Chapala and Ajijic are ideally located about 40 minutes from Guadalajara (Mexico’s 2nd largest city), 25 minutes from Guadalajara’s international airport, and as close as 3 hours to the pacific coast. The Lake is centered in a ring of mountains and we’re a mile high so we have very little humidity (maximum of 15%) and enjoy the world’s second best climate (first is in Kenya) according to National Geographic. The distance inland is still close to the ocean but far enough away to not have to worry about storms and hurricanes off the coast. We have all the same flora as Hawaii as well as the same vegetation in arid states like Colorado—pines and cactus—growing equally well, side by side! Temperatures here average 74 degrees year-round.
We have lived in several areas of Mexico and this is by far our favorite. We’ve been in this area for ten years and in Mexico for 13 years and are raising our kids here instead of in the U.S. because it is so safe here. Lake Chapala isn’t on the drug corridor and I have never even seen a bandito in all my years living here. Thanks Goodness! Those would have definitely been deal-breakers for us. We never would have stayed here if we felt like we or our children were in danger.
There was an ABC News article in May about Ajijic:
Best Places to Retire to That You've Never Heard Of
Homes, Weather, Culture Draw Boomers Off the Beaten Path to Ajijic
Ajijic, Mexico May 13, 2010
It's not easy to pronounce (hint: Ah-hee-heek), but American retirees love this quaint Mexican village set between lush mountains and a sparkling lake.
"It has a spring-like climate year round, it's not too far from Guadalajara, and it's pretty," says Margaret Wylde, CEO of retirement consulting firm ProMatura Group. Because there are many Americans already living there, the town offers most amenities you could find at home. Retirees join one of the dozens of English-language clubs ranging from the booming Lake Chapala Society, with its English-language library, to the American Legion or the Lakeside Little Theater.
"They have everything that an American might need," says Daniel Prescher, editor of special projects at International Living magazine. "You can get a can of Campbell soup if you really need one."
At the same time, Ajijic and neighboring San Miguel de Allende do not get flooded by drunk college students during spring break, and they also offer cheap medical services -- which local experts say rival U.S. standards.
The Mexico retirement boom is only likely to grow: the Mexican government recently launched a national initiative to attract more foreign retirees and is working with developers to build more senior communities.
But hands-down, the reason I love Lake Chapala is the strong sense of community. I think this is the most friendly, charming and unique place in the world and we have traveled quite a lot. The Mexican people are warm and gracious and the ex-pats here (from all over the world) have a sense of adventure, a pioneering spirit and generally are very accepting of Mexico and make positive changes by their presence here.
This video also talks about some of the myths and misconceptions here:
Kristina Morgan: Director of Public Relations for FocusOnMexico.
To help you in making a choice, Focus On Mexico offers 8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico (2nd Best Climate in the World). Join us on a Focus program and learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake Chapala. www.focusonmexico.com
Our programs offer the perfect balance; a wonderful vacation and an insightful, educational experience. Our expert speakers cover all topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy and much more...
You’ll get everything you need to help you decide if Lake Chapala, Mexico is the place for you, plus have a lot of fun doing it. Retiring in Mexico couldn't be better.
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