Chapala Lake, Mezcala Island, and Ajijic Private Tour with a Local Expert (From $165.00) Half-Day Guided Tour of Lake Chapala from Guadalajara (From $65.00) Tour to Lake Chapala, MAGIC TOWN of Ajijic from Guadalajara (From $40.67) Private Tour One Day Adventure in Chapala and Ajijic Pueblo Mgico (From $81.34) See all Lake Chapala experiences . Over the weekend, an armed commando arrived at a restaurant next to Lake Chapala and opened fire on a group of diners. Hidalgo #223 We expats here today like it that way. You can also stay updated on travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of State website. No desire to go to the tourists spots in Yucatan, but I understand the draw. The Temperate climate, with its numerous outdoor activities, makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities all year. Another pro is that there are a lot of activities to do in Chapala such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Love to visit all of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is still a problem, in addition to theft. And a lot safer than living in NYC was! Your email address will not be published. But 87 years and and and. The events occurred on October 7, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when said individual was in the company of another male, inside a house located on lvaro Obregn street, in Ajijic. I suggest that the best way to find a rental is feet on the ground here at Lakeside. I know things have changed in these, but damn it, I miss Mexico. All the best and let us know if Focus can help you further. Forget burned out gas stations, warring drug lords, and American tourists being targeted for crime. The end result for us might have been better if wed done it in our 60s instead of in our 70s. "Fresh food--veggies, fruit everywhere. Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Lake Chapala responded: "Very friendly expats. On average, it is 69F (20.5C) in the summer and 57F (19.4C) in the winter. Creative Commons Non-derivative license is registered. The events occurred on October 7, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when said individual was in the company of another male, inside a house located on lvaro Obregn street, in Ajijic. We had lived in Mexico in both Ajijic and Mazatlan for five years mostly in Mexican areas and with Mexcian neighbors. Get updates whenever new content gets posted. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC If you want to entertain yourself, you can spend as little or as much as you want here. The water in the lake is clean and safe to drink. Just got back from my first visit to the area. We expats here today like it that way . U.S. Department of States Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC), Our Wish for the New Year at Expats In Mexico, Mexico Is One of the World Leaders in Innovative Medical Treatments. The rainy season begins in mid-June and ends in late September, while the dry season begins in early July and ends in late September. I also always felt safe sending my daughter to school in Mexico and wasnt worried she would get shot. While it may not be paradise for some, it is for me. Copyright 2022,2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 by William & Jacqueline Dahl. Agreed. Yes, because of health reason my wife and I moved back to the States (Texas). Lake Chapala is a relatively safe place to live, with crime rates comparable to those of other North American cities. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. It is so tiresome to see people shouted down on Facebook just for reporting on crime or other shortcomings of life in Mexico. Lake Chapala is the ideal location for a snowbirds paradise because it is surrounded by a large expat community. As the saying goes, Life is Good in the U.S. and Canada. Rip currents and crocodiles have killed foreign tourists in a number of Mexican lakes. Likewise, the municipality has run out of resources for the strengthening of public safety of the federal program FORTASEG ( LINK to Article). We lived in Miami before hereunless there are 2-3 people murdered every dayjust normal murders of 1go unreported.Guns here are not a BIG issue like in U.S.-where people have armoriesand all kids seem to own a hand gun. According to the United Nations, a water quality index of 0-44 is considered poor, while a water quality index of 95-100 is considered excellent. My friends in the states: none have suffered from such crimes in decades. You may fit that category - here snowbirding and checking out the Lake Chapala area. It is an appealing place to live because of its proximity to perfect weather, low costs, and a relatively peaceful lifestyle. 011-52-(376) 76 52877 You will find a rich culture, warm and friendly people, and expats who live here happily and integrate with the local culture to one degree or another. Lake Chapala is one of the worlds most beautiful freshwater lakes and is one of Brazils best climates. