Lake Chapala and
Ajijic
Map reproduced by the kind
permission of Tony Burton
Perhaps the most
popular destination for American expatriates is Lake Chapala
and neighboring Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, San Juan
Cosala, and Jocotepec (commonly referred to as "Lakeside")
in Jalisco, Mexico. Great climate, low-cost
everything, infrastructure and good company. It is
said to be like the U.S. in the 1950's.
According to the
International Living Magazine (AARP), the fantastic climate,
an international English-speaking community, the tranquility
of picturesque Mexican villages, the beauty of Lake Chapala
and the Sierra Madre mountains, the friendly people, the
inexpensive cost of living (including having a maid and
gardener if you wish ) and the relatively inexpensive real
estate market have made this area one of the most sought
after places to retire in Mexico.
Travel to and from
the U.S. is easy via convenient air service. The
Guadalajara International airport is only 35 minutes away
and the city of Guadalajara is only 15 minutes further.
Recommended
Websites
www.mexico-insights.com - Very informative site prepared
by North Americanos living in the Lake Chapala area. A must-read if
you are thinking about retiring to this area!
Annual subscription of $39.95 for online magazine;
over 500 archived editions for you to peruse (extra charge). Plenty
of free information on the site itself.
http://www.mexconnect.com - Good overall site (with forum)
for exploring relocating to Mexico - very informative.
Be sure to read Amy Gray Kirkcaldy"s column (http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/akirkcaldy/akirkcaldyindex.html)
for one person's experience of living and working in
Monterey. Annual subscription fee of $30 gives you full
Website access, including all columns and Webmail.
www.focusonmexico.com - An 8-day onsite "Focus on
Mexico" program provides you with the opportunity to get all
the information and experience you need in one spot to make
an informed decision as to whether the Lake Chapala area in
Mexico is right for you. Good program! VERY
informative site.
http://www.internationalliving.com/countries/mexico -
Top-ranked International Living online magazine. Great
place to the most obvious questions about living in Mexico
answered.
www.mexicolive.com - Good information about Mexico real
estate and buying property in Mexico. Covers all the
popular locations.
www.retire-to-lakechapala-mexico.com - Realty site, but
also offers a good overview of life in Lake Chapala and an
excellent list of frequently asked questions (see "newcomer
information").
www.ajijic.com - Ajijic
realty; also covers Lake Chapala. Tons of information
about the local area and owning property in Mexico.
Good price range on local real estate.
www.mlsmexico.com -
MLS listings for Lake Chapala and Manzanillo. Also
contains a lot of local information and answers to questions
you may have.
www.mexperience.com/property/prop_buying.htm - Excellent
guide that gives you a comprehensive overview of the key
facts and issues you need to take into account when
considering property ownership in Mexico.
www.bestmexrentals.com/lake_chapala_properties.htm -
Rental properties in Lake Chapala area. |
