Real Estate on the East Cape

Exploring Baja’s Next Frontier: The East Cape

Hey, I’m Fletcher Wheaton - I’ve shown you Cabo, Loreto, and La Paz—and now I’m taking you to what I’m calling the next frontier of Baja real estate: the East Cape.

From Cabo to the East Cape

Back in 1980, Cabo had around 10,000 residents. Today, it’s over 400,000. Many people who fell in love with Baja 20 or 30 years ago are now looking for their next lifestyle play—something less developed, more rustic, but still accessible. That’s exactly what the East Cape offers.

The challenge here is infrastructure—electricity, water, and roads. Finding all three in one location is rare. But things are changing. Solar technology has improved dramatically, costs have dropped, and projects are becoming more viable.

This tour focuses on the stretch from Playa Tortuga (20 minutes from downtown San José del Cabo) up to Nine Palms (about 25–30 minutes further).

Right now, the East Cape has:

• 16 condos total (compared to 700+ in Cabo San Lucas alone).

• 102 homes ranging from around $250,000 to beachfront builds likely priced at $5M+.

• 400+ pieces of land for sale (about 200 in the southern East Cape).

Many buyers here are either land banking or building right away. A recent beachfront sale closed at $4.5M—clear proof that serious money is starting to move in.

The appeal of this area blends rustic Baja charm with high-end potential. You’ll find everything from RV campers and surfers to luxury homes pushing $6M. Swimmable beaches are a big draw—the Pacific side offers few safe swimming spots, while much of the East Cape is accessible year-round. Surfing here peaks in the summer months.

Restaurants like Shade Pizza and Zai Sushi in La Fortuna add to the lifestyle vibe, and the proximity to the airport (less than an hour) makes it attractive for vacation homeowners, especially from California.

Development Potential & Challenges

Some developers have attempted high-end projects here. For example, Querencia tried to create a $2M+ luxury community without a beach club, but infrastructure and currency shifts made it unworkable. The reality is that many buyers here still prefer the laid-back, off-grid feel.

Power solutions are becoming easier—solar installation costs have dropped to around 5% of home value, and battery technology now supports fully off-grid living (yes, even running elevators). Water remains trickier, often trucked in, but for buyers who prioritize lifestyle over convenience, this is part of the charm.

Nine Palms: The Edge of the Play

Nine Palms is a stunning surf spot with some existing electricity infrastructure. The White Lodge Hotel, running at ~80% occupancy, is expanding to meet demand. Beyond Nine Palms, you reach Cabo Pulmo—a protected underwater national park with strict anti-development policies.

That’s why I see the sweet spot as the Playa Tortuga to Nine Palms corridor. The play here is either buying land and building or securing large parcels for future development.

The East Cape still feels like an untapped paradise, but the momentum is building. As Cabo becomes more developed, people are seeking that raw, unspoiled Baja lifestyle. This stretch offers exactly that—and it’s close enough to be convenient while far enough to feel worlds away.

If you want to see more about the East Cape and its evolving market, let me know. There are many unique pockets worth exploring, from Los Barriles to La Ribera, and I’d be happy to keep the series going.

Fletcher Wheaton - fletcher@remexico.com 624-229-5228