Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Climate, Health Care and Real Estate draw retirees to Lake Chapala, Mexico

By Kristina Morgan

Between the faltering economy in the U.S. and a rising cost of living, many people find themselves looking at moving to other counties to retire, and Mexico tops the list.

But where in Mexico? You want a low cost of living, affordable real estate, a perfect climate, amentities in English, stunning beauty, a slower pace lifestyle and warm people waiting to welcome you as a part of a community. Of the English-speaking enclaves in Mexico, Lake Chapala and Ajijic top that list. 

As many of the expats who have gone to Mexico and made their new home at Lake Chapala will tell you (about 20,000 have made this area their home) the reasons to look at Lake Chapala go beyond the lower cost of living, which is 30% to as much as 50% less than where you are living if you are currently in the United States or Canada.

Affordable real estate at Lake Chapala is one of the reasons. In fact, real estate there is much less to buy than in San Miguel, Puerto Vallarta or even Guadalajara. You can live in paradise but get far more for your money if you buy a home at Lake Chapala. You can view listings on the Lake Chapala MLS here: http://www.focusonmexico.com/Mexico-Topics/Real-Estate/Real-Estate-Listings-in-Lake-Chapala-Mexico.html

Climate

The Lake Chapala area also boasts the best climate of any of the other popular expat enclaves in Mexico. There’s also an infrastructure that is already in place making most expats feel very comfortable with their move to a foreign country and dealing with a foreign language--a change that would normally be daunting for most people.

Culture

Still, it is important to add that the Lake Chapala area is by no means “Little America.” The fact that this is an area comprised of small fishing villages and not a city and that it tends to draw people intent on creating a new life for themselves that respects the local people and culture has added to it’s laid-back feel and friendliness. People go there for all the climate, proximity to the U.S. and Canada and low cost of living but they stay because of the warm and friendly people.

Safety


In towns far from the US border such as Ajijic, Mexico's drug wars seem like another world. In fact, according to a recent survey by the International Community Foundation, violence reduced the frequency or duration of trips to Mexico for only 7 percent of American retirees who live or travel frequently to Mexico.

Health Care

The possible extension of Medicare benefits to Americans who retire abroad could further fuel that. But even now, health care to Americans and Canadians is affordable. To learn more about it this video goes into what is specific to the Lake Chapala area, as well as Guadalajara.



Of 5.25 million Americans living abroad, 1 million are estimated to live south of the border. With America's baby boomers retiring, potential for further growth is huge. The International Community Foundation found that Mexico remains their retirees' No. 1 travel and retirement destination abroad.
 
However, one size doesn't fit all and Mexico, even with all it's benefits, isn't for everyone. At Lake Chapala, Focus on Mexico gives informational 8-day tours to the area that give you the information so you can decide if Mexico is right for you and be able to navigate efficiently in Mexico. Focus on Mexico helps you with all your real estate needs and paves the way for you during your transition from beginning to end.  www.focusonmexico.com

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