, the surf is still strong, and the next chapter is just beginning.
Curious about what’s happening on the ground in Cerritos?
We live, work, and play here, often in the same day. At Baja House Hunters, we help buyers land where the magic still lives. Let us show you what’s happening behind the “for sale” signs.