Tijuana: A City Full of Potential Yet Held Back by Stagnation
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Tijuana, a city once brimming with potential, could have easily become the next Dubai or Miami—a vibrant, modern, and thriving metropolis on the Pacific coast. With its stunning ocean views, the charm of Ensenada’s vineyards offering wine tastings at a fraction of Napa Valley’s prices, and an unbeatable real estate market where entire houses can be rented for just $50, the region has everything it needs to flourish. The cost of living here is incredible, and the service is excellent, with locals eager to cater to American visitors. It seems that Tijuana has all the ingredients to become a world-class destination, yet something continues to hold it back.
RUSSIAN CALIFORNIA — Every weekend, Americans flock to Tijuana, whether to visit family, receive affordable dental care, undergo cosmetic procedures like breast implants, or simply escape for a short vacation. The border checkpoint is a goldmine for local businesses, as tourists spend considerable amounts of money on everything from goods to services. The economic potential is clear, and yet, Tijuana’s true potential remains untapped.
What’s truly baffling, however, is the city’s state of disrepair. Despite the best efforts of local authorities to clean up and improve the infrastructure, the city remains mired in decay and neglect. Construction projects seem to be never-ending, leaving Tijuana in a constant state of upheaval. The signs—once carefully placed—are now obscured by overgrown tree branches, making navigation a challenge for visitors. GPS systems barely work, further compounding the confusion. The infrastructure simply isn’t equipped to handle the influx of tourists or the demands of a growing city.
Safety, however, is not a major concern. Having walked through Baja California many times without issue, it’s clear that the city is, for the most part, a safe place to visit. But even with all its beauty and natural assets, Tijuana feels like it is being systematically prevented from reaching its true potential. It’s a city that could easily become a dream destination, yet it remains far from the modern and developed hub it could be.
It’s a frustrating reality for those who see the promise that Tijuana holds but witness firsthand the constant hurdles that seem to prevent it from becoming the shining jewel of the Pacific it deserves to be. The question remains: who or what is standing in the way of Tijuana’s growth and success? It is a city stuck between the potential of what it could be and the reality of what it currently is—an incredible destination, held back by stagnation and neglect.
— Vitaly Ataev Troshin