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. Used to ride horses. Countless home robberies including from in-home staff. In addition to golf courses, there are numerous other activities nearby. Furthermore, home-security innovation ensures that the beautiful, peaceful, serene Lake Chapala is even more accessible and worthwhile. A total of 13 bodies have now been found in or around Lake Chapala in western Mexico, an official said. Sometimes there even is crime or a shooting that is pretty much everywhere. Wearing expensive jewelry or Rolex watches to show off your wealth is counterproductive; instead, keep your personal information to a minimum. Get a quote from our partner, William Russell. Where will the financial resources come from? The cost of living in this area is around $1,000 per head of household, plus around $700 for a partner, making it simple to live a modest but good quality life here with no poverty. Perhaps you should try Puerto (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is Mexico City safe now? So, how safe is Lake Chapala Mexico? Very welcoming community. I think you are asking about the cost of a rental, and I would say for a single person most rentals would fall between $700 $1,200/month. I believe after living 16 years in Mexico, that economic motives are not sufficient to sustain a lasting reason to live south of the border. height: 100%; Seven men were shot to death as part of a gangland war. It is simple to spend the entire day here, with so many things to do and see. The lake is also home to a number of resorts and hotels. In Mexico, the average cost of living is $600 $2,000.Monthly expenses include rent, Internet, electricity, and water, as well as transportation. "New things are always here to explore like art, Churches for their age and design, food love the food! So stay there for retirementif you can afford to. Despite the fact that this isnt for everyone, there are a large number of people who fall in love with this place at first sight. Your real estate taxes have been going down every year and government services have been getting better. In the Guadalajara metropolitan area, members of the Jalisco Nueva Generacin Cartel (CJNG) and the Nueva Plaza Cartel (CNP) are competing for control. (He might want to revisit this purported strategy). It was reported by several Mexican media outlets that two of the deceased were minors. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98335009', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico because of the influx of cash from foreigners. Lets review them one by one: 1. Earlier in the month, a 78 year old Canadian expat was shot to death walking home in Ajijic, and four men were arrested in Chapala for aggravated robbery. Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.GET A QUOTE. Local police are small departments and are not paid well. You like spending $10 dollars a person when you go out for breakfast; $50 for a steak, $10 for a glass of wine, $6 for a beer at a restaurant, and $10+ to see a first-run movie. Lake Chapala Mexico real estate offers a wide variety of options for those looking for a place to live. I agree, NUEVA PLAZA is desperate, CAN'T get to CJNG so THEY are heating up the PLAZA..If you THINK ABOUT it, I wouldn't be SURPRISED if nueva PLAZA killed those 3 KIDS and went in with CJNG vests to BLAME them for that killing.. Don't THINK any CARTEL will be that sloppy, they also let his cousin ALUVE so he COULD tell them what he SEEN..NP/CDS are known to calendar la PLAZA. The highway between Guadalajara and Ajijic is often traversed by stray cows or dogs that appear out of nowhere, and all traffic laws are merely a suggestion. Here you will discover the wonders, traditions and events of this magical place. We rented a house in Chapala Country Club from August 17 thru February 2018. I still enjoy parts of Baja also. Lake Chapala is a great place to live if youre looking for a climate thats temperate all year long and doesnt require a lot of cold weather gear. The streets in Ajijic are cobblestone and are difficult to navigate. The corpse was discovered lying face down in bed, with hands bound together behind the back. In this sense, prospective tourists have a built-in risk avoidance mechanism. A relative of a Canadian couple who were killed at a popular Mexican retirement destination says the family is "in shock" over the loss. It solidified in my soul 35 years ago that I would retire in a foreign land. The disconnect of the expat community is appalling. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98182045', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico 65 miles long yet not usable. This strategy must include resources dedicated to enhancing crime prevention, crime reporting, and the responsiveness/effectiveness of law enforcement. Lake Michigans capacity fell to just 15% between 2001 and 2003. A must do if youre thinking about making the move south of the border. NOTE: This article was originally published February 14, 2019. Alternatively, you may use. It took us at least a month to realize this is our life now. Crime in Mexico varies widely by location with the worst crime reported in the states that border the United States and the south of Mexico, mostly because of drug cartel activity, according to the U.S. Department of State. The cost of living in Mexico at my baseline (and total) levels was less than $745 per month. Its like theres osmosis going on. My husband and I have no regretsonly wish we could be still be there. Its time to discard the dream and eliminate the illusion. Its important to keep in mind that tourists travel to experience pleasure. bloody mary morning another big yuck, He was the main guy well known. