Area Information 
Agent
with Heart
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Home:
011-52 (376) 766-6062
Mexico Cellphone: (333) 946-5909
VOIP: (512) 541-1404
Office: 011-52 (376) 766-2077
Email: toni@ajijicrealestatesales.com
Website:
ajijicrealestatesales.com
Area Information
Retiring to Mexico
Have you ever wondered who and why would anyone ever retire to Mexico? There are probably as many answers to this as there are retirees living in the Lake Chapala area. Lake Chapala is in the state of Jalisco, one hour south of the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara, and 30 minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport.
Living in Mexico provides you with self-reliance, a love of adventure and new places and sociability. Many choose this area because of the friendly Mexican people and their abundant culture or the relatively low-cost living and, of course, the wonderful weather.
People often ask me "What do you do all day?" Lakeside activities encompass a variety of organizations providing everything from physical fitness to personal improvement, tourism, culture, entertainment, arts and crafts, a profusion of clubs, professional organizations, community service organizations, religious and devotional services and informal social activities.
Lake Chapala - Ajijic/Chapala Area
The lake is the largest natural lake in Mexico. It is ringed by a number of small pueblos (towns) including Ajijic, Chapala, and Jocotepec where many retirees have chosen to live. The Ajijic/Chapala area is home to the largest expatriate population in the world. Unlike other expat magnets in Mexico such as San Miguel de Allende, the Ajijic/Chapala area has retained a booming Mexican population.
"Village in the Sun" by Dane Chandos, written in the early 1940s is a nice snapshot of life here - interesting to see how the core attractions remain in place.
In the late 1960s and 70s, Chapala/Ajijic became more mainstream for retirees. It had a certain charm that is often referred to with nostalgia by the handful of residents that still remain here from that era.
Ajijic has long been a popular area for foreigners. There is an abundance of good restaurants and the amenities are first class.You really need to experience it firsthand because it is such a unique place. Even people who feel as if they are well-traveled, will tell you that they've never seen anyplace like Ajijic. It may not be for you, but if the idea of a more related lifestyle seems appealing, you need to check it out for yourself.
Boats line up along the malecon (boardwalk) in Chapala to take visitors on trips around the lake - visit the islands of Mezcala or Alacrán (Scorpion). Kayaking can be done anywhere along the lakeshore. Likewise in Ajijic, be sure to pause at the shady plaza and the scenic pier.
The folks who have invested in real estate at Lake Chapala take pride in the lake's brilliant sunsets, its quiet ambiance and temperate weather. Formed by gigantic earth movements millions of years ago, the lake originally spread far beyond its present cucumber-shaped 50 by 20 mile basin. Now rounded, gentle mountains shelter the small villages that nestle along the shoreline.
Why Ajijic or Chapala?
I don't know if it is the beauty, the climate, or maybe simply the people, that draw you to the village we call Ajijic. It's surprising when you meet people from all over the world and all walks of life, and they've chosen to purchase real estate in Chapala or Ajijic or the other Lake Chapala villages, when there are so many choices throughout the world.
I've often asked myself "Why?" For me, it is because this unique place has it all!
My goal is to provide factual information to you about the Lake Chapala area. Those of us living here feel we're about as close to Paradise as you can get, but everything is not perfect all the time - so I will try and make your introduction to Lake Chapala a realistic one.
Approximately 20,000 North Americans (some estimates go as high as 30,000) now have homes on the north shore of Lake Chapala, including the villages of Ajijic, Chapala, San Nicolas, Vista del Lago, La Floresta, Chula Vista, San Juan Cosalá, San Antonio and Jocotepec. (Here are just a few of the listings I can show you for Ajijic real estate, Chapala real estate or other real estate at Lake Chapala.)
Although the lake measures 50 miles long by 20 miles wide, most of the expats live within 20 miles of one another. The "Chapala Riviera" has become a popular spot for expat retirees.
Why Purchase Real Estate in Mexico?
Mexico is rich in history, steeped in culture, having perhaps a more pronounced culture than any other country in Latin America, with perhaps the exception of Brazil and Argentina. Mexico has great food, architecture and in many areas, such as Lake Chapala, a great climate. There are modern highways and an infrastructure that allows you to connect with the rest of the world by telephone ar Internet services - these two items are not available in countries such as Nicaragua and Guatemala - this does become a determining factor for retirees when they make their final selection of where to retire.
If the weather and proximity to some of the most beautiful landscapes and beaches in the world aren't enough, you will soon discover that it will be the people, culture, cuisine and weather that keep you happily settled at Lake Chapala.
Life here is much more enjoyable because you finally have time to pursue your hobbies and develop your talents. Others develop new interests or become involved in the many charitable and philanthropic organizations here.
