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paullad wrote:

Trying to get the straight scoop on crime there. Of course real estate agents are going to downplay it. Does anyone have any insight? Thanks.

There is not a lot of crime there. Some burglaries would probably be most of the crime there. You would not notice anything unless your house got broke into.
You should go and visit the area.

Well, Paullad,

I think Chilangolite I giving you reasonable advice, When the T.J. area was flush with "caravan" people it was possibly a little riskier, but generally speaking the area is pretty tame for a border area, And yes robberies would be the biggest risk, but that would be true in many areas north and south of the border.

We have been going to Rosarito 2-3 times a year for the last two years.  We have never felt unsafe.  But, we don't go to clubs at 2:00 AM and don't buy dope.  So I guess it's just like most places.  Don't make yourself a target, be aware, and you should be good.

Speaking of Rosarito - some west coast friends are considering moving there, and are interested in knowing of some specific assisted living places:)

I have had a home just south of Rosarito for 18 years.  Yes, as I read the news feeds, there is more crime in Rosarito than I would like to report.  It’s proximity to Tijuana is probably a considerable factor.  One a personal level, I feel pretty safe.  During the last 18 years my house has been broken into twice.  Televisions and laptops, iPads, personal DVD players, cash and jewelry are the primary targets.  I was not home either time.  Personally, I, and several friends, have been victims of ATM card thefts.  The thieves pose as people trying to help you with bank machine issues.  My checking account was drained and it was several weeks before I got the funds restored.  Most banks now have some kind of security personnel to obviate this issue.  That said,  I enjoy the area and have no fear for my personal safety.  I do not usually stay out late or have anything to do with drugs.
We also have another home in Mexico in an area known to have far less crime than the Tijuana/Rosarito area.  Our house was broken into.  Again, we lost several iPads, laptops and jewelry.  We had gone out to dinner and had only been in this house two months. 
In a country with a high rate of poverty and where gringos are thought to be well off, there has to be some security awareness, but in general, I feel quite safe.