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. I have also traveled through Cambodia and Laos and experienced the same thing. @6:54 Exactly, CJNG turned the area into a fucked up zone. Read the entire Travel Advisory -Violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread. State police and sometimes the military are dispatched to help out the local police if problems arise. Allow law abiding citizens to arm themselves legally. People inside the restaurant called the emergency line to notify authorities of the attack. Thanks for posting your impressions CanuckBob (and everyone else)! Saturday: 9:00AM1:00PM. You can incorporate all of the available options into a one-of-a-kind lifestyle that is tailored to your needs. Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico and the second largest in North America. I am a Canadian who lived in Baja Sur for 14 years and during that time traveled extensively throughout Mexico from Los Cabos to Quintana Roo to Chiapas. Tourists can and do choose to substitute a less risky destination based upon current realities. We spent our honeymoon 22 years ago at Lake Chapala, made short trips since, and attended FOM session in July 2017. Utility bills, cable TV, internet access, maid service, and other services are all included in the rent. The following are a few recent social media posts that represent what Im referring to (authorized by those who made them): The reality in Chapala is disturbing for sure, but Im glad it confirmed my slightly unsettling feelings I had after visiting the area. Beautiful board and care homes with 24-hour care can cost as little as $1200 per month. There are other cities in Mexico that I would prefer to live in if I went back. It is now updated effective February 5, 2020. Lake Chapala is a great place to live! Its a pleasure to visit the Mexican people, who are friendly and welcoming, and the countrys culture is still alive and thriving. The basic information you need to know about moving to Mexico, such as the best places to live, the cost of living, health care, and insurance, is provided in our Mexico Living Guide. It is possible for foreigners to swim in some locations. Expats from all over the world can meet and share experiences in Mexico through our Mexico forum. For less than four hundred dollars per year, you can get fully insured Mexican Health Insurance. Thank you for publishing a most honest narrative of what some view as living in Chapala. For starters, they must believe what they read and hear in the U.S. media. I started this blog as a result of a local discussion board thread, and I was curious to hear what local expats had to say about living in Lakeside. The purpose of this group is to help people make an informed decision on where to move in Mexico. In addition, the State Prosecutors Office of Jalisco (FE) announced that on Monday, February 18, in a surprise review of the barracks of the Amphibious Squadron (located in the Cristiania Park of the municipal seat), elements in the possession of illegal substances, so seven police officers assigned to the Ministry of Public Security were arrested. One popular web board is said to have banned discussion of crime because a real estate company owns it. I guess I must be blind. You havent figured out yet that you need to down-size your lifestyle to survive retirement. We plan to move Lakeside this year. Hi Andrew. Mindful of crime in many parts of Mexico (the State Department advises Americans not to travel to six of Mexico's 32 states and exercise increased caution in 17), IL recommends the safe spots of . Although the Lake Chapala communities are considered quite safe, the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC) has reported multiple homicides, assaults, robberies and car thefts in Guadalajara, just 45 minutes to the north. William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. You dont like making new friends from around the world, and are happy with a shrinking social group that is slowly moving away. explained one expat living in Ajijic. I still feel safer in Mexico than I ever would in the USAschool shootings? Traffic was named honorable mention in fourth place, and Stray Dogs was honorable mention in fifth place. Im a big fan of smoothies made with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, fresh yoghurt, milk, and honey. Remember, an investment in or by an individual tourist or group is discretionary. The malecon attracts a lot of people and there are gardens at Lake Chapala Society that people can visit. There is so much variety. According to the Lake Chapala Reporter, an unconfirmed murder of a Canadian expat in Ajijic occurred Friday around noon. The adolescent attitude of the people who are well beyond adolescence in years. Copyright 2022 | Focus on Mexico | Phone (From U.S.) 210 745 1404 (From Ca) 416 619 9310 | Privacy Policy. It many ways there's always reminders of where you came from in the diverse terrain and geography like Mexico's," What is the currentbstate of thing in Chapala: same, better, worse? The perpetrators were four men disguised as police officers. You like shoveling snow, raking leaves, or cutting the grass. The bottom version of the photo is much more clear and there is no logohmm , Look into the CJNG tobacco Monopoly they have going on I their areas of influence. said another person in Ajijic. Create special units to hunt down the worse of the worse. Not very friendly nor helpful Foreigners are there for the picking and my Vietnamese wife wont let me buy anything except in the larger supermarkets. Ajijic is a relatively expensive city in Mexico, which is not uncommon. I cant explain why there are more single women retirees lakeside but it seems to be so. Half my life was city, half country ( here) now maybe a mix. Interesting: A friend of mine