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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 $1000 a month and hire a maid for $20 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 retirement 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 retirement 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 retiring 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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| Climate and 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.
Weather in Lake Chapala
ChapalaWeather.net |
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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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What people are saying about Lake Chapala and Aiijic | | driving in mexico |
| i asked around and some of the people familiar with Mexico said: what's the problem? They drive long distances without incident. THey recommend not driving at night, and being cautious about being "befriended" by people. With flying, they say, you will still end up having to rent a car. And lastly, they recommend the toll roads - expensive, but fast and safe. |
| Posted by bogeyman on September 21, 2007 | |
| I don't specifically know about driving in Mexico (except that drivers are very aggressive). But as far as crime goes in Mexico there is a diversity of opinion. I love this quote I found on another Forum: "I lived in Mexico for the first 26 years of my life and never had a crime problem. There are cases everywhere. So it is more of a personal opinion and decision if people go or not." But other people mention high profile cases of tourists missing or murdered and they are alarmed. Several expressed caution about large cities, particularly Monterrey.
Maybe some one else could fill us in about the driving issue. |
| Posted by ctyankee on September 19, 2007 | | Driving to Chapala from US |
| This is kind of a silly question. But is it advisable to drive to Lake Chapala from the U.S. or Canada? Do many people do it? You hear lots of things about banditos and such, but not having been there it is hard to know reality from fiction. Thanks. (obviously driving would be more convenient, we could take more stuff, even pets) |
| Posted by jfb48 on September 17, 2007 |
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Facts about LAKE CHAPALA AND AIIJIC
- State: MEXICO
- Environment: Mountain,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: winner
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Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts |
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Vote on the Ratings for Lake Chapala and Aiijic |
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Update Your Ratings |
1. Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 6 votes cast)
2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 1.8/5 ( 5 votes cast)
3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 1.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)
4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)
5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)
6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)
7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 4 votes cast)
8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 4 votes cast)
9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 2.8/5 ( 4 votes cast)
10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)
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