It’s a little bit California. It’s a little bit Mexico. It’s Calexico, a small desert city on the U.S.-Mexico border. Hot, arid weather, palm tree-lined streets and plenty of sunny days are defining features of this Southern California town. On the other side of the border is Mexicali, the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California, which dwarfs Calexico in size. “It’s a small town, and the most attractive thing about it is its proximity to Mexico,” says broker Adriel Garza of Keller Williams Realty, who lives in the neighboring city of El Centro. “There are a lot of people who live there who have dual citizenship who work in Mexico but want to live in the United States.”
The two cities may be separated by a patrolled partition, but people flow through its barricades every day for work or to visit friends and relatives. Officials have said the border crossing between the two sees as many as 25,000 crossings daily. Mexicali is a large, urban city and a major manufacturing hub with lots of factories, whereas Calexico is more agricultural, with farms fanning out beyond the city limits. The city is also bordered by one of the largest solar power farms in the world, owing to the area’s abundance of year-round sunshine. “Agriculture is big. There are also a lot of import and export businesses and small businesses in Calexico,” Garza says.
With Mexico just steps away, Calexico blends cross-border culture, commerce, and community in everyday life.
Calexico thrives on agriculture, with farms stretching beyond the city limits, shaping its landscape and economy.
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Downtown Calexico for local eats, shops and grocers
Downtown Calexico stretches for several city blocks, dotted with local markets and grocers, fast-food chains and local eateries. As might be expected, Mexican restaurants are a common sight, with everything from hole-in-the-wall taquerias to downhome restaurants serving Central American classics. City institutions like Rockwood Plaza, Calexico City Hall and the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center are also found here. The area’s best-known shopping mall is Gran Plaza Outlet, where people come for upscale and designer brands like Coach, Adidas and Levi’s.
Downtown Calexico offers local markets, fast food, and a variety of authentic Mexican restaurants.
Find premium fashion in Calexico at Gran Plaza Outlet, home to Coach, Adidas, Levi’s, and more.
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Community parks tucked away on residential streets
Calexico’s streets are sprinkled with small community parks. There are 22 parks in the city, encompassing about 60 acres, and another 122 acres of open space. Some favorites include John F. Kennedy Playground, Las Casitas Park and Cordova Park, all of which are located on residential streets and have playing fields and playgrounds. Outside the city are massive sand dunes that are popular for off-roading in four-wheelers and all-terrain vehicles. The weather in Calexico is notoriously hot. “It probably gets up to around 125 degrees in the summer. There are about three months that are really harsh, but other than it’s not so bad,” Garza says.
Rodriguez Park in Calexico features tennis courts, open green spaces, and picnic areas for all to enjoy.
Feel the rush of adventure at the Imperial Sand Dunes, a favorite spot for ATV and OHV riders.
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Bungalows, ranches and Mediterranean Revival homes
Homes closest to the border were largely built in the early and mid-20th century, and include many small bungalows, cottages and ranch style homes. Newer builds are found further from the city’s core, closer to the open desert and farmland that stretches out beyond its edges. These neighborhoods typically feature spacious, Mediterranean Revival style homes with red shingled roofs, arched doorways and stucco walls. The median home price in Calexico is $390,000, putting it well below the California statewide average of around $900,000. Homes spend an average of 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 45 days.
Calexico blends historic cottages and ranch homes with newer Mediterranean Revival-style residences.
With a median price of $390K, Calexico offers affordable homes with easy access to surrounding areas.
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Public and private schools close to home
The Calexico Unified School District gets a C-minus from Niche. The district’s 8,000 students are spread out across seven elementary schools, two junior high schools and two high schools. There are several highly rated private schools in the city, including Vincent Memorial Catholic High School and Calexico Mission School, both of which earn A-minus ratings. San Diego State University’s Imperial Valley campus is the only college in town.
William Moreno Junior High in Calexico provides a strong academic foundation for middle school students.
Calexico Mission School in Calexico offers a Christ-centered education for students of all ages.
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Getting around Southern California
Calexico is traversed by State Route 98, an east-west corridor that connects with Interstate 8, a major highway that connects with the California coast to the west and Arizona to the east. It’s 120 miles to San Diego and 240 miles to Phoenix, the nearest major U.S. cities. Air travelers have easy access to Calexico International Airport, which offers nonstop flights to places like Los Angeles and Phoenix. El Centro Regional Medical Center is about 11 miles north.
