From Hippie Hideaway to Hotspot: What’s Really Happening in Cerritos?

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 the lifestyle—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—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? 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 definitely 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.

Because Cerritos is still that rare gem: a place that’s evolving, but not overrun. A place where you can meet a tech entrepreneur and a goat herder at the same taco stand. A place 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.

So You Think You Want to Live at the Beach?

Picture this: You wake up to the sound of waves crashing, warm Baja sun pouring in, and a fresh papaya smoothie waiting for you on your terrace. Paradise, right?

But let’s hit pause before you list your stateside house and trade in your shoes for sandals. Because while living at the beach is magical, it also comes with a few things HGTV forgot to mention.

I’ve helped dozens of people land in Cerritos and Pescadero, and while many of them are now happily sipping mezcal and watching the whales breach, almost all of them went through a short phase I like to call the “Oh no, what have I done?” moment. Don’t worry—it passes. But let’s talk about what no one tells you about moving to Baja full-time.

First, the “beach hair, don’t care” lifestyle comes with a price. That price? Dust. Everywhere. I’m talking about a fine layer of Baja seasoning that gently settles on your countertops, your car, your sunglasses—even your soul, if you let it. It’s a part of the charm…eventually. You’ll learn to dust with one hand while blending margaritas with the other. Leaf blowers are practically a household staple, and you may even start measuring friendships by how often someone lends you theirs.

Your new alarm clock? Mother Nature. In Cerritos, it’s not traffic or car alarms—it’s the mighty Pacific. The waves can crash so loudly some nights it sounds like a freight train is rolling through your living room. Locals call it “surf thunder.” Add in the occasional early-morning construction crew pouring concrete like they’re competing on a reality show, and you’ll quickly forget what sleeping in means. But hey—sunrises here are worth waking up for. Even before coffee.

Water? Electricity? It’s a relationship. Living off the grid sounds romantic until the water truck doesn’t show up. Or the power blinks out just as you’re blending your Baja-style gazpacho. Utilities here require a certain amount of flexibility and a good sense of humor. You will, at some point, shower with a garden hose. You will, at some point, charge your phone in your car. And you will survive both.

Internet? Sometimes. Fiber-optic is slowly creeping into the area like a sleepy iguana, but depending on where you land, streaming Netflix might require a little patience… and sometimes a little tequila. Starlink is saving relationships daily, and if you're working remotely, you’ll learn which cafés have the strongest signal and the coldest hibiscus tea.

But here’s the thing… Despite the quirks—and maybe even because of them—life here is deliciously real. You start slowing down. You notice the color of the sky. You remember the last time you laughed so hard you cried, probably around a fire pit with new friends who feel like old ones.

Tacos taste better here, even when you’re standing in a dusty parking lot eating them off a paper plate. You learn that a “line” at the grocery store is more of a suggestion. You start to care less about brands and more about breeze direction.

You’ll stop counting your steps and start counting the whales. You’ll swap Costco runs for farmers’ markets, and FOMO for foam boards. There’s still stress, of course—it’s life—but it’s softened by the fact that you’re barefoot, sun-kissed, and surrounded by natural beauty every single day.

So… is it for you? If you’re someone who needs perfect order, fast Amazon delivery, or central air conditioning in every room—you might want to book a vacation, not a one-way ticket.

But if you can laugh when your dinner party becomes a candlelit affair (thanks, CFE), or if the idea of trading suburban sprawl for desert cliffs and surf breaks gives you butterflies, then this place just might be calling your name.

I always say: Baja doesn’t just change your zip code—it changes your mindset.

Want to see if Cerritos or Pescadero fits your style?
We’ve helped a lot of barefoot dreamers and high-heel investors land in the right spot. If you’re thinking of making a move, or just want the inside scoop on life down here, feel free to say hola.