When thinking about a trip to Mexico, most tourists consider Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco or Cancun. But what about Ajijic? Half an hour from the metropolitan city of Guadalajara, you will find Lake Chapala. This region continues to grow in popularity among American and Canadian retirees looking for winter warmth and plenty of amenities, including comfortable lodging, restaurants, handicrafts, fine art shops, music, dramatic events, social and charitable organizations, plenty of swimming, tennis, golf, walking and hiking opportunities.
Although Lake Chapala's north shore is quaint and beautiful, services are world class. From cozy B&Bs to gracious hotels and bungalows, the traveler will find the perfect place to feel at home along Lake Chapala.
There are no strangers here in Ajijic, only friends you haven't met yet. New in town? Looking for a place to stay? Videos? Books? Spanish lessons? Volunteer work? All answers can be found at the Lake Chapala Society - an organization formed many years ago to assist the expatriates in their move to Mexico.
Fresh air! Remember when you were a kid? Just admire the floral fragrance wafting on a warm breeze and you will have found the scent of Ajijic. Click to watch a video on Ajijic. With clean air, good music, and new friends waiting to make your acquaintance, Ajijic just may be the magical place you're looking for.
Cost of Living in the Lake Chapala Area?
Gone are the days when one could live in Mexico for under $500 USD a month, but compared to the US or Canada and, indeed, most developed countries, the cost of living here is quite low.
It is indeed possible to live in Mexico on far less than the average person spends in the US, but that depends entirely on your lifestyle. To enjoy the best of Mexico, including the financial bargains it has to offer, you must adopt a more Mexican style of living. Unlike 10-15 years ago, today you can get almost anything here that is available in the US or Canada.
SuperLake grocery store carries imported items that are generally more expensive then their Mexican counterparts, but they are available. Shopping in the local tianguis (outdoor markets), will absolutely amaze you! Expect a new experience every week, as our market is packed with handmade clothing, accessories, handcrafted pottery, beautiful produce, seafood, colorful flower stalls, all at unbelievably low prices. This is a marvelous place to purchase inexpensive gifts for friends and family members at home.
Building costs are currently estimated at $75 USD per square foot. Nearly all construction is concrete and fire insurance is seldom purchased. Whether you're looking for Chapala real estate, Ajijic real estate or other real estate available at Lake Chapala, I can help you find what you're looking for.
Property taxes are very low. The property tax, known as "predial" is a rate of .08% of the assessed value of the home annually. The assessed value is determined at the time of the sale. Historically, property taxes have always been low because they have never been perceived as a source of revenue for the government.
One of the best ways to forecast what it will cost you to live in Mexico is to first calculate how much you spend now in familiar comfortable circumstances at home.
- Food: Eating out becomes an important form of entertainment, so on the conservative side you could plan to deduct about 25% from your current food bill. On the other hand, diligent do-it-yourself cooks and tortilla-lovers will probably be able to reduce your current bill by 50%.
- Utilities: Mexicans gripe that "la luz" (lights, power) is expensive, but by US standards, it is not. Figure an average of $80/month in an average home. Gas for cooking and hot water will cost roughly $30/month. Water will cost about $25-30/month. Mexico is perennially short on water, so if you have a green lawn fetish, get over it!
- Telephone: Basic service is affordable (roughly $15/month), but long distance and international calls can drain your checkbook. Call your long-distance phone company and get their rates to call Mexico. If they seem high, expect to pay even more for international calls made from Mexico. Plan on using email, Skype, Vonage or other call services available here.
- Internet: $30-50/month is average, not including set-up fees.
- Hired help: Maids and gardeners work for approximately $4 USD/hour or a little more depending upon their length of time with you.
Misconceptions: First-time visitors to Lake Chapala are frequently jolted by the number of misconceptions they bring with them.
- Modern
conveniences don't exist. WRONG! Just about everything you
take for granted in the US or Canada exists here in Mexico as well,
such as high-speed Internet, indoor plumbing, water purifications systems,
cable and satellite TV, computers, VCR/DVDs, other high-tech gadgets,
espresso, state-of-the-art medical facilities, known name-brand imported
products, and even retail outlets such as Sears, WalMart, Domino's Pizza
and Office Depot are in nearby Guadalajara.
Guadalajara is home to several new malls with shops selling designer goods - Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Prada, Guichi, etc. There are boutiques that specialize in men's or women's shoes, plus-size clothing, etc.
- Everyone speaks Spanish. WRONG! In addition to Spanish, thousands of English-speakers from all over the world have retired or relocated to this area and a great many Mexican nationals take pride that they speak English. It is always best, however, to plan to learn some basic Spanish - after all, you are now living in Mexico and Spanish is the native language.
- Everyone rides a burro. WRONG! Although you may see the occasional burro or horse being ridden down the street, most people get around by car or using the excellent bus transit service that runs all around Lake Chapala.
- Mexicans are lazy. WRONG! The native Mexican people value their leisure time and that means a healthier, less stressful lifestyle. However, when they work, the Mexicans hustle and work much harder than most expats would ever consider working themselves. If you befriend a Mexican, expect to have a friend for life - they are wonderfully warm, loving people.