Low rates of crime
Calexico’s violent and property crime rates are far below the statewide and national averages, according to FBI data. Crime in the city has remained relatively low over the past decade, although motor vehicle thefts spiked during the years immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written By
Daniel Berti
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Stephen Cammell
Video By
Chris Freeman
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This is a unique Commercial Lot right in the main drag of Hwy 98 perfect for a gas station and a fast food carry corner with a 7- Eleven Fuel gas station and a Jack in the box cross street from El Sol Market and Hungry Howie's pizza. Seller will consider a land lease for any of the 3 parcels. Parcel 1 2.942 Acre parcel 2 1.394 Acre Parcel 3 1.494 Acre = Total Acres.
15.25 Acres of Oppotunity in Calexico. Escape the city and own your own piece of Imperial Valley! This 15.25 acre property is ideally located near the All-American Canal, making it an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for wide-open space. Whether you dream of a weekend getaway, enjoying the outdoors, or investing in land with endless possibilities, this property
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Great Priced Industrial Lot! Lot#3, Zoned Industrial Railroad (IR), adjacent to the railroad tracks and an established Industrial Park. Easy access to major highways. Improvements include street, gutter, and utilities. Other adjacent lots for sale.
Exposure, Exposure, Exposure! Great accessible 3.56 acres of vacant land property with access to US Hwy 98 and near to the US/Mexico East port of entry. The lot measures approximately 1,150 ft x 185.80 ft. Traffic all day long, great for visibility. This property is zoned Gateway Industrial (GI) that allows for a variety of commercial & industrial usage. This property is partially fenced, and
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Here is a wonderful opportunity for development. Centrally located in the heart of Calexico, California. There are 3 parcels being sold together. 1213 CN Perry Rd. APN: 058-171-005-000, 1209 CN Perry Rd. APN: 058-171-006-000 and 1205 CN Perry Rd. APN: 058-171-008-000, totaling approximately 3.69 Acres. According to the HUD Opportunity Zones Map, these parcels sit within the Calexico Opportunity
Great Priced Industrial Lot! Lot#32, Zoned Industrial Railroad (IR) adjacent to the railroad tracks and an established Industrial Park. Easy access to major highways. Improvements include street, curbs, gutter, and utilities.
Introducing a prime commercial land development opportunity situated in Calexico. This expansive 3.01-acre property boasts a strategic location at the intersection of Cole Road and Meadows Road., offering easy access to Highway 111 and the Calexico International Border Crossing. Nestled amidst thriving residential, apartment, and commercial developments, this parcel is an ideal investment for
Live where convenience meets value with easy commutes and nearby shopping options.This well priced home offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with plenty of ample space for both sleep and study. Call your Realtor today to schedule an appt.
Property Id: 2712877 Welcome to your new home in Calexico, CA! This recently renovated modern 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment is available for $1,500/month. Enjoy stainless steel appliances including an electric stove/oven and microwave, refrigerator, garbage disposal, central heating and A/C, in-unit washer and dryer, and a designated parking space. Water, sewer, and trash are included.
This property at 774 M Acuna Ave features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total living space of 600 square feet. The living room provides a functional area for relaxation and socializing. The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances, including a microwave and refrigerator, and includes laundry facilities for added convenience. Each bedroom offers adequate space for furnishings and
Be the first to live in this beautifully designed new construction 1-bedroom, 1-bath Unit! This modern apartment offers an open and inviting layout with gorgeous matching flooring throughout and recessed lighting in the main living areas for added comfort and convenience. The stylish kitchen features elegant quartz countertops, self glide dovetail drawers, soft close cabinet doors, and quality
Be the first to live in this beautiful new construction 3-bedroom, 2-bath Unit 1! This thoughtfully designed home features an open concept kitchen, dining, and family room, perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. The modern kitchen offers granite countertops, soft-close cabinet doors, self glide dovetail drawers, and includes a brand new stove. Enjoy gorgeous matching flooring
Welcome to 1077 Wozencraft St, a beautifully renovated single-family home in the heart of Calexico. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence has been renovated for modern, worry-free living nearly everything in this home is brand new. Step inside to find a stunning new kitchen with fresh cabinetry and finishes, ready for home-cooked meals and entertaining. New flooring flows throughout the home,
Office space for lease. 1200 square feet office space available for rent. $1500 per month. Water included, all other services are paid by tenant for their use. High traffic area.
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