Chapala vs. coast. I lived in Ajijic and now live in Mazatlan. Don't even try to compare the two. I love both for different reasons, and both have their pros and cons. One is a small retirement community and the other is a large resort city. Decide what your priorites are as an expat, then look to which ever community meets these needs. The best advice I can give you is, never,never buy a house any where until you know the community, the culture, and the the realty market. Live somewhere for at least 6 months before buying. EEK!.