| LAKE CHAPALA AND AIIJIC-MEXICO | | |
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| What Lake Chapala and Aiijic is like for active adults |
Lake Chapala is the largest fresh water lake in Mexico (about 50 miles long). The views around it are breathtaking. There are 2 towns on the lake that have become the most popular retirement communities for adventurous retirees (estimated at about 40,000) from the United States and Canada. The lake is about 28 miles from nearby Guadalajara – many of whose citizens come here for a weekend retreat.
The town of Chapala (also called Lakeside) on the lake’s north shore is more authentic Mexican; generally Mexicans and U.S. expatriates live here side by side. According to the 1990 census, its population is 15,664. Ajijic (pronounce it as ah-hee-heek), about 5 miles away from Chapala, has many gated communities made up of mostly of folks from the U.S. and Canada. About 15,000 people live in Ajijic. Most of the Americans tend to live here only in winter. Both towns have charming plazas and churches. The narrow cobblestone streets go past homes hidden by stone or brick walls. There are many hotels, B & Bs, and restaurants catering to the expatriate community.
Perhaps the biggest reason Americans retire in Mexico and the Lake Chapala region is its low cost of living. You can rent a nice house for $600 a month and hire a maid for $10 a day. Beautiful houses are about half the cost of U.S. equivalents. Americans can purchase property here although there are some restrictions. Taxes are low and the temperate climate requires little energy for heat or cooling. Americans can live here on a social security check, or they can spend more and live extravagantly. |
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| What is special about this community |
| The lake is also a critical habitat for several species of migratory birds, such as the White Pelican. Cobblestone streets. Beautiful homes and spacious grounds. Your choice of living in a gated community or side by side with Mexicans. Considerable charm and great beauty. Safety in numbers. Great climate and low cost. |
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| What is not special about this community |
| Unfortunately Lake Chapala is polluted and the source not cleaned up yet. Uncertainty and danger of living in the 3rd world far from home. Not well connected with the rest of the U.S. |
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| What kinds of people like living here |
| Adventurous people who are looking for a bargain and an interesting non-U.S. experience |
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| Local economy is driven by |
| Construction, tourism, Americans |
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| Physical environment |
| The year round average temperature near Chapala Lake is about 72 degrees. It ranges from a low of about 50 degrees in winter months to about 90 degrees in summer. The rainy season runs from June through October. Chapala is about 28 miles southeast of Guadalajara, Jalisco and stands at 1,524 meters (close to 5000’) above sea level. It is a shallow lake. |
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| Cultural environment |
| There is amateur theater, October concerts and ballet, and an opera season. Among the area's cultural attractions is mariachi music, for which the state of Jalisco is particularly known. |
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| Medical facilities |
| There are some facilities near the lake but Guadalajara has all the medical services of a large city |
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| Transportation |
| Guadalajara has a major airport. Driving to Chapala from the U.S. is not for the feint of heart. |
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Active Adult Communities in Lake Chapala and Aiijic |
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| Lake Chapala and Aiijic Active Communities |
| Facts about LAKE CHAPALA AND AIIJIC | | State | : MEXICO | | Environment | : Mountains,Lake, | | City Population | : 25,001-50,000 | | Median age of Population | : 25-44 | | Avg Jan Temperature | : 61 + | | Median HH Income | : 0-20,000 | | Average Home Price (MLS) | : $200,001-$300,000 | | Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house | : Less than 2000 | | Total Crime Index | : <80 (Very low) | | Cost of Living Index | : <80 (Very low) | | Culture Index | : 81-90 (low) | | State Sales Tax | : Yes | | State Income Tax | : Yes | | Name of the Guide | : |
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Vote on the Ratings for Lake Chapala and Aiijic |
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Update Your Ratings |
Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 1.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)
Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
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