Expats in Chapala

[EEK!]

The question was asked, are there a lot of expats living in the lake Chapala area. The answer is yes. I am EEK! and I have been here for over 2 1/2 years. It has grown. In Oct. I will return to the states for 3-4 months and then decide to return to Mexico or retire in the states. I very much like this Lake Chapala area (I live in Ajijic), but am open to other places. Where else do you recommend for retirement in Mexico and in the states ... and why. this can be a nice and needed forum. thanks. Just me ... EEK!

[miendo]

I don't live there full time yet, but will definately retire there. The house is waiting, wondering where we are!

Nancy
Ajijic City Guide.com - The Ajijic Business and Community Guide

[Ashley]

I lived in Ajiic for 3 years and then moved back to Canada. Two years later I was headed back to the land of sunshine and this time there's no way I'm leaving.

Biggest problem here is getting to try my Spanish. So many of the Mexicans speak English that I can get along with my feable Spanish/English.

[RVGRINGO]

Welcome Ashley and others. Spanish is fairly easy to learn, up to a point, and then it gets a bit bumpy in the details. However, it makes living here much more fun than just 'getting along' so keep studying and taking lessons as you practice chatting with your neighbors, clerks and professionals. I agree that this Lake Chapala area is the best choice for retirement for several reasons. It isn't perfect, but it is as close as you can get. We retired to Ajijc in early 2002, bought a house and lived there for three years. In 2005, we sold the house and bought a larger place in Chapala, where we now live. Actually, it is only five miles from one house to the other with most of the places we frequent lying in between. Ajijic is more of an 'artsy' town, while Chapala is a complete small city with all of the inherent conveniences. We like both for different reasons. Yes, both have grown and prospered and the winter 'snowbirds' tend to clog the streets in Ajijic while weekend 'Tapatios' clog them in Chapala; it is good for the merchants, even though Mondays can be a bit messy. It seems there is no better climate anywhere on the planet that one might consider for retirement. The air is cleaner, the food fresher and the people smile a lot more here than anywhere in the 30 or so countries I have experienced. Recently, we made a 'duty visit' to relatives in the USA and we were really glad to get back to peaceful, friendly and stress-free Mexico. We'll try to avoid doing it again and only hope the NoB folks will visit us here instead. Besides, we're getting old and tired of long trips. So, climb aboard this forum and strike up a conversation which will benefit the curious readers quietly lurking in the shadows with their questions.

[synthia]

I'm in search of a retirement home and, at some point, I had decided against Mexico. Then, a few weeks ago, when I was thinking about traveling there, I couldn't remember why. I visited Ajijic and Chapala about ten years ago, and liked them. Add them to my itinerary!

[ANNEPR]

Originally Posted by EEK!

The question was asked, are there a lot of expats living in the lake Chapala area. The answer is yes. I am EEK! and I have been here for over 2 1/2 years. It has grown. In Oct. I will return to the states for 3-4 months and then decide to return to Mexico or retire in the states. I very much like this Lake Chapala area (I live in Ajijic), but am open to other places. Where else do you recommend for retirement in Mexico and in the states ... and why. this can be a nice and needed forum. thanks. Just me ... EEK!

CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE AVERAGE RENTAL OF A 1 BEDROOM APT. IN OR AROUND CHAPALA IS NOW? OF COURSE, A VIEW OF THE LAKE WOULD BE SUPER GREAT.

[erc]

Ashley, which part of Canada did you move from? Any children/grand in canada. How long ago did you move back?

[synthia]

Originally Posted by ANNEPR

CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE AVERAGE RENTAL OF A 1 BEDROOM APT. IN OR AROUND CHAPALA IS NOW? OF COURSE, A VIEW OF THE LAKE WOULD BE SUPER GREAT.

I'm interested in this, too. In 1997 I remember seeing a bulletin board with rents posted, and I think they were under $200 per month. I can't imagine they are the same now, but I'm hoping they aren't in the thousands.

[ANNEPR]

Is There Anyone From Chapala Area Who Can Answer Me???

Would Like To Know How Much A One Bedroom Apartment With A Large Balcony And View Would Cost Me There.\

And Do I Need A Car In Chapala Area???

Are There Any Young People There Or Is It Basically ONLY A Ritirement Settlement???

I Am An Artist. How Would I Do There??? Do You Have Any Photos Of The Place?? Can't Find Any On The Internet.

Much Thanks
Annepr:

[RVGRINGO]

Obsolete - deleted