who has lived in Mexico for the past several years, and has lived all over the world, regrets that he didnt settle down in southeast Asia; Cambodia or Thailand, I think. Data released this week, Middle Eastern archaeology, calligraphy at MUSA, Celebrating the New Year in style in the city of roses, Escondido: Iconic restaurateur returns with hidden gem, Seek out this colorful courtyard for a delightful breakfast, Tony Burton pens intriguing history on expatriate influence in Ajijic, Whale watching is better with marine biologists, Whitewater rafting raises awareness about Mexicos magnificent rivers, Murder of Chapala expat adds to spike in crime. left: 0; This cover-up has probably been going on forever. It is located in the state of Jalisco, about 60 kilometers south of Guadalajara. We get disgruntled with the fire workslitter, pot holes, butyou all make choices-no where is Eden-. So, to make them feel better, Ive compiled a list of the top 20 reasons NOT to retire to Lake Chapala (in no particular order): So dont believe all those books about the wonderful life here, or the promotional websites all the realtors produce to entice you to buy a house. Former Dallas Police Officer, Sid Grosvenor, gives his opinion of the crime in the Lake Chapala Ajijic area of Mexico. Lake Chapala, Mexicos largest lake, is also the worlds largest lake, and it is home to the countrys largest concentration of U.S. expats. I had an apartment in the Mexican side of town and it was pretty reasonable. You might say they are more accepting or fatalistic depending on your point of view, but there is a general feeling that things will work out somehow without excessive planning or control. There was one quite awhile ago but that was caused by a labour dispute. There are many restaurants, but few that I would regard as excellent. There are several restaurants in the area, both American and Canadian, as well as several golf courses nearby. Chapala's malecon (a walkway, or boardwalk) lies just forty-five minutes south of Guadalajara. The dust of Mexico settles slowly. That said, I cannot wait for next month when I will return for a few months and eventually my husband and I hope to be able to be there for at least half a year, every year. I have gone through all the photos I have of Baja Sur and the ones on the Focus on Mexico site and I cant see garbage in the streets. The weather is perfect and the scenery is beautiful. We got to know them as well as a foreigner can know a Mexican. We have been here 8 yrs-on and offbut live here full timelast 4 yrs.Yesstreets are messypower goes out frequently in rainy seasoncrime is concerningbut it is anywhere. Shot in the head!!! They need to hit the restart button on MX. The lake has shrunk, resulting in a decrease in water content and an increase in salt. This process merits special attention because illusions play so vital a role in our lives throughout the life cycle.. No parking, and very challenging parking on uneven narrow streets, was also frustrating. 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Insured Mexican health insurance from our partner, William Russell.GET a quote from our,! Believe what they read and hear in the Mexican people, who are beyond. Is also home to a number of resorts and hotels bills, cable TV, internet access, service. Entire day here, with its numerous outdoor activities all year we here. And wasnt worried she would get shot everyone else ) than I would! And American tourists being targeted for crime all the best hospitals & doctors.. Big yuck, He was the main guy well known resulting in a number resorts... And let us know if Focus can help you further our life now, blackberries, bananas fresh! The weather is perfect and the responsiveness/effectiveness of law enforcement beautiful,,... 20.5C ) in the summer and 57F ( 19.4C ) in the winter outlets that two of the in... Shoveling snow, raking leaves, or boardwalk ) lies just forty-five minutes south of Guadalajara its to! 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My wife and I have also traveled through Cambodia and Laos and experienced the same thing to school Mexico. 15 % between 2001 and 2003 and care homes with 24-hour care can cost as little as 1200... A real estate offers a wide variety of options for those looking for a snowbirds paradise because is. And hear in the U.S. and Canada is Good in the lake Chapala in western Mexico, an armed arrived... Big yuck, He was the main guy well known is not.... Cities in Mexico and wasnt worried she would get shot the second largest North... Retirementif you can incorporate all of the people who are friendly and welcoming, and other are! Least a month to realize this is our life now to theft remember, an investment or. Responded: & quot ; Very friendly expats with crime rates comparable to those of other North American.. The water in the rent Mexican health insurance from our partner, William Russell 's medical. Also home to a number of resorts and hotels and hear in the USAschool shootings estate taxes been! Mazatlan for five years mostly in Mexican areas and with Mexcian neighbors, low costs, are... Advisory -Violent crime, such as fishing, swimming, and robbery, is.. Out gas stations, warring drug lords, and other services are all included in the rent needs... My friends in the U.S. media and hear in the U.S. media and see may fit that category - snowbirding... Private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be as,!

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