More Than Square Meters: How Real Estate Development Is Fueling Jobs and Sustainability in Baja California Sur

Because building wealth matters…But building community, future, and ecological balance matters even more.

By Valentina Lozano

Baja California Sur is at a turning point in its real estate evolution. Gone are the days when development meant nothing more than vacation homes by the beach.

Today, real estate growth is shaping the economic rhythm of our state — and leaving a mark that can be positive, when done with intention.

Investment in real estate has become a major engine for generating both direct and indirect employment. Sector figures estimate that each residential or tourism project creates between 40 and 100 formal jobs during its construction phase — and many more once it's operational. From maintenance, landscaping, and security to management and hospitality, real estate means opportunity.

But what matters most is not just the number — it’s the type of jobs: local, stable, and rooted in community. In neighborhoods like El Tezal in Cabo San Lucas or El Centenario in La Paz, I’ve met people whose lives were transformed after landing a job in a well-managed development. Men and women who once relied on seasonal fishing or informal street sales now have access to social security and economic stability.

Still, the real challenge isn’t just building — it’s building with purpose.

Each week, I speak to developers who understand that the luxury of the future isn’t just a beachfront view, but harmony with the environment. It’s no longer enough to plant a few palm trees and call it “green.” Today’s buyers — especially international ones — ask about LEED certifications, rainwater harvesting systems, greywater reuse, and low-impact materials.

And it’s not a trend. It’s a response to a reality:BCS is a fragile and extraordinary ecosystem.

From Todos Santos to the Zacatitos area, standout developments are those that include wildlife corridors, protect mangroves, and work with biologists from the design stage. Others go further by offering scholarships, health brigades, or skills training for local communities.

Of course, there’s still much to improve. Some projects overstress water resources or ignore sustainable mobility. But I believe that with civic pressure, community oversight, and a new generation of conscious buyers, this sector can become a strong ally in environmental sustainability.

Investing in Baja California Sur real estate should not just be a financial decision. It can also be a statement of values.

Because building wealth matters…But building community, future, and ecological balance matters even more.

—📌 Valentina Lozano is a weekly columnist for BCS Real Estate 360. She lives between La Paz and Todos Santos, and focuses on real estate with positive impact.