Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Foreigners have owned homes here for decades. Depending on the section, you either purchase a membership — owning your home plus exclusive, renewable use of the land — or own the land outright through a fideicomiso (bank trust). It's the standard, legal way foreigners own property in coastal Mexico.

Yes. Both the membership model and the fideicomiso are long-established, government-recognized ways for foreigners to own in Mexico's Restricted Zone. Loma del Mar has operated this way since the 1970s.

In the Estates Section, the land is held in your name through a fideicomiso bank trust. In the original area, you own your home and improvements and hold exclusive, renewable use of the land through your membership. Our team explains exactly what you would hold for any specific property before you buy.

Yes. Both memberships and fideicomiso trusts can be passed on to your heirs.

No. Loma del Mar is an owner-occupied community — renting out a home, whether weekly, monthly, or yearly, is not permitted. Homes are for owners and their guests.

Yes, pets are welcome. Dogs are required to be on a leash in the common areas.

Yes — owners improve their homes all the time. Changes such as solar, shade structures, tree work, or landscaping follow the community's bylaws, so you check with the SCTC office first. They are happy to help you plan it.

Loma del Mar is a quiet, community-oriented park that is especially popular with retirees and snowbirds who value security, friendship, and a slower pace.

Beyond the purchase price, owners pay SCTC dues that cover security, maintenance, and the amenities, plus their own utilities. The exact amount depends on the property, and we'll give you the specific figures for any home you're considering.

Yes, a one-time transfer fee applies at purchase. It varies with the size of the property — some homes sit on one lot, others on a lot and a half or two — and we'll tell you the exact amount before you commit.

For many of our owners, the whole point is being able to retire comfortably and securely on a budget that wouldn't stretch as far back home. The cost of living in San Carlos is well below most US and Canadian markets.

Homes have water, electricity, propane, and trash service. Utilities are billed to members through the SCTC.

Yes. Cell coverage and internet are available in San Carlos, and many residents use Starlink for fast, reliable service at home.

San Carlos has pharmacies and clinics, with hospitals in neighboring Guaymas and the larger city of Hermosillo. Many members also keep their home-country coverage and cross the border for care when they prefer.

San Carlos is a long-established resort town that has been popular with American and Canadian retirees for generations. Loma del Mar itself is a gated community with its own security staff hired by the SCTC.

Expect warm, dry winters — the reason snowbirds love it — and hot summers. The regional storm season runs roughly from summer into early fall.

Most people drive down through Nogales — about four hours — or fly into Hermosillo. The Travel & Border Crossings questions below cover the crossings, the Sonora free zone, tolls, and what to expect on the drive.

Yes. There are some rules about vehicle permits and what you can bring, and the Travel & Border Crossings questions below walk through the essentials. Loma del Mar also has lots set up with RV and 5th-wheel hookups.

Absolutely. You're welcome to visit in person, or we'll set up a video walkthrough so you can see the community from wherever you are.

The drive is approximately 250 miles (~4 hours) from the Nogales, AZ border via Mexico Federal Highway 15, a four-lane highway passing through Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Anna, and Hermosillo. Expect toll booths at Nogales, Magdalena, and Hermosillo ($2–$6 per automobile; trailers and towed vehicles incur additional per-axle charges). US currency is accepted, with change given in pesos.

Most people cross at Nogales. The Mariposa crossing is the one we recommend: open 6AM to 10PM daily, less congested, and ideal for larger vehicles and trailers. Note that vehicles over 8.5 feet tall can only cross 8AM to 10PM Monday through Saturday, and cannot cross on Sundays. The Downtown crossing is open 24 hours with no toll charge, but it is usually very busy and not recommended if you are towing a boat.

San Carlos sits inside the Sonora Free Zone, so travelers staying north of Empalme/Guaymas no longer have to register their vehicle or obtain a vehicle permit. Tourist cards are required; no-fee cards are available for stays of 7 days or less.

Yes. TUFESA Bus Lines provides international service to Hermosillo and Guaymas from Phoenix (1614 N. 27th Ave & McDowell Rd., (602) 415-9900 / 9902) and Tucson (5550 S. 12th Ave, (520) 670-1534). There are no commercial US flights to Guaymas; the alternative is Hermosillo Airport (HMO), 75 miles away and served by multiple US cities, then a bus, shuttle, or rental car for the last stretch.

Obey the traffic laws, don't drive at night (livestock on the road is a real hazard), carry water and protect against sun exposure, don't drink tap water, and don't conduct business on a tourist visa. A little Spanish helps on the road signs: Alto means stop, Topes are speed bumps, and Cuota or Caseta signal a toll. During December and January, traffic returning to the US can be very heavy, and weekends and holidays add congestion, so plan an early departure.

Yes, pets make the trip all the time. As of August 3, 2026, Mexico requires dogs arriving from the US to carry a New World screwworm inspection certificate, signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian no more than 5 days before entry (cats are exempt). Declare your pet at the border: SENASICA staff verify a current rabies vaccination and check for parasites and wounds, so carry your rabies certificate and vet paperwork as originals. Mexico allows up to 2 pets per person without extra fees. On the drive, watch your pet's temperature exposure.

No. Do not take any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico. Violators face serious Mexican penalties, and that applies even to a single forgotten round in your vehicle, so check your car, RV, and bags carefully before crossing.